Rhode thought for a few seconds and reorganized his wording.
He felt he shouldn't stop speaking just because Lahar told him not to. He could break it up, narrate some facts first, and then intersperse a line or two, perfectly reasonable.
Lahar listened to his speech and felt that it was becoming increasingly difficult for Mr. Org to target Fairy Tail.
Because this guild not only fights well but also speaks well. It's transformed from problematic children into children particularly good at talking.
Then he asked some detailed questions, and the more Lahar listened, the more shocked he became.
He realized that Rhode, an ordinary mage, might understand warfare better than him, the Strong Detention Team Captain.
Especially this time, Fairy Tail's strategy seemed to contain a very advanced tactical thinking.
The Fairy Tail Strategist, could he truly be the son of a military advisor of some great nation, a noble's son, or simply a kingdom's heir coming to be an ordinary mage?
Just like the young lady from the Hartfilia family.
After all, Rhode's activity records only began last year as if he suddenly emerged from nowhere.
But this matter is not under Lahar's jurisdiction, and Rhode's situation isn't unique; if hard pressed to investigate, many people could be said to have unclear backgrounds.
The emblem on his arm already represents Makarov's trust and approval, and there's no need for too much doubt.
Lahar glanced at the records written by his companion and checked the time: "Alright, that's it for today..."
"Wait a minute, I have a few more questions."
Lahar made a gesture of permission, indicating him to continue.
"Although the investigation isn't complete, I want to ask about our guild's losses and the slight damages caused to surrounding shops when protecting our companions..."
Rhode didn't want to bring it up so abruptly, but how could one forget such 'trivial' matters when the President was so happy.
Lahar nodded and said, "It's okay to inform you in advance. We'll investigate and verify the extent of losses on both sides.
In principle, the main responsible party will compensate, and it's basically determined to be Ghost's side.
If Ghost's remaining assets aren't sufficient to cover the compensation, then either Joseph personally or the specific people responsible for the attack will compensate."
Lahar didn't say what happens if these people can't pay now, then their integrity will be considered.
However, Rhode wasn't too worried. Ghost is quite wealthy, and since such a major incident happened, they're likely to be ordered to dissolve.
This time, it's pretty much confirmed that Joseph will be stripped of the Ten Wizard Saints title and imprisoned, having initiated a guild war with no one to plea for them.
...
The investigation continues, and the Advisory Council seems to plan to identify which mages have issues one by one, warning some and punishing others.
However, more focus is on Ghost's side, and things have relaxed considerably for Fairy Tail.
Although most of the time they need to stay in the campsite, they're already allowed to go home to get clothes and various daily necessities.
So Fairy Tail has turned the isolation review into a summer camp.
Every day is filled with lively and cheerful atmosphere, except for occasional summons and the ban on alcohol, it's just like a real camping trip.
Of course, Mira and Erza are watching them to prevent fights and avoid disturbances to normal order.
Before the review ended, Rhode always thought Ghost's reinforcements were intercepted by the Advisory Council and had quite a good impression of them.
Until they suddenly wanted to summon Mystogan, and after asking the reason, Rhode learned the truth.
Promised not to be contacted, quietly working in the background? Well done.
Would have been better if they'd let everyone know.
"President, want to play cards? We need one more." Rhode invited along with Mira and Erza.
Others had already started playing a long time ago.
Makarov waved and left with a smile: "You guys play, I still have some things to do."
"What could be happening now?" Rhode pondered, as pretty much everything that should have been done was done.
Even the concept map for the new guild has been discussed, and commissioned Lidas to draw it; just waiting for the review to end to confirm the start of construction.
The President, who usually loves shirking work, what could he be busy with now?
Mira shuffled the cards while saying, "The President seems to be going to Ghost's side often lately."
"Seems like he wants to see how Ghost's young people are and if they need proper guidance from an elder." Erza said, slightly admiringly, "The President always cares about the growth of young people."
The trio didn't know, Makarov particularly cared because his son Ivan went astray right under his nose, and Laxus also showed signs of this.
He doesn't want more young people to go astray, so he wants to give these young people in a trough more care.
Rhode asked, "Have you noticed that Ghost also has someone spying on us?"
Erza glanced in a particular direction and said, "It's that blue-haired girl, right? Since it's on the Advisory Council's territory and there's no hostility, I haven't asked."
Mira also quietly looked over, with laughter in her eyes: "I think she's not spying on us, but on someone specifically."
Rhode looked at someone walking in the camp without clothes, being reprimanded by the Strong Detention Team soldiers:
"Gray's charm tactic worked way too well."
Mira laughed: "You could try it too."
Rhode raised his hand in oath: "In my lifetime, I'll never use charm tactics on anyone."
Mira gave him a 'you passed' look and put down the shuffled cards: "Alright, how are we playing this game?"
"I'll call Warm, their card skills are superb."
Twenty minutes later, Erza's face was painted like a flower.
She reflected sorrowfully, "Next time, next time I'll definitely win it back!"
Rhode felt a bit guilty, there's still a chance if you don't pair with Warm next time.
Mira was very happy; cheating in cards is an undesirable behavior, but what does Warm's cheating have to do with her?
She waved and smiled: "Erza, one more stroke on the nose."
"Alright..." Erza endured embarrassment, "Let's strive in the next round, Warm!"
"Huff... Zzz~"
"I think it's an issue with clothing." Mira provided a fair suggestion, "Playing cards should really involve wearing a bunny girl outfit to win."
"So that's it!" Erza had a revelation, "Change outfit!"
Mira leaned over to Rhode's ear: "How do you think, isn't Erza dressed like this very pretty?"
"..." Rhode looked up at the sky, Erza seemed a bit dazed, too bad he didn't dare to take a second look at this benefit.
Macao and Wakaba aren't as reserved; those two uncles were already shoulder to shoulder, hearts coming out of their eyes:
"Oh~~Oh~~~ Is it... could it be they're playing a game of lose and change outfit?"
"Rhode and Mira did an excellent job, no wonder they're the strategist and demon pairing!"