"Yes, this is the largest room on the third floor, and now it's my bedroom," Lucy said with a small laugh. This was exactly why she stubbornly insisted on staying. It was not only about paying off her debt, Ares was genuinely difficult to deal with.
"I can see why you would rather work as a maid than leave this place. It almost makes me want to move in too," Erza Scarlet said as she looked around, her voice carrying a hint of admiration.
"You all sit down for a bit. I'll go get some refreshments. Don't touch anything, and keep your voices low," Lucy said as she opened the door, glaring especially at Natsu Dragneel.
"I want coffee."
"Green tea."
"Juice."
"So many requests. I don't even know if the kitchen has all that. I'll go check," Lucy muttered, rolling her eyes before quietly heading downstairs.
Not long after, they were all seated together, enjoying the drinks she brought back.
"About the Phantom Lord situation… since they are already in this city, they have likely gathered information on where we live," Erza said, taking a sip of her drink as her expression turned serious.
"Even our homes…" Lucy's hand trembled slightly, her face paling.
"That's why Mira suggested we stay together for now," Gray added, sitting comfortably with his legs crossed while sipping his tea.
"So that's the reason you all came here," Lucy said, nodding as she finally understood, though something still felt a little off.
"Well, that's part of it. The main reason is we needed a place to stay," Gray said casually.
"I just came to change my mood," Natsu added, still looking irritated.
"Aye, and because Lucy is the weakest among us, she's the easiest target. So we came to protect her," Happy said while happily chewing on grilled fish.
"Could you not say that so directly? And with Ares here, do I really need protection from a useless cat like you?" Lucy shot back, rolling her eyes.
"We still don't know why Phantom Lord attacked us," Gray continued.
"Their guild master is on the same level as ours," Erza added.
"One of the Ten Wizard Saints?" Lucy's expression tightened.
"Yes. They are recognized by the Magic Council. Only ten people hold that title, and every one of them is extremely powerful," Erza said, her tone carrying a trace of ambition.
"Phantom Lord's master, Jose Porla, not only matches our master in power, but he also commands the Element 4. Each of them is comparable to an S-Class wizard. Aria of Air, Juvia Lockser of Water, Sol of Earth, Totomaru of Fire, and finally Gajeel Redfox, the Iron Dragon Slayer, who is the most troublesome."
"Gajeel Redfox… a Dragon Slayer?" Lucy asked.
"Yes."
While Lucy, Erza, and Gray continued discussing, Natsu and Happy, having nothing better to do, started wandering around the room.
"Wow… these clothes are so neat," Happy said as he opened the wardrobe, his eyes lighting up.
"There's so much stuff here. And these look strange. Are these stockings? And what are these straps?" Natsu leaned in, inspecting everything with curiosity.
"Hey, what are you two doing over there!" Lucy shouted the moment she noticed.
"Erza, look! We found a bunch of sexy underwear!"
"How bold… Lucy, do you usually wear things like this?" Erza's face flushed as she stared at the delicate lace and translucent pink pieces in Happy's hands.
"Stupid cat, stop digging through my things!" Lucy's face turned red as she rushed forward and kicked both Natsu and Happy away. She slammed the wardrobe shut, her chest rising as she tried to steady herself. Then she turned to Erza. "If you like them, I can take you shopping sometime."
Erza, usually so composed, found herself momentarily speechless.
"Lucy, are there any spare rooms? I'm going to sleep," Gray said, yawning, clearly uninterested.
"There are, but they haven't been cleaned."
"Then I'll just sleep here." Gray dropped onto Lucy's bed and instantly fell asleep, even blowing snot bubbles.
"That fast?" Lucy stared in disbelief before her expression darkened. "Hey, that's my bed!"
"I'm sleeping too," Natsu said as he flopped onto the bed.
"Aye!"
Lucy stood there, completely stunned.
…
Elsewhere in Magnolia, on a quiet street.
"Levy, you should go to the girls' dorm with Mirajane and the others," Droy said, clearly worried.
"It's fine. We're a team. Phantom Lord wouldn't target us," Levy McGarden replied, waving her hand.
"But Mira has a point. They might attack isolated members," Jet added.
"In that case, let's move faster," Levy said after a brief pause.
"Right!"
Unseen by them, a shadow lingered nearby, watching with a cruel smile.
…
The next morning, sunlight filtered through thin curtains, falling across Ares's face as he sat in the living room.
He sipped his coffee occasionally, flipping through a magazine. His life had settled into a quiet rhythm. Aside from training, he spent his time reading. It might seem dull to others, but he found it comfortable.
"A… Ares…" Erza hesitated at the top of the stairs, clearly feeling guilty after staying the night without permission.
"Erza, what's wrong?" Lucy, still yawning, stepped up behind her. When she peeked ahead and saw Ares sitting there with a faintly amused look, she froze as well.
"Th-that…" Erza struggled to find her words, her face slightly flushed.
"Why are you standing there? Have you forgotten your responsibilities? Someone here owes me a huge debt. Go make breakfast. Do you want me to starve?" Ares said, his tone sharp as he looked at Lucy.
Lucy pouted, already used to his attitude.
"Since Erza and Natsu are here, make extra."
"Why are you so annoying? All you do is eat," Lucy muttered under her breath, though loud enough to be heard, glaring at him.
"This month's utility bill…" Ares said without even lifting his head.
"Lord Ares, please wait. I'll prepare breakfast immediately," Lucy said, instantly changing her tone as she rushed into the kitchen.
Her sudden shift left Erza stunned.
"Sit," Ares said, pointing at the sofa.
"Yo, Ares. Erza," Natsu called as he came downstairs with Gray.
"Aye…"
"That was a great sleep," Gray said, stretching, completely shirtless.
"Why are you up so early?" Natsu asked as he walked over and casually pulled out snacks hidden under the table. Unsurprisingly, they belonged to Lucy.
"It's not early," Ares said, gesturing toward the bright sunlight outside.
At that moment, Virgo stepped out of the kitchen in her maid outfit, carrying a fruit platter.
"Virgo."
Everyone greeted her casually.