Watching Wendy rub her face so hard she was about to turn herself into a little smudge-faced kitten, Moen couldn't help but laugh softly.
Buzz!
The Saint Cloth armor covering Moen shimmered before dissolving into particles of light, vanishing and revealing his arm. He then pulled some tissues from his pack and carefully helped Wendy wipe her face clean.
Children around four or five years old really were at their most adorable—every movement radiating a natural cuteness.
"Sniff…"
Wendy blew her nose, sniffling softly.
It was clear that she felt deeply saddened by her separation from Jellal. After all, since the day she had become separated from her mother, the Sky Dragon Grandeeney, Jellal was the very first person she had met. He was the one who protected her, who led her away from danger, and gave a lost, frightened little girl someone to rely on.
"Don't be sad, Wendy. That's just how life is—always a series of partings and reunions. Today's farewell is so that the next meeting will be even better."
Moen's voice was gentle as he tried to console the grieving girl.
"When you grow up, when you've become a capable mage, you'll be able to go out into the world yourself and search for Jellal."
But, afraid his philosophical words might be too much for someone her age, Moen quickly added a simpler explanation.
"Really?"
Wendy stopped crying, her big eyes blinking as she looked straight at Moen.
"Of course! Wendy, be confident. You're the daughter of a dragon. One day, you'll definitely become an outstanding mage."
Moen chuckled as he spoke, patting Wendy gently on the head. Even with her mushroom-cut hairstyle, she was still incredibly cute.
"Mm! I will! And I'll go find Grandeeney too!"
Hearing Moen call her the daughter of a dragon, Wendy finally perked up. She forced back her tears and lifted her chin, her expression turning resolute. She didn't want to always break into tears so easily.
"Would you like to come back with me? To Fairy Tail. It's a warm, welcoming family—with lots of children around your age."
Seeing that Wendy's mood had stabilized, Moen struck while the iron was hot, inviting her to join Fairy Tail.
Jellal had already vanished to who-knows-where. For now, securing Wendy's safety came first. And besides, he had already helped both Wendy and Jellal before; the impression he'd left on Wendy was clearly a good one. There was definitely a decent chance she'd agree.
After speaking, Moen's gaze flicked toward the old man standing behind—Roubaul. Truth be told, Moen might not have needed to rush this much, but the old man was clearly a direct competitor!
That earlier conversation between Roubaul and Wendy still echoed in Moen's ears, making waves in his heart. So the reason this old man created so many thought projections… was just to convince Wendy to join his guild?!
At that moment, Moen was truly dumbfounded.
This rival was terrifyingly strong!
But the stronger the opponent, the more Moen's fighting spirit burned. He wasn't afraid of facing elites—he wanted to test himself against them!
So Moen decided there was no point holding back or dragging things out. He launched his "bull-headed offensive" directly at Wendy!
"Eh?"
Moen's sudden invitation left Wendy completely stunned. Her eyes went wide, her little hands fumbled nervously, and she didn't know what to do.
"B-but…"
Wendy tried to respond, but the words stuck in her throat. Her heart was in turmoil, and she couldn't figure out what choice to make.
"There's no rush, Wendy. You can take your time to think it over. You can even refuse me—it's fine. I can wait for your answer. In the meantime, I'll also look around for Jellal."
Watching her panic and fumble so adorably, Moen chuckled softly. His words were meant to ease her worries.
Wendy truly was a thoughtful, considerate child. Even though she was only four or five, she clearly wasn't the kind of kid who only thought about herself. That was why she felt torn now, caught between conflicting feelings.
Thanks to Moen's reassurance, Wendy slowly calmed down. She turned, looking back at the stooped figure of Grandpa Robaul, who stood in the doorway of the dilapidated hut with his hands behind his back.
At that moment, Roubaul's face was still wearing a smile. He didn't seem angry at all that Moen had just tried to invite Wendy away—even though he himself had gone so far as to create countless thought projections for her sake.
This old man… really has methods!
Seeing Roubaul's calm composure, Moen gritted his teeth inwardly. To stay unfazed even while someone's trying to snatch Wendy right in front of him… Truly a formidable rival!
"Wendy — will you go with this kid?" Roubaul asked with a smile before Wendy could answer.
"I… I don't know." Wendy's little face scrunched up; she was clearly torn. She wasn't the sort to decide things quickly — after all, she was only four or five years old.
"Sorry, Wendy, I can't let you go with him so easily." Roubaul shook his head. His words surprised Wendy and made Moen frown.
(That old man, he's not easy to deal with.) Moen thought. Roubaul could calmly try to steal someone away even while smiling — now that was a true rival.
"Roubaul, doesn't Wendy have the right to choose where she stays?" Moen stepped forward. The prospect of failing the quest condition by not recruiting even one person made him lose his patience, he had to challenge Roubaul's decision.
Guild members have the freedom to join or leave a guild; it's a basic right. Fairy Tail especially didn't bind people by force. As Marakov had told him, Fairy Tail had sent off many talented mages who later founded their own well-known guilds. Roubaul's stance smelled like a bad play, even if Wendy didn't want to leave at first, making that claim gave him the upper hand.
"I don't know Fairy Tail well, and I don't know you," Roubaul said slowly and sincerely. "That kid Jellal entrusted this girl to me. I can't just let you take her away."
Wendy opened her mouth but found no words. Moen too fell silent — Roubaul's reasoning was a knockout punch. Even if Moen had a "Natsu, son of a dragon" card to play, it wouldn't change things now. Put another way, Moen found himself agreeing with Roubaul's position; had the roles been reversed, he might have done the same. He felt respect for the old man's decision.
"So, Roubaul," Moen asked after a pause, calm again, "you mean if I can make you understand more about Fairy Tail, or if I find Jellal and he personally says it's okay, then Wendy can leave with me? Is that it?"
Roubaul looked surprised at Moen's persistence — he hadn't expected the kid to be so determined — but he didn't waver. If Moen could prove Fairy Tail worthy, or bring Jellal back to confirm the arrangement, then Roubaul would allow Wendy to go.
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