The Palace of Lanterns, Mercurias, was vast and naturally had no shortage of space for Marco to stay.
Well, actually, that wasn't entirely accurate.
Although the Palace of Lanterns was large, it truly had no accommodations for outsiders—especially outsiders of Marco's status.
This was a royal palace, inhabited either by royalty or by servants and guards.
Given Marco's status, even disregarding his own reputation, just his position as the princess's master meant he couldn't possibly be treated like a servant or guard—especially since this princess was the king's only heir.
Thus, Hisui directly brought Marco to King Toma's "royal study."
She had already sent someone to summon her father, King Toma.
Business first; accommodations could be arranged later.
"Master, is that really alright?"
After seating Marco in the royal study, Hisui's expression remained worried.
After all, Marco had just described the "crisis" so gravely that it was hard not to be concerned.
"Don't worry. My little crows have already gone to contact Mystogan. They'll bring back more detailed information soon. Until we hear from Mystogan, worrying won't help."
Marco sipped the black tea Hisui had just brewed while comforting the child.
This super-dimensional space magic, Anima, truly required Mystogan to resolve—no one else could be of much help.
"Mystogan, is he that very mysterious guild companion?" Hisui asked curiously.
By the time she joined the guild, Mystogan had already become quite enigmatic, returning quietly each time.
Hisui had rarely seen him, and they weren't familiar with each other.
"Yes, he left the guild to travel everywhere precisely to deal with the crisis we're facing now. He's the real expert. Rest assured." Marco nodded, continuing to reassure Hisui.
She gradually calmed down.
Whether Mystogan was reliable or not, she didn't know, but with Marco here, her heart could settle.
If the sky fell, Marco would hold it up.
The two shifted topics, no longer discussing the crisis.
Marco inquired about Hisui's life in the royal capital.
Under King Toma's arrangements, Hisui had begun attending political hearings to cultivate her ability to handle state affairs.
Of course, it was mainly listening for now—she wasn't allowed to take charge yet, at most sharing her thoughts, as it was only the beginning.
"Don't be nervous. Just follow the steps."
After Hisui vented about her performance, Marco smiled and comforted her.
In truth, the child was doing quite well.
Though still somewhat naive, her ideas and intentions were good—that was enough.
Experience could be accumulated over time; a sincere heart was the rarest treasure.
"Marco-kun! What brings you here from so far away?"
Marco and Hisui hadn't chatted long before King Toma hurried in on his short legs, looking at Marco with great surprise.
King Toma had a faint sense of foreboding.
Marco rarely came to the royal capital—almost never, in fact.
In all the years since Hisui became his student, Marco had never visited once, as if deliberately avoiding any appearance of meddling in state affairs.
This time, the "West Continent immigration" matter proposed by Hisui marked Marco's first attempt to influence Fiore Kingdom's policies.
And now, Marco had even directly visited the palace late at night.
These actions made King Toma feel they were some rather ominous signs.
Why would this powerful genius Mage renowned throughout the Ishgar continent suddenly make such changes?
Could it be that something major was about to happen?
As for Marco's involvement in court affairs, King Toma wasn't particularly concerned.
He had already entrusted his only heir to Marco's guidance, so why would he worry about this?
To put it bluntly, after his death when Hisui succeeded the throne, if Marco had the capability, he could completely have Hisui hand over all court affairs to him, or make Hisui the executor of his political views.
Having made the decision to entrust Hisui to this Fairy Tail Mage and future guild master, King Toma had prepared for Fairy Tail's overt and covert influence on court affairs.
This was the necessary price for having Fairy Tail support and protect Hisui - far better than leaving Hisui to be bullied by others.
This was originally a gamble-like approach.
King Toma was betting on Fairy Tail's guild culture, betting on Marco's aspirations, responsibilities, and character as a mentor.
In King Toma's heart, he naturally hoped Hisui could master magic and strengthen herself, hoped she could maintain good relationships with her mentor and companions, making Fairy Tail her solid backing.
Of course, there was another possibility - that Hisui might end up learning nothing and merely become a puppet.
If that were the outcome, King Toma could only blame himself for misjudging the situation.
At least up to now, King Toma held quite favorable impressions of Marco and Fairy Tail.
Every time Hisui returned home, she appeared very happy, always smiling when mentioning Marco and other guild companions, clearly getting along well with them.
Therefore, King Toma strongly supported Marco becoming Fairy Tail's guild master, as this would make Hisui's backing more secure.
Precisely because of this, he felt somewhat nervous about Marco's visit.
Unusual occurrences must have underlying reasons.
Without something major happening, Marco definitely wouldn't have come.
This was just like receiving a late-night call from family - that feeling of fear and apprehension was something everyone who's experienced it would understand.
"Don't worry, King Toma. I came firstly because there might be matters requiring your cooperation, and secondly regarding the West Continent immigrant settlement affairs."
Seeing King Toma's somewhat flustered expression, Marco spoke to reassure him.
His relaxed tone helped King Toma relax as well.
"You scared me to death! Visiting suddenly in the middle of the night, I thought something major had happened. You made me sweat all the way here in fear."
King Toma took out a handkerchief, wiping his sweat while speaking with a laugh.
He had genuinely sweated - this wasn't a joke.
"Not exactly a major issue. It's just that we might need to evacuate all the citizens of Crocus."
Marco narrowed his eyes, saying with a smile what might possibly happen.
If the range of "Anima" covered the urban area, it would naturally be better to evacuate the city's residents first.
Although Mystogan could usually prevent the occurrence of "Anima" by arriving early at the scene and making preparations, it was still wise to take precautions.
If any unforeseen circumstances arose and Crocus was destroyed, so be it—at least the people must be protected.
"WHAT?!"
King Toma's eyes widened, the handkerchief in his hand falling to the ground.
His mouth hung open as if he doubted his own ears.
How could "not a big deal" be connected with "evacuating the entire population of Crocus"?
"Is it really that dangerous?!"
King Toma swallowed hard, thinking that if the situation was so perilous, they should evacuate immediately—get the people out first and deal with the rest later.
"You're quite decisive." Marco smiled.
Though King Toma was not a diligent ruler devoted to state affairs—in fact, he was somewhat negligent—he was at least a decent person at heart.
"If the disaster is unavoidable, the royal city can be rebuilt, but the dead cannot be revived. If evacuation is necessary, we will certainly cooperate." King Toma's expression turned serious.
He might be careless and indifferent about minor matters, but he would never be negligent when it came to major issues.
Moreover, he trusted the judgment of professionals.
With Marco's reputation and abilities, he certainly wouldn't be playing tricks.
"Caw! Caw!!!"
Before Marco could respond, the cries of several crows echoed outside the window.
Hisui immediately went to open the window upon hearing the sound.
She saw a crow perched quietly on the windowsill, waiting.
"What's this?"
King Toma looked curiously at the crow flying in, his face full of confusion as he asked.
"A message has arrived."
Marco extended his arm, allowing the crow to land on it.
His little crows had already made contact with Mystogan and obtained precise information.
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