Rhode couldn't understand why this situation required a mage.
If a performance receives bad reviews, the troupe should be looking for better playwrights and actors, not mages... Were they hoping to use charm magic to trick people into attending?
Nevertheless, even if the client was grasping at straws, as long as the request wasn't illegal or unreasonable, they had to try completing it.
The principle of a mage is to use magic to solve ordinary people's troubles and receive the corresponding reward.
Lucy was full of confidence: "As for the troupe, Natsu's fire and Gray's ice can create atmosphere... I have the Lyra Constellation who can sing touching songs, helping the troupe stage a brilliant play will be a piece of cake!"
"Good luck then." Rhode felt she was getting ahead of herself.
Lucy eagerly took the commission form to find Natsu, wishing they could set off right away.
Instead, Natsu dragged her off to do some hard labor, saying they had to complete their predetermined goals before leaving.
Lucy could only accept her fate.
Rhode and Mira guessed the 'loss' rate of Lucy's current task, then went to the bulletin board to post the task sheet.
After posting, Rhode didn't linger around to carry bricks, but went to the counter to help Mira with work instead.
Elfman shouted "A man's duty" and helped him with the brick hauling.
The two worked hard to finish early and be with Mira before the end of the day.
Mira naturally busied herself alongside them.
Before midday, the three had finished the necessary tasks and were ready to leave.
The tavern's matters were handed to Laki, which Rhode took care to entrust properly.
The matters at the worksite were handed to the President, which Mira took care to entrust him properly.
Both expressed no issues.
...
On the way back, Rhode thought for a moment and said, "I feel we need to hire a few more waiters."
Mira nodded, "Yes, otherwise we won't be able to keep up later."
After the guild reconstruction, the tavern will expand slightly and there will be an outdoor tavern set up outside the guild.
Additionally, facilities like swimming pools, chess rooms, gyms etc. will be added; hiring more waiters is a must.
Rhode and Mira started discussing whether to recruit from within the guild or hire ordinary people from outside, and who in the guild would be suitable for this work.
Elfman complained, "It's rare to finish work early, yet you two are still discussing work?"
"Then let's talk about life." Rhode suggested, "For instance, who in the guild would be the most suitable girlfriend for Elfman? How about Laki?"
Mira shook her head, "If it were the old Elfman, Laki might have liked him, but now he's always shouting 'manly man,' it's not gonna happen."
Elfman said innocently, "Weren't you the one who always thought I was too weak, that's why I tried hard to be more manly…"
Rhode ignored him and continued, "Then Reby, she might like this kind of guy who can provide a sense of security just by standing there."
Mira regretfully said, "But Reby is so petite, not even as high as Elfman's legs; standing together, they'd look like father and daughter."
Rhode shook his head, "That's too harsh on Reby; the one who can't reach Elfman's leg height is the President."
"You're being quite harsh..." Elfman didn't understand what these two were thinking, "Why focus on me? Isn't today your sister's birthday, talk about her!"
"Sure, let's talk about Mira." Rhode's greatest strength was his easy-going nature, "So, who does Mira hope Elfman's girlfriend would be?"
"I hope…" Mira thought for a moment, "How about Erza? Then I can bully her at will."
"Hey…" Elfman felt helpless, was it still about me again?
Seeing Elfman's frustrated expression, the two mischievous fellows started laughing.
Oh dear silly otouto~
Does big sis and big brother-in-law have any bad intentions, only to tease you for fun.
The three joyously went shopping for Mira's favorite broccoli and sardines, among other ingredients.
-- Actually, her favorite food is kudzu mochi, but that's more suitable for breakfast or snacks, not for a main dish at lunch.
Even though today's menu was supposed to be centered around Mira's tastes, she insisted on buying Rhode's favorite beef and Elfman's preferred ribs.
The birthday cake was ordered yesterday by Rhode and Elfman, so they could pick it up today.
The venue was naturally Mira's place.
After washing their hands, Rhode and Elfman set about preparing various ingredients in the kitchen.
Though Rhode was slightly more experienced now, he was inevitably criticized by Elfman, who was busy with his tasks while also reminding Rhode to clean the gills and guts of the sardines thoroughly.
Mira leaned against the doorway, smiling as she watched the two most important people busily working and bickering for her, a feeling of happiness welled up from her heart.
She looked at Rhode's somewhat clumsy movements, "Shall I lend a hand?"
"No need, we can handle it. If you're bored, go change your clothes and put on some lovely makeup."
Rhode's hands were covered with the scent of fish; his apron was stained with water, so he had to use his arms and back to nudge Mira out of the room.
Mira watched them from outside for a while, then reluctantly went upstairs.
Today really has brought one strange event after another, Mira being driven out of the kitchen by Rhode, while Rhode received constant reminders from Elfman...
The brother-in-law duo busied themselves in the kitchen and finally finished the last dish.
Mira actually took Rhode's advice, changed her outfit, and quietly sat at the table waiting.
But as Elfman carried the dish out of the kitchen, he almost dropped the plate on the ground: "Sis… Sister?"
It's not that he was overreacting; it's because Mira's current outfit was so impactful.
Her white long hair was tied into a ponytail with a dark red hairband, her top was a bold black tank top, and the shorts matched the color of her hairband, paired with over-the-knee black socks and black high heels.
She had fully restored her previous style, and when she arrogantly crossed her legs, Elfman felt he was going to be scolded like in the past.
"You took way too long, Elfman!" Mira raised an eyebrow sternly, "Hurry up and bring it over!"
"Y-yes, Sister!" Elfman instinctively obeyed, his behavior and speech perfectly matching those days!
"And you, sit here!" Mira pointed at Rhode and patted the seat beside her, "Quickly!"
"Coming right away!" Rhode cheerfully sat over, his arm brushing against hers, not afraid at all.
Elfman gave Rhode a sympathetic look and slipped back into the kitchen to bring out the rest of the dishes.
He decided to clean up the kitchen a bit first, taking his time to think over what just happened.
Mira stood with hands on her hips, still glaring fiercely at Rhode, "What's with that attitude, do you have any complaints about me?"
"Absolutely none." Complaints were not possible, fear was not possible either; Rhode found Mira's act of fake fierceness rather cute.
Moreover, those legs, that waist, that… he felt his eyes weren't enough.
"What are you staring at? It's my birthday today, where's my gift?"
Mira Jane Miss dropped her pretense and confidence all in one stutter.
Rhode spread his hands, a small gift box appeared in them.
Mira hummed in satisfaction, opened it to find a necklace she loved.
She had seen it before while shopping but made an excuse that it didn't suit her and didn't buy it.
This guy...
So two weeks ago, he came up with a reason to withhold his salary for this!