To change the subject from this rather ominous topic, Rhode relayed the girls' activities to Erza.
As expected, Erza got excited upon hearing this and immediately activated her Requip Magic.
The twin swords and armor vanished, replaced by a black bikini.
With one hand on her hip, she casually asked, "How about this?"
"The black swimsuit suits you," Rhode commented calmly, "but this is a bath party, not a swimming party."
"True, so... how about this?" Erza seriously pondered and then changed again, her long red hair piled atop her head, wearing only a towel.
The top exposed the northern hemisphere, the bottom revealed her thighs.
Rhode gave a thumbs-up; indeed, Erza could come up with such an earnest answer.
Having received confirmation, Erza waved her hand and headed to the bathroom: "I'll just wait for them inside."
Macao and Wakaba floated over, gave Rhode a thumbs-up, and then floated back to wipe their nosebleeds.
Rhode: "..."
Two old perverts, acting like I'm the one who encouraged Erza to do this.
The girls came back to the guild, carrying small baskets, and walked lightly into the bathroom.
Only Laki brought an extra wolf-tooth hammer and placed it on Macao and Wakaba's table with a thud.
But Laki said nothing, leaving them with just a look to fathom on their own.
Having been companions for years, Macao and Wakaba knew well that Laki hated lecherous people and loved various torture devices and terrifying weapons. If combined...
The two broke out in a cold sweat.
Those with good hearing gradually began to hear the sound of water and joyous laughter.
If Wolian were at the guild now, he'd probably be fantasizing, face flushed.
Even if he isn't there, someone is still sneakily glancing at Rhode and Alzack, then turning dejected.
These two annoying married men seriously impede their fun.
But the guild never lacks those filled with courage.
Natsu enthusiastically approached Gray: "Wanna take a peek?"
With Asuka taken to the bathhouse by Bisca, Natsu was bored and looking for mischief.
Gray's heart raced but declined: "Forget it, we'd get killed."
"You mean Erza? No worries, we'll give them a scare and then run off right away."
"If Erza seriously wants to hunt you down, she could Requip and rush out in less than a second. Besides, it's not just Erza who's dangerous."
Natsu seriously considered which other dangerous figures were among the girls and confidently said:
"No need to fear, Mira almost egg-bound, can't fight recently. Later we'll split up and run, at most only one person will be caught by Erza."
He truly believed a little prank wouldn't be an issue, even considering enlisting others.
Just then, Rhode was opening letters, and the one in hand happened to be a designated task.
"Natsu, Gray, come over here!"
"Wha... What? " ×2
Both of them displayed guilty expressions, Gray thinking he was doomed, Natsu thinking his plot had been discovered.
Rhode waved the letter in his hand: "There's a designated task for you two, to eliminate a giant wild boar."
The giant wild boar, or perhaps wild boar man, is about the size of a giant, ferocious and tough-skinned.
Ordinary mages would struggle against it, not only ineffective in attacks but possibly facing life-threatening danger.
But Natsu and Gray should be fine.
"No problem."
"Leave it to me."
These two guys had vowed to never team up again, but now, feeling guilty, they forgot their own words.
Natsu called on Hapi, Hapi reminded Gray to put on clothes, and Gray took the task sheet, and all three went out the door.
Rhode picked up another letter from the Council.
He pondered, recalling the lamentable incident when the president damaged the bridge; he wondered which dear comrade prepared a surprise for him this time.
Upon opening, he discovered it was addressed to him specifically.
A few days ago, the Council had encircled the Thief's Guild Mercury's Hand, but unfortunately, interrogation yielded no valid information about the client.
The Assassin's Guild situation was similar, so the Council apologized to Rhode for failing to uncover the truth.
Rhode recalled those two thieves, one trying to steal his necklace, the other trying to take Lucy's keys.
Even having Gemini help couldn't uncover it due to anonymity; the Council couldn't find out anything either.
However, Rhode now knew it was Future Rogue's mischief, yet couldn't inform the Council.
They were so courteous, Rhode felt a bit embarrassed.
As compensation, Rhode could only answer some subsequent questions—concerning Flame Dragon Atlas Frey, Natsu's dry uncle.
But there wasn't much to respond to, since when Atlas Frey left the Royal Capital, even he didn't know where he wanted to go.
Rhode knew even less about his whereabouts.
After thinking it over, Rhode could only describe Atlas Frey's characteristics, abilities, and magical power as thoroughly as possible.
And specifically noted that the dragon was trustworthy, that it was fine for them to observe or communicate, but warned them against actions that could be misunderstood.
Later, the girls emerged spiritedly from the bath, evidently having had a great time.
However, Wendy seemed in low spirits, apparently from a blow.
Carla, taking herself as a cat, didn't mind these issues much. Reby cuddled Wendy comfortingly, also soothing herself.
And Lucy, flushed face, was intentionally or unintentionally covering her chest.
Kana hooked her shoulder, a wicked smile on her face.
Rhode caught a familiar aroma and curiously asked, "What's up with Lucy?"
Mira whispered a few sentences in Rhode's ear.
"Hiss..." Rhode expressed an eye-opener, "Do girls play such stimulating games together?"
Mira asked, "So what games do you guys play together?"
Rhode pondered, "See who can pee the farthest?"
Mira's face reddened a bit and she scorned, "That's gross!"
"It's childhood fun!" Rhode argued, "How can childhood mischief be considered gross?"
He truly hadn't played in years; now at public restrooms, he'd leave a space between others.
"Still gross." Mira thought for a moment, then fiercely declared, "In future, don't let our son play that game."
"Haha." Rhode chuckled, not commenting further; his wife had voiced it, so he'd surely play that with their son in the future.
Rhode organized the processed documents and put them down: "Everything's pretty much settled; I'll head out for a bit, should be back by night."
Mira asked, "Going where?"
"Sabertooth." Rhode replied, "Time to deliver the Magic Crystal to them."
Mira pondered and said, "I remember the grapes near their guild are good, slightly sour, buy some on your way back."
"No problem!"