Although it sounds a bit far-fetched, since it's Makarov himself who said it, Lahar had to record it.
The core idea is: It's all Ghost's fault; Fairy Tail had to defend itself.
Setting aside the subjective words, the general course of events can be verified based on other testimonies.
Anyway, Ghost struck first, there's no mistake about that. At first, there was a suspicion of overreaction, but after Makarov was ambushed and fell, it became a justified retaliation.
Faced with Ghost's terrifying war weapon and the intimidation of the Ten Wizard Saints, striking hard is understandable.
After the president's talk, it was Erza's and Mira's turn.
The two of them didn't need Mr. Rhode to instruct them; they could speak freely.
Highlighting the distress of returning from a long trip only to find the guild destroyed, and the despair of being directly threatened by the Ten Wizard Saints.
After them, it was Lucy. Lahar inquired about Lucy's father hiring Ghost to bring her back.
Lucy insisted she's already an adult; wanting to leave home and stay with Fairy Tail is her own decision.
Forcibly taking her back is against personal will, so Ghost's task is essentially equivalent to an illegal kidnapping task.
Though her answer might trouble her father, Lucy couldn't care less.
She couldn't admit her father's actions were justified, with her companions stopping others' tasks.
After Lucy came out... it was time to clock out.
The sky was already dark, and dinner preparations were beginning.
Rhode, with Warm and Natsu—who always feels guilty seeing the Advisory Council—sat at the same table as those who were questioned today.
"So, did they abuse their power?"
"Of course not, we're not criminals." Makarov was still in a rather excited state, "You have no idea how brilliant my speech was today!"
"Hehe." Rhode thought, of course I know.
Mira, smiling, raised a finger: "Since the president is so outstanding, I'll reward you with a bottle of wine when we return; it's from the Cat Transformation Inn."
"That's wonderful!" Makarov was thrilled, "But Mira, why are you wearing Erza's clothes? It feels a bit strange."
"Does it?" Mira actually found it amusing.
She's now wearing a sleeveless shirt borrowed from Erza, tied with a blue bowtie, and a blue pleated skirt.
To match the outfit, Mira purposely let down her bangs, styling her hair like Erza's.
She looks like a white-haired version of Erza.
"I think it suits you well." Erza intentionally changed out of her armor, wearing the same outfit as Mira.
She also thought occasionally matching outfits with friends was fun.
Rhode didn't hide his affection: "I also think Mira looks great like this."
"Really?" Mira was quite pleased and discussed with Erza, "How about you give me this outfit, and I'll gift you something in a style I like someday?"
"Exchanging dressing styles? Sounds like a good idea." Erza was interested, considering trying Mira's hairstyle next time.
Lucy whispered, "I think whatever Miss Mira wears, Mr. Rhode would say she looks good."
Rhode didn't refute; it seemed quite true.
Erza then took out a matching outfit, asking, "Lucy, do you want to try it too?"
"What is this, a group dress-up as Erza?" Lucy felt the outfit didn't match her style.
"Trying it wouldn't be bad; would you be Lucy Erza or Erza Lucy?" Natsu imagined Lucy wearing Erza's armor and thought it would be fun.
"Aye! I can help Lucy change clothes."
Lucy guarded her chest, backing away from Hapi: "That's harassment!"
Gray tossed his shirt: "I can help too."
Lucy wanted to escape: "Why did you take your clothes off first? That's a step further into perversion!"
After a commotion, it seemed others couldn't quiet down either; it was supposed to be a serious occasion, yet Fairy Tail members were as noisy as usual.
It's just that there's no alcohol here, and individuals like Natsu felt quite uneasy, making the atmosphere less lively than usual.
That's enough; the Strong Detention Team members looked at the Fairy Tail members with strange eyes — are these people really waiting for the review here?
See how quiet Ghost is — though quite a few of them haven't woken up yet.
The night's lodging conditions can only be described as barely acceptable; after all, it's arranged on a military camp standard, not for enjoyment.
The hardware conditions were easy to accept, but the roommates sharing the tent were quite rowdy.
These people snore, grind their teeth, talk in their sleep — everything included; quiet sleepers are rare like phoenix feathers.
Rhode couldn't bear it; if someone was too much, he'd punch them awake, then punch them back to sleep before they reacted.
This trick turned out quite effective.
Anyway, they're all brothers here; no need to be polite.
After figuring out the effective method, Rhode managed to get a decent night's sleep.
Early the next morning, Rhode was the first to be called over.
In the tent, people started talking about dreaming of being hit last night, and they still felt pain.
Many people claimed to have had the same dream.
After discussing, everyone unanimously agreed it was Ghost's fault.
Surely it's because the injuries from the battle haven't healed, making the dreams feel so realistically painful.
…
The interrogating area was in a smaller tent, with Lahar sitting opposite Rhode, someone behind him responsible for recording, and someone standing guard at the entrance.
Although the conditions were simple, the scene was made quite formal.
There was even a cup of tea placed in front of Rhode on the table.
This made him quite sentimental; when he used to post handsome pictures in the group, he would jokingly say he'd be invited for tea by the group leader.
Now he was genuinely drinking tea.
Rhode curiously tasted it; the tea leaves were ordinary.
Lahar took out some documents and began reading: "Mr. Rhode, 19 years old, specializes in Summoning Magic and Receiving Magic, joined Fairy Tail last July, initially worked as a waiter."
Rhode nodded; basic information, easy to check.
Lahar glanced at him and continued: "Nearly two months after joining the guild, you started accepting ordinary tasks, later repeatedly took high-difficulty tasks, helped the Advisory Council resolve multiple issues… Since earlier this year, the number of tasks you've handled rose sharply, with rare failures.
Remarkably, even for tedious and low-pay tasks, you completed them diligently, which garnered appreciation among Magnolia's residents.
Though you still hold the position as a waiter, you have practically been fulfilling the president's assistant role. Overall, an outstanding mage."
This praise made Rhode a bit embarrassed.
The sharply rising number of tasks was solved while teaming up with Mira for fun, equivalent to themed dating.
Enjoying oneself while also handling guild's backlog of tasks.
As for low-pay, tedious ones… playing themed games with someone you like and getting paid, who would mind tedium?
But…
"You can find out even these trivial matters?"
Lahar said, "Makarov allowed us to review Fairy Tail's task records and we've diligently conducted surveys in Magnolia."
"Impressive." Rhode had to admit Lahar is talented.
"Just fulfilling duties." Lahar said, "The above is basic information; let's move on to the main topics.
Regarding Fairy Tail and Master of Ghosts violating the 'prohibition of armed conflict treaty', as the overall commander of the final battle, what's your view?"
Even knowing about the commander was surprising, probably mentioned by the president while boasting.
Rhode spoke the words he'd prepared: "First of all, we Fairy Tail..."
"Sorry for interrupting." Lahar adjusted his glasses, "Mr. Makarov has given a comprehensive 'official' statement; please share something practical."
Rhode: "..."