"...That's how it is. From now on, Rhode will be stationed at the Council Headquarters, and I only need to visit in the next few days."
Makarov explained the current situation and instructed Mira and Erza to take care of the guild while he and Rhode were away.
'Turns out the president isn't necessary!' A few people maliciously sneered at their own president.
The majority, however, were overjoyed.
With two members in the Council, doesn't that mean even if something went wrong during a mission, they wouldn't need to worry about being detained?
"Don't get too excited just yet," Rhode easily read their minds and said mercilessly,
"As council members, we must lead by example. If you continue with reckless destruction like before, catching you would be quite convenient for us.
"Moreover, this way, the president and I gain merits, you learn your lessons, and the guild reduces losses, a win-win-win situation."
"Despicable!"
"That's too much!"
"Cold-hearted!"
While Rhode's demeanor was met with criticism from his companions, Makarov thought about it, squeezed his chin, and clapped his hands, "Makes sense! Turns out we could do it this way!"
Everyone was shocked: "President!"
...
The new council members' selection was widely spread by the next morning.
As Org wished, the fact that all 7 Council members were from the Ten Wizard Saints reassured the public.
Of course, some wondered why God Serena was absent, but the news didn't mention it, nor could anyone else provide an answer.
However, seven were already enough.
With the ability and character of the Ten Wizard Saints, they surely could keep the Magic Realm peaceful.
Jura and Brellins arrived at Fairy Tail punctually in the morning, where Makarov and Rhode were already waiting for them.
Seeing their travel-worn faces, Rhode asked, "Want some breakfast before we go?"
Jura said he'd had his on the road, Brellins shook his head, "No need, the matters over there are more important."
Rhode nodded: "Alright then, let's go."
Jura asked, "Aren't you bringing any luggage?"
He had prepared to stay at the Council and came with his bags.
Brellins also planned to stay there for the next few days and brought a suitcase.
Rhode replied, "No need. We can commute daily."
Jura then realized that they were here to catch a ride, "That's indeed convenient."
Makarov gave the kids some final instructions, and Rhode just waved at Mira since they'd be back by evening.
The four of them were enveloped by a blue sphere, traveling across mountains and rivers to reach the Council Headquarters in an instant.
The induction ceremony wasn't complicated, merely hanging the Council's flag, the seven standing in line before it, swearing amidst all personnel at the Headquarters.
"The Council was created by all the people of the Ishujal Continent, for all the people of the Ishujal Continent.
We, the seven of us, will lead all the council members from this place, striving for the stability of the Magic Realm, fighting for peace across the continent.
The Council was born after a war many years ago, for peace. It will continue to strive for keeping people away from war!"
After the oath, Lahar came forward carrying a tray, Dolanbart wheeled Org after him.
Org took the Council-marked cloaks with Ten Wizard Saints Badges from the tray, distributing them to the seven new Council members.
—Originally, he was supposed to drape them himself, but considering health reasons, he skipped this step.
The seven donned their cloaks, while Org removed his, folded it, and placed it back on the tray.
The witnessing soldiers saluted Org first, as a sign of respect and gratitude for his years of hard work.
Then they saluted the new Council members, implying their readiness for new leadership.
Though the ceremony was conducted in front of ruins, the atmosphere felt solemn and dignified.
Even Rhode, who didn't take the position seriously at first, felt the weight of responsibility under the forward-looking eyes.
After the ceremonial transition of power, Lahar and Dolanbart stepped forward to receive new appointments, leaving Org alone in the wheelchair by the side.
At this moment, he seemed like he'd shed a huge burden, his face full of relief and satisfaction.
Yet compared to the crowd gathering, he seemed quite lonely.
Rhode felt a pang of sympathy for the old man, and quickly received a reassuring nod.
He nodded back at Org and concentrated on the subsequent procedures.
Meanwhile, he made a firm decision in his heart: being a council member was fine, but he definitely couldn't be a guild president.
Rhode really didn't want to see the president end up one day like this.
With the ceremony over, tomorrow's news would likely announce the official establishment of the new Council.
This had nothing to do with Rhode and the others.
Because the seven immediately got to work.
Of course, Org didn't leave straight away but instead slowly handed over the meticulously organized work to the new Council members.
As the temporary Speaker, Hayberion needed to oversee the whole situation and write a few simple papers to boost departmental morale.
Uluvheim would be responsible for reorganizing and training the Strong Detention Team, and in a few days, even the prison guards will undergo certain training.
Vorod, being disinterested in fame and possessing high moral values, was mainly responsible for supervising the financial aspects, which everyone felt assured about.
Brellins took charge of the research and weapons department, his specialty.
He planned to thoroughly improve the Council's arrest and defense weapons; the prison facilities would also be upgraded after his inspection.
Jura was responsible for external communication affairs. In the coming days, leaders from various countries on the Ishujal Continent might visit instead of the King for an assessment.
This could also be seen as a form of oversight since the Council's role concerns the entire continent.
Jura's appearance was gentle, his conversation humble and polite, and when showing firmness, he could display determination. Hence, he was most suited for this responsibility.
Makarov's responsibilities were more down-to-earth — overseeing the Council's reconstruction.
Rhode took it upon himself to handle this task, reasoning that the old man had experience in rebuilding the guild, so overseeing the Council's reconstruction wouldn't be a problem.
Besides, it was a short-term task, and once completed, he wouldn't need to come often anymore.
Rhode himself was in charge of what appeared to be an easy role but was in reality cumbersome and exhausting: administrative paperwork.
Managing archives, meeting minutes for various departments, drafting important documents, issuing some crucial orders, and even preliminary budget reviews for certain departments...
Almost all of the Council's paper documents had to pass through his hands.
Of course, these tasks weren't meant for him alone but were supposed to be accomplished by a whole department.
But unfortunately, the department originally responsible for these tasks... was blown up with those eight council members...