Due to the unexpected darkness, Magnolia and the nearby villages were thrown into a bit of chaos.
Many believed it to be a rare eclipse, grabbing chairs and sunglasses, waiting to see the sun reappear.
However, all they awaited was a sudden return to daylight.
People were utterly baffled.
Until someone in Magnolia saw the Fairy Tail members returning in groups, the residents gave up on figuring it out.
When something strange happens suddenly with no forewarning, and there are Fairy Tail members nearby, it's temporarily assumed to be their doing.
Though this blame is somewhat unjust, there's no way to explain it because it indeed started because of them.
Rhode asked Mira to return to the guild first, while he walked around town to see if there was any major damage caused.
Invoking the fourth Super Magic of the Fairy Tail Guild—Fairy Conscience.
Luckily, the Star Spirit King didn't bring complete darkness, leaving behind a gentle starlight, preventing ordinary people from any mishap.
Rhode subtly inquired around and heard two interesting stories.
One was about someone who successfully confessed under the newly appeared starlit sky; the other was about someone who swore to the sky with his girlfriend, only to face disaster.
He nodded contentedly, deciding to tell the story of the successful confession to Jet, Troy, and Alzack.
...
As soon as Makarov returned, he heard that a guild member was a Star Spirit and had already returned to the Star Spirit Realm.
"Loki? Leo of the Leo Constellation? Are you kidding?"
"I thought you already knew," Rhode remembered that when Loki wanted to take on a quest a few days ago, the president calmly told him to go.
"Didn't President Bob tell you? What about Granny Porlyusica?"
Since Loki's former contractor was the star girl of Blue Pegasus, President Bob knew the truth.
And considering Bob's good relationship with Makarov, Rhode thought the president knew when Loki joined the guild.
It seems now, just like Rhode, Makarov doesn't concern himself at all with the backgrounds of homeless kids.
"I haven't visited Porlyusica lately…" Makarov said, feeling a bit guilty, "Bob didn't mention anything either, probably because of 'that' ordinance."
'That' ordinance refers to the "Personal Information Protection Law," regarding the personal information of mages, unless agreed otherwise, it is generally not allowed to be disclosed arbitrarily.
Of course, this doesn't apply to members of Dark Guilds like Rastillos. Rhode exposes their personal information thoroughly, which is not only legal but rewarded.
Mira asked, "President, what should be done about Loki's identity?"
"What?"
Mira explained, "He's now Lucy's Star Spirit, and he wrote a resignation letter before, does he still count as a member of the guild?"
"Well, Leo is Leo, and Loki is Loki. I never approved Loki's resignation, nor erased his emblem, so he is, of course, still a member of Fairy Tail."
Makarov smiled, "Having a Star Spirit as a guild member is great, isn't it?"
Rhode nodded, understanding now, Zhou Shuren resigns, but it doesn't concern Lu Xun.
As they spoke, more people gathered in the guild, and many chose tasks to go off to work.
Now the renovations on the top floor are almost finished, so they no longer need everyone's assistance.
Lucy and Loki came to the guild together, greeting acquaintances in the tavern before approaching the counter.
"President, Miss Mira, Mr. Rhode." Lucy greeted them with a smile, looking in a good mood.
Loki was the same; he looked much better today.
Mira clasped her hands to her cheeks: "Oh my, Lucy actually came to the guild with Loki, does this mean you two…"
Rhode awkwardly interjected, "Have a thing?"
Lucy teased, "Mr. Rhode hasn't learned Hapi's tongue roll at all, and don't you two come every day?"
Rhode wrapped an arm around Mira's shoulder: "Is your relationship with Loki like mine with Mira?"
"Huh?"
"Exactly," Loki said directly, giving Lucy a princess carry, "From now on, I will fight bravely when Lucy is in danger, just like a knight in shining armor, and, of course, express my feelings when appropriate."
"I don't need that kind of thing!" Lucy flailed her arms and legs, "Put me down, what are you here for?"
Mira and Rhode watched with amused smiles, and the president had no intention of interfering in their conversation.
Loki whispered a whole lot of sweet talk to Lucy, which she completely ignored.
Rhode, however, wished he had a notebook to jot down notes.
After some playful banter, Loki got to the point: "President, I'm here today to discuss my situation with you."
"Rhode already told me."
"I'm very sorry for hiding my identity."
"No need to worry." Makarov said kindly, "To us, Loki is Loki, whether you are human or a Star Spirit, it makes no difference.
Even if you are now Lucy's Star Spirit, you can still consider yourself a Fairy Tail mage. You're always welcome here."
"Thank you, President." Loki really liked the guild. He rummaged in his pocket and took out a small bottle about the size of a palm, "I came in a hurry and only brought a small bottle of Star Spirit Realm wine, as a gift for you to try."
"Oh~ this is too kind!" Makarov beamed as he reached out, only to grab at air.
The small bottle was intercepted by Mira halfway.
"Mira?"
"President, you're still on your alcohol ban." Mira said, watching his attempts to explain, "If I'm not mistaken, you binge drank during this routine meeting again, should I extend it by three days?"
"No! Not even a day!" Makarov gazed longingly at the small bottle, "Then you'll have to keep it safe for me."
Loki ignored the president's pleading look and pulled out two tickets: "These are for you, vouchers for the Akane Sea View Hotel."
Rhode took them without hesitation: "You actually got these! These things are pricey and hard to come by!"
"I originally planned to go with my girlfriends, but I can't stay in the Human Realm for long periods lately, so I'm gifting them to you."
Loki smiled mysteriously; when it came to romance-related things, he always found a way.
He took out four more tickets and handed them to Lucy: "Of course, you get some too, pass them on to Gray, Natsu, and Erza for me."
Lucy was a bit surprised: "Wow! We can play by the seaside!"
Mira teased, "A young lady of noble birth getting so excited over a few holiday vouchers."
Lucy puffed her cheeks: "Well, I never took money from home."
Since becoming a mage, vacation felt like a distant word.
—Even though she had just been to Impatiens Village, a tourist spot.
Rhode counted on his fingers in disbelief: "Six tickets! Planning to take five girlfriends on vacation all at once?"
Loki replied confidently: "Yes, is there something wrong with that?"
"Of course, there is… let's not even mention, won't they fight?" Rhode had seen Loki take three girlfriends out for a meal at once, but five was too much.
"Well…" Loki winked at Rhode, "Want to know the secret?"
Suddenly, Rhode felt enveloped in a dreadful shadow.
"I was just asking casually," he looked innocently at Loki, "Do you think I dare consider it?"