The banquet, as usual, went on very late.
But Rhode took Mira home early.
His intention was for Mira to rest early, but after they got home, Mira showed him something nice.
Like Mirajane Sera.
Then... the couple played for a little while.
Mainly because restraint is needed during pregnancy.
The next morning, the news of the Gate of the Underworld's destruction spread across the Ishujal Continent with the new issue of the newspaper.
The Fairy Tail guild's reputation soared once again.
The contents of the Council's press conference were also spread with this issue.
Org listed Crawford Heim's crimes and also reviewed the past shortcomings of the Council.
He revealed in the interview that the candidates for the new evaluators are under discussion, and the next Council will be more vibrant, bringing everyone a sense of security.
By then, he would voluntarily resign and hand over the responsibility of maintaining the Magic Realm's stability to the trustworthy next generation.
In the guild, Rhode put down the newspaper: "Why does it feel like there's nothing substantial, not even a list of candidates."
"Because choosing people for such a responsibility is inherently difficult, isn't it?" Yajima said, "Moreover, even if candidates are chosen, their consent is needed, so the list can't be announced in advance."
He had quite some experience in this, albeit not pleasant experience.
Mira then said, "Guests are coming soon, why not wake them up?"
In the guild, there were lots of people lying around, but only a few could wake up early.
Rhode looked at the time, and with a mischievous grin, said, "Seems like it's about time, Mira and Mr. Yajima, you better cover your ears first."
Mira roughly knew what he wanted to do, obediently did as told, and Yajima, persuadably, also covered his ears.
Rhode raised his right hand and sketched a few strokes in the air with his finger.
The red word "SOUND" was formed by magic power, vibrating slightly up and down, transmitting invisible sound waves in all directions.
"Buzz~~~Beep!!!"
The deep sound gradually turned sharp, eventually becoming a screech similar to microphone feedback.
The penetrating sound forced many sleeping people into expressions of agony.
They first covered their ears, then opened their eyes, bouncing out of their diverse sleeping positions.
"Who was that?"
"Aah! My ears!"
"Damn it, it's so noisy!"
What was once a quiet guild was suddenly filled with energy.
Rhode faced their angry gazes, calmly waved to dispel his Text Magic.
Smiling as if nothing happened, he shouted, "Quickly clean up, the tavern's opening for business!"
"We should clean you up first!!!"
The guild never lacked brave souls.
Natsu, Gajeel, Gray, Jet, Elfman, and others first threw everything within reach at Rhode, then screamed as they charged at him.
Rhode jumped over the counter unhurriedly, caught a bench, and used it to block a bunch of flying objects.
Then he pounded Gajeel into the floor with the bench, tossed away the broken bench, punched Natsu into Lucy's arms, kicked Gray into Jubia, and glared at Elfman until he froze, grabbing Jet and throwing him at Troy...
People nearby heard the racket from the guild early in the morning, but went about their business.
It's Fairy Tail, just a little stir.
After a while, the commotion in the guild calmed down.
Rhode casually dusted off his clothes and cheerfully said, "Get going, bury the dead, the living get to work!"
Everyone cursed as they got up, saying they'd show him next time, and started cleaning the guild.
Mikhailo watched the riotous bunch finish up, then came out with his granddaughter, complaining:
"Geez, it's so noisy so early. Is President Makarov in? We've disturbed you the last couple of days, and now we're saying goodbye."
"Xiaoma, wake up." Yajima squatted down, patting Makarov's forehead, "How can you sleep like this?"
Rhode was amazed, with all the chaos, the president still didn't wake? How much did he drink yesterday?
Mira handed Yajima a wet towel.
Intending to let him wipe the president's face, but Yajima directly plastered the towel on Makarov's face.
"Mmmmmm..." Makarov flailed his arms and legs, resembling a murder scene.
Luckily, he wasn't an ordinary elder, surviving strongly, greeting everyone in a daze.
Mikhailo repeated his farewell with a dark face, wondering how the guild members from top to bottom could all be alike.
Makarov tried to persuade, "Leaving so soon? How about staying a few more days like Xiaoya and Lady Beluno?"
Yajima, having no restaurant due to its destruction, decided to stay a few more days, planning to live at Makarov's house.
Beluno's home was severely damaged too, leaving nowhere to return to. Plus, she wanted to observe Gajeel's daily life more, so she planned to stay a few days.
Last night she stayed at the girls' dormitory, right next to Reby.
"No need, I prefer a bit of quiet." Mikhailo's house was frozen once by Shilba's ice, but after defrosting it sustained surprisingly little damage, so there's no need to lodge.
Besides, he worried that he might die in Fairy Tail despite surviving the Gate of the Underworld.
This bunch's ordinary brawls felt like warfare, who could endure that?
Moreover, a blue-haired woman always eerily watched Mikaelia; apparently, she was once the Ghost's Four Elements, quite intimidating.
Seeing his firm decision, Makarov didn't press more.
Rhode called out Lisana to help them book transport, confirming that they didn't require escorts, so he didn't intervene further.
Besides them, the guests in the guild also included three humans and two cats from Sabertooth.
Minerva had already decided to invite Porlyusica to help remove the demonized features from her body.
Stinger and Rogue, already heavily injured, tagged along for some medicine, estimating a stay of two to three days.
They didn't stay much longer at Fairy Tail but camped outside Porlyusica's tree house, explaining convenience for treatment.
Though Rhode felt they might be embarrassed to cause more trouble.
The tavern gradually cleared out, with Laki repairing the damaged floors and tables.
Just as the tavern reopened for business, a postman came to the entrance: "There's a letter for President Makarov and Mr. Rhode."
"Here." Rhode waved, intending to invite the postman for a drink, but was politely declined.
He opened his letter: "A letter addressed to both me and the president, it's probably the Ten Wizard Saints meeting... indeed."