Chapter 88: The Beauty Pageant
Lucy tilted her head curiously. "Harvest Festival?"
Though she'd been at Fairy Tail for several months now, Lucy was still learning about all the guild's traditions.
Happy's tail swished excitedly as he explained, "Magnolia holds a Harvest Festival every year! But the best part is Fairy Tail's magical parade—people come from all over Fiore just to see it!"
"Oh~! That sounds amazing! I want to participate too!" Lucy's eyes sparkled.
"You already are participating!" Happy chirped.
The next day, Sorcerer Magazine published a special feature on Fairy Tail. The guild had become the talk of the kingdom lately.
First came their decisive victory in the guild war. Then the shocking announcement—two Fairy Tail members had joined the ranks of the Ten Wizard Saints. A single guild with two Wizard Saints was practically unheard of in modern times.
The article also teased that Dino's newest theatrical production would debut during the Harvest Festival, which sent ripples of excitement through the magical community.
"Mom! Look! It's Fairy Tail! They're so cool!"
"Alright, sweetie. Then we'll go watch the festival together!"
But not everyone was impressed.
"Hmph! Fairy Tail, prancing around like street performers… it's an embarrassment to wizards everywhere."
"Aside from that Dino guy, most of them are just small-fry. Nothing special."
"And they cause trouble wherever they go!"
"Honestly, becoming a Wizard Saint was probably just dumb luck. If he's so powerful, what has he actually accomplished?"
Laxus walked through the streets of Magnolia, his expression dark as a thundercloud. The mixed reactions to Fairy Tail grated on his nerves. He knew how strong the guild was—hell, he was living proof.
Sure, there were powerful wizards, but there were also plenty of weak ones. Still, no two-bit guild had the right to talk trash about Fairy Tail.
What pissed him off most was the attitude of Gramps and Dino. No matter how badly the guild screwed up, they just laughed it off like idiots.
Too many members were deadweight—useless losers who dragged Fairy Tail's reputation through the mud. Those weaklings should be ashamed to even wear the guild mark.
If they had any dignity, they'd leave on their own.
Fairy Tail should be feared. People shouldn't dare whisper insults behind their backs—they should tremble at the mere mention of the guild's name.
"I've had enough," Laxus muttered, lightning crackling faintly around his clenched fists. "This isn't the guild I want at all."
On the day of the Harvest Festival, the Fairy Tail guildhall was packed to bursting.
Max stood on the stage in a flashy suit, playing the part of master of ceremonies. "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Fairy Tail! I'm your host for this competition—Sand Magic Max!"
"Sorry to keep you waiting! Fairy Tail's annual Miss Fairy Tail beauty pageant is about to begin! Our lovely fairies will dazzle you with beauty and talent!"
"And now, let me introduce our distinguished judges!" Max gestured dramatically. "First, the Master of Fairy Tail and one of the Ten Wizard Saints—the legendary Makarov Dreyar!"
Makarov stood and waved cheerfully to the crowd, earning warm applause.
"And our second judge—Fairy Tail's extraordinary mage, recently appointed as one of the Ten Wizard Saints… Dino Maxim!"
Dino rose with a casual wave, and the guildhall erupted. Girls screamed, some even swooned. The contrast with Makarov's reception was painfully obvious.
Makarov shot him an annoyed look. "You brat! You're awfully popular now, aren't you?"
Dino just grinned.
Max continued, "Two Wizard Saints serving as judges—only Fairy Tail could pull this off! Now then, let's welcome our first contestant!"
"She's exotic, she's enchanting—Cana Alberona! What will she show us today?"
Cana sauntered onto stage, strategically positioning herself behind a fan of Magic Cards. When the cards vanished in a shimmer of light, she stood there in a stunning bikini. Wolf-whistles erupted from the male audience members.
Dino held up his scorecard. "85 points!"
Makarov followed suit. "88 points!"
"That's 173 points total! A strong opening score, but the competition's just getting started!"
Max pumped his fist. "Next up—she's the guild's newest member, but her power is S-Class! Fresh as morning rain, give it up for Juvia Lockser!"
Juvia took the stage and performed an elegant water magic display, droplets dancing through the air like liquid crystal. When the water settled, she too wore a beautiful swimsuit. The crowd went wild.
Backstage, Lucy's eye twitched. "Another one selling sex appeal!"
Erza observed carefully, nodding to herself. "I see. I never considered that approach. This is valuable intelligence."
"Eh?! Erza, you're entering too?"
"Of course! Competition ignites my spirit!" Erza's eyes burned with determination. "But don't worry, Lucy. I won't rely on cheap tricks like Cana and Juvia. I'll compete with dignity and honor."
Almost as if on cue, Max announced, "And now—the one, the only—Titania herself! Erza Scarlet!"
The moment Erza stepped onto the stage, the crowd exploded with cheers. Her popularity was undeniable.
"I shall demonstrate my Requip Magic!" Erza declared. "Requip!"
Golden light enveloped her body. When it faded, Erza stood in a breathtaking gown that somehow managed to be both regal and alluring. A ornate magic mirror materialized beside her, hovering in midair.
Lucy's jaw dropped. That's competing with dignity?!
Erza smiled at the audience, then turned to address the mirror. "Mirror, mirror… who is the fairest in the land?"
Before the enchanted mirror could even respond, the entire crowd roared in unison: "IT'S YOU, ERZA-SAMA!"
The guildhall shook with their enthusiasm.
"100 points!" Dino held up his card without hesitation.
"100 points!" Makarov matched him instantly.
The remaining contestants backstage deflated visibly. Erza had just delivered a knockout blow. There was no competing with that.
When Erza returned backstage, Lucy threw her hands up. "That was totally unfair, Erza! When did you even buy a costume like that?!"
"I believe in giving every competition my full effort," Erza replied matter-of-factly. "I saw this outfit while shopping a few days ago. I also purchased a Cinderella ensemble, though I didn't expect to use it today."
Lucy sweatdropped. Just how obsessed with theater are you?!