Erza was both surprised and delighted. "Simon, you joined a Guild?"
"Yeah." Simon nodded, his hand twitching as though he wanted to brush his bangs aside with two fingers, a habit he clearly picked up, but he quickly forced himself to stop.
Rhodes chuckled under his breath. "This guy…"
Mira tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
"I think he's been learning some strange habits at Blue Pegasus," Rhodes replied with a smirk. "But… I have to admit, he does seem more confident now."
Mira giggled. "Well, that's Blue Pegasus for you."
The two whispered to each other, while Erza stepped forward, her eyes glistening, and began asking Simon about his eye and his jaw.
Simon smiled and explained, "I had a prosthetic eye made, like yours, Erza. And the old scar on my chin was completely healed. Not even a trace left."
Hearing that, Erza's heart swelled with happiness. Simon's new appearance, his poise, and even the light in his eyes all showed that he had finally stepped out of the shadows of the past. He was truly living again. And strangely, that made her feel a little flustered.
Without hesitation, Simon pulled her into a firm embrace. "Welcome back, Erza. I knew you'd never die so easily."
Her armor pressed cool and solid against him, just like before.
"Mm." Erza smiled and hugged him back. "Because I have so many comrades. You understand that feeling now, don't you?"
Simon nodded warmly. Of course he did, his companions in Blue Pegasus had become precious to him as well.
The two spoke quietly at the entrance until Mira finally reminded Erza to bring Simon inside.
The banquet was still lively, with food and drink flowing freely, and everyone quickly made room at a table for Simon.
"I was supposed to come along this morning when Pegasus brought the news," Simon explained, "but I was working outside. I rushed back as soon as I heard. Sorry for being late."
The thoughtfulness behind his words was enough to move the room. No one would ever think to blame him.
Rhodes and the others raised their glasses in thanks, while Erza pressed him for more about the others.
"Shou and Wally are still traveling," Simon said. "Though honestly, I think Shou would fit right in with our Pegasus."
The way he said our Pegasus flowed so naturally, it was obvious Blue Pegasus had truly become his home.
Erza leaned closer. "What about Millianna?"
Simon's smile grew. "She joined a Guild she really loves. You'll never guess where."
Natsu frowned, resting his chin on his hand. "Tch. You're smiling like those other weirdos from Pegasus."
Gray crossed his arms. "This idiot actually has a point. You really do."
Lucy huffed. "Well, of course he does. He's from Pegasus now."
"Aye, they definitely don't mean that," Happy chimed in. "Lucy's just dense."
"Stupid cat!" Lucy grabbed Happy and squeezed him in irritation.
Simon laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Just think of it as Mr. Ichiya's excellent guidance."
"Ichiya? Guidance?" Rhodes raised an eyebrow. The name carried too many memories of perfume and eccentric behavior.
The others looked equally skeptical. Ichiya never struck them as someone particularly reliable. But now, remembering how much they owed him, a touch of shame tempered their doubt.
Simon, however, spoke with total sincerity. "Once you spend time with him, you'll see. Mr. Ichiya is a very dependable man… a man with true charm."
"Ah… I won't deny that," Erza admitted. She knew of Ichiya's strength, even if she wasn't eager to dwell on the subject. "So then, where did Millianna end up? Lamia Scale? Or perhaps Quatro Cerberus?"
Both Guilds had ties that could have suited her.
Simon finally revealed the answer. "Neither. She joined Mermaid Heel."
Gray blinked, trying to recall. "Mermaid Heel… that's the all-female Guild, isn't it?"
Juvia tilted her head in doubt. "Is that Guild really famous?"
"Of course it is," Lucy explained. "Mermaid Heel only accepts female wizards. It's the kind of place men can only dream about."
Juvia's eyes went wide as she immediately grabbed Gray's arm, tears welling up. "Does Gray-sama also dream of that place?"
Gray waved frantically. "No! I only know about it because of Loke!"
Everyone instantly believed him. It sounded perfectly reasonable.
"So it's Mermaid Heel," Erza said with a gentle smile. "That does suit Millianna quite well. We should visit her when we have time."
Simon nodded. "Alright, I'll take you there. My sister's there too."
Erza's eyes widened. "Your sister? You found her?"
"Yes." Simon's voice warmed with happiness. "Her name is Kagura, and she's Mermaid Heel's ace now. She became famous, so I found her not long after we were separated."
Rhodes blurted out, "Then why didn't you just join your sister's Guild? Oh, right, Mermaid Heel only accepts women."
"That's right. I spent quite some time with her before joining Pegasus," Simon explained. "Even if we're not in the same Guild, it's enough to know each other is safe."
"That's wonderful," Erza said softly, genuinely happy for him.
Lucy smiled too. "Yes, it really is."
Being reunited with loved ones after years apart must have been the happiest thing of all. Lucy thought of her father, her heart tightened. He must have worried endlessly while she was gone. After six long years, how would he react when he saw her again?
She quickly made up her mind: once the Guild's celebration was over, she would go to her father without delay.
Meanwhile, Simon continued talking with Erza, recounting his experiences and life in Blue Pegasus.
Rhodes, sensing it was time to give them space, exchanged a quick glance with Mira and quietly signaled for them to slip away. He tugged Natsu and Gray along for good measure.
Mira played along, inventing an excuse and pulling Lucy with her. Naturally, Juvia followed Gray, while Happy, ignored as usual, tagged behind on his own.
Erza didn't notice their subtle exit at all. But Simon did, and for a moment he felt awkward. It seemed his training at Pegasus hadn't completely prepared him for situations like this. He quickly straightened up and asked Erza warmly, "Do you have any plans now?"
Erza thought carefully. There was her armor that needed repairing. With the rapid advancement of magic technology, she would also need to check if there were new equipment suited for her. That meant expenses, more than she could handle alone. And with Fairy Tail struggling, they would need to rebuild trust and attract clients again.
Even just thinking casually about it made her realize there were too many things to do. She gave Simon a wry smile, explaining Fairy Tail's current troubles. But before he could say a comforting word, she lifted her chin with determination. "Still, if we work together, we can do it. We're Fairy Tail."
Simon could only smile helplessly. Part of him wished she would allow herself to lean on others sometimes. He wanted to tell her about the savings he had built up, that he could help. But that was Erza, unyielding and strong, the kind of woman people admired.
He laughed softly and encouraged her instead, continuing to chat about Millianna and his sister Kagura.
Not long after Rhodes and Mira had left the table, new guests appeared at the Guild entrance. This time, it was Lamia Scale, led by Jura.