The herb-seeking quest was successfully completed.
If there's any regret, it's that no reward was taken, but rather they brought back an IOU.
Rhode and Elfman's opinion was that Mr. Calute's family was in a rough situation and needed some time to recover, so giving them their last savings would make things quite difficult.
However, Mr. Calute and Mrs. Vis insisted that their benefactors, who had saved their family twice, should at least receive basic compensation, even if they couldn't repay them immediately.
Although Mr. Rhode mentioned that Jimmy had already found most of the herbs, without them, would Jimmy have returned at all?
So, Rhode suggested a compromise, issuing an IOU with no interest, to be repaid within a hundred years.
They also used two Labans' worth of meat to cover meal and lodging expenses, with the leftovers used to help Mr. Calute recover.
The two returned on the morning of the next day, not forgetting to formally apologize to Mrs. Nebel next door, with a Laban leg as a peace offering.
The villagers were intrigued by these ferocious beasts that would attack people, and flocked to the Calute household to purchase their meat.
Rhode didn't concern himself with what followed, hoping they could earn some initial funds to start anew.
To save a family on the brink of breaking with one's own strength brought a very happy and fulfilling feeling.
Rhode found that as his power grew, many paths to earn a living opened up.
Even if he wasn't a Mage, he could still make a living by hunting, selling meat and furs, or something similar.
Of course, that's a last resort; ideally, he hopes to continue living quietly in the Guild like he does now.
And perhaps find a lovely and gentle wife someday.
Inside the carriage, Rhode gently touched the semi-processed furs, ready to find a suitable tailoring shop next.
Elfman had a similar looking fur on his lap, neatly folded.
The village skinner said that piece was of slightly better quality than Rhode's, so Rhode decisively let Elfman have it.
Elfman's attention wasn't there though; he seemed lost in thought.
Rhode, the empathetic sister-like figure, decided to speak up: "Still thinking about that matter?"
"..." Elfman nodded. Rather than the siblings' issue, it was more about his own. "At that time, did I make a mistake?"
Rhode pondered seriously and asked, "At that time, did you do your very best?"
"Of course! All three of us had no strength left! If we hadn't..."
"Have you ever blamed your sister? Blamed her for taking on such dangerous quests, for not being strong enough, for not being able to protect..."
"How could I! It's not my sister's fault for any mission mishaps! And Lisanna and I are Mages who can stand alone, how could we always rely on her to protect us!"
"Exactly. Lisanna is a Mage who can stand on her own. Even as her brother, don't underestimate her resolve."
"But, but I didn't overcome the Beast King's consciousness, I personally..." Elfman grasped his head; recalling that day brought tears of regret to this strong man.
"It was not you, it was the Beast King's consciousness. Did you forget you gave it your all?" Rhode put a hand on Elfman's shoulder,
"All three of you are equally kind. I believe Lisanna would want you to treat yourself kindly, to remember you did your best, and to accept yourself as you are.
Guilt and self-blame won't help you become the ideal version of yourself, nor will they help you become the brother she admired, right?"
Rhode had been mulling over these words for some time, since the day he planned to help Mira untangle her heart's knots.
On ordinary days, saying such things might only have a mild effect, soon fading away.
Like the last time he comforted Mira in the café.
But in this moment, perhaps they would have more impact.
"Accepting oneself... the form Lisanna admired..."
"Brother Elf, don't cry anymore."
This was a scene from when they were ostracized in the village.
"Just like how our sister used her power to protect us, it's our turn to protect her."
This was the scene when they just learned Receiving Magic.
"Elfman, do you think we should... is it time for us to try forgiving ourselves?"
This was what his sister said to him a few days ago.
Scenes from the past flashed in his mind, Elfman wiped the tears from his face; although difficult, he wanted to try harder again.
"I won't cry anymore... a real man!"
But your tears aren't stopping... Rhode sighed inwardly, well I guess it helped a little.
He thought about it, there was no need to say anything more today: "A real man."
"Don't tell anyone."
Referring to him crying like this.
Rhode smiled: "Alright."
After disembarking, Rhode and Elfman took the furs to a tailoring shop for processing.
Knowing they were Mages from Fairy Tail, the shop owner offered a discount, citing that Fairy Tail Mages often brought them business.
Especially ones named Gray and Natsu, and occasionally, Erza comes by for special orders.
"It was on Natsu's recommendation that I found this place," Rhode said, "He said this place can make clothes that flames can't damage."
"That's right, that's one of our proud designs; would you like to place an order?"
"How much is it?"
The shop owner held up fingers: "Only this much."
"Then forget it." Rhode thought he didn't really need such specialized clothing.
...
Elfman composed himself before returning to the Guild, walking in with Rhode.
Just as they entered, someone ran out in a hurry, clutching a quest slip.
The Guild, like the previous two days, was only occupied by those not planning to participate in the S-Class exam, leaving it a bit quiet.
A few quest slips were sparsely placed on the announcement board, making it more spacious than usual.
Even so, Nabu was still there, reading each quest meticulously, then ordering a drink to take a break or once he'd finished browsing.
"Oh~ look, it's Rhode and Elfman!" Macao waved, "Are you also preparing to take on the S-Class?"
Rhode waved his hand: "No, just took on a regular mission to make some pocket money."
Didn't even make any.
Wakaba commented: "What, I thought you were going to challenge the 'fastest to become S-Class after joining the Guild' record."
"What's that?" Rhode pondered perhaps it was because there were fewer people these days, and these uncles really couldn't find someone else to chat with.
"Welcome back, Elfman, Rhode." The everlasting welcoming smile greeted them.
"I'm back, sister."
"I'm back."