The window was faintly lit, the glow slipping past curtains that couldn't quite block out the morning sun.
Mira rubbed her eyes and yawned, only then realizing what that light meant.
"!" It's already morning?
Turning her head, she saw the sleeping face beside her. Memories of the night before rushed back, and her cheeks instantly flushed.
Carefully, she lifted the arm draped over her, tucked the quilt around him, and slipped one leg out from under his. Barefoot, she padded softly to the wardrobe and opened it.
She rummaged through her things and pulled out a set of black lace lingerie, slightly sheer. Bending down to step into it, she thought irritably, 'this one just happens to be comfortable, it's not because it's his favorite.'
Still, she grabbed a matching top.
Tossing her hair forward over one shoulder, she reached back to fasten the clasp, only to freeze as warm hands suddenly covered hers.
A familiar voice whispered by her ear, "Why didn't you ask me for help?"
Mira sighed softly, letting him finish the clasp. "And why didn't I hear you get out of bed?"
"You didn't make a sound when you left either," Rhodes teased. After fastening it neatly, his hands slid along the straps to the front.
"Hm… feels a bit loose. Should be on the last hook. Guess we'll have to work on that…" He spoke with mock seriousness, pressing against her back, until Mira's elbow found his ribs.
"Enough fooling around. It's time to work."
Rhodes didn't even flinch, just leaned closer to her ear. "Work? We haven't even resumed our positions yet. What work could you mean?"
"…" Oh. Mira blinked.
Right.
Both Rhodes and the Guild Master had temporarily stepped back from official duties, leaving Macao, Wakaba, and Laki to manage things for now. Even the tavern had enough staff to keep running without her. Strictly speaking, there was no need for them to rush back.
Still, Mira caught his wandering hands and whispered, "I'm already tired. Maybe… tonight."
"Hm." Rhodes stole a kiss at the corner of her lips before finally letting her go.
They dressed and spent a little time tidying the room before heading downstairs.
Calling out for Elfman and Lisanna brought no answer. Rhodes spotted a note pinned beneath a cup on the dining table:
"Mira-nee, Oni sama, Elfman and I went out first. We left breakfast for you in the thermos. Make sure to rest, hehe~"
Mira's face burned bright red. She really couldn't keep that sister of hers in check.
Rhodes raised an eyebrow. "Why does Lisanna seem to know so much?"
"She's been spending a lot of time chatting with Bisca lately," Mira muttered darkly. A faint killing aura seemed to rise off her.
Rhodes could only sigh at how times had changed. He still remembered the Bisca who used to turn bright red just standing near Alzack. Now she was passing down "knowledge" to Mira's little sister.
After breakfast, the two made their way to the Guild. They expected curious stares for showing up so late, but the moment they stepped inside, they were greeted instead by an all-too-familiar voice:
"COOL! Cool! COOL! COOOOOOL!"
Mira laughed softly. "Such a familiar catchphrase."
Rhodes tilted his head. "Don't tell me it's the Sorcerer Weekly reporter?"
Indeed, a yellow-haired reporter with an antenna hairstyle was in the Guild, excitedly clutching a small notebook as he interviewed Makarov. News of Fairy Tail's return had already spread in recent days, but until now every report had been nothing more than plain text or the occasional photo of a single member snapped by chance.
This time, Jason's visit from Sorcerer Magazine was clearly for an exclusive interview.
For Fairy Tail, this was good news. It was the perfect chance to re-enter the public eye and rebuild trust with clients, which meant more job requests.
Rhodes snapped his fingers lightly, and in an instant the cloak of the Ten Wizard Saints appeared around him, the Council's medal gleaming proudly on his chest. Though it had been crafted six years ago, it had been sealed in the warehouse and was still in excellent condition. His physique had changed a little since then, but it would do for now, alterations could wait.
It was fortunate the Council had made it a cloak; timeless, elegant, and still fitting for the moment.
Mira immediately understood Rhodes's intention. She helped straighten his tunic and smoothed his hair, her touch gentle yet precise, making him look sharp and imposing, like the Saint Wizard he was.
Rhodes's status as a Ten Wizard Saint was unique. By the time the Council officially announced his appointment, he had already disappeared, making it feel almost like a posthumous award. In popularity and recognition, he likely couldn't match the other Saints. Now that he had returned, he needed to present his best self and reestablish his name. Having the youngest Wizard Saint in Fairy Tail would certainly be a strong draw for clients.
"COOOOOL!!!" Jason suddenly zipped across the Guild like he'd cast some speed spell, notebook waving as he shouted, "Saint Rhodes! Miss Mirajane! To think you both survived, that's so incredibly COOOOOL!"
"Thank you," Rhodes replied politely, while Mira gave a gracious smile.
Jason's words probably meant "That's wonderful," but knowing his strange manner of speaking, they simply accepted it with courtesy.
"Can you share your impressions of Acnologia?" Jason fired off a serious question right away.
Mira's delicate brows furrowed, and without realizing it she linked her arm tightly with Rhodes's. Just recalling that night made her heart tremble. "He was terrifyingly strong. Even when he wasn't fighting seriously, he could overwhelm us completely."
"As expected of the Black Dragon, a creature said to possess the power to wipe out entire countries alone," Rhodes added grimly.
"Every motion he made, every flap of his wings, every strike, was as destructive as a high-level spell. It felt as if he existed only to destroy."
"The most terrifying thing was the defense of his scales. Whether fire, wind, lightning, water, or light, none of our magic left a mark. Even Dragon Slayer Magic, meant to fight dragons, barely injured him."
"I couldn't determine what type of magic he wields. Perhaps he holds every element… or none at all."
"The sheer power of the dragon was… unimaginable."
Rhodes went on for a long while, describing Acnologia's might, what he had heard from elemental sub-dragons, and his own analyses over the past six years. He hoped that Sorcerer Magazine could spread this knowledge, so that other wizards would be better prepared, or at least know not to provoke the Black Dragon should they ever encounter him.
Jason scribbled frantically in his notebook, and to be safe, he even pulled out a lacrima recorder.
By the time Rhodes finished, Jason realized that even compiling just this information alone could serve as a full "Acnologia Investigation Report" worthy of the Council itself.