"Uh... I, I... although I've already decided on the team members, if you guys really want to go, I..."
Rhode stammered, his face turning bright red, and finally, under everyone's teasing smiles, he still refused, "I'm sorry, I have someone else I'd rather team up with!"
"Oh~~~" Mira 'curiously' asked, "Who might that be?"
The others crowded in front of Rhode, looking at him eagerly, "Who is it?"
"..." Rhode wanted to turn his face away, but on his left was Jenny, on his right was Hibiki, and in front were One Night and Ive.
"MEN~," One Night said earnestly, "At times like this, an honest man is more attractive, Rhode."
"I, I got it, Master One Night," Rhode admitted, "I want to invite my girlfriend, Jie Li from Lamia Scale. Her magic suits... No, even without considering magic, I just want to be with her more."
Ive even cheered; it was truly rare to hear Rhode express his feelings so bluntly.
We should've used a Communication Magic Crystal to link up with Lamia Scale just now, such a pity.
"Very well, I approve," One Night said confidently, "I'll talk to President Ouba."
Hibiki patted Rhode on the shoulder, laughing, "Don't worry, with Teacher One Night stepping in, even President Ouba can't refuse."
Rhode quickly said, "Please, Brother One Night."
"Ah, it's only natural," One Night turned around, striking a bodybuilder pose, and said deeply,
"You, extremely shy, yet honest thanks to my encouragement, such honesty, and the fragrance of love between you and Miss Jie Li, I shall protect it with my life!"
Rhode was so moved he kneeled on one knee, placing both hands over his chest, "Mr. One Night!"
Hibiki sighed, "Teacher One Night, how handsome do you plan to be before you're satisfied?"
Jenny admired, "As expected of Senior One Night!"
Ive kneeled beside Rhode, raising both hands forward, "Brother One Night is simply a Cyan Angel!"
One Night turned and struck another pose, "MEN~"
The three good friends plus Jenny stood side by side, moving their bodies rhythmically and chanting, "One Night! One Night! One Night..."
Rhode hugged Mira, trembling, "Do you think we should join in too?"
Mira patted his arm, "What do you think?"
Rhode could distinctly feel her body shiver a bit too, probably getting goosebumps.
He honestly said, "Actually, I was a little moved just now."
Mira said, "Me too."
The couple fell silent, moved as they were, they appreciated One Night's care for the younger Guild members.
But joining that group...
Forget it.
But even if they didn't join, there would surely be others who would.
"One Night! One Night!"
The cheers grew louder, and the members of Blue Pegasus joined in almost without hesitation.
"One Night!"
The clients, watching the handsome men and beautiful women they preferred causing such a ruckus, couldn't help but join in.
For a moment, the entire Guild was shouting One Night's name.
Mira, observing such harmony, said, "If Lucy were here, she might join them."
"'No way!'" Rhode mimicked, in a falsetto, "If Lucy were here, she'd shout that at you."
Mira laughed, resting her cheek against Rhode's chest.
She felt homesick.
Coincidentally, so did Rhode.
The two only stayed in Koraul City for a day before heading back to Magnolia.
They had left in early January and returned in mid-March.
This not-so-short honeymoon trip had gone from the remnants of winter to the middle of spring.
Adhering to the principle of finishing as they started, they returned to Magnolia by ordinary means of transportation.
Standing once more in front of their home, Rhode and Mira felt like they had stepped into another world.
The pair couldn't help but sigh:
"Where is this?"
"Did we take the wrong turn?"
Rhode and Mira looked around; the street was familiar, and the neighboring houses were the same as before.
Then the question arose, is this unfamiliar building... our home?
The couple exchanged glances.
They confirmed with each other if their memories had been tampered with.
Their house was supposed to be a simple two-story wooden building, not some three-story Western-style house with white walls and a red roof...
Though Mira had mentioned wanting such a house during a family meeting before...
Is this a surprise?
Did Elfman and Lisana secretly renovate it while they were away to surprise their sister?
It couldn't be that simple.
"Let's go to the Guild first," Rhode suggested.
"Okay," Mira nodded.
Neither dared to step forward and knock on the door.
...
The Guild was the same as always.
Only now that the weather was warmer, the outdoor seats had guests again.
When Rhode and Mira arrived at the Guild entrance, Ginanna was carrying an empty tray into the Guild.
Inside, Marcus was leaning back in his chair against the bar, sitting casually.
As Ginanna entered, he glanced up, just in time to see the returning couple through the open door.
Marcus toppled over with a bang, chair flipping with him, and scrambled up to shout, "Oh no! Demon... I mean, Rhode and Mira are back!"
The noisy Guild suddenly fell silent, followed by the sound of chairs overturning and cups hitting the ground.
Among these were cries of 'uh-oh,' and coughing from someone choking on their drink.
Rhode ground his molars.
Marcus, geez, it's one thing to shout when the Council folks are here, but why the heck does he shout when we're back?
Did he just call us the Demon Couple?
And why did everyone inside act so panicked when they heard we were back?
This definitely spells trouble, even if you think with your heels.
Mira, smiling, tugged on Rhode's sleeve, signaling for him to slow down and see what these people were up to.
Just then, some outside patrons recognized them and waved hello.
Rhode took the opportunity to chat with them a little.
Everyone seemed particularly interested in his title of Duke, curiously asking if it meant he could take more wives in Gioa Kingdom.
Mira gave the person a gentle smile.
The person suddenly felt that even in mid-spring, it could still be quite chilly.
After lingering at the entrance for a bit, the chaos inside the Guild seemed to have calmed down.
Elfman and Lisana came out together with bright smiles, "Sister, brother-in-law, welcome back!"
Rhode and Mira just stared at their adorable younger siblings.
Elfman and Lisana's smiles gradually turned stiff and guilty.
Just then, Natsu burst out, barreling between Elfman and Lisana, shouting, "Perfect timing, duel with me, Rhode and Mira!"
The Guild immediately erupted with complaints, "Idiot, weren't you watching Natsu?!"
"We had him tied up! He burned through the ropes!"