In Hope's view, while the title of 'Ten Wizard Saints' sounded good, it actually offered no real benefits beyond fame.
It couldn't be eaten, it couldn't be spent, and it attracted excessive outside attention, which would only make someone as lazy and accustomed to freedom as him feel uncomfortable.
However, to Makarov, Erza, and Mirajane, his explanation sounded like pure sophistry. After his long, rambling speech, they summed it up in one word—pretentious!
If some clueless fool really came to challenge Hope, he wouldn't even need to lift a finger. He could just outsource it to battle maniacs like Natsu and his crew.
When it comes to fighting, Fairy Tail has plenty of people willing to step up.
And no matter what, 'Ten Wizard Saints' represents the highest honor a Mage in Ishgar can achieve. Erza's current dream is to one day become one of the Ten Wizard Saints through her own efforts.
In their eyes, Hope was simply here to show off.
He's really shameless!
Mirajane suddenly spoke up, 'Guild Master, if Hope looks down on the Ten Wizard Saints, doesn't that mean he looks down on you?'
Hope's expression changed. Damn it, how could he forget the old man was also a Ten Wizard Saint?
Truly, when showing off, one loses all sense... Seeing Hope's expression, Mirajane gave a sly smile and continued to stir the pot. 'Erza, I remember your dream is to become one of the Ten through your own efforts, right? Hope is practically trampling on your dream...'
Although Makarov and Erza were fully aware Mirajane was stirring the pot, Hope was really being a jerk. His smug expression earlier made them really want to punch him.
Seeing Hope trying to sneak away, the two exchanged a glance and simultaneously made a decision.
'Get him!'
Twenty minutes later, thanks to Hope's incredibly agile footwork and seemingly endless stamina, a thoroughly winded Makarov was leaning on the couch, holding his waist.
Erza, who hadn't even managed to touch the hem of Hope's clothes, was also panting heavily, one hand braced against the wall.
As for Mirajane, who had started the whole mess, she was pinned down by Hope. Grinning like a villain, he gave her bottom a light, playful smack.
'Dare to cause more trouble?'
Mirajane let out a soft moan, her face instantly flushing red. Her Voice became as faint as a thread. 'That... please continue... punish me.'
This caught Hope completely off guard. He wouldn't mind continuing with this kind of play, but this wasn't a platform for that sort of content, and the audience here were all respectable people.
That simply wouldn't do.
So, Hope decided to skip the next ten thousand words of that plotline.
After the scuffle, the conversation returned to the main topic. Makarov picked up the letter. 'Hope, I knew you weren't interested in fame. As for whether to accept the title of Ten Wizard Saint, you can decide for yourself.'
'Hmm... then I guess I'll take it.'
Hope ultimately decided to accept the title of Ten Wizard Saint.
Mainly, while the status of a Ten Wizard Saint might not mean much elsewhere, the Magic Council's face is significant. After all, they're the ones who select them; they wouldn't want to undermine their own authority.
He planned to go to the Council to research materials related to gods. Having this identity would likely streamline some unnecessary procedures.
Speaking of which, shouldn't that guy Mest be able to come back now?
He infiltrated the Council, worked hard to climb to a mid-to-high-level position, but before he could even gather the intel, the Alvarez Empire from the Western Continent became an ally of Fairy Tail.
Seems like Mest is just an unlucky fellow too.
A smirk tugged at Hope's lips as he tossed this problem to Makarov.
After all, it was Makarov who sent him undercover in the first place. Now, figuring out how to extract the now high-ranking Mest should naturally be the old man's headache.
Borrowing Makarov's place, Hope wrote a reply to the Magic Council, indicating his willingness to accept their invitation.
However, the Ten Wizard Saint conferment ceremony is fixed for January each year. With half a month still to go, he had some time to enjoy himself.
Bidding farewell to Makarov, Hope, along with Mirajane and Erza, went to the Magnolia market to pick out furniture for their new house, as well as bedding and other daily necessities.
On the way, they ran into Cana.
With three women together, a lively scene was inevitable. So, it naturally turned into Hope, the porter, accompanying them on their shopping trip... While looking at calendars, Hope realized Christmas was just around the corner. It was a shame this magical world didn't have any fellow transmigrators from his homeland, or else he could also celebrate the Spring Festival... In the blink of an eye, a week passed, and Magnolia welcomed the last festival of the year.
Christmas.
Winter's wind and snow draped the city in a white coat, but it couldn't dampen the residents' enthusiasm in the slightest.
Evergreen trees were adorned with festive red decorations, the streets were bustling with crowds, and shop windows glowed with warm light.
Children wrapped in thick scarves chased and played in the lightly snow-dusted central square. Occasionally, a mischievous snowball would accidentally hit a passerby, met only with good-natured laughter.
Even in winter, everyone seemed full of vitality.
The Fairy Tail members had started decorating early.
A giant Christmas tree stood in the center, hung with magical orbs that shifted through rainbow colors. Levy and Wendy were on tiptoe, placing a star on the treetop, with Gajeel and Lily holding the chair steady beside them.
Mavis was dragging everyone into snowball fights, only to be immediately knocked down by a snowball from Elfman right at the start—truly, more enthusiasm than skill... Over whether to use red or blue ribbons for decoration, Natsu and Gray started their daily brawl. But the progression from disagreement to fighting to obediently sitting down only required a single disapproving glance from Erza as she passed by.
Erza went straight to the guild's second floor and immediately spotted Hope leaning against the railing, looking down at the lively scene below, with Mirajane and Cana on either side of him.
'Aren't you going down to play with everyone?' Erza asked.
'The view is better from here,' Hope replied with a smile.
Cana looked up at the snowy, starry sky Hope had simulated on the ceiling with magic, her cheeks slightly flushed from drinking. 'Another year has passed. Feels like so much happened this year.'
'Next year will be even livelier,' Hope said, thinking of the upcoming Ten Wizard Saint ceremony.
'Hope,' Mirajane suddenly turned her head, reached out her hand, and looked at him with sparkling eyes. 'Where's my Christmas present?'
Hope was taken aback. 'There's that part too?'
'Of course! I want one too,' Cana also turned her head with a grin.
Erza didn't speak, but her eyes held the same expectation.
Hope looked at the three women before him, each unique and wonderful in their own way, and suddenly felt a headache coming on. Yet, a corner of his heart softened.
Fortunately, he had prepared in advance, or he'd really be in trouble.
He pulled out three exquisitely wrapped small boxes from his magical space and opened them one by one. Inside were three rings Hope had meticulously crafted.
Looking at the three stunned women, Hope smiled. 'Although the atmosphere might not be quite right for this now, if you don't mind, could I put them on for you?'
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