After successfully handing over Gordon's body and the six frozen Corroders members to Mayor Bagu, Arlen and Ultear set off on their journey home, accompanied by the mayor's heartfelt gratitude.
As for the armor—it had already been cleaned and stored in Arlen's requip space.
"Once Erza finds out you brought her something this perfect, I wonder how happy she'll be," Ultear said, chattering nonstop inside the carriage.
At some point, Erza had developed a deep obsession with armor—especially designing all kinds of bizarre and imaginative sets.
Unfortunately…
Her drawings were completely incomprehensible to anyone but herself.
And yet, she loved doing it.
To support her hobby, Arlen had even cleared out the largest room in the house just to store her armor collection.
She's definitely going to love this, Arlen thought.
—
Magnolia.
The two walked leisurely through the streets, greeting townspeople and shop owners along the way.
"Ahh… this feels great. Finally back in Magnolia," Ultear stretched happily.
"Tired? If you are, go home and rest. I'll head to the guild and report the mission," Arlen said.
"Nope. I'm coming with you. I haven't seen Mom in a while."
Arlen sighed lightly, then nodded.
Soon, they arrived at the guild.
Just as Arlen reached for the door—
He suddenly paused.
Then pulled Ultear slightly to the side.
"Lord Arlen…?"
"Three… two… one."
BANG! BANG!
The doors exploded outward.
Wood splintered.
Gray and Lyon—wearing nothing but underwear—were stuck hanging on the broken doors.
Ultear blinked… then peeked inside.
Erza stood there in full armor, red ponytail swaying, arms crossed, face dark with anger.
"…What did those two do this time?" Ultear muttered.
"That's a bit harsh," Lyon protested weakly.
"You're back," Gray said awkwardly.
Arlen raised a brow.
"So what did you do this time?"
"It's Lyon's fault!" Gray snapped. "If he hadn't picked a fight, we wouldn't have knocked over Erza's strawberry cake!"
Lyon laughed in disbelief.
"You're unbelievable. Maybe you should quit being a mage and become a chef—with how well you flip blame."
In reality—
Gray had knocked over the cake…
And thrown his clothes onto Erza's head.
That was the real reason.
"You wanna fight?!" Gray snapped.
"Bring it on!" Lyon shot back.
The two immediately started round two—
While still stuck on the door.
Ultear facepalmed.
"…Idiots."
She grabbed Arlen's hand and walked straight inside.
"Wait! Don't leave!"
"Arlen! Help us down!"
Arlen gave them a helpless look—
Though the smile on his face said otherwise.
—
"Yo, you're back!"
"Wanna drink?"
Guild members greeted them warmly.
Arlen and Ultear responded as they made their way to the bar.
Makarov sat in his usual spot, sipping his drink.
"You're back. Good work," he said, looking them over. "That mission wasn't easy. Glad you're unharmed."
"Thank you, Master. The mission is complete."
Arlen handed over the letter of thanks.
"Good. Go rest if you're tired."
They nodded and joined the others.
"Welcome back!" Cana and Kagura waved.
"Thanks. Where's Mom and the First?" Ultear asked, nibbling on cake.
"They went sightseeing around Magnolia," Cana replied casually.
"Oh—right. Erza," Ultear grinned, "Arlen brought you a gift."
"…A gift? For me?" Erza blinked.
"Of course."
"What about us?!" Cana leaned forward eagerly.
Ultear crossed her arms.
"Nope."
"…You betrayed our sisterhood," Cana declared dramatically.
Arlen chuckled quietly, sipping his drink.
—
That evening—
After dinner, Arlen called Erza to the garden pavilion.
Erza fidgeted nervously, both excited and anxious.
"…What is it?"
Arlen waved his hand.
A crimson armor set and spear appeared on the table.
Erza froze—
Then her eyes lit up.
"Wow… it's beautiful…!"
She stepped closer, completely captivated.
"Where did you get this?"
Arlen explained everything—the ruins, the Corroders, the battle.
"…Then it's too valuable. I can't accept it," Erza said quickly.
"Equipment is just a tool. Your strength matters more," Arlen replied calmly. "I brought it back because it suits you. If you don't take it, no one else will."
Erza looked at him for a moment—
Then nodded.
"…Thank you, Arlen. And thank your father for me too."
"Give it a name."
Erza gently touched the armor.
"…'Flame Emperor Armor'… and 'Flame God Spear.'"
"Good names. They suit it."
Then—
Erza hesitated.
"…Arlen. Come here for a second. Lower your head—I want to tell you something."
Without suspicion, Arlen leaned closer.
The next moment—
A soft, cool sensation touched his cheek.
He froze.
Eyes wide.
Erza pulled back, face bright red.
Seeing his stunned expression, she let out a small laugh—then quickly stored the armor and ran back toward the villa.
It took a while—
Before Arlen finally came back to his senses.
He looked toward the house…
Then up at the sky.
A smile slowly spread across his face.
"…The sunset looks especially beautiful today."
—------------------------------
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