Magnolia, located in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Fiore, was home to a population of sixty thousand. At the heart of the city stood the towering Chaldea Cathedral, and just beyond it, the only mage guild in town: Fairy Tail.
August and Lyla strolled leisurely through the city streets. Magnolia, as expected of the guild's home, was brimming with vitality. The magic shops lining the roads were not only larger than those in other towns but were also stocked with the latest merchandise straight out of the Weekly Sorcerer. If it was trending, you'd find it here.
From the entrance road, one could already see the guild building standing proudly at the end of a straight avenue. Lyla couldn't help but muse, This whole street was probably built just for Gildarts to charge through.
Still, Magnolia seemed to be in its "normal mode." Gildarts was likely away on a mission.
"Boss, is there some festival coming up? The streets are so festive," Lyla asked one of the magic shop owners, eyes drifting toward the decorations outside.
"Oh, you two must be from out of town! This is our annual Harvest Festival," the shopkeeper explained with a warm smile. "Fairy Tail's holding their famous Phantom Parade in three days. You're lucky to have arrived just in time! Sure, they cause their fair share of property damage, but we still love 'em. The parade is always a blast!"
All along the streets, shops were stringing up colorful balloons and streamers, setting the mood for celebration. Every storefront was being dressed with care, and the whole town seemed to come alive with energy.
Street stalls had popped up on both sides of the road, some selling Fairy Tail merchandise, others offering mini-games like ring toss and magical shooting galleries. There was even a traveling circus preparing for a street performance.
Children raced through the streets dressed as mages, chasing a "monster." One boy, wearing a pointy hat marked with a heart, a fluttering cape, and wielding a wooden wand, chased after another child in a monster costume, along with a puppy wearing a matching mini-hat. Their laughter echoed joyfully through the city.
Passersby chatted excitedly about last year's Harvest Festival and how this one looked to be even better.
"Certainly does feel like the perfect time to visit," August said with a rare smile, gazing fondly at the lively crowd.
"Grandpa, we need to come early on parade day, okay? I heard the whole town comes out for it. I want a front-row spot!" Lyla was practically vibrating with excitement as he ogled the limited-edition Fairy Tail merchandise. Just a few more years and they'll all be in the guild. I'm gonna buy every piece of merch I can!
"No worries," chimed in a passerby beside them. "The viewing area's huge. You'll get a good spot no matter what. Or just climb up to a rooftop, best seats in the house!"
"Really? Awesome!" Lyla cheered, then sighed. "But once it's over... that's it. Kinda sad, huh?"
"Not at all. There'll be recording lacrimas! That magic shop over there has them every year. You can rewatch the whole thing," the uncle-like man added helpfully, pointing toward an old store down the street.
"Grandpa, how much money do we have left?" Lyla turned, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"None. Don't even think about it." August didn't even look his way. He already knew what that gaze meant and shut it down immediately.
"Aww... fine." Lyla slumped in defeat. I'll earn some money later and come back for it all.
August smiled slightly. "It really is a good time to be here. The energy of this place is refreshing."
Meanwhile, in another part of town, an elderly man in a light-yellow cloak bearing the Fairy Tail insignia walked side by side with his grandson, a boy wearing a red shirt with a yellow lightning bolt and blue pants.
"Grandpa, aren't you joining the parade this year?" the boy asked eagerly.
"This is your time to shine. I'll be cheering from the sidelines," the old man replied.
"But how will I find you in the crowd?"
"That's not important."
"Then during the parade... I'll do this!" The boy raised his finger straight into the air like a signal.
"What's that gesture supposed to mean?"
"It's a message, for you!"
"Even if I don't spot you, I'll always carry proof that I'm watching over you."
"Laxus..." the old man murmured, eyes misting as he looked at his grandson's bright smile. His chest swelled with pride and affection.
"You better watch closely, Grandpa!"
A short distance away, August closed his eyes and deactivated his God Ear Magic. The moment Makarov had appeared, he had locked onto his position and activated his spell. He was curious to see for himself what kind of man led Fairy Tail these days.
Inside the guild, members were busy preparing for the parade, coordinating participants, finalizing float themes, assigning performers to their respective positions. Carriages were being decorated, magic lights adjusted, and props checked with meticulous attention.
As final preparations wrapped up, excitement surged through the town. Locals and visitors alike buzzed with anticipation, eager to lose themselves in the joy and spectacle of the magical celebration. The whole city seemed to be counting down, ready to welcome the one-of-a-kind event.
"Grandpa, where are we staying tonight?" Lyla asked later that evening.
"We'll stay in Phoenix Blossom Village, it's quite famous."
"Wait, what? I thought you said we were broke! How can we afford a place like that?"
"I said you're broke. I'm not."
"You tricked a child's fragile heart!"
"If you don't want to come, I'll go alone."
"Don't! I'm coming, I'm coming!"
Phoenix Blossom Village sat to the west of Magnolia and was known for its traditional charm. The streets were lined with wooden buildings in classic Japanese style. Red-glazed tile roofs, wind chimes on windows, and paper lanterns swaying in the breeze gave the town a peaceful, elegant air.
Locals wore kimono and yukata as they strolled through the streets. The entire village radiated quiet grace, like a hidden treasure from a bygone era.
There were many cozy izakaya and inns, offering regional delicacies and specialty hot spring dishes. But the highlight was the onsen street, a row of steaming bathhouses where visitors could relax and enjoy a soak, letting the healing waters melt their fatigue away.
"Lyla, tomorrow we'll head into the eastern forest. I want to find that healer mage and see if they can help with your condition."
"Ahhh... now this is living," Lyla sighed blissfully, soaking in a steaming hot spring. "Wait, what did you just say?"
"I said," August replied calmly, "I haven't exercised in a while. Tomorrow, "
"Okay, okay, I heard you! Can't you let me enjoy the moment in peace?" Lyla groaned, cutting him off before he could finish. Jeez... he always catches on.
Poluchka… I wonder if she can really help me.
Later that evening, they visited a cozy tavern called Super Express, one of Phoenix Blossom's most popular local gems. Behind the counter stood a silent, kind-hearted chef with a ridiculously tall forehead, an iconic eight-shaped mustache, and an endless habit of nodding.
"Wait a sec... this chef looks way too familiar!" Lyla blurted out, eyeing him suspiciously.
The chef served up their food while switching the tavern's lacrima jukebox to a relaxing track. The whole atmosphere was perfect, warm lighting, gentle music, and delicious smells wafting from the kitchen.
Even as the place filled with customers, the chef continued nodding, head bobbing tirelessly while cooking.
After dinner, Lyla and August returned to the inn to rest, the sounds of the night mingling with laughter and distant festival preparations.
<150 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter>