In Magnolia, inside the Fairy Tail guild hall, Arlen sat at the bar, sipping juice. Beside him was Cana.
As for Ultear, she had already left with Ul to train at Mount Hakobe. When she departed, the little girl had teary eyes, looking back at Arlen with deep reluctance.
In her heart, Ultear had already sworn to follow Arlen forever.
But unfortunately, she hadn't even begun learning magic yet. In the end, after much patient persuasion from Arlen, she obediently followed Ul to Mount Hakobe to begin her training.
On another note—after that embarrassing incident, Arlen never touched alcohol again.
Oh, and he had also beaten up Wakaba and Macao for swapping his juice with beer—leading to that infamous "masterpiece" moment.
—
Today, Arlen was dressed in a white shirt, a black vest, and a blue bowtie adorned with a purple gem. Over it, he wore a long blue-and-white coat. Black trousers and polished leather shoes completed the outfit.
His silver-white hair was tied into a ponytail, his bangs parted to reveal the crescent mark on his forehead.
Elegant. Noble. Strikingly handsome.
A perfect aristocratic young master—
At least in appearance.
Because in Fairy Tail… that image collapsed in minutes.
—
"Hm? The communication crystal is glowing… Father? Or Mother?"
Arlen stepped aside after informing Cana and activated the crystal.
A projection appeared—
Alice.
"Mother, my greetings."
"Oh my dear son! It's been so long—I've missed you to death! How are you in Fairy Tail? Are you eating properly? Do you miss me? Have you—"
A barrage.
A relentless barrage.
Arlen couldn't even respond until she paused for tea.
"…Mother, I'm doing well. Fairy Tail is even better than I imagined. Everyone is kind, the Master takes care of me, and I've made many friends."
He carefully recounted everything from the past half month.
If he didn't—
She'd worry.
And his father would probably follow up immediately.
—
"My son, you've done wonderfully."
Alice smiled warmly.
"About you and that Wizard Saint Ul defeating Deliora—we've heard. Your father and I are proud of you."
Arlen paused slightly.
Then she continued:
"This time, besides missing you… I need you to visit someone on my behalf."
"Who?"
"Layla Heartfilia."
"…The Heartfilia family?"
"Yes. The king's birthday is approaching, so your father and I must attend. I can't go personally. Recently, something seems to have happened on her side—she may need help."
"…Understood. I'll go immediately."
Then Arlen asked:
"Mother, what is your relationship with her?"
Alice smiled softly.
"We grew up together. She became a Celestial Spirit Mage, and I married your father—but we've always kept in touch."
"…Alright."
Arlen nodded.
"I'll set off right away—and take on some requests along the way."
"Take care of yourself. Write when you can. And… I'm counting on you."
"…Yes, Mother."
The projection faded.
—
Arlen put away the crystal, his expression returning to calm.
Before taking requests, he needed Makarov's approval.
"Master, may I accept some jobs?"
"Oh, Arlen." Makarov glanced at him. "You can—but until you become an S-Class mage, you're limited to first-floor requests."
He added:
"I know you're strong enough. But rules exist for a reason."
Arlen understood.
Fairy Tail wasn't strict—but it protected its members.
"Understood. I'm heading to the Heartfilia Consortium due to my mother's request. I'll just take some tasks along the way."
"…That suits you. Go ahead."
As Arlen turned to leave—
"Don't destroy any buildings," Makarov added. "We're already running a deficit."
"…Understood."
Arlen's mouth twitched.
Fairy Tail's reputation—
Half glory.
Half destruction.
Remarkable, really.
At the request board, Arlen selected several missions:
Bandit subjugation
Missing child search
Five tasks total.
Reward: 8.5 million J
"Master, these ones."
Makarov reviewed them carefully, then registered and returned the request sheets.
Though he wasn't worried about Arlen—
He still checked out of habit.
Because to him, every guild member was family.
And he wouldn't allow them to get hurt lightly.
—
With preparations complete—
Arlen was ready to depart.
Toward—
The Heartfilia Consortium.