As Noah spoke, he raised his right hand and revealed the Fairy Tail guild emblem. The little girl's eyes widened, then she suddenly broke into laughter.
"Really?"
"Of course it's true! But first, we need to eat. It's almost noon. After lunch, I'll take you to the guild."
Realizing the time, Noah decided they should have a meal before setting out. At his words, the little girl's face flushed red as her stomach gave a faint growl.
Seeing her embarrassed look, Noah chuckled and went out to prepare lunch. The Nirubit phantoms brought out many of their special dishes as well, and soon everyone was gathered for a hearty meal.
By the end, the little girl sat quietly with her belly full, her face rosy as she lowered her head shyly, unable to say a word.
Once everything was cleared away, Noah sat down beside her and spoke gently.
"What's your name?"
The little girl answered in a whisper.
"Wendy… Wendy Marvell."
"My name is Noah Freyr. Wendy, where are your parents?"
At his question, Wendy lifted her head quickly, tears shining in her eyes.
"Grandeeney is missing. I can't find her anywhere."
Noah reached out and gently stroked her hair.
"Grandeeney is your mother? When and where did she disappear?"
"On July 7, X777. When I woke up, I was alone in a forest, and Grandeeney was gone. Grandeeney isn't my real mother she's my foster mother. A dragon."
"Dragon?"
Roubaul, who had been listening quietly nearby, let out a heavy sigh. Wendy turned to him at once, her face filled with sudden hope.
"Grandpa, have you ever seen Grandeeney?"
"I've seen dragons before… but I doubt they were the Grandeeney you're speaking of. The ones I encountered were violent creatures. They cared nothing for humans, destroying all in their path."
"Grandeeney isn't like that!" Wendy said quickly, her voice trembling. "She was so kind to me. She's gentle, and she loves humans deeply!"
Her anxious words made Noah gently pat her shoulder.
"Then the dragon Grandpa met wasn't your Grandeeney."
Wendy's small shoulders slumped, her expression falling. Tears welled in her eyes.
"Grandeeney is missing…"
"Don't be afraid," Noah whispered softly. "If your mother is a dragon, she wouldn't vanish without reason. With her strength, she must still be out there. Once you join the guild, you can search for her slowly. I'm sure you'll see your mother Grandeeney again."
Wendy looked up at him with tearful eyes.
"Really? Can I really meet Grandeeney again?"
"Of course."
At Noah's answer, Wendy threw her arms around him, sobbing uncontrollably.
Hearing her cries, Noah could feel how much fear and loneliness she had endured during the time her mother had been gone. The weight of that pain pressed heavily on her small heart.
He held her gently and patted her back, offering what comfort he could, helping her pain ease little by little.
After Wendy's sobs finally subsided, Noah pulled a small cloth from his coat and handed it to her.
Wendy lifted her tear-streaked face, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She accepted the cloth shyly and quickly wiped her eyes.
After tossing it into the trash, she returned to sit beside Noah. Her eyes were still red, but filled with curiosity as she asked softly:
"Where's Jellal? Where did he go?"
"He left after entrusting you to me. He said he had something important to do. It's dangerous, so he couldn't let you follow him."
"Yes… Jellal told me that," Wendy murmured, hugging her knees to her chest and lowering her head into her arms.
"By the way," Noah added with a gentle smile, "I also invited Jellal to Fairy Tail. He agreed he'll come visit you."
"Really?"
Wendy's head shot up at once, her eyes sparkling with hope.
"Of course it's true. You'll see him again there."
"Yay!"
Her face lit up with joy, and Noah felt her mood lift. Encouraged, he asked:
"By the way, I haven't asked yet. Do you know any magic?"
"Yes! Grandeeney taught me. I know Sky Magic I'm a Sky Dragon Slayer."
"Sky Magic? What kinds of abilities does it give you?"
"I can detoxify, reduce fever, ease pain, heal wounds… I know a lot of supportive magic. But I haven't learned how to fight. So… I probably won't be much help in battle."
Her voice wavered, and her eyes grew misty again. Noah leaned closer and reassured her.
"The magic you described is already incredible. And as for combat I'm confident in that area. You can learn from me."
"Really? You'll teach me?"
"Of course. And you'll also have many other guild members to learn from once we're there."
"That's wonderful!"
Wendy's face brightened with excitement, her eyes glowing with determination. Noah smiled warmly.
"Then it's decided. I'll take you to the Fairy Tail guild now."
"Mm!"
Noah turned toward Roubaul and said respectfully:
"Then we'll be heading back now."
"Go on," Roubaul replied with a gentle nod.
"Goodbye, Grandpa!" Wendy waved with both hands.
Roubaul chuckled, his expression kind, and waved back.
"Don't be afraid," Noah told her softly. "I'll take you there safely."
Noah placed his hand gently on Wendy's shoulder. In the next instant, with a flash of magic, they appeared at the doors of the guild.
"What… what was that just now?"
The sudden change of scenery made Wendy jump. She quickly clutched Noah's sleeve and hid behind him.
"That was teleportation," Noah explained with a smile. "It lets you arrive at your destination instantly. Pretty convenient, isn't it?"
"Yeah! Noah, you're amazing!"
Wendy's eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked up at him, her small face glowing with awe.
"You'll see many more new and interesting things from now on," Noah said with a chuckle. "So look forward to it."
"Mm-hm!"
Noah pointed to the large building ahead.
"This is Fairy Tail the wizards' guild. It's also the guild I belong to."
"So big…"
Wendy tilted her head back to take in the towering three-story guildhall. Her tiny figure against the massive building made her look even smaller.
"We don't know if fairies have tails… or if they even exist. That mystery, that eternal adventure, is what our name stands for."
Noah spoke the words that every newcomer heard when they joined Fairy Tail. Wendy's gaze rose to the guild flag fluttering proudly on the roof. Her expression softened into one of wonder.
"Fairy Tail… Eternal adventure? That's wonderful!"
"Once you join us, we can go on adventures together forever. Come on."
Noah extended his hand. Wendy reached out her small hand and placed it into his.
Holding her hand gently, Noah turned and pushed open the doors of the guild.