"There's really nothing special you need to prepare; the most important thing is to develop some teamwork with your partner." Rhode thought for a moment and asked, "Are you and Carla short on money lately?"
Wendy shook her head lightly: "No, we still have some savings."
Rhode remembered that Wendy and Carla had at least several million in savings, making them pretty well-off in the guild, the kind who wouldn't have to worry about living expenses even if they didn't work for a year or two.
This reassured him, as Wendy's personality made it difficult for her to snatch up suitable missions lately: "So, do you want to train with me during this period?"
"Sure! What kind of training?" Wendy asked enthusiastically.
"I haven't thought of the specifics yet..." Rhode glanced at the people beside him, "How about we start with teaming up to beat up Mira?"
Wendy was startled: "Beat up... Sister Mira?"
Back at the Cat Transformation Inn, Wendy had learned from Mira for a day or two and remembered how fierce she could be in a fight.
A year ago, just a glance would have scared Wendy to tears.
Mira smiled and said, "It's okay, I only use my full strength when I'm dealing with him."
Even if Wendy believed that, Carla would not.
She had heard that when in the Idolas Royal Capital, Mira had torn apart half the city in anger upon hearing that Rhode was in trouble.
Would she really use full force on Rhode?
"Don't give me that look; Mira really goes all out during training," Rhode said, reaching to pat Carla's head, only for her to dodge disdainfully.
Rhode regrettably withdrew his hand, thinking that Warm used to be better in this regard, happy to be petted however he liked, but sadly, they had grown up.
"It's okay, I don't fear pain." Wendy clenched her small fists to motivate herself, "I want to get stronger, so I can help everyone more."
Wendy's thoughts were not only about helping Rhode in this test but also helping everyone in future endeavors.
Since returning from Edolas, Wendy occasionally thought that if she were as strong as Natsu and Gajeel, things might have been resolved more quickly and smoothly.
"Then it's agreed; we'll start after work tonight."
Rhode still felt a bit of pressure because Kildas would be an examiner this time, and he couldn't really release a dragon to help with the test, could he?
"Kana!!!"
Rhode was just thinking about Kildas when he heard Kildas's 'piercing' voice.
Not exactly piercing, just the kind of tone a parent has when finding out their child has run away from home.
"Kana! Daughter! Where are you?"
Kildas was frantically running around the guild, searching for Kana everywhere.
He even exaggeratedly opened each barrel in the corner, possibly thinking his beloved daughter had gotten drunk and stuffed herself inside a barrel.
Kildas was distraught: "Why isn't she in here either? Did someone drink her from their cup?"
Lucy paused her curiosity to retort: "That's impossible... and even more so in a cup!"
Mira softly said, "Kana just accepted a mission and went out."
Kildas rushed over like teleportation: "What mission, where did she go?"
Mira gestured with both hands for Kildas to calm down: "Take it easy, it's just a normal mission, she can handle it alone."
Kildas, however, clutched his head in despair: "You don't understand; if kids aren't supervised by adults, they'll get into bad habits, become delinquents, like Mira..."
"I understand very well, and who are you calling a delinquent!" Mira's small fist buried itself into Kildas's face, almost merging his features together.
Blood began to trickle down from Kildas's nostrils, but he didn't mind at all, continuing to mutter: "She'll learn to drink, gamble, wear revealing clothes, or worse, be abducted by a scoundrel like me..."
Lucy quickly waved both hands: "No, no, no, those earlier worries are completely unnecessary."
Because she already is like that.
Rhode and Mira thought inwardly, the last worry might have some validity, as she was almost lured away by a creepy uncle.
If this were revealed, would Kildas beat Macao to death—though even Macao himself is unaware of it?
Several people tried to persuade Kildas for a long time to no avail, as he remained lost in his own world, insisting on going out to find Kana.
It took the guild president to step out and quiet him down by embedding him into the floor with a punch.
Makarov looked at the fallen Kildas and said, "Kana has told you that things can be the same as before. If you're so idle, come out with me on a job."
Kildas rubbed the back of his head as he stood up, his eyes a bit clearer: "Where to?"
"To the Council. Although the Idolas report has been submitted, there are still some things we need to clarify in person.
And it seems they have some other matters needing me... Besides, you were most familiar with the final battle in the Royal Capital, so you'd better come along."
Makarov took several copies of his self-reflection letters, assuming the Advisory Council wanted him for these matters, and bringing Kildas could share the pressure a bit.
"I don't want to go to such a place." Kildas thought if he had the time to go to the Council, he might as well visit the Blue Pegasus to have some fun, "Why not take Rhode, Mira, and Erza instead?"
Makarov nodded: "Sure, then you'll handle the guild's discipline, mission registration, and..."
Kildas quickly interrupted: "I'll go! I'll go with you!"
He'd rather be scolded at the Council than manage those tasks.
Makarov sighed.
If Kildas were more serious, he would have passed the guild president's seat to him long ago, and with his magic power, becoming one of the Ten Wizard Saints wouldn't be difficult either.
Unfortunately, he's so unreliable.
Makarov now only hoped that after knowing Kana was his daughter, Kildas could be a bit more steady, at least somewhat father-like.
Lucy gazed absentmindedly at Kildas's back and hurriedly went to serve drinks and dishes when someone called her.
But shortly she returned to the counter: "Mr. Rhode, Miss Mira, I'd like to request a day off."
Rhode said helplessly: "...Already tired after less than two days?"
"No, it's not that." Lucy said somewhat embarrassed, "I want to visit my dad tomorrow... It's been so long without a word from him, not even a letter."
Perhaps influenced by Kana and Kildas, Lucy found herself missing her father.
She wondered if his fresh start in business was going well.
Most importantly, he was a man who had no idea how to take care of himself; she worried whether he was sick, eating well...