"Blue Pegasus is really rich. Two magic blast ships aren't something an ordinary guild could afford."
"What you're saying is that Master Caesar is even richer. With so many people going together, all the expenses are on him. This trip must cost at least hundreds of millions of J!"
"Damn, they're all rich people."
On the magic ship, everyone was talking about it. Although they complained, they still admired Caesar's generosity.
Not to mention his wealth—his strength alone was enough to make people respect him.
"Arrived."
Caesar, who was being talked about, stood at the front of the ship with Mirajane and another companion. They looked down at Christopher Island as the ships descended.
The magic ships landed smoothly at the dock.
"Man!"
Ichiya jumped out of the ship in a flashy pose, spun 360 degrees in midair, and landed face-first in dramatic fashion.
"As expected of Ichiya!"
"Master is amazing!"
"Truly worth learning from!"
Ichiya's followers quickly came after him. Despite the embarrassing moment, they still supported him enthusiastically.
"We're finally here? That flight took forever."
On another ship, Erza and the other girls got off one after another.
"Man! The fragrance of youth!"
Ichiya revived instantly, blood still dripping from his nose, and rushed toward the girls.
"Stop!"
The next moment, Caesar and Mirajane appeared in front of him.
Caesar picked Ichiya up by the collar and said to the rest, "Alright, men and women will be separated for the first three days. You'll all play separately, then meet up after."
"No!"
Ichiya wailed, but some of the others looked interested.
After all, there were things guys could do together that would be awkward with girls around.
And for the girls, it would be easier to relax and chat without the boys nearby.
Under Caesar and Mirajane's firm orders, the groups were separated.
They pretended to complain, but once they saw the countless attractions and activities on Christopher Island, everyone got excited instantly.
As for the couples, Caesar didn't interfere. It wasn't his place to stop people in love.
Besides, there were plenty of shared activities too.
Caesar himself wandered around, enjoying the sights like someone revisiting an old memory.
He even visited Qilala Snow Mountain, which had been turned into a massive ski resort. After trying it out, he found it quite fun.
Three days passed quickly.
Everyone gathered at a large hotel on the island.
Caesar had booked the entire building and organized a grand banquet.
Mirajane, dressed in an elegant gown, smiled as she looked around the lively hall. She held Caesar's arm and said, "It's really lively tonight."
Caesar glanced at her glass and asked, "Didn't you drink anything?"
Mirajane rolled her eyes and gently placed a hand on her stomach.
Even though the baby wouldn't be born for three and a half years, she was still cautious. Her figure hadn't changed at all, but she refused to take risks.
After the meal and drinks, it was time for the highlight of the night.
Because tonight was December 31st.
After tonight, the year 785 would begin.
It also meant that the entire Fairy Tail storyline had been completely changed by Caesar, heading toward an unknown future.
At this new beginning, Caesar had gathered everyone for a special reason—a guild social event.
He wanted members from different guilds to mingle. Maybe some would even fall in love.
For example, Ren from Blue Pegasus and Sherry from Lamia Scale had met during the Oración Seis incident and were now in a passionate relationship.
If it weren't for their guilds being far apart—and Sherry's grandmother being strict about outsiders—they might already be married.
Now, after just a few days on the island, their relationship was growing fast.
Caesar guessed that by the end of the vacation, they'd probably be engaged.
As for the other single mages, their eyes lit up when they saw the beautiful members of Blue Pegasus and the all-female guilds.
So the social gathering began.
Whether it would lead to love or not—that wasn't Caesar's concern.
He'd rented the island for three days, enough time for everyone to relax and bond.
The last three days were free time. People could spend time with whoever they wanted, without any rules or restrictions.
While Caesar and his guild were enjoying themselves, Makarov was struggling back at the Council.
After Crawford and Gulan's corruption, the Council was a complete mess.
It took Makarov several days to clean it up.
Then the four council leaders discussed their next moves—dealing with issues decisively and cutting out corruption fast.
When Makarov realized they didn't have enough staff, he ordered the Ten Wizard Saints to assist.
But no one came.
Because they were all on vacation—with Caesar.
When Makarov heard that, he was furious.
He was working nonstop to fix the Council, while Caesar was off relaxing on an island?
And he took everyone with him?!
Did Caesar still even respect him as Master?
Fuming, Makarov used the communication crystal to call him.
When Caesar answered, Makarov immediately unleashed his anger.
Caesar could only smile awkwardly and take the scolding.
After venting, Makarov calmed down.
He reminded Caesar to stay safe, then told him to return after vacation with the other Wizard Saints to help with the work.
Caesar agreed, and Makarov nodded, satisfied.
Just before hanging up, Makarov said, "By the way, the Kingdom of Fiore is planning to hold a Grand Magic Games to determine the strongest guild. If you have time, you should participate. It'll bring fame and more commissions for Fairy Tail."
"The Grand Magic Games?"
Caesar was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
After ending the call, his expression grew serious.
He knew that King Toma of Fiore would eventually choose to trust Rogue's vision and open the Eclipse Gate—to fight against the ten thousand dragons.