"To be criticized by an old friend to this extent, perhaps it is the 'rules' that are wrong."
The Star Spirit King gazed at Lucy, and also at Natsu who was holding her, Gray blocking in front, and the Fairy Tail members surrounding them.
"Leo, who committed crimes to protect fellow star spirit Alyes, and the old friend who wants to save Leo, as well as..."
Looking at the crowd below, the Star Spirit King bared his teeth in a smile:
"In light of these wonderful bonds, I'll consider this an exception. Leo of the Leo Constellation, I forgive your sins and allow you to return to the Star Spirit Realm; you should thank the guidance of the stars!"
"My King..."
"If you still wish to atone, I command you to live as your friends' strength, putting your life on the line to protect those worth cherishing!"
The Star Spirit King's cloak swirled, transforming into a river of stars, sweeping away with the night and stars until he disappeared.
The night turned back into daytime, and cheers erupted from the cliff.
Natsu smiled brightly, "Come on, that was reasonable—thought we were in for a fight with that bearded dad."
Lucy, still held by Natsu, also laughed, "That's the Star Spirit King; he does look like a bearded dad."
Hapi appeared just in time, "There's something going on."
"Huh?!" Lucy quickly broke away from Natsu's embrace.
Loki laughed with tears in his eyes, "Thank you, Lucy, and everyone. I..."
Gray patted Loki's shoulder, "Go sort out your condition quick; we have some scores to settle afterward."
"Thank you." Loki's figure gradually became transparent, starlight transformed into a golden key that fell into Lucy's hand, "From now on, please take care of me."
Lucy's face showed some fatigue, but more so joy, "I'll be counting on you too."
"Oh my, what's this line that sounds like a wedding vow?" Mira cradled her face, "Lucy and Loki, as expected..."
"There's something going on!" Hapi chimed in.
Lucy loudly protested, "There isn't!"
Everyone chimed in, "Darn that Loki!"
"Not even sparing Lucy?"
"Guess we'll just have to beat him up!"
"I said there isn't!" Lucy's voice nearly drowned out everyone else.
"M-marriage?" The usually composed Erza suddenly blushed bright red.
"Erza, wake up already!"
Amidst the chaotic noise and laughter, Lucy found herself laughing too. In this guild, it seemed there was never a fear of being alone.
"Perfect resolution!"
"Time to head back!"
Someone shouted loudly about returning to the guild.
Meanwhile, some veterans were whispering to each other:
"Blue Pegasus is in the city over there, I heard it's..."
"Now that nothing's going on, why don't we... hehe..."
"Hehe..."
The crowd escorted Lucy, the hero of the moment, discussing things like "Who knew Loki was a Star Spirit?".
Many didn't notice a few shady characters quietly breaking away from the group.
"Those guys..." Mira spotted them sneaking off and wanted to share her freshly discovered gossip, but found Rhode wasn't by her side, sitting cross-legged on River Crab, trailing at the back.
Mira moved to the back, blocking River Crab's path.
River Crab obligingly stopped and resumed once Mira climbed aboard.
Mira waved her hand in front of Rhode's face, "What're you thinking? Don't tell me you're sneaking off to Blue Pegasus for fun too?"
"No way." Rhode leaned back against her side, gazing at the sky.
Normally, he'd follow up with something more eloquent, but today he just sighed, "Just suddenly feeling a bit redundant."
From the Lalabai issue to the Ghost incident.
Though he meddled in everything, it still felt they'd be resolved perfectly without him.
If anything, his presence added some unknown variables.
For instance, if he'd found Loki first and knocked him out to drag to the Cat Transformation Inn, it might've ended midway.
Also with the Demon Heart encounter, if not for him, Elfman might've taken longer to resolve his issues, but wouldn't have faced such danger.
He'd always been smug about his power growth, cool title, and progressing relationships.
But today, nearly delaying Loki's rescue felt like a bucket of cold water was dumped over him.
Next time if such a "plot" event occurs, should I intervene?
Mira patted River Crab's back to slow down.
Then, adjusting her posture, she placed Rhode's head on her lap, gently massaging his scalp.
"You love overthinking. It'd be so much easier if you were as simple-minded as everyone else."
"I almost got Loki killed; I can't help but mind." Rhode turned, hugging her waist, voicing his worries and anxieties.
"Worried about something like that." Mira patted his head gently, "Did you ever consider, if you weren't here, without the Crown of Insight and Crown of Embers, Lucy might've collapsed by summoning too many Star Spirits at once?"
"Probably not."
"If you hadn't gotten involved in the Ghost war, could any of us have been killed by Joseph?"
"...The President should be able to beat him."
"And if not for you, what more suffering would I endure?"
"..." Rhode hugged her tighter, unable to answer.
Mira answered for him, "Were you thinking, 'Maybe I could have gotten through it myself soon'?"
Mira tapped his head, "Maybe, maybe; always assuming things would be better without you.
Ever think, maybe someone would actually be cursed to death by Lalabai, maybe Ghost's giant activation could harm people around the guild.
Maybe if you hadn't taken Elfman out, that village would be left without a spark; maybe I...
You've become an indispensable part of the guild, the most reliable companion everyone trusts, and the most important part of my life.
I don't want your 'maybe'."
...
At Mira's behest, the Swift Crab wasn't swift at all, leisurely strolling behind the crowd.
When some crucial people were missing from the group, someone would always notice.
"Darn, secretly using the big crab, I want a ride too!" Natsu turned around ready to run.
Gray grabbed Natsu's scarf, keeping him jogging in place.
Natsu struggled, "Let go of me!"
Gray pulled forcefully, "I don't know what those two are talking about, but I suggest not disturbing them."
"Exactly, Natsu." Lucy cupped her face, "Mr. Rhode and Miss Mira might be saying something romantic, doing something romantic, ah~"
Natsu wondered, "So what? I just want to borrow a crab from Rhode."
Lucy spread her hands, "Natsu's really dense."
"Then let me borrow your crab to ride."
"Kyansa isn't for riding!"