The next day, when Rhode got up, it was already broad daylight.
He had been up too late last night, and in the end, only slept for two or three hours.
Moreover, he was so exhausted from yesterday, that when he woke up, his mind was still groggy, and he could fall back asleep anytime when he closed his eyes.
Mira was already washed and dressed, wearing pajamas of the same style as Erza's, but in a different color.
She looked at Rhode with some pity: "Why not sleep a little longer?"
Rhode sat on the edge of the bed rubbing his face to wake himself up: "No, I still have a lot of things to do today."
Like the issue with the Three-Plumed Crow; although they are ruthless criminals, he still needs to explain the situation after hitting them so hard.
There's also the matter at the Tower of Paradise where he needs to send a River Crab to take a look and search for Jellal's whereabouts.
The Advisory Council will probably come knocking today; it's better to proactively submit a report and ask about the Magical Elf Power issue and the matter of the mole.
The arrangement for Erza's friends will probably need a little attention too.
Thinking about these trivial matters gave Rhode a headache, so he stretched out his arms towards Mira: "Where's my good morning kiss?"
"You already got it." Mira blinked, "When you weren't awake yet."
"That doesn't count, you stole a kiss! I want to kiss you back!"
"Aren't you being childish?" Mira said as she walked over and kissed him on the forehead.
Rhode hugged Mira's waist, buried his face in her embrace, and nuzzled a bit before going to freshen up and then head out with Mira.
"Gone? When did it happen?"
They only found out Simon had left with a few companions on a boat after seeing Erza.
"Not long after the banquet ended." Erza said with a somewhat lost expression, yet not too much sadness, "They've always lived in the tower and wanted to first see the outside world with their own eyes and then decide on their future way of life."
"Erza…" Mira was a little worried about Erza's feelings.
Erza smiled: "Don't worry, I've already bid them a good farewell. They are strong people, and I believe they will get along fine."
Rhode wanted to say they should have at least attended a basic education class, to supplement their common knowledge.
But in this world, most people act on their thoughts immediately, unlike him, who always overthinks.
Anyway, they're mages, they won't have a problem surviving.
Rhode asked: "What about Simon? Didn't we promise to help heal his eyes and injuries? It felt like he was the one who wanted to stay the most."
"Simon has reasons that force him to leave." Erza explained, "He has a missing sister that he must find, and Wally also has a brother."
There are actually other reasons; they felt that if they stayed, Erza would be reminded of past painful memories.
It might be better to go out first, giving both sides more time.
Mira asked: "When looking for someone, isn't it better if everyone helps?"
Erza gently shook her head: "Because they have decided that from now on, they will live without relying on others or for others until they have determined their new way of life, which is the 'freedom' they seek."
Rhode thought it might be a post-traumatic stress response from being used for 8 years.
They might need psychological counseling or it might slowly heal with time.
Since Erza said so, they could only wish them all the best.
Although not hungry upon waking, Rhode still ate something simple and then went to discuss with the hotel manager about compensating for the damage to the room.
Only after the discussion, he realized compensation was needed not only for Mira's room but also for the underground amusement plaza's equipment.
Some things were broken when Simon and his companions went to capture Erza.
And Xiu, who used Card Magic to trap all tourists and staff in cards, caused some panic.
All these matters required apologies——only a few visitors did not complain, seemingly due to a certain blonde-beauty mage offering some benefits when she was tied up.
"Lucy, I didn't expect you to make such a big sacrifice for the guild, I'm so touched." Rhode exaggeratedly said, "I'll vote for you as this year's best newcomer."
Lucy covered her face: "Don't bring it up again, it's so embarrassing!"
Gray, surprisingly righteous, said: "So careless, being seen by so many people."
"You're the last one qualified to say that!" Lucy shouted at him, "At least put on some clothes before you speak!"
Jubia glared at Lucy: "To think of using such a method to attract Gray-sama's attention, that's so improper."
Lucy pointed at Gray: "Who exactly is improper here!"
Rhode was long used to his companions' noisy ways, so he headed towards the beach, intending to flatten the little mountain he created yesterday and release the River Crab.
After a busy half-day with various trivial matters, everyone took a break to prepare for lunch, when Makarov rushed back in a hurry.
"President, how did it go?"
Makarov, who went to contact the Advisory Council on Rhode's suggestion, seemed to have an unpleasant countenance.
Sure enough, Makarov said: "Pack your things, we are returning to the guild immediately."
"What are you saying, old man?" Natsu complained displeased, "We've only used one day of the three-day vacation coupon!"
Lucy dared not oppose the president but wanted to agree nonetheless.
Erza asked: "Were we held accountable by the Advisory Council?"
Makarov seriously answered: "No, the main base of the Advisory Council has been destroyed, many are injured, even some evaluators were hurt."
"What?" Everyone was shocked, "They clearly launched the Magical Elf Power yesterday!"
Erza immediately thought of a suspect: "Zikrein... No, was it Jellal who did it? To actually... go this far."
Makarov shook his head: "The details are unclear, but Erza, you and Mira take them back, and take care of the guild for now."
Erza and Mira replied: "Understood, we will."
"The matter of Jubia officially joining the guild is also up to you, Gray, help her familiarize herself with the guild environment."
"... Okay." Gray found it troublesome but couldn't refuse now.
"Rhode, you're coming with me; the Local Guild Alliance is convening an emergency meeting, we're leaving directly."
"Alright." Rhode agreed without hesitation.
The destruction of the Advisory Council's main base was a rare major incident in many years, and the Magic Realm might become unstable because of it.
Although the usual perception was that the Advisory Council was rigid and annoying, sometimes even more trouble than they were worth. However, it cannot be denied that these are isolated cases, and they actually accomplish much more.
In usual times, when it comes to eradicating Dark Guilds and Black Magic Sect, they contribute significantly. Many dark forces target the Advisory Council more than legitimate guilds.
They bear a considerable amount of pressure too.
With the destruction of the Advisory Council's main base, there may soon be a significant degree of chaos. Not only will the Magic Realm be affected, but ordinary people may suffer the most.
Additionally, the revelation of dangerous elements among the evaluators implies that other evaluators might face investigation.
The selection of the next batch of evaluators needs to be done with extreme caution, and who knows how long that will take.
Moreover, the issue regarding the title of the Ten Wizard Saints, which was initially meant for the ten most outstanding mages of the Ishujal Continent.
Yet, individuals like Joseph and Zikrein have been discovered dangerous, triggering the need to address their stigma.
(Joseph presiding over unauthorized warfare poses a danger similar to Jellal, in some sense.)
Before the Advisory Council resumes normal operations, the Local Guild Alliance must actively respond to the urgent situation.