— — — — — —
"Who is it this time?"
Kazuma turned and opened the door again. This time it was Erza.
"Erza? What are you doing here?"
"I was worried you might sneak off and jump Laxus in the middle of the night," she said bluntly. "So I came to keep an eye on you… and maybe grab a bite while I'm at it."
"I brought two bottles of good wine. Smells amazing, by the way. What are you cooking?"
She didn't even try to hide her intentions. She just handed Kazuma the wine and stepped right inside like she owned the place.
"Hold on, something's off here," Kazuma muttered. "This is MY house. Why are you guys treating it like a public canteen? Could you maybe act like guests?"
He squinted at her suspiciously. "Wait… did you and Mira plan this? One brings food, the other brings drinks. Who's next? Someone bringing dessert? Fruit, maybe?"
Grumbling, he pulled the door open again and used Observation Haki to check outside—just in case.
And sure enough…
"Mystogan? What the hell are you doing hiding in the corner over there? Don't tell me you're here for me too!"
There, half-hidden in the shadows, stood Mystogan—completely wrapped up like a burglar out on a job.
"I was heading out for a mission," Mystogan said, voice calm behind his mask. "But on the way, I thought you might try to ambush Laxus. For safety's sake, I decided to check."
Kazuma stared at him. "Seriously? Why are all of you here? Why not watch him instead of me? You're acting like I'm the villain here!"
"Laxus might be arrogant and hot-tempered," Mystogan explained patiently, "but he's not the type to start something for no reason. You, on the other hand…"
He paused meaningfully. "Based on your past behavior and mission reports, you're way more likely to throw the first punch after being provoked."
That one hit home. Kazuma couldn't even argue.
Honestly, who wouldn't worry about a guy who opens full fire at the slightest provocation?
"Fine, fine. You caught me," Kazuma sighed. "But relax. I'm not fighting anyone tonight. I'm just having some grilled meat."
He grinned. "You in?"
Mystogan shook his head. "No. Since you're not planning an ambush, I'll get going. I have an S-class mission to complete."
He turned to leave. S-class missions usually took a month at minimum—sometimes several. If you were Gildarts, you measured mission time in years.
"Wait a sec," Kazuma called out. "What's that in your hand?"
"Fruit."
"Perfect. Leave the fruit and then you can go."
"…"
Mystogan stared at him for a few seconds, then wordlessly tossed over the bag before disappearing into the night.
Came for nothing, left down one bag of fruit. He couldn't help wondering if showing up had been a mistake.
"Good guy, that Mystogan," Kazuma said approvingly as he peeked inside the bag. "He buys the expensive stuff."
After confirming no one else was lurking around, he went back in.
"Dessert's covered!" he announced grandly. "Courtesy of a certain masked hero who wishes to remain anonymous."
"He's not joining us though—too busy being mysterious and doing missions."
The three of them sat around the table, firing up the grill and uncorking the two bottles of wine Erza had brought.
"Erza, where did you get this wine?" Mira asked after a sip, her expression twisting.
"Oh, someone gave it to me on a job," Erza said. "I don't really drink, so it's been lying around. I figured I'd bring it."
She took a sip herself, frowned, and shrugged. "Tastes normal to me."
"It taste... like water," Mira said carefully.
"…"
"…"
The table fell silent for a beat.
"It's fine," Mira said quickly, embarrassed. "Totally drinkable. Just… not quite premium quality, you know?"
She regretted saying anything.
"Forget it," Kazuma said with a laugh. "Try this instead."
He reached into his Treasury and pulled out a bottle filled with shimmering blue liquid.
"Whoa, it's gorgeous," Mira breathed. When he uncorked it, a rich aroma filled the room.
He poured three glasses. They each took a sip—
"Wow!" Mira's eyes lit up. "That's incredible! Not just the flavor—my magic feels… energized!"
She could feel her power circulating faster, brighter.
Erza nodded, astonished. "My magic's recovering quicker too. This isn't ordinary wine—it's practically a potion!"
Kazuma blinked. "Really? I don't feel much." He downed two more cups. "Okay, maybe a little. Guess my magic reserves are too big for it to make a dent."
Erza gaped at him. "Just how much magic do you have?"
"And while we're at it—your 'Treasury ' isn't supposed to be full of weapons? Why does it have wine and food in it too?"
"Who said I only have weapons?" Kazuma said smugly. "My Gate of Babylon has all the world's treasures."
He leaned back, satisfied. "And as for what's in there? Who knows. I've explored it for years and still haven't seen everything. It's that big."
.
.
.