Because there were so many things to discuss, Makarov couldn't bother to chastise them for being gone so long. Instead, he immediately asked, "What's going on with Sabertooth?"
He learned that Sabertooth had been dismantled while attending a regular meeting.
At first, he didn't think much of it; just another guild being taken down, a common occurrence. He even sighed, expressing his surprise that Sabertooth's mages were so lively, explaining why they ranked first.
But then, someone quickly informed him that Rhode was behind it.
Makarov was startled and immediately contacted the guild.
—His purpose was to warn everyone that Rhode wasn't the type to act without reason, indicating there might be a misunderstanding.
Therefore, everyone should remain calm. Before Rhode contacts the guild, absolutely do not organize any reinforcements on your own or attack Sabertooth...
He knew that if the guild kids misunderstood, they would recklessly charge straight ahead.
Rhode and Mira were too wrapped up in their own situation, and hadn't considered educating a few kids a serious task, so they overlooked this point.
Lisana told Mira last night that when everyone first heard the news, they did prepare a bit for battle.
Then Wolian went out to investigate and determined there was no responsibility, so everyone went about their business.
Only a few complained that Rhode did something so fun without inviting them.
Followed by Erza's suppression.
Makarov anxiously waited a day, but the Advisory Council didn't hassle him, and Sabertooth didn't contact him at all.
Then... he drank a few extra glasses during dinner, and with more meetings afterward, he temporarily forgot about it.
Rhode narrated the entire cause and effect, emphasizing that he wasn't responsible and didn't need to submit a written apology.
Makarov's mood was very complex.
This kind of kid who clearly caused trouble outside yet managed everything so neatly without anyone coming to ask for the parents...
How to say it, quite intriguing.
Though relieved, there was also a bit of disappointment.
Rhode was a kind-hearted person and couldn't bear to see the President with such an expression.
So he solemnly placed a local specialty he brought from the Council in front of the President.
Makarov's expression visibly became richer, his face gradually turning red.
Rhode quickly said, "Don't worry, the Speaker mentioned they won't pursue it much further this time, just let them reflect well."
The redness gradually faded, and Makarov patted the stack of documents: "I'll make them 'reflect' well. But..."
He sighed, "Looks like you'll be the one becoming the President after all."
"?" Zero frame start? Why suddenly talk about this?
Makarov stated matter-of-factly, "Guild affairs are handled neatly, strength and reputation are sufficient, can cause troubles and also fix them...
"So many hassles without needing to write apologies, who else should be President if not you?"
Rhode thought for three seconds and asked, "...Since the guild doesn't need your attention and you don't need to write apologies, why retire?"
Makarov was stunned, it's reasonable.
He quickly reacted, "No, not needing to write apologies this time is just a coincidence, if something happens again in the future, they'll still need to be written."
Rhode said, "See, you also know it's a coincidence, not me being capable of resolving hassles, so my abilities still aren't up to the task."
"..." That seems reasonable too.
No, almost let this kid persuade me: "I don't have the ability to resolve those hassles either! Anyway, I've already decided it's you, I want to retire."
Rhode asked, "Then what do you plan to do after retiring?"
"Probably... visit some old friends, spend most of the time drinking in the guild..."
"Isn't that the same as now? What's the difference in retiring or not?"
Makarov nearly froze, actually his current life seemed pretty much like his ideal retirement.
He didn't need to manage the guild's daily affairs, going out for a few days didn't affect its operation, regular meetings were like gatherings with old friends.
On the Council side, with two medals protecting them, as long as no major mistakes were made, they were generally fine.
Other concerns mostly related to pressures from the Western Continent...
Yet, the guild's biggest secret had already been told to Rhode, and Makarov felt this kid would naturally consider such matters, not requiring him to bear the pressure himself.
So have I already unknowingly retired?
Generally speaking, this situation should be called 'being sidelined'.
Makarov fell into contemplation, then decided to act shamelessly: "I don't care, I've decided!"
"...let's not jump to conclusions, even if you want me to be President, can we wait a few more months?"
"Why?"
"I'm planning to participate in the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts in three and a half months, and heard Mr. Jura will also be competing this year." Rhode said, "But the rules prohibit the President from participating."
Makarov was indifferent: "That kind of competition doesn't matter, if you want to spar with Jura, just find a chance to invite him."
Rhode added, "But first place has a prize of 3 million J, half for the guild, half for the competitor."
"This..." Makarov wavered, with such low commission fees in the guild and the tavern's average profits, earning this 1.5 million J would take a long time.
The guild's financial situation compared to other big guilds really wasn't optimistic, having this sum could do a lot of things.
Rhode continued to add, "The competition is nationally broadcast, winning would be far better for increasing reputation than making headlines in the newspapers. By then, we could receive more quality commissions, reviving the guild's peak period."
Makarov's features almost squished together, finally making a determined decision: "Alright! I'll be President for four more months."
Rhode secretly gestured a 'Yay' to Mira and mouthed silently, 'Is my eloquence good or what?'
Mira smiled and gave a thumbs up.
Before Makarov remembered he could participate after stepping down, Rhode quickly asked: "What about the troublesome task you just mentioned?"
"Oh, can't really call it troublesome." Makarov's attention was drawn away, "Just an ordinary extermination task, the target is a Hell Three-headed Dog."
"Hell Three-headed Dog," Rhode immediately became interested, "Demon?"
Sadly, Makarov shook his head: "No, probably just a special magical beast. —This was originally assigned to 'Kitchen God's Knife,' remember the guild that values cooking?"
"Ah, their President's cooking is very delicious." Rhode nodded, that's a peculiar guild that won't let you join if you can't cook, and the members' magic all lean towards lifestyle professions.
"Originally, they planned to hunt this Three-headed Dog as a rare ingredient while completing the commission.
"But the creature turned out stronger than expected, even injuring their President, so they had to hand it over to the Local Guild Alliance."
Rhode looked at Makarov: "So did you draw yet another short straw?"