The 'script' was of course pre-discussed, as Rhode had previously promised to team up with Elfman when the right opportunity arose.
Suddenly needing to help Alzack, he had to inform Mira.
Coincidentally, Mira also wanted to help the President reduce some worries, so she supported Rhode's action—plus, there would be more gossip to watch.
However, when delivering her lines impromptu, Mira found Alzack's reactions quite amusing, so she made slight alterations.
As for Rhode... it didn't affect the outcome anyway, and he was happy to play along with her.
As for whether Bisca would agree, it wasn't a big issue.
Rhode had investigated in advance... well, mostly it was Mira investigating, with him occasionally eavesdropping.
Anyway, they had already confirmed with some of the girls that Bisca had some interest in Alzack, making their chances of success quite high.
Of course, there was a rather scary little incident during the investigation.
It was when they asked Erza if Bisca had someone she was particularly interested in.
Erza seriously thought about it for nearly a minute and gave an answer: "Yes, it's Rhode."
Rhode almost had a heart attack at the time, was it really okay to say that in front of Mira?
Luckily, she added, "And Lidas."
Mira found Rhode's flustered look amusing and asked why.
"Because Bisca likes animals. She really likes the Poros, wolves, and birds Rhode summons. Also, she likes the animals Lidas draws."
"Oh, we weren't really asking about that kind of interest..." Mira realized Erza might not be very sensitive in that area, so she didn't press further. "I heard from Laki that Bisca seems to have turned her room into a zoo, right?"
"That's right, she keeps many adorable animals."
The two chatted enthusiastically about Bisca's zoo-room, leaving Rhode apprehensive.
He later realized how tolerant the girls' dorm was of room renovations.
Like Reby turning her room into a library, Laki... better left unsaid, and Erza knocking through five rooms, while Bisca even housed large animals...
It's something you wouldn't even dare to dream of having as a landlord.
Rhode refocused his thoughts as Mira waved toward the tavern, "Bisca~ could you come over for a moment?"
A beautiful woman with long green hair pointed at herself, confirming with Mira.
After she nodded, Bisca uncrossed her legs, stood up crisply, and walked toward the counter.
Rhode nudged Alzack with his elbow, insinuating he should mind his appearance.
Alzack stood up straight, trying not to stare at Bisca.
Bisca's gaze lingered 0.5 seconds on the President and Rhode's faces, and one second on Alzack's, before somewhat unnaturally glancing away.
She then gently brushed her hair behind her ear, "What's up, Mira?"
"Well... there's a mission Rhode and Alzack decided to team up on, and they want to invite you."
Mira deliberately omitted who wanted to invite her, watching Bisca, "I think your styles match well, don't you agree?"
"Since you put it that way..." Bisca was curious about which of the two wanted to invite her.
Upon reflection, she could first rule out Rhode, feeling if Rhode messed around, they'd be killed.
Both the male and female party would be killed.
So the one truly wanting to invite her was... Bisca glanced at Alzack. Upon making eye contact, both immediately looked away.
"I'll join." Even though she was shy, Bisca was much more decisive than Alzack.
So decisive she didn't even ask about the mission content.
Mira and Rhode exchanged a glance, sharing a wry smile.
Rhode nudged Alzack again, signaling him to explain the mission details.
The result was the guy stumbling over his words, squeezing out a, "We-welcome aboard."
Bisca felt embarrassed by his reaction, "Th-thank you?"
Mira had to suppress her laughter to explain the mission content to Bisca.
Bisca nodded, "No problem, when do we set off?"
This time Rhode didn't expect a response from Alzack and said, "Let's tentatively set off at eight in the morning, probably arrive by noon, check into a hotel, then meet with the client.
We'll then scout the terrain and enemy distribution, deciding whether to act at night or wait until the early morning.
This is just a rough plan, see if it fits your schedule."
Bisca said, "I have no problem."
Alzack followed with, "Me neither."
Rhode nodded, "Let's settle it then, let's prepare well today and meet at the Guild entrance tomorrow morning."
Bisca said her goodbyes to the President and Mira, then turned to leave the Guild, as she had some matters to attend to back at her dorm.
Alzack was also about to leave when Rhode suddenly asked, "Didn't Bisca pay for her drinks?"
Alzack seemed to be immobilized by a spell.
Mira laughed, "She's already paid."
Spell broken.
"But..."
Alzack froze again.
"No, I guess it doesn't matter."
Makarov nearly couldn't bear it: "You two..."
"Okay, let's talk business." Rhode said, "Alzack, should I feign sickness tomorrow, so you two can go alone?"
"Rhode~" Alzack was touched to tears, such closeness isn't even found among brothers!
Although he had slightly teased him.
"Don't joke around, Rhode." Makarov said, "Since you've accepted the mission, complete it properly, and Alzack, it's about time you pulled yourself together, right?"
"Yes." Alzack responded obediently, the trouble he had caused wasn't over yet, so he had to perform well this time.
"Understood, President, I'll take this seriously." It's the first time joining them, so pretending to be sick can wait for next time.
Rhode agreed, even though the target was just your run-of-the-mill bandits, he wouldn't get careless.
All necessary preparations would be made, as cautiously as if dealing with the Dark Guild.
Though it's probably unnecessary. Makarov wanted to say.
But he let it slide, being cautious was never a bad idea.
Speaking of preparations, Rhode felt a bit troubled, "President, do you know any quick tips on how to learn flying? Like a bird."
Makarov knew Rhode was researching his bird form: "Why not ask Hapi? Mira should know as well."
"It's different." Rhode shook his head. He had, of course, asked Mira and Hapi, but having wings on his back wasn't quite the same.
After receiving the Beaked Bird, he would transform into a Birdman, not like Ahri and Phil from LOL, but more like Cloud Lord from a certain mobile game.
His arms sprouted red feathers, serving as wings.
Unlike gaining Earth Escape Magic from receiving the Stone Beetle, which seemed as natural as a reflex, flying was technically a 'Body Technique.'
It required Rhode to learn to flap his wings one beat at a time.
In comparison, using feathers as throwing knives wasn't hard, just slightly less accurate.