Macao was injured, and Natsu and Lucy found him in a cave.
The two Valken were guarding the entrance partially blocked by ice chunks.
These ape-like creatures seemed to have a reasonable intelligence level.
Seeing Natsu and the crab, Macao appeared both relieved and embarrassed.
Rhode felt a bit anxious watching the scene, realizing that the uncle really did have a mishap...
However, it was good that he came back.
After confirming that Macao was not in any life-threatening danger, Natsu waved at the crab with a smile.
Rhode smiled, "This guy is rather considerate in this regard."
On the way back, they walked a bit slower to take care of Macao's injuries.
After finishing work in the evening, Rhode temporarily set aside training and brought some medical supplies planning to meet them on their return path.
Mira naturally accompanied him.
She hesitated a bit on the way and said, "I want to ask you something."
Love, save the big one, save mom...
At this moment, Rhode didn't make any trouble and asked honestly, "What?"
"Did you mention wanting to settle down in Magnolia before?"
"Yes." Rhode held her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. This thought had become increasingly strong in recent months.
Although today was a bit of a shock, life couldn't just stand still because of the unknown looming fears.
"Can I ask how much you've saved?"
Rhode winked at her, "Is the wife doing an audit?"
Mira wrinkled her nose at him, "Thick-skinned."
Rhode laughed, "Due to several high-paying tasks, a monthly salary (which had one raise), and the small tasks we took together, it's over 4 million J accumulated."
There wasn't much to hide; in fact, every income entry of Rhode's needed her to oversee, and she was also aware of usual expenditures.
If she really wanted, she could estimate an approximate figure.
Thinking this way, Rhode suddenly wondered if he would need to find ways to earn some side money secretly after marriage.
Maybe he would just say Warm's meal expenses increased.
"Why did you suddenly ask this?"
"Actually... I have a bit of savings too." Mira gestured a little, "About this much."
"Huh?" Rhode showed a surprised expression, not because of her savings amount, but because of the implication in her words.
Was it purely to help him share the burden, or was it a prompt for him to propose quickly?
Seeing Rhode somewhat puzzled, Mira explained, "I recently found out that Elfman is also saving money and secretly inquiring about property prices and nearby rents."
"I think he might be presuming I would..." Even Mira felt shy about the words, and she skipped over it, "In... the future, kick him out."
"Oh... He intends to move out in the future, you wish to let him stay, rather save up anew with me, and rebuild the home together."
Rhode understood that the siblings were thinking for each other.
Mira punched Rhode softly with a small fist:
"That's our first home in Magnolia, where we and Lisana have left many memories. Forcing Elfman out would be too pitiable."
Perhaps this is how an elder sister is; though normally she would trick him, hit him, or scold him, at crucial moments, she thinks for him.
Most importantly, Elfman is also thinking for his sister, quietly working hard for her.
"That's why I wanted to discuss with you, we... we..." Mira stammered as saying this meant 'I want to marry you.'
Though she was bold when confessing, proposing was different. Besides... hearing Rhode's words made her decide to bring up this matter with him today, without preparation for flowers or rings.
Otherwise... humph.
"I understand," Rhode hugged her, looping classic tunes like 'A Good Day', 'Good Luck Comes' in his mind.
Meeting Mira was the greatest fortune he had.
"Let's continue working hard together, for our home, for our future life."
Mira hit him again in his embrace: "Saying it like this is just too sly."
"Then today doesn't count as 'that'."
Rhode thought about taking her to jewelry stores more often some other day, to figure out what kind of ring she liked.
On an ordinary night, without any romantic ambiance, the two made an incredible pact.
This might also be considered romantic, as it often belongs to the ordinary people's romance.
...
"Brother Rhode, Sister Mira."
Romeo's small figure gazed at the end of the street under the dim streetlight, with tears in his eyes, trying to wipe them away upon seeing the two.
Rhode patted Romeo's head, "Don't worry, Natsu, Hapi, and Lucy have already found your dad."
"Really?"
"I confirmed it with magic; they'll be here soon."
The word 'magic' was convincing enough; Romeo immediately believed him, "How is Dad?"
Rhode used Requip Magic to produce a first aid kit, "A minor injury. Bandage it up, and it's fine."
Romeo felt like crying again, but before Mira could comfort him, he was already comforting himself:
"Mages getting hurt is a common occurrence; completing a task beautifully while carrying scars and returning safely is the greatest honor. I must not cry; it would downplay Dad's efforts..."
Mira squatted and wiped Romeo's face, "Is this typically what your dad tells you?"
"Mm, is it really like what dad said?"
Mira smiled, "Of course, average mages can't say something so cool, your dad is a very outstanding mage."
"Mm!" Romeo pulled a big smile.
Rhode recalled the incident where Romeo was mocked by kids days ago.
'As a father, there are things you must uphold. You'll get it once you and Mira have kids,' Macao had said back then.
Seeing Romeo's smile, Rhode somewhat understood.
Though he felt, if it were him, he might find another way, like teaching kids not to compare such trivial things?
Maybe he truly needs to be a father someday to understand.
The two large crabs carried three people and a cat steadily walking from afar. In shadows that ordinary people couldn't notice, the three wolves vanished without a trace.
"Dad!" Romeo ran up, "Dad, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."
Macao endured the pain as he jumped down and embraced Romeo, "I'm sorry, I worried you."
"No problem... because I'm a mage's son." Romeo sneaked a glance at the smiling Mira and Rhode behind, "A son of an excellent mage."
Macao felt warmth in his heart, releasing his son, showing what Romeo saw as the most handsome smile:
"Next time you're teased by the kids, tell them, 'Can your dad defeat 18 monsters?'"
"Mm!"