Doranbalt.
Real name: Mest, a Fairy Tail Mage.
He wields Teleportation Magic that can bring people to any nearby location, and Memory Magic that can alter his own or others' memories.
To investigate a certain matter, Makarov sent him undercover to the Magic Council after securing Mest's consent.
To avoid exposure during the Council's internal audits, Mest—under the alias "Doranbalt"—used Memory Magic to seal away all memories of being a Fairy Tail member.
The seal would automatically lift only at the pre-arranged times he and Makarov were to meet.
Makarov sighed, his expression complicated. "The last time Mest and I were supposed to meet, the Council's sudden operations got in the way, and later he became even busier—no chance to meet at all."
Once Hope learned about Memory Magic, he understood why "Doranbalt" had him secretly investigate Makarov.
With his true memories sealed for so long and occasionally being dragged by Makarov for information, it was only natural that "Doranbalt" would suspect this "motives-shrouded" old man.
"A good spy fools everyone," as the saying goes—and Mest certainly fooled everyone, himself included.
Even Makarov didn't know what expression to wear; let alone Hope right now.
An undercover agent who ends up believing he's the real deal… what a mess. In any case, once Hope learned his superior was actually a Fairy Tail member too, the last of his mental pressure vanished.
Luckily it was all a misunderstanding; otherwise he'd have had to find a way to eliminate Doranbalt.
"Master, how about I find a chance to get Doranbalt—Mest—alone, and you break his spell?"
Hope wanted Mest's memories restored ASAP, to stop the guy's paranoia about Fairy Tail—and maybe fleece the Council through him while they were at it.
Makarov silently approved Hope's proposal.
He knew Mest's operational skills too well; if the boy suspected the guild, he might fabricate memories and sneak back in overnight.
The kids had already had their memories of "Mest" erased once—he couldn't let it happen again.
After chatting a while longer and seeing the night deepen, Hope and Erza took their leave.
Only Makarov and Gajeel remained in the room.
Glancing at the silent Gajeel, Makarov fetched a communication magic crystal from a bedroom drawer and, right in front of him, contacted someone.
"Hello, Councilor Belno? This is Makarov—sorry for the late call."
"..."
"I've caught a brat here for sabotage. Jigmat mentioned you repeatedly advised this kid to leave Jose and Phantom Lord, even wanted to adopt him."
"..."
"Right, Gajeel. Jose's twisted him, but his core isn't rotten yet—he can still be set straight."
"If it's convenient, I'd like to hand him over to you for guidance."
"..."
——
Late at night, a boy and girl strolled the silent streets.
Since it was on the way, Hope walked Erza back to the girls' dormitory.
Fairy Tail does provide lodging for members, cheaper than elsewhere.
But the boys kept brawling and demolishing the dorms so often that the landlady refused to rent to the guild anymore.
In a huff, Makarov cancelled the boys' dorm and told the demolition maniacs to find their own places.
Surprisingly, it worked.
Scattered around, the guys rarely fought, and wrecking houses became almost impossible.
"United they're a gang; split up they're saints"—perfect description.
Looking at the sparse stars, Erza suddenly asked, "Hope, do you still have secrets you haven't told?"
"Well, everyone has secrets, don't they?"
Hope's face stayed calm, words casual, but inside a storm raged—his remaining secrets were that he was a transmigrator with a system. Had Erza noticed something? She nodded slightly. "If—if a secret caused you constant pain and conflict, would you share it with a trusted partner?"
Hope raised an eyebrow.
Unless he was mistaken, Erza was talking about herself.
Relieved, he guessed her secret likely involved the eye she'd once lost.
After thinking, Hope said, "If someone carries psychological pressure alone too long, their mind will eventually break."
"So if you've got a companion you can trust, I think opening up is fine."
Open up, huh… Erza looked at Hope, parted her lips, then lowered her head and said nothing.
That secret… she'd bear it herself.
The rest of the walk passed in silence until they reached the girls' dorm.
"Huh? Why are Erza's lights still on?"
About to leave, Hope turned back at Erza's remark and looked toward Lucy's window—sure enough it was lit, faint figures moving inside.
Erza nudged him. "Forget tomorrow—let's talk to Lucy now. After all, your plan uses her as the spark."
Hope figured Lucy wasn't asleep anyway, so why not.
Two minutes later, Erza knocked on Lucy's door.
The door cracked open to reveal a weary Lucy, whose face switched to surprise at the visitors. "Erza? And Hope? What brings you here so late?"
"Let's talk inside."
Erza pushed straight in; frail Lucy stood no chance. But the moment the door opened, Erza's face darkened.
A pink-haired boy and a blue cat were tossing pillows at each other in Lucy's room.
Erza instantly understood Lucy's earlier helpless look.
"Natsu, Happy…"
"You two broke into a girl's room again!"
"It's Erza! We're doomed!"
"Lucy, save me!"
"..."
Listening to their pleas, Hope quietly shut the door and cast a Sound-Proof spell on the walls.
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