The shadow ninja who had received the order bowed respectfully and retreated; his figure slowly dissolved into the darkness as if he had never appeared.
"Is that your magic?" Erza asked, curiously tapping the shadow on the floor and finding it no different from usual.
She truly couldn't tell how the other party hid inside a shadow…
"It's my magic. The Shadow Legion can summon nine different types of war-bands—those just now were the ninja unit," Aurel said, taking a sip of coffee.
"They're weak in raw power, but they're perfect as attendants."
It wasn't that he refused to use the other eight legions; compared with those strangely shaped troops, the human-shaped ninja unit was simply more convenient.
Whether it was cleaning and tidying, or serving tea and snacks…
After enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea, Erza stretched. Her sleeveless white shirt switched in an instant into knight's armor.
"Leisure time ends here. I still need to go back to the dorm and sort my luggage. Also—"
Erza's scarlet hair rippled in the wind as she glanced at Aurel and smiled lightly. "Thanks for the treat today, Aurel."
Beyond the Gourmet Napkin that could produce endless strawberry cake, this newcomer's strength had given her a pleasant surprise.
After all, the stronger the comrades, the better it was for the guild's fame and growth.
"No need to be so formal, Erza-san."
Aurel snapped his fingers. The waiting shadow ninja swiftly boxed up the remaining strawberry cake and presented it with both hands.
"See you tomorrow, then."
Erza didn't refuse; she accepted the cake, turned toward the door, and left—trailing a whole cart of luggage behind her.
"Pretty great, right? The guild's Queen of the Fairies!" Mirajane leaned over the bar, chin in her hands, smiling. "Don't let her stern face fool you—her popularity here is sky-high~"
"I remember Loke once tried to court Erza," Levy said casually, cupping a steaming mug and sneaking side glances at the boy beside her, clearly watching his reaction. "He got beaten half to death."
"Half to death is a bit much—Erza left him a breath," Mirajane corrected.
"…Poor Loke," Aurel muttered after a brief silence, genuinely sympathizing.
Seeing the look on Aurel's face, Mirajane relaxed and began to hum a cheerful tune.
...
Near dusk, the soft, dimming sky sank lower; clouds like burning embers hung high, and seabirds wheeled above the riverbank, calling clear and bright.
After saying goodbye to Mirajane, Aurel and Levy left the guild together to head home for a proper rest.
Halfway there, Levy suddenly remembered she'd forgotten her toiletries and bedding, so she hurried back to the girls' dorm.
"So peaceful," Aurel murmured.
Walking along the raised river parapet, a cool breeze lifted his black bangs, and he stifled a yawn.
It was rare to have time to idle alone like this…
Watching the ripples glitter across the water, his pace slowed as he took in the scenery.
"Hey, kid—careful you don't fall! It's real deep here!" a friendly uncle shouted from a wooden boat gliding down the center of the river.
"Thanks for the warning, sir," Aurel replied with a smile and a nod.
It seemed this town was not only beautiful but its residents were awfully kind to newcomers.
Well—aside from the Fairy Tail members who kept stirring up trouble in town.
Thinking of that, Aurel felt lucky he'd stamped the guild mark on his shoulder instead of the back of his hand.
...
Following the wide riverbank for more than ten minutes, Aurel reached his rented house.
It was evening; across the way, South Gate Park was already lively with people out for after-dinner strolls, the playful noise carrying even to his side.
He pushed open the wooden door, took off his coat, and headed upstairs to the bedroom.
Creak—
When he opened the door, he saw Mini-Dora sprawled asleep on the bed. Aurel could only shake his head.
That little thing could really sleep…
They'd been home two days, and it was still out.
He pinched the bell collar at its neck and gave it a gentle shake, rousing it quickly.
"Dora-la…" Mini-Dora rubbed its sleepy eyes, listless, swaying on its feet.
The very picture of not fully awake.
"Forget it—wake up on your own first…" Aurel looked away and snapped his fingers again. "Shadow Legion."
At the cue, a shadow ninja appeared and handed over a suitcase, then turned to smoke and vanished again.
The suitcase was heavy—likely packed full of cash.
He popped the metal latches. Bundles of green Jewels were stacked neat and tight—at least several tens of millions J, at a glance.
"This makes way more than taking S-class jobs."
Not long ago, Aurel had sent two shadow ninjas to buy a gold bar, then used the Enlarging Lamp to scale it up several times before selling it to a dark guild at well below market price.
Of course, the shadow ninjas wore cloaks the whole time, and even their conversations were done by writing on a slate.
"So which dark guild did you sell to?" Aurel asked, sitting down and pinching his chin in curiosity.
"Iron Forest."
A shadow ninja raised his board. The answer made Aurel blink.
Wasn't that the first dark guild to show up when the plot began?
"I'm coming in!"
Just then, Levy's energetic voice floated up from downstairs, followed by quick footfalls on the stairs.
She pushed the door open with practiced ease, a stack of books in her arms—titles Aurel had never seen before.
Though… why did one cover look so much like Mira-nee?
(End of Chapter)
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