Ikuto answered earnestly.
"To be honest, I don't have much money. I work as a dark mage for a dark guild, but I've never taken on those kinds of missions—only ordinary ones. So, I haven't earned much."
"I live in East Town and have many younger siblings to care for. One of my sisters is gravely ill, and all the money I earn goes toward their food, clothing, and her medical expenses."
"As for my clothes and makeup, they were gifts from my master. She says I represent the face of the *Mugonryu* style."
"A camera… I can't afford one."
"People in West Town look down on those from East Town—even children. If we tried to bring them all over here for photos, the soldiers would chase us away, saying we tarnish West Town's image and harm its business."
"Photographers in West Town refuse to come to East Town—they're afraid of catching diseases."
"My sick sister isn't well enough to travel either."
"So…" Ikuto continued with determination, "Please come to my home tomorrow morning and take a family portrait for us. If you feel the payment isn't sufficient, I'll offer my protection once, whenever you need it."
"Don't let my appearance fool you—I'm actually the ace of my guild!"
". . ."
Ikuto's reasoning convinced Jehfrit. It was just a short trip after all.
Even if it turned out to be a trap, he wasn't too worried.
An ace of a dark guild?
Though his magic might not be strong, escaping from powerful enemies had never been an issue—except perhaps against that violent carrot-top girl.
Jehfrit replied, "Alright, I'll do it. But could we make it closer to noon? I think I'll wake up late."
"Of course! Thank you so much, kind Mr. Jehfrit!" Ikuto's voice brimmed with gratitude.
"You should head back then. I won't keep you any longer," Jehfrit said.
"Yes." With that, Ikuto left.
---
Jehfrit knew himself well.
True to form, when he woke up, it was nearly noon.
Ikuto was already waiting outside.
After freshening up, he didn't want to keep her waiting too long. Grabbing some breakfast, he prepared to eat while walking.
"Mr. Jehfrit, no rush. Please finish eating before we go."
"It's fine—if you don't mind the smell of my bun."
"Not at all!"
The two walked side by side.
Jehfrit noticed that Ikuto was now his height; she'd switched to worn-out flat shoes. Her hair, styled into bunny ears the night before, was now loose, framing her face like a traditional Japanese maiden.
Jehfrit remained silent, focusing on finishing his breakfast.
East Town was dilapidated, harboring filth in every sense of the word.
Ikuto glanced at Jehfrit anxiously, only to see him calmly wiping his mouth and hands with a pristine handkerchief after finishing the last bite of his bun. His expression remained composed.
After navigating through winding alleys, they arrived at Ikuto's home.
There were many children there.
"Hurry and bring Emily out!" Lyle instructed a few kids, who scurried into the house to prepare.
"Good morning, Mr. Jehfrit!" Lyle greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning, Lyle." Jehfrit nodded with a smile.
"Hurry and line up. Don't keep Mr. Jehfrit waiting," Ikuto urged.
The children arranged themselves by height.
Jehfrit counted—forty-three people.
No.
Forty-six.
A frail girl sat in a wooden wheelchair, pale and gaunt, her thin body barely holding up the hospital gown draped over her like a cloth on a chair. An IV tube ran into her hand, connected to a bag carried by another child following closely behind, along with one holding the IV pole.
This was Emily.
Emily was placed in the center, seated while everyone else stood. Ikuto positioned herself at the back.
"We're ready, Mr. Jehfrit," Ikuto announced.
"Alright, remember to smile!" Jehfrit said warmly.
"Okay—" Ikuto and the children chorused.
Jehfrit raised his camera, extending a finger.
"Three."
"Two."
"One."
At the same time, Ikuto and the children shouted, "Cheese!"
'Click'
The moment froze—a radiant smile captured forever on film!
---
On the Carriage
Jehfrit flipped through a magazine.
"This camera looks great—at least its design checks out."
He turned the page.
"Super cool cameras on sale—discounted to the bone!"
That one looked flashy!
"The Blue Pegasus mage Ichya endorses this century's most…"
Anything endorsed by Ichya? No thanks.
Jehfrit flipped the page.
He was choosing a new camera—the old one had been given to Lyle when leaving Aharnita Town.
He found himself stuck.
Each new model was stylish, trendy, and sleek.
Which one to choose?
Jehfrit refused to admit he had decision paralysis.
By the time they reached the next town, he'd made up his mind.
Expensive has its reasons!
First stop: the bank to withdraw money. Then straight to the store.
"I want this one!"
He couldn't wait.
With the new camera in hand, he pressed the shutter button hard.
'Clunk'
Jehfrit's expression changed instantly.
Why wasn't it 'click' but 'clunk'?!
The sound was softer and lacked the crispness of before!
He confronted the shopkeeper.
The employee blinked in confusion. "Sir, this is because newer cameras aim to reduce noise. This model uses cutting-edge technology to minimize sound."
"No!" Jehfrit declared firmly. "The louder is better—I want a loud one!"
"Uh…" The clerk thought for a moment. "Sir, how about we have our repair technician modify your camera? That way, you can customize the sound however you like."
"That works." Jehfrit nodded.
Thus, he decided to stay in the town temporarily.
It gave him time to organize his thoughts and submit his firsthand report.
In recent days, newspapers nationwide covered Fairy Tail's victory over Eisenwald, but the details were sparse, riddled with errors.
Of course—who else had close-up investigative material like him?
He sorted through his photos, wrote an article, and headed to the local post office to send it to Weekly Mage, a reputable publication he regularly collaborated with.
"Erigor survived his fight with Natsu, but once my article gets published, he'll die—socially, that is."
Jehfrit muttered to himself as he walked.
He specifically highlighted Erigor's arrogant expression berating his subordinates for letting Fairy Tail escape, attaching the corresponding photo.
Too bad there wasn't a picture of Erigor getting pummeled by Natsu—that contrast would've garnered more praise from readers.
He'd heard that during the Council's raid on Eisenwald, Erigor managed to flee.
Jehfrit "worried" about Erigor's situation.
Wherever little Erigor hid, did the place have good communication? Would he receive newspapers?
Such concern…
He hoped Erigor kept up with current events.