Humans are social animals, and their love for excitement might stem from this nature.
It all started with Mira wanting to show Rhode the photo album, and then Laki joined in when she found out.
Soon after, Erza and Gray joined the fun.
Then Macao and Wakaba joined. These two senior members knew more about the guild than Mira did.
After all, they spent their prime years here.
Their storytelling attracted even more onlookers, soon crowding the counter in layers.
It began as a light conversation, but when Macao revealed an embarrassing incident of Wakaba's, Rhode instinctively felt something amiss.
"Mira, shall we slip away quietly?"
"Slip away? Why?" Mira found the stories she hadn't heard before interesting.
At that moment, Wakaba retaliated by revealing an embarrassing story about Macao.
Rhode decisively grabbed Mira's wrist and led her quietly around the counter: "If we don't leave now, it might be too late!"
"Rhode?" Mira allowed herself to be led by Rhode, squeezing through the less crowded area.
Rhode glanced back at her face, suddenly feeling as if they were eloping.
Once they squeezed out of the crowd, near the guild's back hall entrance, Mira saw that everyone who had been reminiscing about the past had suddenly turned to exposing each other's shortcomings.
Once the first person made a move, a massive brawl quickly erupted.
"Oh my, oh my..." Mira covered her mouth with her right hand, "Do you have a talent for avoiding trouble, Rhode?"
"Just being a bit cautious." Rhode focused his attention on the battlefield.
When a tray flew their way, Rhode immediately stood in front of Mira and caught it skillfully.
Mira realized that Rhode looked a bit dashing at that moment.
A lively day began with a brawl.
If Natsu hadn't eaten lightning yesterday, it might've been even livelier.
And let Erusado throw a punch to stop the fight.
Makarov, leading two old friends, walked into the guild to find a group of people repairing it amidst clangs.
The elderly man's forehead bulged: "You idiots, can't you stay quiet for even a day?"
"I'm sorry, President, it's my fault for not keeping them in check." It was a common occurrence, yet Erza looked regretful, as if she'd committed a grave error.
"Hahaha... The guild's still the same, eh, Makarov," said an old man with sunglasses.
"Seems like a lively bunch of kids, Xiaoma," said another old man about the same height as the President.
Makarov said helplessly: "I didn't bring you here to see this."
Erza recognized the two men the President brought: "You are Mr. Goldman, the President of the Four-headed Hound, and Mr. Yajima, the sixth seat of the Council!"
Yajima smiled: "Hello, you must be Erza, just as beautiful and reliable as rumored."
Erza humbly replied: "You're too kind, I still have much to improve on."
Goldman said: "Ah, the fame of the Fairy Queen has reached us too, how about considering joining our guild?"
"Hey, don't poach in front of me!" Makarov's arm stretched out, patting Goldman's back.
Erza responded gracefully: "Thank you for your offer, but Fairy Tail is my home."
Mira also recognized the two men and approached with Rhode: "Welcome to Fairy Tail, Mr. Yajima, Mr. Goldman."
Seeing the three most reliable members standing together, Makarov beamed: "Hahaha, aren't the kids from our guild great?"
Goldman said: "You manage the guild wonderfully, Makarov."
Seeing Makarov's increasingly pleased smile, Yajima quipped:
"It'd be better if you caused less trouble, once I'm retired and no one speaks for you, the Council might order a disbandment."
Makarov's smile froze: "Geez, don't say such killjoy things at a time like this."
"Alright then, treat me to Fairy Tail's special char siu ramen," Yajima spread his hands, "Ten extra slices of char siu."
Makarov yelled: "That's too much char siu!"
Yajima retracted his hands: "Then twelve slices."
Makarov yelled: "Stop raising the stakes on your own!"
Goldman chimed in: "I'll have the same."
Makarov's head enlarged as he leaned into Goldman's ear: "Buy it with your own money!"
Erza, Mira, and Rhode couldn't help but laugh, no surprise they're the President's friends; their personalities match Fairy Tail perfectly.
In the end, Makarov treated the two old friends to ramen, each with twelve slices of char siu.
And to show off, he added thirteen slices to his own portion.
The three elderly men sat in front of the counter, slurping noodles—a rare sight.
It's unclear if they were like this in their youth, bickering incessantly until the one at a disadvantage treated the others to a meal.
From youth to white hair, an enviable friendship.
"Indeed, Fairy Tail's special ramen tastes the best," Yajima praised, "Maybe I'll open a restaurant after retirement."
Goldman said: "Let me know when it opens, I'll definitely come to mooch."
Yajima retorted: "I'll invite Fairy Tail's mages to help drive out all the freeloaders."
Makarov laughed: "No problem, I'll send the strongest team to beat him up then!"
"Hahaha..."
The elderly men's conversation was full of joy.
Yajima asked: "How's Porlyusica doing now?"
Makarov replied: "The same, living alone in the forest."
"That's so lonely, haven't you thought of inviting her out?"
Goldman stuffed the last slice of char siu into his mouth, mumbling, "It's a pity you two didn't marry back then."
Hmm? Sounds like juicy gossip!
Rhode subtly moved a bit closer to them.
Mira, already standing before the three, didn't move, her smile growing wider.
Even Erza couldn't resist leaning closer, blushing slightly at the mention of marriage.
Could it be that the President and Granny Porlyusica...
In Hapi's words, 'had a thing'?
Makarov didn't notice the younger ones' actions and complained: "How many years ago was that, why bring it up now?"
"Indeed, in the blink of an eye, so many years have passed," Yajima said, "Have you thought about a successor for the President?"
"A successor, huh..." Makarov seemed troubled too.
If there were a suitable candidate, he would've retired long ago.
Laxus was the most suited, but he's at a rebellious phase.
Kildas has enough strength, but his personality is troublesome, and there's no news of him now either.
Mystogan's situation is definitely unsuitable.
Erza... is still a bit young, and Mira has even bigger issues.
Kana, Natsu, Gray—he wouldn't even dare think about them becoming President.
As for other outstanding newbies...
Makarov's gaze swept over Rhode, who was eavesdropping on the gossip.
This kid is decent all around, just needs a few more years to grow in strength and reputation, as for his personality...
He couldn't even handle a simple escort task without bringing a whole backpack of Bursting Magic Crystals.
This temperament sure isn't perfect.
Maybe when he goes out more and understands the world better, he'll improve.
Overall, he could be promising.
No wait, has it already been three months since Rhode joined the guild, and how many tasks has he completed in total?
Thinking about what Rhode does every day, Makarov tugged at his beard anxiously.
Is he planning to train to S-Class level before doing regular tasks?