Makarov wasn't in any real trouble; he just wanted to have a few more drinks before writing his reflection today.
Mira suspected he was using a bad mood as an excuse to trick her into giving him drinks, but in the end, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.
Makarov was true to his word; after a few drinks alone, he lit a lamp and bent over the table to begin writing.
The speed with which he wrote made it seem like inspiration was flowing abundantly.
A hundred drinking reflections by the President?
Poor old man.
While working, Rhode also didn't forget to pay attention, only feeling relieved when he saw Makarov head home after his usual stop at the tavern once work ended.
Every day at closing time, there's always someone who wants to linger in the tavern.
Rhode had no choice but to chase them out.
When he first started working at the tavern, he would feel embarrassed and spoke politely.
But after getting familiar with everyone, it became simpler: "Out, out, out, we're closing!"
"What's up with this, chasing us out so early?"
"Yeah, is this how you treat customers?"
"So annoying, who wants to give Rhode a beating?"
A recent unspoken rule at Fairy Tail is if you want to stay longer at the tavern, just beat Rhode.
Yet, after asking, no one responded. Just kidding, working during the day is already tiring, why look for a beating at night?
Last time, Kana was too drunk to leave and got beat up by Rhode when they brawled. How could they fight him?
"Come on, come if you want to fight." Maybe because his fists have grown, Rhode has been more confident lately, "And by the way, your tab isn't settled yet, don't sneak off!"
Everyone reluctantly left after settling their bills, needing to get to bed early because there's work in the morning.
Bigda and Marcus discussed on their way home whether they should hire Erza one day to give Rhode a beating and change that ridiculous rule.
As Laki cleared the dishes from the table, she asked, "Hey, are you always in such a hurry to get off work because you want to have sweet dates with Sister Mira?"
Rhode felt this girl misunderstood him: "We're practicing together in the evening; don't you want to get off work early too?"
"I think creating a bit more labor value wouldn't be bad either."
"Alright, then after cleaning up, you can stay behind and keep making wood, and I'll help you restore your magic power."
"I refuse!"
This girl sure is cheeky.
Nowadays, the primary focus for Rhode and Mira's practice is increasing their magic power, which suits them both well.
Perhaps this is the downside of Receiving Magic. It allows them to unleash magic power and combat ability far beyond normal in a short time, but the magic power consumption is terrifyingly high.
It's understandable, the stronger the receiving target, the more it boosts their output power.
The higher the power, the shorter the endurance.
The lights at the worksite were mostly out, leaving only two dim little lamps.
The pair sat cross-legged on the ground facing each other, eyes closed in meditation.
This practice had become part of their daily routine.
Before the Guild was destroyed, Rhode was even more driven, always grabbing any chance to train during any spare time.
According to Mira's estimation, continuing with this training for another two or three months, Rhode could hope to have magic power that rivals Erza's.
Of course, by then, Erza might also have made new progress.
Whoosh...
A whirlwind dispersed from Rhode, marking the end of a training round.
He opened his eyes, seeing Mira's hair and her sweatshirt stirred by the wind, but she remained quietly with her eyes closed, immersed in her practice.
Rhode watched Mira for a while, resting his head on his arm as he lay down.
The dim lamplight couldn't hide the starlight above; the night sky scattered with countless stars, as if white vapor twirled among them.
Rhode carefully identified the Lyra Constellation, the Cygnus Constellation, the Sagittarius Constellation in the starry sky...
Before he traveled here, he didn't know these, but while learning about Celestial Spirit Magic, he picked it up.
He knew each of these constellations corresponds to a key, representing a Star Spirit entity.
Yes, the unit for counting Star Spirits is 'entity,' although some might use 'creature,' much like his own wildlife, perhaps in some Star Spirit Mages' eyes, they are treated worse than his wild creatures.
Lucy was different. She, among all the Star Spirit Mages, might also be considered a 'peculiarity,' which is why she fits Fairy Tail so well.
Rhode's thoughts drifted as he wondered if Mira knew these constellations, perhaps he could show off later.
The moon, more captivating than the stars, naturally drew his eyes—tonight, it was a waxing crescent, like Mira's toothy smile.
Rhode couldn't help but stare at the crescent moon, as if he could complete Mira's face in the night sky.
He wondered if by connecting the suitable stars with lines, he could outline her whole figure.
A familiar gentle breeze passed; Mira had completed her round of meditation too.
Soon after, a smile more beautiful than the moon filled his sight.
Her white hair cascaded down, the lamplight coating it with a slight golden hue.
Mira brushed the fallen strands back with a bright smile and asked, "What were you thinking about?"
"Thinking about you."
"Liar."
"It's the truth."
"But I'm right beside you."
"Even if you're in my arms, I'll still think of you." Rhode softly caressed her cheek with one hand, "I realized the stars tonight are beautiful, but once you enter my view, I can't focus on the stars anymore."
Mira pressed her lips together, wanting to call him smooth-talking, yet she couldn't help but smile: "Such cheekiness, don't you blush saying such things?"
Rhode looked into her beautiful eyes: "Maybe afterward, but not when I'm truly moved."
Unfair.
Mira tidied her hair again, leaning down to peck Rhode's lips.
This time, Rhode didn't take the chance to hug her but instead laid an arm flat.
Mira naturally settled into the crook of his arm, watching the stars above with him.
With the ambience and mood just right, a gentle kiss was just perfect, no need for more.
"Look over there, those stars, that one, and that one... connect them, and that's the Lyra Constellation."
"Which ones?"
"There, come over a bit, follow my hand's direction."
"Yeah, yeah, I remember Lucy has the Lyra Constellation's Star Spirit Key."
"Yes, that's the Lyra Constellation."
"Where's the Canis Minor Constellation, the one with Lucy's Pururu?"
"Canis Minor, you can't see it now, it's best found in winter."
Pretending to show off knowledge in front of a girl he likes is delightful, especially when she wants to hear and is eager to give feedback.
"Such a shame." Mira's head moved to Rhode's shoulder hollow, she gently nuzzled, finding the most comfortable position and continued pointing at the stars, asking.
Rhode answered each one, occasionally tenderly caressing her hair.
The cool night sky mirrored tranquility, lying back to watch the Bootes and Vega stars.
Rhode thought if someone painted this scene, it would surely be more beautiful than what any poem could describe.
At least in his heart, it was, and in hers too.