Mermaid Heel's entire team performed exceptionally well.
Fairy Tail's performance was stable as always.
Blue Pegasus was exactly as expected. Lamia Scale did quite well too, though their two guild masters were a bit of an eyesore.
Shining Sun had Yerol and Jenni holding the line.
Sabertooth, however, was rather disappointing. After Yukino and Minerva left, there were too few female Magicians, and even fewer with outstanding looks.
Rhodes looked around, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
"I never thought those tomboys and country girls would look this beautiful after putting on elegant dresses."
"Because they're Magicians, everyone usually prioritizes convenience," Mira said. Not only did she not stop Rhodes from admiring the scenery, she even helped point things out. "Look at Kagura. She's dressed beautifully."
Rhodes nodded. "Indeed. The contrast with her usual self is huge. It's surprisingly striking."
Mira then pointed toward a red-haired woman standing with Mavis, Wendy, and Sherria, admiring an exquisitely plated dessert.
"Then what do you think of Erza?"
Rhodes considered for a moment. "Very ordinary. She looks normal in everything, doesn't she?"
Mira nodded thoughtfully. "So that's how it is. Men find easily predictable outfits boring and gradually lose interest."
Rhodes froze.
"!"
No, that logic was wrong. Completely wrong.
Mira continued calmly, "Therefore, as a wife, one shouldn't casually satisfy a husband's every demand."
Rhodes's smile stiffened. "Is that so?"
Mira smiled brightly. "Is it not?"
"No, no."
"What's wrong?"
Rhodes was speechless. This really did not feel like an appropriate topic for discussion at a royal palace banquet.
Clutching his chest dramatically, he said, "Wife, you've changed. Who corrupted you?"
Mira smiled sweetly. "Who do you think?"
Before the couple could continue chatting so casually, Magicians began approaching them in waves.
First came friends from familiar guilds, then Mira's fans.
After that, guild masters from various guilds arrived. They had learned the origin of the purple shields and strange bugs from the previous night and came specifically to express their gratitude.
During the chaos of the battle, that thin layer of shielding magic had saved many lives.
Rhodes politely told everyone it was nothing worth mentioning, while Mira chatted happily with the others.
The atmosphere of the banquet gradually warmed.
The King clearly understood Magicians. As long as there was a suitable venue, good food, and plenty of wine, they could enjoy themselves without any formal entertainment.
In this relaxed atmosphere, Princess Hisui and Yukino entered quietly, both dressed in formal attire. Many people did not even realize that one of the two beautiful women who had just passed them was the Princess herself.
Originally, Hisui intended to walk over to Rhodes and Mira. However, seeing that they were surrounded, she instead went to chat with Jude and Lucy.
She seemed to have no special purpose, simply enjoying the gathering like everyone else.
Rhodes casually glanced over and noticed Sting and Rogue bringing their two Exceeds over to Yukino. They bowed slightly and said something to her.
Yukino shook her head, wearing an apologetic smile.
Sting left looking dejected.
Looks like there's a story there. I'll ask later.
Up on the rostrum, Arcadios tapped the railing with his sword sheath and announced loudly,
"Everyone, please be quiet. His Majesty is about to arrive!"
The King's authority was evident. The Magicians in the hall quieted almost immediately, and even those who had been sparring moments ago stopped.
Arcadios cleared his throat.
"To thank you all for your brave efforts, His Majesty will personally address you. Please stand by respectfully."
The once lively hall became orderly in an instant. Many people returned to their respective guilds without prompting.
Though they did not form perfect ranks, their attitudes were clearly serious.
Rhodes only realized after a moment that many Magicians, even from large guilds, rarely had the chance to see the King in person.
Having entered the palace so casually over the past few days, and with the King showing no airs, he had almost forgotten that this was not a common experience at all.
Theoretically, in such a formal occasion, one should respectfully bow to the King.
It couldn't be as simple as a private greeting.
Arcadios said: "Furthermore, His Majesty the King will personally present awards to the winning team of this Grand Magic Games—Fairy Tail Team B! Please, the six contestants, prepare yourselves!"
The six naturally referred to Rhodes, Mira, Laxus, Gajeel, Juvia, and Wendy.
Rhodes and Mira finally successfully got away.
Laxus also emerged from the encirclement of a group of fangirls.
Freed watched Laxus leave with adoration, then glared resentfully at the fangirls.
Gajeel came to assemble, chewing on a fork. Juvia, without guessing, came from Gray's side.
Wendy happily scurried over, then made a flying leap, sliding on the floor to Rhodes's feet.
"Ouch." Wendy's tone when saying 'ouch' had no fluctuation, as if it was just a habitual complaint.
"Be careful, the floor is a bit slippery." Mira helped Wendy up, carefully tidying her clothes and hair.
Rhodes increasingly wanted a daughter like this.
Soon, footsteps echoed from the corridor leading to the rostrum.
A crown-wearing figure walked out unhurriedly, and the Magicians all prepared to bow.
However, the 'King' let out a hearty, robust laugh: "Everyone, rise! Hahahaha..."
It wasn't the King who walked out at all, it was Natsu!
Natsu, who had somehow gotten hold of the King's crown and clothes!
The Magicians collectively froze. The Magicians of Fairy Tail were truly audacious.
Wearing royal robes and a crown on such an occasion could easily be considered usurpation and rebellion, and he could be arrested on the spot!
Erza, Gray, and others covered their faces. Macao and the others' mouths hung open. Lucy looked like she wanted to tell Natsu to come down but didn't dare to speak. Makarov clutched his heart.
The entire venue fell silent, followed by a burst of commotion: "What is that idiot doing?!"
"No matter what, it's gone too far, hasn't it?"
"He's going to get killed!"
Arcadios finally recovered from the shock and immediately drew his sword: "This is...this is simply treason!"
"Seize him!" The Minister of State and a group of guards emerged from behind with a rush, some pulling Natsu, some trying to remove the crown.
Whether out of consideration for their status or fear of damaging the King's clothes, these people were acting, but didn't seem to be putting much effort into it.
So Natsu ignored them, continuing to wave his arms and shout down: "I am the King! I will present the awards now! Uh, what was the procedure again? Never mind, anyway, Rhodes, you guys hurry up and come get the trophy!"
Mira covered her mouth and laughed: "Well, are you going to accept the award?"
"Of course." Rhodes clenched his fist.