To steer the conversation away from that unfortunate topic, Rhodes relayed the girls' plans to Erza.
As expected, Erza brightened the instant she heard. She immediately used Re-equip Magic.
The twin blades and armor vanished, replaced by a black bikini.
Resting one hand on her hip, she asked casually,
"How is this?"
"Black swimwear suits you," Rhodes replied calmly. "But this is a bath party, not a pool party."
"Good point. Then how about this?"
After a moment of serious thought, Erza transformed again.
Her red hair was coiled atop her head, and her body was wrapped only in a bath towel.
Upper body modestly covered. Long legs completely exposed.
Rhodes gave a thumbs-up.
As expected of Erza, she could produce such an answer with a perfectly straight face.
Satisfied, Erza waved and headed toward the bath.
"I'll wait for them inside."
Macao and Wakaba drifted over, silently gave Rhodes a thumbs-up, then drifted back to their table to wipe their nosebleeds.
Rhodes stared at them.
Two old perverts, acting like I was the one who talked Erza into it.
Soon after, the girls returned to the guild carrying small baskets and headed lightly toward the bath.
Only Laki brought extra baggage. She slammed a heavy mace onto Macao and Wakaba's table.
Without a word, she shot them a look and walked away.
After years of knowing her, Macao and Wakaba understood perfectly. Laki hated lechers. Laki loved torture devices and terrifying weapons. Combine the two, and the message was clear.
Cold sweat poured down their backs.
Those with sharp ears soon caught the sounds of splashing water and laughter.
If Warren had been present, he would already be flushed with uncontrollable fantasies.
Even without him, some members still glanced at Rhodes, then at Alzack, and slumped in defeat.
Those two detestable married men. Ruining everyone's fun.
Still, Fairy Tail never lacked the brave.
Natsu bounced up to Gray.
"Want to peek?"
With Asuka taken into the bath by Bisca, Natsu was bored and itching for trouble.
Gray's heart skipped a beat, but he shook his head.
"Forget it. We'd be killed."
"You mean Erza? No problem. We scare them and run."
"If Erza really chased you, she'd switch armor and be on you in a second. And she's not the only dangerous one."
Natsu thought hard, then spoke confidently.
"Don't worry. Mira's about to lay eggs, so she can't fight lately. We split up. At worst, only one of us gets caught by Erza."
He honestly believed this was a harmless prank and even considered recruiting help.
Just then, Rhodes was opening letters at the counter. One of them was a named request.
"Natsu. Gray. Over here."
"W what is it?" both answered at once.
They looked guilty. Gray thought he was doomed. Natsu feared his plan had been exposed.
Rhodes waved the letter.
"A named job for you two. Giant Boar Monster extermination."
The Giant Boar Monster, sometimes called a Boar-Man, was as massive as a giant and viciously tough-skinned.
An ordinary mage would die before even scratching it.
But for Natsu and Gray, it should be manageable.
"No problem."
"Leave it to us."
Last time they had sworn never to team up again, but guilt made them forget those words instantly.
Natsu called for Happy. Happy reminded Gray to put clothes on. Gray grabbed the job sheet, and the three headed out.
Rhodes picked up another letter. This one bore the Magic Council's seal.
He wondered which dear colleague had prepared another surprise after the bridge incident.
It turned out to be addressed to him.
A few days earlier, the Council had raided the thieves' guild Mercury Hand. After interrogation, they still failed to uncover anything useful about the client.
The assassins' guild had yielded the same result.
The Council formally apologized to Rhodes for failing to uncover the truth.
Rhodes recalled the two thieves. One had tried to steal his necklace. The other had gone after Lucy's keys.
Even Gemini back then could only determine that it was an anonymous commission. The Council's failure to trace it was perfectly normal.
Now, Rhodes knew that Future Rogue had been behind it, but he could not tell the Council.
Their courteous apology left him feeling slightly embarrassed.
As a form of compensation, he answered their follow-up inquiry regarding Atlas Flame, the Flame Dragon and Natsu's adoptive uncle.
There was not much he could say. When Atlas Flame left the capital, even Rhodes had not known his destination.
He had even less idea where the dragon was now.
After careful consideration, Rhodes provided as detailed a description as possible of Atlas Flame's characteristics, abilities, and combat power.
He emphasized one point repeatedly.
The dragon was trustworthy. The Council was free to observe him or attempt communication, but they should absolutely avoid provoking him.
Later, the girls returned from the bath in high spirits. It was obvious they had enjoyed themselves immensely.
Only Wendy looked deflated, clearly shaken by the experience.
Carla, having mentally classified herself as a cat, showed no concern. Levy hugged Wendy tightly, half comforting her and half comforting herself.
Lucy's face was bright red, both arms crossed tightly over her chest.
Cana slung an arm around her shoulders, wearing a thoroughly wicked grin.
Catching the familiar scent, Rhodes asked curiously,
"What happened to Lucy?"
Mira leaned in and whispered a few words into his ear.
"Tch."
Rhodes suddenly understood.
"So girls play games that intense together?"
Mira shot back,
"Then what kind of games do you boys play?"
Rhodes thought for a moment.
"Who can pee farther."
Mira's face flushed as she scolded him.
"That's disgusting!"
"It's just childish fun," Rhodes protested.
He had not played that game in years. These days, when using public restrooms, he always left an empty stall between himself and anyone else.
"Still disgusting," Mira said firmly. "Never teach our son that game."
Rhodes laughed. Since his wife had said that, he was definitely going to teach their son that game.
He stacked the finished paperwork neatly.
"Almost done. I'm heading out. I should be back tonight."
"Where are you going?" Mira asked.
"Sabertooth," Rhodes replied. "Time to deliver the magic crystal."
Mira recalled,
"The grapes near their guild are pretty good. A bit sour. Bring some back."
"Got it."
...
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