"Our two months are up, so we must bid you farewell. It is time for us to return to the Guild," Raizel announced, speaking on behalf of the trio as they stood before Jessica and the other teachers.
Jessica and her colleagues stood to see them off.
"Thank you so much for everything. I believe the children will always cherish these memories."
"That would make us very happy, too," Erza and Ultear replied with soft smiles.
The next morning, the farewells continued at the school gate.
"Goodbye, Ultear-sensei! Raizel-sensei! Erza-sensei!" The children gathered in a crowd, shouting their goodbyes.
"Keep studying hard. We'll come back to visit if we get the chance!" Erza waved as they turned to leave.
As the three mages gradually disappeared from the children's sight, Ultear gazed up at the sky with a look of nostalgia already forming on her face.
"After teaching for nearly two months, I actually feel quite reluctant to leave."
"Me too," Erza agreed, pulling her suitcase behind her. It was stuffed with gifts from the children—mostly drawings and handmade crafts.
"It was my first time being a teacher. It was tiring, but remarkably rewarding."
Raizel hadn't expected the teaching stint to last this long, but seeing how motivated Ultear and Erza were, he had happily been swept up in their enthusiasm.
"Before we leave town, we should go thank Mr. Alfred," Ultear suggested.
"Agreed," Erza and Raizel nodded.
During their stay, Alfred—the wealthiest man in town—had heard about the trio volunteering to teach the children.
In a gesture of support, he had arranged their accommodation, providing them with a well-appointed three-bedroom apartment.
Upon arriving at Alfred's address, Raizel was surprised.
He could hardly believe this was the residence of a tycoon; it was an ordinary single-story house, barely different from the unit Alfred had lent them.
They met Alfred, a robust man in his fifties with slicked-back graying hair and a thick beard.
He was talkative and kind, waving away their thanks with a laugh.
After a warm farewell, the trio finally embarked on their journey to the train station. They decided to walk, realizing they hadn't explored the area much during their busy two-month stay.
The trip took longer than anticipated, but Raizel had already updated Makarov via communication crystal, so there was no need to rush.
...
On the Mountain path to home——
A figure appeared on the path ahead of Raizel, Ultear, and Erza.
He walked steadily, leaning on a magic staff.
He had long, wavy white hair, a thick beard, and wore a black cloak bearing the Alvarez Empire's insignia over a white robe.
Erza and Ultear didn't sense anything unusual initially.
However, standing on either side of Raizel, they suddenly felt his entire body stiffen.
His expression shifted to one of unprecedented gravity—a look of sheer terror they had never seen on his face before.
"What's wrong, Raizel?" Erza and Ultear frowned, turning to look at him.
"Hah—" Raizel exhaled deeply, forcing his body to relax. "It's nothing."
The old man was slowly approaching.
He emitted no intimidating aura, nor did he burst with magical pressure. In fact, his face radiated kindness and benevolence.
But Raizel's mind was screaming.
'Magic King. August.'
Only Raizel knew the terrifying reality hidden within this seemingly kind old man.
His power stood at the pinnacle of humanity, forming the twin pillars of the Alvarez Empire alongside Irene Belserion.
Among the Spriggan 12, only these two were true "Spriggans"—monsters in their own league.
The other ten were merely shields in comparison.
Raizel knew the history: in the original timeline, if August hadn't met Mavis and chosen to end his own life, even the mighty Gildarts would not have been able to defeat him, not even if he was given a hundred chances.
'Why is he here?'
August was currently traveling through Ishgar and the Alvarez Empire, searching for his emperor—the father he couldn't bring himself to address as such—Zeref.
He was also scouting for talented individuals suitable for magic training.
With Zeref absent from the Empire, August had no desire to stay there and deal with the likes of Larcade Dragneel.
He had approached the trio simply because he sensed impressive magical potential.
Even without them actively releasing their power, he could feel it.
Then, he saw the marks on their hands.
'Fairy Tail.'
The guild his mother, Mavis, had founded with her own hands.
Even though she knew nothing of his existence, and he had never met her, he held a quiet respect for the guild she created.
Raizel quickly steeled himself.
"Whatever happens next, don't say anything first," he whispered, pulling the two girls behind him to shield them.
Seeing the severity in Raizel's eyes, Erza and Ultear didn't ask questions.
They simply nodded firmly.
Raizel watched as August stopped about two meters in front of them.
"I'm Raizel Bael from Fairy tail, its such an honor to meet you August-sama." Raizel placed his left hand over his chest, displaying his Guild Mark, and bowed slightly.
"You know me?" A rare trace of surprise flickered across August's typically impassive face.
"And what is the name of the crimson-haired girl behind you?"
August's surprise was twofold: first, that this young mage knew his true identity; and second, the girl behind him bore a striking resemblance to Irene.
Although he had never seen Irene as a child, he felt certain this girl must be related to her.
"Erza Belserion," Raizel answered on her behalf.
Erza furrowed her brows slightly as she looked at the old man.
It was strange for Raizel to be so unusually polite—he rarely mentioned Fairy Tail so formally in introductions.
And why was this elderly man asking for her name? Still, she trusted Raizel's judgment and remained silent.
Ultear raised an eyebrow, surprised by Raizel's deference.
'Belserion... no wonder. Is she.... like me? ' August thought.
He didn't speak, only nodding thoughtfully.
"Please, have a seat."
August lightly tapped his magic staff on the ground.
Instantly, a table, four chairs, and four steaming cups of tea materialized by the roadside. He gestured toward the table with his staff.
Ultear and Erza watched with mild astonishment; creating matter so casually was a high-level feat.
Only Raizel remained unfazed. For the King of Magic, this was merely a parlor trick.
"Thank you, August-sama," the trio said in unison.
Raizel harbored no fear that August meant them immediate harm.
If the Magic King wanted them dead, it would be over in an instant—he wouldn't bother with tea.
Judging by his demeanor, his intentions were peaceful.
For now.
----
Now that i think about it, most people in fairy tail have parents problem one way or the other lol.
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