X775 passed by in the blink of an eye as they continuously took on missions and trained.
This time, before accepting a mission, Ultear specifically checked the date and planned the mission schedule early.
They intended to return to the guild and spend Christmas with Ur, Kagura, and the others.
"Christmas is still five days away. Let's rest at the guild this time and wait until after the New Year to take on missions."
On December 19th, they finally got off at Magnolia Station.
"Mm, I also plan to spend some time with Ur during this period." Ultear nodded, agreeing with Raizel's suggestion.
"What are your plans for Christmas day?"
Since they had promised Erza last year that everyone would spend Christmas together, Ultear asked Raizel about his plans.
"I'm free during the day on Christmas, but in the evening I plan to spend time with Gramps. I already felt bad about not going back last year." Raizel scratched his cheek somewhat apologetically, remembering that he had just said last year that they would all spend Christmas together from now on.
"It's fine. Although we can't spend Christmas Eve together, we can still hang out during the day. Besides, we've spent plenty of time together on missions this year." Erza didn't mind, shaking her head with her eyes closed.
"I have a suggestion - why don't we all explore Magnolia together on Christmas day?" Ultear put one hand on her hip and raised a finger with the other.
"Sounds good! Let's invite everyone who's at the guild that afternoon!" Erza clenched her right fist near her chin, looking excited.
...
Raizel, Ultear, and Erza first returned to the guild to report their safe return, then saw the girls back to their dorm before Raizel returned to Makarov's house.
He first put away his luggage and the gifts he had brought for everyone.
Raizel activated the long-distance communication lacrima, intending to contact Laxus, who also carried one in his backpack.
After a while, he finally managed to connect with Laxus.
"Laxus, why did it take so long for you to answer?"
"Still on a mission, couldn't answer earlier."
"Not finished yet? When can you return?"
"Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to make it back."
"Why?"
On the other end, Laxus opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately shook his head.
After pondering for a moment, he said, "The mission isn't completed yet, and some urgent situation came up that's holding me back. Even if I finish, I can't return immediately."
"Where are you? Need help?"
"No need. Just apologize to the old man for me, since I can't make it back."
"Well, Gramps will understand. It's a mission, after all."
"I even prepared a gift for you. It's a shame I can't give it to you that day." Raizel had spent a huge sum of 660,000J to buy Laxus a brand new coat.
The two were now about the same height, both close to 185cm, but Laxus was bulkier than Raizel.
"Just leave it in my room. I prepared one for you too, I'll give it to you when I get back."
"What if I'm out on a mission by the time you return?"
"Doesn't matter, we'll see each other eventually."
"Laxus, even though it's not time yet, let me say it in advance - Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, you annoying bastard."
...
On the afternoon of the 24th, Raizel and Ur took a group of children around Magnolia, enjoying afternoon tea together.
After this year, Raizel would be considered an adult, no longer counted among the children.
Raizel had prepared gifts in advance, giving the girls silk scarves and scarf rings, though with different styles and patterns.
Since they were still quite young, Raizel had deliberated and decided scarves were more appropriate—giving jewelry to them felt too early.
For Ultear, he chose a twill silk scarf with a classic brand print on one side and bold polka dots on the other, suitable for wearing around the neck, in the hair, or on the wrist.
He also bought a light gold rectangular scarf ring, which alone cost 60,000J.
...
For Erza, he selected a silk scarf along with a set of three silver scarf rings, which were even more expensive.
Kagura received not only a scarf but also a sword, it name was 'Archenemy'.
Raizel and Erza had acquired it while passing through the town where Mermaid Heel was later established during a mission.
Erza already had her Benizakura, so she had no use for this blade.
And Ultear doesnt even use sword so the three immediately decided to give it to Kagura.
Though Kagura no longer bore any resenment... that didn't detract from how cool the sword was—Raizel himself was quite tempted by it.
He felt the sword perfectly matched his aesthetic preferences.
After parting ways with the others, Raizel carried an amber-yellow wooden tea box gifted by Ultear, trimmed with saddle-stitched calfskin, and a silver cap-less twist-action pen from Erza.
She had noticed during their time in Rosemary Village that Raizel seemed to keep a diary or log, though she never looked closely, only observing from a distance as he wrote in the evenings.
At the dinner table, Raizel handed a rectangular gift box adorned with ribbons to Makarov.
"Gramps, Merry Christmas. This is my gift to you."
"Oh?" Makarov accepted it and opened it.
"Red wine! I like it very much." He smiled cheerfully.
Raizel had bought the wine from a vineyard in the suburbs of Crocus.
It wasn't a limited edition, but he'd heard it was of good quality. Since Raizel didn't drink or appreciate red wine, Uncle Varo had recommended it.
After the meal...
"I have something to tell you," Makarov said, sitting up straight with a serious expression.
Seeing Makarov's demeanor, Raizel straightened up as well.
"Six years ago, you sat alone at the guild's entrance, joined Fairy Tail, and moved into this home. You've been a hardworking and filial child, and I'm grateful you joined Fairy Tail and became part of this family. After this year, you'll be an adult ..... it's time for you to move out."
"Gramps..." Raizel had no intention of leaving at all.
Makarov crossed his arms and shook his head.
"Hear me out first. I'm not kicking you out. Both you and Laxus are reaching adulthood. Aside from the room being too small for you now, it's time you learned to live independently. I plan to kick that brat Laxus out too when he returns."
"But I don't want to leave."
In this six years, Raizel had rarely refused Makarov's suggestions or requests.
"Listen, that room will always be here for you. You can come home anytime you want. But moving out is non-negotiable—this is my demand not as your Master but as your grandfather."
Raizel had remained silent all along.
Makarov smiled and continued, "This old man wants some personal space too. Let your grandpa come back at night and rest quietly."
"Alright." Raizel nodded helplessly.
He knew Makarov had made up his mind—once this stubborn old man dug his heels in, there was no persuading him otherwise.
It was Christmas, yet his mood was somber.
He had lived in that room for six years.
Seeing Raizel's low spirits, Makarov comforted him, "It's not like we won't see each other again. We'll still meet at the guild. I'm not planning to retire just yet."
...
January 1, X776. Raizel and Laxus officially came of age.
----
Archenemy (不倶戴天 Fugutaiten) is a katana owned by Kagura Mikazuchi.
Known as "The Blade of Resentment" (怨刀 Ontō), Archenemy is allegedly a fearsome weapon, Millianna went on to remark that its unsheathing could potentially cause a cataclysm.
To ward off such occurrence, its user, Kagura Mikazuchi, employs it in conjunction with the peculiar Undrawn Long Sword Style (抜かぬ太刀の型 Nukanu Tachi no Kata), which allows her to make use of the weapon's cutting power without actually drawing it.