"It doesn't matter. Ever since I learned I'd be meeting a once-powerful Celestial Spirit Mage, I've been wondering what gift I should bring.
It just so happens that I've always been fascinated by Celestial Magic and have collected a few Silver Keys. I'd like to give this key to Lucy. I hope it will protect her."
"Thank you. But whether Lucy becomes a mage in the future depends entirely on her own wishes." Layla gently patted Lucy's head, signaling that it was fine for her to accept Noah's gift.
Lucy took the key from Noah with a bright smile on her face. She turned to him and said happily,
"Thank you, Brother Noah!"
Then she looked toward her mother.
"Mom, this key is so pretty!"
"Then you must take good care of it and never lose it."
"I'll take care of it, I won't lose it."
Lucy nodded firmly, her little face serious with determination.
Seeing Lucy's joy as she accepted the gift, Noah turned to Layla and said,
"Lady Layla, there's a high chance that Lucy will walk the path of magic in the future."
"Don't call me Lady, call me Sister. I'm only twenty-seven, still in my prime, not some old woman." Layla corrected him immediately, clearly dissatisfied with the formal address. "So tell me, little Noah, why do you think Lucy is destined to become a mage?"
"Then… Sister Layla, when you were sixteen, you had enough magic to open the three Zodiac Gates at once. That kind of talent and affinity is extraordinarily rare.
Since Lucy is your daughter, there's a strong chance she'll inherit that same gift.
Do you remember what I mentioned earlier about two members of our guild? One is fourteen, the other is eleven. Both possessed too much magic for their bodies to handle, and their conditions started showing around the age of eight or nine. Lucy's about that age now, isn't she?"
"Yes. Lucy is eight years old." Layla's expression grew tense as she realized where Noah was going with this.
"If Lucy inherits your talent, she may face the same situation within the next year or two. It's best to be ready for it."
Noah wasn't simply guessing. He knew Lucy's future. Even though she often struggled in battles, she always found a way to win in the end.
In fact, despite all kinds of setbacks, Lucy was able to open three Zodiac Gates simultaneously at the age of seventeen, proof that she had indeed inherited Layla's remarkable power.
But Noah deliberately emphasized the danger of magical pressure on the body, hoping Layla would notice sooner and guide Lucy's growth herself, making her stronger.
"There's another truth," Noah added. "You can live without power, but you cannot live without the strength to protect yourself.
When Lucy becomes a mage, she'll be able to protect herself no matter what path she chooses. And she'll have the freedom to refuse anything she doesn't want."
His words struck a chord. Layla nodded, convinced. She understood that with power, Lucy would have both freedom and the ability to shape her own future.
"Still, all of this aside, whether Lucy wants to be a mage should be her own decision. But to prevent the same symptoms you once suffered, Sister Layla, I recommend she start training her body now. A healthy body is never a bad thing."
"Then, little Noah, will you stay here for a few days? I'd like you to help Lucy with her training. I'll send an official request to your guild.
And I also need your help treating my own condition. I'll issue a specific commission for that as well. I won't let you leave empty-handed."
Layla's hope was clear. She wanted Noah to remain by their side, guiding Lucy and supporting her through the first steps of her magical path.
She was indeed frightened by Noah's words. She didn't want her daughter to have magic oppressing her body, causing her health to deteriorate like herself. She wanted her daughter to be healthy forever.
There were already two people in Noah's guild who had shown the same symptoms. From the way Noah spoke, it was clear they had been cured. That alone proved he had experience handling such cases, and it was best for him to guide Lucy.
"Well, that's fine. I agree. Sorry to trouble you for these few days."
Noah had originally planned to decline, but after a moment's thought he realized refusing now would only sour relations. He had already given them advance warning about collecting the Zodiac Keys and had helped Layla with her condition. If he refused the reward, it would seem disrespectful. Besides, for the Heartfilia family, the money meant little. So he nodded his agreement.
"That's wonderful. I'll have someone prepare the guest room so you can stay here tonight."
Hearing Noah's acceptance, a bright smile appeared on Layla's face. She had feared he would refuse, but now that he had agreed, she felt relieved and happy.
Just then, Jude returned. He had already dispatched enough people to buy the necessary herbs and had hurried back to entertain their guest.
Layla explained everything that had just been decided, and Jude was stunned. The thought of his daughter ending up as weak as his wife was a crushing fear. When Layla mentioned issuing a special commission to entrust Noah with her treatment and Lucy's training, Jude immediately agreed.
"Yes, yes, of course. We can't let Noah suffer any loss. We must make it an official commission."
And when he heard his wife add that Noah would stay for a few days, Jude turned to him and said,
"Then you can stay here with peace of mind. I've already sent people to gather the herbs you need. They'll be back soon. From there, I'll leave Layla's treatment in your hands."
"All right. Since I've promised, I'll see it through. I just need to report to the guild first. After that, I'll begin Lucy's training. If you'll excuse me."
"Of course, little Noah, go ahead. We'll meet later in the training hall. Aunt Spetto will guide you there."
Layla smiled as she gave him instructions. Lucy, who had been nestled in her mother's arms, looked up and called out sweetly,
"Goodbye, Brother Noah!"
"See you later, Sister Lucy."
Noah gave her a warm smile before stepping out. He walked through the corridors to the grand front doors, then out into the open courtyard. There, he stopped to make contact with the guild.
He reported everything to Makarov, though he left out any details about the Celestial Spirit Gate. Instead, he explained that through circumstance he had come into contact with the Heartfilia family, discovered that Lady Layla was unwell, and had agreed to stay a few days to help with her treatment. He added that he had also been asked to help train their eldest daughter, and that an official designated commission would be sent to the guild. All Makarov needed to do was approve it when it arrived.
As always, Makarov urged Noah to be careful, and Noah readily promised.
Once that was done, he reached out to Erza and the others, letting them know he would not be returning for a few days because of this commission.
Hearing this, Erza and the rest couldn't help but envy Noah for being able to go out and accept such requests. Noah simply told them they weren't strong enough yet. Their time would come, but they had to keep working hard.
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