Theoretically, no king in the world would tolerate someone stealing his crown, putting on his robes, and then openly claiming to be the king himself.
But the King of Fiore could.
When Rhodes flew up, knocked Natsu out of the air with a single punch, returned the crown to its rightful owner, and offered a sincere apology, the king merely laughed and said,
"It's fine. Just a joke that went a little too far."
Only then did Makarov snap back to his senses. He hurriedly bowed and apologized,
"I'm deeply sorry, Your Majesty! Natsu has absolutely no manners. I will take him back immediately and punish him properly!"
Rhodes silently gave the guild master a thumbs-up.
As expected of the Master, his first instinct was still to drag Natsu back and deal with him personally.
"There's really no need to worry," the king said with a smile. "Didn't Mr. Rhodes already discipline him just now?"
After thinking it over, he found that he wasn't angry at all. In fact, he found Fairy Tail rather fascinating, capable of causing chaos even on this level.
Chuckling, he continued,
"Very well. Allow me to tidy myself up a bit. After that, we'll resume the awards ceremony."
He was even willing to personally continue presenting awards to Fairy Tail.
After the unexpected farce at what was supposed to be a celebratory banquet and award ceremony, most guild members, aside from a few who thoroughly enjoyed the chaos, felt a mixture of awkwardness and relief.
Fortunately, everything proceeded smoothly afterward.
The king personally handed the trophy and prize money to Fairy Tail Team B.
Reporters snapped photos nonstop, already preparing tomorrow's headlines, though no one knew whether they had managed to capture the moment Natsu impersonated the king.
Naturally, the palace couldn't allow the magicians to party all night, let alone until dawn. The banquet dispersed late in the evening, and everyone returned to their respective lodgings.
On the way back, Rhodes carefully observed the city. In just a single day, most of the damaged buildings had already been repaired. Only a few roads and decorative structures were still awaiting restoration.
Ultear was undoubtedly the MVP. She must have gone straight back to work after waking up from being knocked unconscious by Rhodes.
All residents had already been notified that they could return home at any time. Many shops even reopened immediately, hoping to make extra profit while the magicians were still in the capital.
As soon as they returned to the hotel, Makarov announced that the guild would be heading back to Magnolia early the next morning.
After all, if Natsu had already stolen the king's crown today, who knew what kind of disaster he might cause if they stayed any longer?
Of course, anyone who wished to remain in the capital for a few more days was free to do so, but the guild would no longer cover their lodging or meals.
At the mention of expenses, Makarov's heart ached. Dozens of people staying in the capital meant an enormous daily cost.
He looked at Rhodes with eager, frantic hints.
Rhodes, mercifully sparing the old man's nerves, patted his briefcase and said,
"Don't worry, Master. The total prize money is thirty million J. As agreed, fifteen million J goes to the guild, and the remaining fifteen million will be divided among the six of us on Team B."
Makarov nearly burst with joy. At last, they had money to renovate the guild!
The others looked on enviously, but since they hadn't competed, a free trip with food and lodging for seven or eight days was already more than generous.
Rhodes counted on his fingers.
Fifteen million divided by six meant two and a half million each.
After a moment's thought, he said,
"Although Team A didn't win the championship, they worked hard as well. How about giving each of them two hundred thousand J as a participation reward?"
Lucy's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?! Is that okay? Are you sure?"
Every sentence was a question, each one brimming with anticipation.
Laxus and the others had no objections. Even after distributing that amount, everyone on Team B would still receive over two million.
"Ahahaha!" Natsu laughed, already imagining a month's worth of food secured. "Since everyone agrees..."
"But Natsu's share will be deducted," Rhodes interrupted calmly.
"Why?!" Natsu protested.
"Because you nearly caused a major incident today."
Makarov nodded without hesitation. Fair and reasonable.
"Damn it." Natsu fumed, but couldn't argue.
Thus, the prize money distribution was happily settled.
The four members of Team A, excluding Natsu, each received two hundred thousand J.
As for Team B, Rhodes and Mira each took 2.3 million, while the remaining members received 2.4 million, dividing the funds perfectly and keeping everyone satisfied.
Early the next morning, all members of Fairy Tail, except Warren, boarded the guild's airship.
Warren's long-term assignment wasn't finished yet. He had to remain in the capital's research laboratory to continue developing portable, personal phone-specific magic crystals.
Unexpectedly, Bacchus from Four Head Hounds shamelessly boarded their airship.
Rhodes stared at the drunken man, baffled.
"Bacchus? You're not… here to challenge Erza again, are you?"
"Of course not," Bacchus replied without a shred of embarrassment.
"We didn't even make it to the finals this time. I don't have the face to fight you for at least another half year."
Rhodes smiled.
"Isn't that because you didn't even show up for the preliminaries?"
"A loss is a loss," Bacchus said calmly. "I don't need excuses to comfort myself."
Then he grinned broadly.
"So I'm not here for Erza. I'm here for Cana!"
"Huh?" Cana heard her name and looked over, her eyes just as bleary. She immediately lifted her wine bottle.
"It's you! We didn't drink nearly enough yesterday, let's keep going today!"
"Hahaha! Exactly why I came!" Bacchus raised his gourd toward her.
"The palace wine was good, but there were too many rules. No fun at all!"
"I couldn't agree more!" Cana laughed. "Dare to come drink at our guild? The wine's unlimited, but whoever passes out first pays!"
"Couldn't ask for anything better!"
The two drunkards cackled as they leaned together, completely ignoring everyone else.
Rhodes finally relaxed.
"So they just became drinking buddies at yesterday's banquet…"
Makarov didn't mind Bacchus boarding the ship at all. After doing a headcount, he waved his hand decisively.
"Excellent. Everyone's here. Let's move out!"
Lisanna, who was piloting, called out,
"Taking off in ten seconds! Everyone, hold on tight!"
Laxus had already slipped into the cabin to isolate himself, with Freed faithfully following at his side.
Meanwhile, Gajeel and Natsu were sprawled over the railing, faces pale as sheets, muttering about wanting to jump off and walk back instead.
Levy and Lucy watched with amusement, keeping a close eye on them to make sure they didn't actually fall.
The airship lifted into the sky.
Almost immediately, Natsu and Gajeel started retching. Only after the ship stabilized did they feel slightly better.
Fighting down the nausea, Natsu groaned,
"Wendy..Wendy..help me...quick, use Troia."
"O-okay, I...I'll try..." Wendy stepped forward to help, but suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. It was as if all the strength had drained from her body.
Carla panicked.
"Wendy? What's wrong?! Are you hurt? Do you feel sick anywhere?"
"I..I don't know, ugh.." Wendy's face turned green. She hurriedly covered her mouth, then forced out, "I feel dizzy… nauseous… and I don't have any strength…"
Carla froze.
Because of Mira's strange condition a few days earlier, an utterly ridiculous thought flashed through her mind.
She immediately crushed it.
Then she stared at Wendy in disbelief.
"Why are you getting motion sickness too?!"
...
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