"Karen is dead."
"..."
In Makarov's office, Bob took a deep breath.
"When did it happen?"
Bob's gaze turned to Leo beside him.
He had recognized the Leo constellation Celestial Spirit the moment he entered.
As the guild master of Karen's guild, he naturally knew her primary Celestial Spirit well.
"Early this morning." Leo finally spoke.
Facing Bob, who was like a parental figure to Karen, he felt he needed to explain things clearly.
"I'll investigate the cause."
Bob nodded, appearing calmer than expected.
As a veteran Mage, he had weathered many storms.
A single death wasn't enough to unsettle him.
"What exactly happened between you and Karen?" Bob asked, though he already had an idea.
He was well aware of Karen's treatment of her Celestial Spirits and had repeatedly advised her against it.
"..."
Leo spoke slowly, recounting his thoughts and actions, his face filled with regret and guilt.
"You don't need to blame yourself too much. This was Karen's fault."
Seeing Leo's despondent state, Bob offered some comfort.
It was clear Bob was reasonable and didn't place all the blame on Leo.
"..."
Leo remained silent, giving no response.
"Let Leo stay with us at Fairy Tail for now."
Makarov interjected.
Bob likely had no time to deal with the heartbroken Celestial Spirit, and taking Leo back to Blue Pegasus might risk someone lashing out at him.
Not everyone could remain rational.
"Alright, Makarov. I'll head back to investigate." Bob nodded, having no objections.
He just wanted to return and quickly uncover the truth.
"Keep us updated if you find anything." Makarov nodded as well, reminding Bob.
Since they were taking in Leo, they needed to stay informed about the situation.
Bob left without further ado, offering no reproach toward Leo.
After understanding the full story and Leo's role in it, Bob found it hard to blame him.
He had long believed Karen's methods were wrong—Leo's actions were ultimately her own doing.
"Honestly... she brought it upon herself."
After Bob left, Makarov shook his head and muttered.
"Like Bob said, you don't need to blame yourself too much. Since you can't return now, settle down in Magnolia first. We'll see if there's a way for you to go back later."
After his remark, Makarov turned to Leo.
Seeing the silent Celestial Spirit, the old man felt a headache coming on—Leo's current state wasn't sustainable.
"Leo, what are you truly regretting and blaming yourself for? Karen's death, or being exiled from the Celestial Spirit World for breaking your contract?" Marco, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
His words made Leo stiffen, his expression shifting dramatically.
Marco watched Leo calmly.
If anyone claimed Leo had deep feelings for Karen, he certainly didn't believe it.
Marco had always thought that Leo only chose to maintain his contract with Karen out of a sense of responsibility and contractual obligation, not because he particularly liked her as a person.
"..."
Makarov opened his mouth slightly, feeling that Marco's words were a bit too brutal—wasn't this directly poking the Lion Celestial Spirit's sore spot?
Although Makarov also didn't believe Leo had any affection for his former contractor, who had abused Celestial Spirits, that was when Karen was still alive.
Now that Karen was dead, the situation might be different.
Once someone dies, people tend to remember only their good qualities.
A simple "she's dead now" seems to bury all her wrongdoings, leaving behind only the fond memories.
"What do you mean by that?"
Sure enough, Leo felt offended.
Marco's question was too blunt and ruthless, as if accusing him of putting on a hypocritical act.
"Nothing much. I just want you to figure out what you truly want."
Marco remained calm, not slowing his pace despite Leo's agitation.
"If you genuinely care about Karen, then find out how she died and avenge her. If you just want to return to the Celestial Spirit World, then focus on finding a way instead of moping around like this."
Marco's words were brutally honest, cutting straight to Leo's heart and forcing him to confront his true feelings.
"..."
This time, Leo didn't retort with a flushed face.
He fell silent, his expression shifting as he wrestled with his thoughts.
Makarov glanced at Marco, thinking this wasn't his usual style.
This time, he had torn off the veil so directly—wasn't he worried about triggering Leo?
Marco wasn't afraid.
He believed Celestial Spirits were resilient.
What had reduced Leo to this state wasn't Karen's death but his inability to return to the Celestial Spirit World—it was like being permanently exiled from home.
Compared to the death of an unlikable contractor, being unable to go home was the real source of Leo's regret and self-blame.
Unlike Karen's irreversible fate, the issue of returning home still had potential solutions.
It wasn't time to give up yet.
"You're right. I can't keep going like this."
Sure enough, Leo quickly came to his senses.
He couldn't wallow any longer—he had to act, whether to avenge Karen or find a way back to the Celestial Spirit World.
"But... I can't even use magic right now."
Despite his resolve, Leo's physical condition made it impossible for him to act.
His magic was barely sustaining his existence; using it for combat would shorten his lifespan.
"That's fine. You can rely on tool-based magic or..."
Marco offered suggestions while also seizing the chance to test his theory—Leo was the perfect 'test subject.'
Marco raised his index finger and pointed at Leo.
Stellar magic surged from his fingertip, shooting toward the startled Celestial Spirit.
Leo was naturally shocked because if he died this time, it would be a true death—there would be no chance of revival or return.
At such close range, Leo couldn't dodge.
He could only watch helplessly as Marco's celestial magic struck him.
However, the expected death did not come.
On the contrary, Leo felt a surge of magic integrate into his body, allowing him to exist in this world for a longer time.
"What… what is this?!" Leo was utterly astonished.
Marco could actually replenish his magic!
Moreover, the celestial magic was far purer than his own.
Just a wisp of it could extend his lifespan by several days!
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