Makarov said the words casually, but his expression had grown serious. A delayed return was normal, but more often than not it meant some unexpected danger had appeared.
"Romeo, stop making a fuss. Your father is a wizard, and wizards do not need others to clean up after them."
"As the son of a wizard, you should understand that. Now be good and go home to your mother."
Makarov scolded loudly.
Romeo jumped, crying, and actually swung a punch at the guild master. Then he turned and tried to run home, but he had barely taken two steps before someone grabbed him by the collar.
"Kid, the old man is right. Every wizard is someone strong enough to complete a mission on their own."
"As comrades, what we should do is trust that he can finish the job, not doubt or question his strength."
"This ties into your father's pride and reputation. So the master is correct, you should not have called him a useless bastard."
Kai held Romeo up by the back of his shirt and spoke.
Makarov sat there with a dark face, saying nothing. He was not angry with Romeo. He was worried about Macao.
"Brat, let me teach you something. In a wizard guild there is no such thing as a free snack."
"There is no free lunch, dinner, dessert, midnight snack, juice, nothing. Whatever it is, there is always a price."
"I can go look for your dad, but what are you going to pay me."
"I, I do not have any money."
"No money. Where did the ten thousand I gave you yesterday go."
"If you do not have money, then pay with labor. Starting today, for one year, you will clean for me, bring tea and water, wash clothes and... and forget the cooking."
"I would not dare eat anything you made anyway. All of that will be my payment. If you agree, I will go find your old man."
Kai looked at Romeo as he spoke.
"I agree. Not just one year, even ten years is fine. As long as you bring my dad back, I will do anything."
Romeo agreed without a second of hesitation.
Kai studied him. The kid was mischievous, but he really was a little man.
Mirajane glanced at Makarov.
Makarov gave a small nod. The tiny old man was all hard words and soft heart. At times like this he always ended up giving in.
"When I take on a job, nothing ever goes wrong."
"I am going, brat. Wait for me here in the guild. By tonight at the latest, I will bring him back to you."
Kai patted Romeo on the head, then headed out at once. Only after he left did Mira go and register the mission as a private request.
"Do not worry, Romeo. If it is Kai taking this job, he will absolutely complete it."
Mirajane walked out from behind the counter, saw Romeo standing there, and took out a piece of fruit candy to offer him.
"Thank you, Mira. I believe Big Bro Kai can definitely bring my dad back. My dad will be fine."
Romeo did not take the candy. He bit down hard, tears gathering in his eyes, but he forced himself not to cry.
Mira did not continue to comfort him. She knew the pain of losing family, so she understood. This was not a wound a few soft words could soothe.
She turned to look at the guild's front doors, watching Kai walk out, and silently wished in her heart that he would bring Macao home safely.
"Kai is still just a kid at the end of the day."
"What he is doing will only hurt Macao's pride as a wizard."
People in the guild shook their heads. They were worried about Macao too, but this was the life of a wizard guild.
"This time it is not about Macao's pride. This time it is a private commission for that brat Kai."
Makarov lit his pipe. He usually did not smoke much, but whenever he was anxious he would light up and take a few pulls.
Lucy watched everyone in the guild, listening to their conversations, and a faint confusion rose in her heart.
At first she had thought everyone in the guild was too cold. Later she realized that was not it at all. Everyone in the guild was worried about Macao.