She was at least someone who knew when to bend and when to stand tall. In front of someone stronger than herself, she immediately chose to bow her head.
Kabe looked back at her. The moment their eyes met, Karen's gaze flickered and dodged.
He had no idea how much sincerity was hidden in this woman's apology.
However, since the client had already spoken up and she had shown enough attitude, Kabe was willing to give both of them some face.
He immediately switched to a bright, friendly smile, as if nothing had happened at all, and said politely:
"Haha, since it was just a misunderstanding, there is no need for apologies. Besides, speaking of which, your guild master Bob was once a member of Fairy Tail in his younger days. He and our old man share a bond forged on the battlefield. Our guilds are genuine brother guilds. Between brothers, there is no need for sorry."
Babitt was no fool. He had been looking down on Kabe and Mirajane just moments ago, but after seeing the strength Kabe displayed, his attitude warmed up quickly.
"Is that so? So the two guilds have such a connection. Miss Karen, has Master Bob ever mentioned this?"
The topic was tossed right back to Karen.
Looking at Kabe's harmless, sunny smile, Karen felt her insides twist with anger, but she still had to force a smile.
"Y-yes, I have heard the master mention it a few times."
"Hahaha, what a remarkable little secret that is. Come, everyone, for the friendship between Fairy Tail and Blue Pegasus, let us drink a toast."
Babitt laughed heartily and raised his glass in proposal.
Out of respect for him, everyone lifted their glasses.
"To friendship."
Mirajane imitated the others and raised her glass high, then took a tentative sip with a frown.
The next second, she stuck out her tongue with a bitter face, then subconsciously glanced toward Kabe.
Just in time to catch him turning to look at her as well.
Their gazes met in midair. Kabe blinked, then raised his brows at her in a playful, teasing way.
For no reason at all, Mirajane felt her cheeks heat up. She hurriedly put her wineglass down, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers as she lowered her head and dodged his gaze.
Her little flustered movements filled Kabe with smug satisfaction. He took another leisurely sip of wine, savoring it.
Little Mira, completely in the palm of my hand.
...
Once the toast was done and a round of wine went down, the small conflict between him and Karen was temporarily laid to rest, thanks largely to Babitt stepping up to act as peacemaker.
After some meaningless chatter and a few rounds of empty pleasantries, Babitt finally came to the main topic.
He lifted his hands from the table and the servants at his side immediately stepped forward to clear away the leftover dishes.
Seeing this, Kabe and the others sensibly set down their knives and forks, allowing the maids to remove the plates which, truth be told, no one had eaten much from.
"Everyone."
Once the table was cleaned, Babitt placed both hands on it and leaned forward slightly, his expression turning serious.
"I am sure you all have a lot of questions about this mission. So I will give you a detailed explanation."
Since it was about the request itself, everyone perked up and listened carefully.
"First, regarding our target this time... that beautiful mermaid, I saw her with my own eyes. Five days ago, when my private cruiser arrived near Hargeon, I was lucky enough to spot that beautiful figure out at sea.
I am a man who lives for collecting rare things. A mermaid, a being that should only exist in fairy tales, is undoubtedly the most precious treasure in this world, bar none.
So I hope there will be no dispute between you. I want you all to work together in harmony. Once the job is done, I will pay each of you one million J."
A sharp hiss of collective breath swept around the table.
Karen, the Bart brothers, and even Kabe and Mirajane were shocked by Babitt's generosity.
He had casually offered a reward on par with S-class missions. It was hard for mages of their level not to be tempted by that.
The more impulsive Wright sprang to his feet first, unable to hold back.
"Lord Babitt, you can leave this mission to us brothers. My brother and I are top-tier water mages. Catching one little mermaid will be a piece of cake."
"Wright!"
Bart could not stand his little brother's recklessness. He immediately scolded him.
Only after Wright sat back down with a sullen expression did Bart nod toward Babitt and apologize.
"I am very sorry, Lord Babitt. Wright is always a bit impulsive. He does not quite understand proper manners."
Babitt magnanimously waved a hand, as if these formalities did not concern him.
Bart nodded in thanks, then shifted smoothly.
"But one thing he said is true. The sea is our territory. As long as the position you give us is accurate, my brother and I will definitely be able to invite the young lady of the sea to your manor safe and sound."
"Do not worry. My men have been monitoring that part of the sea all this time. I will not let the two of you return empty-handed."
Babitt replied with the same confidence, and then did not forget to name the others.
"Of course, Mr. Kabe, Miss Karen, and Miss Mirajane's assistance will also be indispensable."
"I am not good at fighting on the water, but supporting from the sidelines is no problem."
In front of a million, Karen clearly had no intention of backing out.
After that, everyone's attention naturally shifted to Kabe and Mirajane.
To be honest, Mirajane was quite conflicted inside.
To catch a free mermaid and treat her as a pet or a slave, locked up as a collector's item, did not feel like a good thing at all to her.
But the authority over this mission lay in Kabe's hands. All she could do was turn those hopeful eyes toward the boy who was not that tall, yet somehow made people feel incredibly at ease, and wait for his decision.
"There is nothing much to say. Since we accepted the job, fulfilling the client's request is our duty as mages. However, we have been traveling the whole day. I hope you will allow us to rest for one night first. We can make concrete arrangements in the morning."
"But of course. A mermaid may be precious, but there is no need to rush."
Babitt nodded in agreement with a hearty smile.
"Then it is settled. Rest well tonight, everyone. Tomorrow I will be counting on your skills."
With that, he summoned his butler and instructed him to escort the mages to their rooms.
After rising to thank Babitt, everyone turned and followed the butler out of the dining hall.
...
The manor was large, more than spacious enough to provide five rooms for five people.
Yet Bart and Wright showed a certain unspoken understanding and only asked for one room between them.
Likewise, Kabe and Mirajane only took one.
After exchanging a few polite "good nights," the three parties each returned to their own rooms.