With the extended endurance provided by the Crown of Insight, Rhode played with the golem a bit longer in the guild's backyard.
The massive stone fists swung through the air with great force, but its large body couldn't really move around in the small yard.
"Come on, let's try that move again," Rhode realized the golem could perform some Earth Magic, which was worth studying.
Makarov watched with his eyelids twitching, "Try not to wreck the walls again."
With a simple reminder, he returned to the tavern.
Except for the initial summoning and reception, there wasn't much Rhode had to worry about when practicing magic.
"I got it," Rhode pondered where to find a larger practice field, a place where he could let Red and Blue out to have some fun.
The forest outside the city seemed suitable, but given his tendency to run out of magic power quickly, going alone wasn't very safe.
Rhode stopped only when his magic power was nearly depleted, engaged in some physical training, and returned to the tavern.
He took a glance and noticed Natsu looking listless, not even bothering to taunt Gray, who was sitting nearby.
Kana held a wine glass, sitting beside Macao and Wakaba listening to their chatter; she wore a disdainful expression when they started talking about young girls.
Erza had accepted an S-Class Task a while back and just returned yesterday. She was now at the counter talking with the President.
Mira... wasn't there.
Rhode looked around but didn't see Mira anywhere.
He quietly walked to the counter, wondering if she was in the storeroom or the kitchen or perhaps had gone out shopping.
"Good job," Makarov said to Erza, "Rhode, you came just in time to help Erza complete the final procedure."
"Sure," Rhode skillfully took out the registration book and pen, writing as he casually asked, "Erza, about your armor?"
"Ah, this is the Thunder Emperor's Armor," Erza replied, "The usual one broke and is being repaired. Does this look strange?"
Rhode shook his head, "No, it's just quite new to me."
Erza's armor and weapons were considered magic tools; most could be worn like regular clothes without worries about magic power unless in battle or under attack.
A few types would cause a burden just by wearing them, but of course, this kind of armor was often powerful.
It seemed quite a tough task that caused damage to Erza's armor.
But the difficulty of an S-Class Task made that not surprising, as Rhode eyed the long string of zeros on the commission slip almost drooling.
While writing, Rhode's pen suddenly paused, "Wait, President, this is an S-Class Task. Are you sure it's okay for me to register this?"
"It's fine, it's completed anyway; just keep it confidential," Makarov glanced at Rhode.
Not allowing others to see S-Class Tasks on the second floor is to prevent them from doing foolish things out of bravado or succumbing to the temptation of high rewards.
But you... would you take an S-Class Task if the exception allowed you to?
"Time flies so quickly; Rhode has already taken over some of Mira's work, hasn't he? Yes, yes," Erza commented on Rhode's progress with an elder's demeanor.
"Only when she's not around or too busy," Rhode thought for a moment and asked, "Speaking of which, where did Mira go?"
"She went to the cathedral with Elfman," Makarov said softly, "Today... is Lisana's death anniversary."
Rhode was taken aback and raised his head.
"Has it been a whole year since that incident?" Erza's tone was somewhat melancholic too.
When Mira first joined the guild, Erza had been the one to approach her and try to get along.
But later, for some reason, they were always in conflict.
After Lisana's incident, they finally managed to get along, but that wasn't the state Erza wanted.
"If you're worried, you should go," Makarov said, "But also have some faith in Mira and Elfman."
Rhode silently finished his work, carefully put away the registration book and pen, and then said, "President, I'm going out for a bit."
Erza watched his departing figure, "Rhode is also someone who cares for his companions."
Makarov said, "Because he is also a member of Fairy Tail."
...
So that's why Mira didn't come to see when he mentioned summoning a new monster—last time, she complained that he didn't call her during the summoning of the Tree Monster.
No wonder Natsu was listless today, no wonder everyone's laughter and banter were somewhat subdued...
Rhode walked quickly towards the direction of the cathedral in the city center, his pace gradually slowing.
"Better buy a bouquet of flowers."
He went to a flower shop, explained the purpose of the bouquet, and the shop assistant wrapped a bouquet of white lilies for him.
After leaving with the bouquet, Rhode walked a few steps before stopping to look at his clothes, "It would be better to wear something black..."
He rushed back home to change clothes and quickly made his way to Kardia Cathedral.
On the way, Rhode carefully organized his thoughts on how to comfort Mira, how to encourage Elfman?
It had been a long time since he felt so anxious.
Upon entering the cathedral, Rhode encountered an elderly priest, cautiously asking, "Excuse me, the cemetery is located...?"
"Right behind here."
"Thank you."
As they passed each other, the elder suddenly spoke, "Stay calm, child."
Rhode stopped and looked at him in confusion.
"A turbulent mind, too many stray thoughts, don't help in expressing your mourning for the departed," the old priest smiled warmly at him. "Before entering the cemetery, think carefully about why you are really here."
"I..." Rhode paused.
Was it for Mira? For Elfman? For... himself?
He glanced at the flowers in his hands; with such a mindset, he wouldn't have the right to stand before that child's grave.
"Thank you for your guidance," Rhode bowed slightly to the elder, watching him leave.
He took a deep breath and stepped into the cemetery, I am Rhode, a mage of Fairy Tail, and today I am here to mourn my departed companion, Lisana.
Nothing more.
The cemetery was silent, rows of gravestones stood quietly; those entering here naturally lightened their footsteps.
Rhode easily found the location he sought because Elfman stood in front of a gravestone, with Mira crouched beside him.
Despite them being two, Rhode felt they appeared lonely from behind.
Rhode approached slowly, deliberately making a bit more noise as he neared the siblings.
When they turned around, he softly said, "Sorry to disturb."
"Rhode?" Elfman was somewhat surprised, "Why are you..."
"I heard from the President today is Lisana's death anniversary, so I came to bring some flowers."
Mira didn't seem surprised, she stood up and made space for Rhode at the front of the gravestone, bowing slightly to him.
Elfman quickly followed suit with the same gesture.
Rhode nodded to them, then looked down at the tombstone.
The tombstone was plain, etched with the Fairy Tail emblem, Lisana's name, and her birth and death years.
He placed the bouquet down, recalling how Lisana looked in photos, and observed a moment of silence.
After quietly conveying his thoughts to Lisana, Rhode turned to Mira and Elfman:
"Sorry for intruding on such a day."
"No, thank you for visiting her," Mira stared at the tombstone, "Knowing another excellent newcomer has joined the guild would make Lisana happy too."
Elfman said, "Yes, Lisana was always like that."