A purple flower crown appeared on Wendy's head, given to her by Mira, made from violets picked on the road as a little gift besides the souvenir.
"Look, look, Carla, Miss Mira gave it to me." Receiving such a gift, Wendy was obviously very happy.
"It's very pretty." Carla spoke to Wendy with a somewhat indulgent tone.
But then, something weighed on her head too, she had one placed on her, made by Rhode.
Judging by the feel on her head, Carla thought hers might be somewhat different from Wendy's.
"Only kids wear this kind of thing." She took it off and looked at it; sure enough, the flowers were sparse and crooked, not sure whether to call it a flower crown or a grass crown.
Wendy also took hers off: "Carla, let's swap, I... I prefer this style."
"No need." Carla put the flower crown back on, "It's just for wearing casually anyway."
A little angel, a little tsundere.
Rhode smiled as he took out other souvenirs, and Wendy Charuru bid farewell to Magna, inviting Rhode and Mira to their place.
Carla was in charge of making tea.
Rhode and Wendy talked about the place where he and Mira were working as a team this time.
Wendy recounted what crafts she had learned recently and what she wanted to learn next.
Mira was a great listener, asking questions with curiosity and occasionally praising, "Very impressive."
Rhode didn't understand why Wendy suddenly started learning these things, only assuming they were her hobbies. Doesn't Erza also like designing clothes and collecting them?
After talking about her own matters for a while, Wendy started asking how everyone had been recently: "Earlier, I saw Miss Erza's photoshoot in a magazine, got a big shock."
Incidentally, she felt quite defeated too, though Wendy didn't say this.
"It was just a chance event." Mira explained Erza's 'glorious deeds' at the magazine company to Wendy.
Both Wendy and Carla were taken aback.
Rhode brought up the person Wendy was most concerned about: "Granny Porlyusica has been great lately."
Sure enough, hearing this name made Wendy very happy: "Really?"
Rhode nodded: "Of course, Granny is in great spirits, particularly loud when she's scolding, and her body is well, it really hurts when she hits with a broom."
Carla quipped: "What kind of strange standard is that?"
"Last time when I asked Granny if she had any messages to send to Wendy, she shut the door with a bang."
Wendy felt a bit lost: "Is that so..."
"But after a few seconds, she opened the door again and told me to remind Wendy to take care of herself when practicing magic and not push too hard." Rhode sighed, "Her personality is as awkward as Carla's."
Wendy nodded happily: "Yes!"
"Wait a minute!" Carla slapped the table, "Who are you calling awkward!"
Rhode raised the tea cup for a sip: "Ah~ Who brewed this tea, it's delicious?"
Carla didn't fall for it: "Even if you praise me now, I won't be happy!"
Mira supported her cheek with a hand and smiled: "Carla is so cute."
Carla's cat face blushed as she looked at Mira: "And... why are you siding with him?"
"Eh?" Rhode suddenly remembered something, leaned closer to Mira, and put an arm around her shoulder, "Have I not told you guys yet, Mira and I are dating?"
"Huh?" Wendy froze, staring blankly as Mira leaned on Rhode's shoulder.
Then her face turned crimson, steam starting to rise from her head, "Da-da-da-da... Dating!"
This shy appearance was somewhat reminiscent of Erza.
"Eh~~~~~~" Carla was also surprised, "When did this happen!"
Mira nestled against Rhode's shoulder without moving, loving how cute the shy Wendy was, and how surprised Carla seemed.
She said with a smile, "It started formally at the end of April, beginning of May, so it's been two and a half months now."
Carla exclaimed, "Turns out the rumored boyfriend thing was true!"
Rhode asked, "Even you know this kind of gossip, huh?"
Carla replied, "That's because Wendy likes to follow matters related to you guys."
Though the Cat Transformation Inn was a bit remote, there was still a bit of communication with the outside world, and Wendy would occasionally leave the village for outside work.
Otherwise, the Sky Witch's reputation wouldn't get spread.
Each time she went out, Wendy would buy some past newspapers and magazines back, eagerly finding out what Fairy Tail news was available and what incidents occurred.
"Speaking of which, the guild recently got a newcomer named Lucy, who, like you guys, closely follows our news." Rhode said, "Feel free to visit Fairy Tail, I'll introduce you to her, she's quite an interesting person."
"Yes..." Wendy seemed to still be in a dazed shy state, Rhode really doubted whether she heard what he was saying clearly.
So as not to delay proper matters, Rhode released Mira: "Besides visiting, I also have something to show Wendy this time."
Mira stopped teasing her, the Dragon's matters seemed important to the Dragon Slayer Mage.
Rhode told Wendy about the Mountain Sub-Dragon, and mentioned in advance that the Mountain Sub-Dragon didn't know Grandeeney nor Igneru.
But seeing Wendy's expression, it was clear she still wanted to meet him.
As per old routine, Rhode found a somewhat distant and secluded location from the Cat Transformation Inn, unleashing wild creatures to keep trespassers away.
There were many forests nearby, so finding a suitable place was easy.
When the huge Mountain Sub-Dragon appeared before their eyes, Carla's eyes were full of shock.
Wendy had tears welling up in her eyes.
She had been raised by Dragons since childhood, and even though this Dragon wasn't Grandeeney, Wendy still felt a sense of reconnecting with family.
Moreover, the Dragon's gaze was so gentle and kind...
Rhode didn't understand, why so tender? Didn't act this way when meeting me for the first time!
Is it because I'm not as cute as Wendy?
Mira stood on her toes and patted Rhode's head to comfort him.
Rhode didn't feel comforted at all.
"May I ask... do you know Grandeeney? She's also a Dragon just like you." Wendy couldn't help but ask.
Mountain Sub-Dragon carefully stared at Wendy for a moment, then gently shook his head.
To him it was a gentle shake, though it stirred some wind.
Wendy felt a bit disappointed, yet still politely bowed: "Thank you, Mr. Mountain Sub-Dragon."
Mountain Sub-Dragon suddenly leaned down.
Carla immediately protected Wendy, though her small frame couldn't really shield much, but her courage was commendable.
However, Mountain Sub-Dragon merely leaned his huge head closer to Wendy, gently nuzzling her.
Rhode felt so sour, like he'd eaten a hundred lemons, whose Dragon is this after all?
Playfully teasing Natsu like a cat, treating Wendy like a daughter, but ignoring the Summoner.
Rhode was doubting life: "Mira, am I really so unlikable?"