The entire magazine, aside from the fixed advertisement pages, is filled with content about Fairy Tail.
At the front are interviews with some well-known members like Erza, Natsu, Elfman, Gray, and others.
Everything up until Rhode's proposal to Mira is mostly basic introductions, generally positive content.
Later on, it's filled with 'interesting stories' about the Fairy Tail guild.
This is where Natsu said Jason always writes about him 'destroying this, destroying that, and destroying something else.'
To ordinary people, these are all negative reports, completely badmouthing Fairy Tail.
However, Jason always believes it's 'extremely cool,' even calling the punch Natsu gave him 'the hottest greeting.'
From the bottom of his heart, he thinks Fairy Tail is awesome, writing it honestly and adding some praise, hoping to make everyone love Fairy Tail.
People who know Jason or Fairy Tail might really think so, but for those who don't, it reads more like sarcasm.
Everyone searches through the text, trying to find where the magazine praises them, even bragging word by word to their companions.
They also look for embarrassing deeds others have done and read them aloud for laughs.
Exciting parts often lead to a fight, of course.
The president doesn't bother with it, just sits upstairs holding the magazine, feeling melancholic.
Even though it's clear the reporter loves the guild, but... sigh!
Let it be.
The guild was noisy from morning until after lunch.
In the afternoon, the guild suddenly quieted down when Gajeel, who had been away for days, returned.
Even though everyone had come to accept him as a guild member, there was still some discomfort in their hearts.
Apart from the president and Jubia, few in the guild showed him a friendly face.
Gajeel clicked his tongue and walked straight to the counter, slapping down a mission sheet.
Rhode signed him in, according to protocol, and settled the reward.
Gajeel had also taken on a mission to defeat a Dark Guild, with difficulty and distance comparable to the one Kana had.
But it took him four or five more days than Kana.
Rhode routinely inquired, "Was the mission difficult?"
"Huh?" Gajeel was startled, perhaps not expecting Rhode to talk to him. He replied, "Piece of cake."
Rhode sized up Gajeel, noticing no injuries... but given the time it took, it was unclear if he was being stubborn or if there was something else.
Never mind, didn't the president say he'd have someone keep an eye on him? Leave it for the president to worry about.
After collecting his reward, Gajeel slammed a large bill on the counter and said, "This is a tavern, right? I want meat, and alcohol too."
He actually wanted to eat iron, but knew it probably wasn't on the menu.
In a different situation, someone might choose an inconspicuous spot to sit, but not Gajeel.
He went straight to the most central table in the tavern without hesitation.
The group originally sitting at the table considered driving him away but, seeing the president's expression, chose not to cause trouble and moved with an annoyed look instead.
Gajeel didn't seem to care, just focused on eating his food. After finishing, he wiped his mouth and prepared to leave.
"Wait a moment." Mira stopped him.
Gajeel turned around, instinctively stepping back. He remembered this woman was incredibly strong.
Realizing he had stepped back, he stubbornly moved forward again, putting on a defiant expression, "What's up?"
Mira pointed at the handle of a fork peeking from his mouth, "Don't just take the cutlery. Where's the dinner knife?"
"Huh?" Gajeel removed the fork handle from his mouth, but it was just a handle.
Remembering that he was an Iron Dragon Slayer Mage, Mira said helplessly, "You'll need to pay for damaged cutlery, and... how many pounds of iron can you eat in one meal?"
Gajeel frowned, "Why do you ask?"
Mira patiently said, "Our chef can make special dishes like a flame set meal. I'm sure he can try a steel set meal too."
"You..." Gajeel saw no hostility on Mira's face. It seemed she was just talking to him as a fellow member.
Compared to others in the guild, Gajeel thought she could be considered as gentle.
Was this really the same demon who punched with such force that it shattered his Iron Scale, causing him excruciating pain and nearly incapacitating him?
"Once you're a part of the guild, you're a member. The guild's things belong to everyone." Mira spoke gently, "So next time, just order from the menu, don't destroy the cutlery."
"Tha..." Gajeel thought he should thank her, but found it hard to say.
"Got it, I'll pay for the cutlery." Trying to keep his face straight, Gajeel tossed the remaining bit of fork handle into his mouth and crunched down on it, pulling out a large bill, and turned to leave, waving his hand, "Who knew this guild, besides being noisy, could be so annoying."
Finally, some people couldn't hold back:
"What did you say? You jerk!"
"Mira was so nice to you, how could you be so rude!"
"You owe her a proper apology!"
However, Gajeel strode forward, only turning back before leaving:
"Whatever, I'm just here to find a place to take on missions, not to make friends with you."
Without another word, Gajeel left without looking back.
"Such a rude guy!" some grumbled, talking about how they'd teach him a lesson someday.
"It's not so serious, maybe he's just not used to the guild yet," Mira wasn't angry, quietly clearing the plates away.
Gajeel seemed like a contrarian guy, needing more sparring to really fit in with his companions.
She considered asking Rhode to challenge him again, last time's fight seemed to leave Gajeel unconvinced.
Rhode was about to talk to Mira when Makarov, dropping the magazine, came ambling down from upstairs.
"President?"
"I'll go have a chat with Gajeel," Makarov smiled, "Give him more time too."
...
The next morning, Rhode had breakfast at Mira's house, then headed to the guild with the siblings.
After some busy work, the three greeted the president and Laki and left together.
Rhode had already bought flowers, showing them to Mira for approval.
Yellow and white chrysanthemums with a few eucalyptus leaves as accents, wrapped with white pear paper inside and black packing paper outside, tied with a ribbon.
Mira looked it over carefully, nodding, and then took Rhode's arm.
Today, they were going to visit Lisana.
They weren't too invested in the bouquet colors, as long as they were white and yellow hues to express their sentiment.
However, Mira was happy that Rhode put such thought into it.