All members of Mermaid's Heel performed exceptionally;
Fairy Tail maintained stability;
Blue Pegasus as expected, Lamia Scale was decent, though the two presidents were a bit eye-catching;
Rays of the Rising Sun had Yeluo'er and Jimmy to hold the scene;
Sabertooth was really lacking after Yukino and Minerva left, too few female mages, and even fewer beauties.
Rhode glanced around, surprisingly feeling overwhelmed: "Unexpectedly, those tomboyish and earthy girls usually look so beautiful in glamorous dresses."
"Because they are mages, convenience is usually the priority for everyone." Mira not only didn't stop Rhode from looking at beauties but also helped him find highlights, "Look, how beautifully Kagura is dressed."
Rhode nodded: "Indeed... the contrast is so striking from usual, such a sudden change is quite stunning."
Mira pointed at a red-haired woman watching a delicate dessert with Mebius, Wendy, and Sherria: "Then what do you think of Erza?"
Rhode thought for a moment and replied: "Very ordinary, doesn't she usually wear anything."
Mira nodded, thoughtfully saying: "So it's like that, men lose interest in outfits they can see easily, lacking novelty."
Rhode: "!"
No, this doesn't sound right!
Mira concluded: "So as a wife, one shouldn't recklessly satisfy a husband's erratic demands."
Rhode's smile froze: "Is that right?"
Mira smiled sweetly: "Isn't it?"
"Not right, not right."
"Where is it not right?"
"..." Rhode couldn't speak, this seemed inappropriate for a discussion at the royal palace banquet.
He bewailed: "My wife, you've turned bad! Who turned her into this?!"
Mira sweetly smiled: "What do you think?"
The couple soon couldn't chat so lightly, because waves of mages flocked around them.
At first, it was acquaintances from a few guilds, then Mira's fans.
Then presidents from various guilds came—they found out the origin of those purple shields and bugs last night and came to express their thanks.
Because during the melee, indeed many people were saved by that thin layer of shield.
Rhode politely greeted them.
The banquet atmosphere became increasingly lively, the King clearly understood these mages—just providing a venue, good food, and fine wine sufficed for them to enjoy themselves without special hosting.
Princess Jade, dressed elegantly, entered quietly with Yukino amidst this atmosphere, many didn't even realize the two beauties passing by included a princess.
Originally, Jade intended to walk towards Rhode and Mira, seeing them seem busy, she chatted with Jude and Lucy instead.
She didn't seem to have any special task, just purely to enjoy the mages' gathering.
Rhode inadvertently glanced over there, noticing Stinger and Rogue with their two cats bow to Yukino, saying something.
Yukino shook her head, showing an apologetic smile.
Then Stinger left dejectedly.
There seems to be a story, have to inquire later.
On the dais upstairs, Arcadios knocked on the railing with the sword scabbard, speaking loudly: "Ladies and gentlemen, please silence, His Majesty is about to arrive!"
The King's face was significant, the mages in the venue quieted down, even those fighting stopped immediately.
Arcadios cleared his throat: "To thank everyone for the gallant fighting, His Majesty will personally come and console, please wait solemnly."
The noisy venue suddenly became orderly, many people spontaneously returned to their own guild's group.
Though not in neat formation, the attitude was clearly serious.
Rhode couldn't react for a moment, upon reflection, realized even big guild mages usually hardly had a chance to see the King.
The past few days visiting the royal palace was too casual, plus the King wasn't pretentious, making him overlook this point.
Theoretically, seeing the King in such formal events should involve reverent salutes.
Couldn't greet informally like in private encounters.
Arcadios said: "Moreover, His Majesty will personally award the winning team of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts—Fairy Tail B Team, the six contestants please prepare!"
The six naturally referred to Rhode, Mira, Laxus, Gajeel, Jubia, and Wendy.
Rhode and Mira finally managed to extricate themselves.
Laxus also broke away from a group of young admirers.
Fried watched Laxus leave admiringly, then glared resentfully at the admirers.
Gajeel came over chewing a fork, undoubtedly Jubia came from Gray's side.
Wendy was so happy she jogged over and then slid to Rhode's feet with a flying leap.
"It hurts." Wendy said in such a monotonous tone that it sounded like habitual complaining.
"Be careful, the floor is a bit slippery." Mira helped Wendy up, carefully arranging her clothes and hair.
Rhode increasingly wanted a daughter like this.
Soon, footsteps resounded from the corridor leading to the dais.
A crown-wearing figure walked out unhurriedly, mages prepared to salute.
However, 'the King' let out a hearty laugh with full vigor: "Everyone, just rise! Ahahaha..."
It was Natsu who emerged, not the King!
Somehow Natsu got hold of the King's crown and outfit!
The mages collectively crashed, Fairy Tail's mages were indeed too bold.
Wearing royal robes and a crown on such an occasion would be considered treasonous, completely justifying immediate arrest!
Erza, Gray and others covered their faces, Macao gaped, Lucy seemed to want to shout at Natsu to come down but couldn't find her voice, Makarov covered his heart.
The entire venue fell silent, then erupted into chaos: "That idiot, what's he doing?!"
"No matter how you see it, this is too much, right?"
"He'll be killed for this!"
Arcadios struggled to recover from shock, drew his sword at once: "Simply... simply outrageous!"
"Seize him!" The Minister of State and a group of guards emerged from behind, some rushing to grab Natsu, some to take the crown.
Uncertain if it was due to their status or fear of damaging the King's clothes, although they acted, their force seemed lacking.
So Natsu ignored them, continuing to wave his arms and call to the assembly below:
"I am the King! And now, I'll present the awards! Uh... what's the procedure again? Whatever, Rhode, you guys hurry up and come get the trophy!"
Mira covered her mouth, laughing: "So, are you going to accept the award?"
"Of course we are." Rhode cracked his knuckles, "And maybe give him a red packet too!"