The two mages from Ghost were much simpler than Rhode imagined.
They really just didn't like people from Fairy Tail, so they wanted to teach them a lesson. And since they didn't want to cause trouble in the Royal Capital, they specifically went to the wilderness to block the road.
Perhaps they also had a bit of intention to show off or make some achievements within their guild.
But this didn't affect their simple motives, simple plans, and simple defeat.
Rhode was unsure of the guild's attitude towards this kind of matter, so he still needed to consult Mira on how to deal with these two.
Mira thought for a moment:
"At most, we'd complain to the Council about this kind of thing, as it's just a conflict between a few of us and hasn't escalated to the level of a guild war.
Plus, even if we complained to the Council, the other side might counter, and given the Council's attitude towards our guild..."
Rhode understood her meaning, this kind of small incident could only be classified as a childish fight.
If they really brought it to the Council's attention, they might both get criticized, and each guild's president would have to submit an explanation letter.
Given Fairy Tail's tendency to stir up trouble more effectively, their president might receive harsher criticism.
"So the best way is to pretend nothing happened, and we just picked up two people attacked by beasts on the road?"
Mira nodded: "Pretty much, and at most, if we're still angry, we could beat them up a bit more."
Rhode looked at the state of the two people:
There were marks on their waists from being pinched by a Stone Beetle's jaws, and injuries on their arms from Shadow Wolf bites, not sure if there were any fractures.
They looked quite miserable, covered in dust from being forcibly dragged and dug up by Stone Beetles.
"Forget it, there's no point in beating up people who can't fight back," Rhode said, "How long until they wake up?"
Mira said: "If no one disturbs them, the magic will wear off in less than half an hour, and when they wake up depends on their usual sleep quality."
"Then let them sleep here well," Rhode said, "How about we ask the coachman to avoid this area on the way back?"
There weren't any fierce beasts near the main road, and Rhode wished them encounters with passing thieves and robbers.
"So vile." Mira laughed, "I agree."
She didn't have extra sympathy for these two who wanted to teach her a lesson.
...
"Welcome back, Mira!"
By the time they returned to the guild, it was already evening, the guild was bustling.
As soon as Mira entered the guild, she was warmly welcomed, while Rhode was warmly—questioned.
Leading the charge, of course, were Wakaba and Macao.
"You sly guy, going to the Flower Capital alone with Mira! Damn it, I'm so jealous!"
"It was a mission, an escort mission."
"I want to take on that kind of mission too! Hey, you didn't take the opportunity to do anything to Mira, did you? Like at night..."
"Of course not, we stayed in a suite, the rooms were separated."
"Bastard, it was a suite! Duel me!"
"..." Rhode considered a duel not a bad idea; they met two weaklings on the road, it'd be good to practice with everyone.
"Elfman, come say a few words too!"
"I just heard from my sister that Rhode did a great job on the escort." Elfman clenched his fist and flexed his arm, "Truly a real man!"
"Elfman has defected!"
"What did you say? How can the word 'defect' be used on a real man!"
Originally chasing Rhode to ask about Mira, the topic shifted and ended up in a fight, leaving Rhode on the sidelines.
Small scene, used to it.
"Rhode, can you come over here?"
The guild president, sitting cross-legged on the counter, waved to Rhode, with Mira standing by his side, apparently ready to get back to work just after returning.
"President."
"Hmm." The president nodded, "How was the mission?"
Rhode thought for a moment: "Overall, it was quite fun."
The president showed a gratified smile, finally, this homebody kid had experienced the joy of going out, how wonderful.
But Rhode shifted the narrative: "However, it was also quite dangerous, just casually shopping and we got targeted, very troublesome."
The president's smile disappeared, damn Ghost, meddling at this time, might as well start a fight with them!
Makarov, when he was young, was a powder keg, but with age, he had mellowed somewhat.
And with so many kids to care for, he had more considerations.
If Mira and Rhode had returned injured today, Makarov would have led the entire guild to march on them without a word.
But both were safe and sound.
Makarov figured it wasn't such a serious matter.
And according to Mira's account, the two who were looking for trouble ended up suffering quite a bit, not even knowing who beat them in the end.
Rhode did a good job, though his approach was a bit unconventional...
But as long as it was to protect himself and his companions, there was no problem.
The willingness to protect companions was the biggest plus in Fairy Tail.
Makarov felt increasingly impressed with Rhode.
"By the way, Rhode," Mira suddenly remembered something, "hand me the delegation letter, time for the final task process."
"Oh, oh." Rhode placed his backpack on the counter, opened it, and took out several magic books and crystal balls.
Makarov's face grew darker; do I really admire this kid?
"Oh, President, I haven't used these yet, I'll send them back to the warehouse later."
These items, as long as they weren't used, didn't require payment, and were a small benefit for guild members.
But Makarov was now considering whether to charge a rental fee to help Rhode curb his bad habits.
"Here." Rhode pulled out the delegation letter, handed it over, then pulled it back and asked, "Should I give it to the client now or to the guild assistant?"
Mira laughed: "The client right now is Mirajane, sign to confirm Mr. Rhode's task completion and pay the task fee."
Laki and the other two young ladies watched as Rhode and Mira completed the task wrap-up like playing house, showing auntie-like smiles.
Hehe, how did going out once make them so in sync? We must interrogate Sister Mira properly later, hehe.
Mira took money from her wallet and handed it to Rhode, then took out the task record book to note the completion time.
Rhode felt a bit awkward holding two large bills: "Can this really count as a task, President?"
"Why wouldn't it count?" Makarov asked with a smile, "Mira, did Rhode's task violate any rules?"
"Not at all, President." Mira showed the delegation form and record book, "All processes were personally verified by me, fully compliant with guild rules."
"Then there's no problem, rest assured." Makarov jumped down from the counter and strolled away slowly.
He needed to investigate the Ghost matter.
"Yes." Rhode sensed their goodwill, "Thank you."
But it didn't feel right to just accept the money.
Rhode thought for a while and asked Mira, "How about I treat you to a meal in a few days?"
Mira seemed to understand Rhode's concern, nodded, and said: "Sure, I'm looking forward to it."
Oh~~~~~ Laki and her friends gave Rhode admiring looks; how could this person naturally invite Sister Mira out for a meal?
And why was he so easily successful!