No matter how much Jude despised magic, he could not deny one truth: the Heartfilia Konzern, his life's work, had been pulled back from the brink of collapse because of a mage.
"…Mr. Noah, thank you."
"And you too, Reina."
Jude's stern face twisted as he forced out a smile. It looked so awkward that Reina burst into laughter. Watching his prideful friend cast aside his stubbornness was priceless.
*Well then, I should make this moment count.*
Grinning, Reina decided: another 2.5 million would be added to Noah's reward, on Jude's behalf.
Jude's expression shifted instantly, and his lips twitched. *Is my pride… worth 2.5 million? This guy's mocking me…* But he couldn't refute it, not when the Konzern's survival was at stake.
Noah, however, was pleasantly surprised. Rich men were truly unpredictable.
The original reward had been 3 million. Reina had given him 2 million for the infiltration deposit. Now, with an additional 2.5 million thrown in, Noah's total haul was 7.5 million jewel.
Nearly two-thirds of what Mira once earned by defeating the Beast King—an actual life-and-death S-class mission. Yet compared to that, this job had been little more than child's play.
Seven and a half million in cash would have required a huge trunk. To avoid complications, Reina opened a savings account for Noah and deposited the money directly.
"Please keep this, Mr. Noah. It's a payment magic crystal. Activate it, and you can make purchases directly. It's accepted in most major cities—far more convenient than carrying coin."
Noah accepted the small crystal with satisfaction. A magical version of remote payment? Far more advanced than he expected. A simple glow later, and he heard the system's pleasant chime:
**"7.5 million J credited."**
The commission was officially complete.
Reina had intended to treat Noah to a proper feast in gratitude, but Noah only thought of returning to the guild dorm, curling up, and resuming his easy "home-body" days.
Still—before leaving, Noah's gaze lingered on Jude.
And the words spilled out.
"Mr. Jude, there are things I shouldn't say, especially as an outsider. But since we likely won't meet again, I don't care if this angers you.
I don't know much about magic. But one thing is certain—evil doesn't lie in magic itself, but in how people use it.
Your wife died because of magic—why, I don't know. But if you vent that hatred on your daughter… ignore her wishes, erase her dreams… Then you are nothing but a failure as a father.
Don't wait until it's too late. There's no medicine for regret. Cherish those close to you while you still can."
Noah rose, turned, and walked out without looking back.
He avoided troublesome matters whenever possible. The only reason he spoke so much to Jude—the first time they had met—was because it reminded him of his own father, Faust.
After Noah's mother died giving birth, Faust vented his despair over the kingdom's collapsing magic upon his first son—casting the child away in cold abandonment. Later, when he grew attached to Noah, guilt returned. But by then, it was far too late to make amends for the son he had forsaken.
Compared to Faust, Jude was fortunate. He hadn't yet destroyed Lucy's spirit. He still had the chance to change—and at least one steadfast friend beside him.
Whether he would see that chance through… was his own path.
Noah no longer cared. He was just a traveler passing by.
---
Half an hour later, Jude still sat frozen.
Reina sighed, glancing at his old friend who hadn't moved. He had spent years saying the same things. Yet Noah, a stranger, had pierced stubborn Jude's heart in minutes.
"…Reina."
"Hm?"
"Come with me. See Lucy. Alone, she won't even talk to me."
Reina blinked, then stared—and slowly, a wry smile spread across his face.
*Well, well. The idiot finally figured it out.*
So many years of his own persuasion, fruitless. Yet this outsider's blunt words had struck true.
He cursed inwardly. *Is it because I'm your friend you never take me seriously, you damn fool?*
But outwardly, he grew excited. "Then what are you waiting for? Buy Lucy something. She's fifteen, smart, sensible—but you need to apologize. Admit your mistake."
Jude started, nodded… and then froze again. His gaze shifted, pained.
"…What does my daughter like?"
The silence was crushing.
After years of distance, Jude realized bitterly… he didn't know. He didn't know *anything* about his only child.
Reina's eyebrows shot up, and for once, the refined businessman erupted.
"You… you absolute bastard of a father!"
Then he exhaled, rubbing his temples. "…Dolls. Storybooks. Clothes, sweets. Any girl would love those.
But listen—Lucy inherited her mother's Celestial Spirit magic. Search the shops. If you find a Celestial Spirit key, buy it for her. And if—by miracle—you come across a Zodiac Key? Don't hesitate. Give that to her."
He jabbed a finger into Jude's chest. "Enough standing around. Move! All you have left is money—use it, for once, as a father!"
---
Noah didn't bother to learn what became of Jude afterward. His job was finished. Three days' work, mission completed, and Reina's commission form stamped with a glowing five-star review.
Erza couldn't scold him now.
With four days left until Christmas, Noah resolved to take it easy until the New Year. Ten days of rest, well-deserved.
At the guild gate, voices roared.
"Laxus! I'm the Guild Master!"
"Old man, you're going to regret this!"
Noah paused. The lines were so familiar… *Wait, isn't this exactly what Reina and Jude shouted yesterday during their spat?*
Would the door swing open now too?
Sure enough, with a resounding crash, the guild doors slammed open.
Out strode a tall blond man in a black coat, stylish headphones hanging at his neck, eyes burning with rebellious arrogance.
Makarov's grandson.
The first S-Class of the new generation.
Guardian of the guild's second floor.
Thunder-dragon mage, classic-rock enthusiast, and, in Noah's eyes—an absolute lunatic.
**Laxus Dreyar.**
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