Aux stayed at the Guild for a few more days, during which Natsu and Gray often dragged him along to work. Soon, the one-million-jewel compensation was settled. Although they were both very reluctant, Aux still ruthlessly disbanded the team with them.
Without teammates, Aux accepted a request to help move cargo. The mission location was the port town of Hargeon—a town where fishing was more developed than magic, with countless boats heading out to sea year-round. The remuneration for the request wasn't high; Aux simply took it on a whim while strolling around. He didn't expect to see an acquaintance.
Her blue hair fell naturally, and her large eyes were filled with innocence. She was holding a cat in her arms while speaking with a fisherman.
Wendy.
Carla.
The Sky Dragon Slayer—originally a support-type mage who would, for some reason, one day become a rude brute. Today's Wendy looked even younger, her appearance softer, her face not yet fully developed.
Aux confirmed the client's address and found it matched the middle-aged man speaking with Wendy. He approached.
Noticing someone coming closer, Wendy stopped talking, hugged Carla, and stepped back two paces. She was clearly wary.
"I'm a Mage from the Fairy Tail Guild. My name is Aux, and I'm the one who accepted your request," Aux said, showing the Guild emblem on his shoulder.
The fisherman immediately smiled and welcomed him. "Mage-sama, please wait a moment. We'll be heading out to sea soon, and we'll trouble you for your help then."
Aux confirmed the task details—it only stated that help was required to move something; the specific item wasn't written.
Wendy, holding Carla, heard the conversation and suddenly tightened her arms.
"U-uh… gently."
Carla felt it difficult to breathe and quickly patted Wendy's arm until she loosened her grip.
"I'm sorry, Carla, I didn't mean to squeeze you," Wendy said apologetically.
Carla rolled her eyes but didn't blame her. Meanwhile, Wendy stared at Aux, her mouth slightly open, dazed.
"Don't get infatuated with a man. Fix your expression," Carla scolded, tapping Wendy's cheek with her paw.
Wendy snapped out of it and whispered, "But he's a Mage from the Fairy Tail Guild…"
Fairy Tail. A great Guild far above Cait Shelter—one known to have many powerful Mages.
Aux finished discussing the request with the fisherman and learned that the item to be moved was a giant monstrous fish they had caught.
They'd managed to capture it at sea the previous day. Because it was extremely large, ordinary fishermen couldn't haul it up, which was why they posted the request.
"Who are these two young ladies?" Aux asked, turning his gaze toward Wendy and Carla.
The two stiffened immediately, their little faces serious—as if being judged.
"This young lady insists on boarding a boat and has no guardian with her. I was just trying to persuade her not to go," the client explained.
Why go out to sea? Aux wasn't sure. Wendy was so young—should she even be working?
"The sea is dangerous. You two shouldn't go. If anything happens, no one will be able to look after you," Aux said.
Carla huffed. "We don't need anyone to look after us."
Wendy, however, spoke honestly. "I heard someone saw a giant dragon at sea… so I wanted to check if it might be Grandeeney."
Carla could fly, yes, but the ocean was vast, and flying continuously would exhaust her.
So that was her reason.
Aux immediately understood. Dragon Slayers from 400 years ago all wanted to find the dragons who raised them. They would chase any possible clue.
Wendy mustered her courage. "I'm a member of the Cait Shelter Guild. I can assist in battle. Could you take me with you out to sea?"
Then she lowered her head, clearly embarrassed to trouble others.
The fisherman agreed immediately. "Of course, of course! I didn't expect the young lady to be a great Mage-sama as well. Please join us!"
A Mage offering free help—of course he'd accept.
Carla puffed up proudly. "Consider yourself lucky. With Wendy here, none of you will be harmed."
Wendy lowered her head shyly, while Aux didn't refuse either. Not only did he not need any help, he was especially interested in comparing support magic with Wendy.
"Mr. Aux, is there a Mage named Natsu in Fairy Tail?" Wendy asked while waiting for departure.
"The Fire Dragon Natsu is indeed a member of our Guild. Coincidentally, he also has a talking cat," Aux replied.
Carla was offended. She flew out of Wendy's arms, crossing her front paws proudly. "I am not a cat. I am the sacred Queen~"
Wendy grabbed her again and corrected, "Carla is my partner…"
Then she hesitantly asked, "Have you heard anything about Natsu's parents? Does he know where they are?"
Aux paused, then pretended to think. "It seems Natsu's father disappeared. He often goes out searching for him."
Wendy's expression dimmed. With her young mind, she couldn't grasp why Grandeeney disappeared.
"Don't worry… you're still young. You'll have lots of time to search, and you'll find her eventually," Carla comforted her.
Aux knew the truth, but it was far too cruel to tell her now.
After a few more exchanges, seeing Wendy's low spirits, Aux didn't pry further.
Soon, many people gathered—mostly fishermen.
"The monstrous fish is chained with iron, and we have to inject magical tranquilizer regularly. Because the cost is high, we're dividing it among ourselves, and one boat isn't enough—we need eight," the client explained.
He was worried Aux would be startled by the number of people and back out.
Aux only nodded casually.
Then it was time to board.
All eight ordinary-sized boats were filled, and as the call to set sail echoed, they slowly moved away from Hargeon.
"Carla, look! So many seagulls! They catch fish so fast!" Wendy exclaimed.
She was still a little girl after all. Sailing on the open sea, she excitedly looked left and right at scenery she'd never seen before.
Aux glanced at her twice. For the moment, Wendy wasn't seasick. He didn't know why.
Did she only get seasick after mastering Dragon Force? Or did seasickness activate once her strength reached a certain threshold?
_____________________________
Go to my Patreon:
patreon.com/dreamlexi
For just $3 you can read various chapters of novels that have been translated and changed several chapters in advance.
_____
Support me with your Power Stone and Reviews guys °•°
Have a nice day ><