In the study, Jude Heartfilia sat behind a large mahogany desk, his expression stern and focused.
He wore a well-tailored dark grey suit, his tie impeccably knotted, exuding an aura of authority without needing to raise his voice.
His face was sharply chiseled, and his eyes were as keen as blades.
At this moment, he was intensely discussing the Heartfilia Merchant Guild's future development plans with its senior executives.
The meeting lasted for a long time, and it wasn't until the other guild managers had left that Howard gently knocked on the door and entered the study.
He bowed slightly, his tone respectful: "Sir, the young lady has something she wishes to ask your permission for."
Jude looked up, his brows slightly furrowed: "Lucy? What does she want?"
Howard relayed Lucy's words, his tone a little cautious: "The young lady wishes to accompany the caravan to the Northern Lands, saying it's to search for the horologium Celestial Spirit key, and also... to take a break and clear her mind."
Jude was silent for a moment, his fingers lightly tapping the table, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
He murmured softly: "This child... has she really grown restless?"
Howard hesitated, then reminded him softly: "Sir, the Northern Lands are indeed dangerous, and the young lady seems very resistant to the marriage alliance you mentioned before. This trip, will she..."
Jude waved his hand, cutting Howard off.
He rubbed his temples, his voice tinged with fatigue: "Let's discuss the marriage alliance when she comes of age. If she wants to go out and see the world now, then let her do it. In two years, she might not have the chance."
Having said that, he looked up, his gaze firm: "Howard, send a message to the caravan. Give those four guards an additional 200,000 J as remuneration. They must ensure Lucy's safety."
Howard nodded in acknowledgment: "Yes, Sir."
In the living room, Lucy was waiting anxiously. She paced back and forth incessantly, unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her eyes occasionally glancing towards the study.
Her mood was a mix of anticipation and apprehension, like a small bird trapped in a cage, longing to spread its wings and fly, yet worried that the cage door would not open for her.
Finally, Howard's figure appeared at the end of the corridor.
Lucy immediately went to meet him, her eyes full of expectation: "Uncle Howard, what did Father say?"
Howard smiled slightly, his tone gentle: "Young lady, Sir has agreed. However, he instructed that you must follow the caravan's arrangements and not act on your own."
A flicker of surprise crossed Lucy's eyes, and she nodded quickly: "I know! Thank you, Uncle Howard!"
With that, she picked up her suitcase and hurried towards the dock.
Her steps were light, as if she had shed all her burdens, her golden hair fluttering in the wind, like a dazzling ray of light.
At this time, the transport ship was ready to set sail, and Ezreal and others stood on the deck, waving goodbye to Allen.
Just as the ship was about to leave the dock, the blonde girl finally arrived.
Lucy rode in a magic car specially provided by the Heartfilia Merchant Guild, speeding towards the dock.
Although the relationship between father and daughter was strained, it was far from as exaggerated as it was at the beginning of the original story, so Lucy's current food, clothing, and shelter were perfectly suited for a young lady of means.
A private car, a dedicated driver, and a personal maid were all provided.
The latest model of the magic four-wheeled vehicle was luxuriously decorated, its wheels rubbing against the ground with a harsh screech, and the car body drifted sharply at the last bend, stopping steadily at the edge of the dock.
The moment the car door opened, Lucy quickly jumped out, her golden hair fluttering in the wind, complementing her bright, girlish smile, making her appear exceptionally radiant.
"Hurry, the ship's about to leave!" Lucy urged the maid behind her, while quickly walking towards the boarding ramp.
The surrounding Heartfilia Merchant Guild members bowed to Lucy in greeting.
The maid, who was about 20 years old, carried her suitcase and followed closely behind her.
"Young lady, please slow down!" the maid said breathlessly, but Lucy's pace did not slacken in the slightest.
She lightly jumped onto the gangplank, turned back and waved to the maid: "Thank you! Just put my luggage in the room!"
The maid nodded helplessly, watching Lucy quickly board the deck.
At the same time, Ezreal, Levy, Jet, and Droy were standing on the deck, waving goodbye to Allen.
The ship vibrated slightly, and the engine, powered by magic crystal, emitted a low rumble, indicating that the ship was about to set sail.
"It seems our travel team is getting a new member," Ezreal said, a slight smile playing on his lips as he caught sight of Lucy.
The grand sight of the port workers uniformly bowing to the blonde girl made it hard not to notice her.
Levy pushed up her glasses, looking curiously at Lucy: "Is that... the young lady of the Heartfilia family?"
"Looks like it," Droy stroked his chin, a flicker of excitement in his eyes, "I heard she's a Celestial Spirit Mage!"
Ezreal looked at Droy with some surprise, "Where did you hear she's a Celestial Spirit Mage?"
Droy pulled out a book with a golden iris emblem from his pocket and shook it, "'History of the Heartfilia Merchant Guild Development,' I grabbed it from the reception room. It says that for four hundred years, the direct bloodline of the Heartfilia family has all been excellent Celestial Spirit Mages."
Ezreal was shocked, "You actually read a book?"
Droy's eyes widened, and the bean sprout on his head trembled, "This is me learning from Levy!"
Jet, on the other hand, shrugged indifferently: "Who cares who she is, as long as she doesn't cause us trouble."
Lucy quickly walked up to the group, slightly out of breath, a hint of apology on her face: "Sorry, I'm late! I'm Lucy Heartfilia, please take care of me!"
Ezreal smiled and extended his hand: "Ezreal, a Mage of Fairy Tail. These are my companions, Levy, Jet, and Droy."
Lucy shook Ezreal's hand, a flicker of surprise in her eyes: "Fairy Tail? You're that guild that's been making a name for itself recently?"
Levy nodded, her tone gentle: "Yes, we were entrusted by the Heartfilia Merchant Guild this time to escort the caravan safely."
Lucy showed a brilliant smile: "That's great! With you all here, this journey is sure to go smoothly!"
Just then, Mr. Charlotte, the caravan leader who had been busy on the ship in the back after a brief greeting with Allen that morning, hurried over.
He was a tall, stern-faced middle-aged man, dressed in a crisp black suit, with the Heartfilia Merchant Guild's emblem pinned to his chest.
"Young lady, you finally made it," Charlotte bowed slightly, his tone respectful but with a hint of reproach, "Next time, please be sure to notify us in advance, so as not to delay the itinerary."
Lucy stuck out her tongue, saying somewhat sheepishly: "Sorry, Mr. Charlotte, I'll be more careful next time."
Charlotte nodded, then turned to Ezreal and the others: "Gentlemen, I just received a notification from Sir. The commission will be additionally increased by 200,000 J, but on the condition that you must ensure the young lady's personal safety."
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