"Thank you… thank you so much, Lord Arlen. Thank you for saving these children."
The headmistress stood before him with tear-filled eyes, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"There's no need," Arlen replied calmly, waving his hand. "I only did what I was supposed to."
"Oh, and that mayor is gone. A new one will take his place soon. When that happens, the orphanage should receive proper funding. You won't have to struggle like this anymore—and the children will finally have proper food, clothes, and a safe place to live."
"This… this is all thanks to you, Lord Arlen. You are the benefactor of our orphanage," she said sincerely, wiping her tears.
"Alright, that's enough. The commission is complete, and I should be going."
He stood up, then paused briefly before leaving behind a communication lacrima and a pouch of money.
"There's 2 million J here. Use it to repair the orphanage and improve living conditions."
"T-this won't do! You didn't even accept the 500,000 J we promised—how can we take your money?" the headmistress protested hurriedly.
"Take it," Arlen said simply. "It's not for you—it's for the children."
"And that's that."
With that, he turned and left.
—
At the orphanage gates, all the children, teachers, and staff had gathered.
As Arlen's figure grew distant, voices rang out behind him—
"Big brother Arlen, goodbye! Come visit us again! And thank you for saving us!"
"Lord Arlen, safe travels! May fortune follow you!"
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Without turning back, he raised his left hand and waved.
Then—
He made Fairy Tail's signature gesture.
Index finger pointed upward, thumb extended like a gun.
Behind him, the children and staff, eyes brimming with tears yet smiling brightly, mirrored the same gesture.
It was what Arlen had taught them.
A symbol of bonds.
Even if we can't see each other, even if we're far apart—we're still connected.
The spirit of Fairy Tail.
—
Sunlight bathed Arlen's figure.
It shone upon the golden guild mark on his hand, making it glow warmly—
A sight none of them would ever forget.
—
Crocas, Duke Viviamilio's estate.
Inside the study, Arlen sat across from his father, recounting everything in detail while presenting the recorded lacrima.
Duke As's expression darkened, his imposing aura filling the room.
Arlen, however, simply sipped his tea.
After a while, the duke smiled.
"Well done. As expected of my son."
"Leave the rest to me."
"As for the orphanage—our family has always supported such places. From now on, we'll fund that one as well."
There was pride in his eyes.
The two chatted until dinner.
At the table, Arlen also asked about Layla's request. Alice informed him that people had already been dispatched to the Alvarez Empire.
After a night's rest—
Arlen set off back to Magnolia.
—
Fairy Tail Guild, underground library.
Arlen stood before Makarov, explaining everything about the Black Magic Cult and the R-System, showing the recorded evidence.
Makarov's face was grave.
"Well done. You've worked hard."
"To think a simple missing-child request would uncover something this serious…"
"I'll contact other guilds. We'll begin searching the islands immediately."
"And I'll inform the Magic Council. This is no small matter."
Arlen nodded.
"By the way, Master—I'll be heading out again."
Makarov blinked.
"Again? You just got back. Not planning to rest?"
"I'm going to Rosemary Village."
Makarov immediately understood.
"…Lying in wait, huh?"
"Exactly," Arlen shrugged. "Sitting around the guild isn't my style anyway."
After a brief silence, Makarov nodded.
"Alright. But be careful."
"And take Ultear and Cana with you."
Arlen paused.
"…What?"
"They've been asking about you nonstop," Makarov said. "Ultear's gotten quite strong. Cana still needs guidance—you can help with that."
"Understood."
After a respectful nod, Arlen left.
Behind him, Makarov broke into a wide grin.
He couldn't have been more satisfied.
—
Outside the guild, Arlen headed toward the villa in the eastern forest—his residence.
It was lively.
Gray and Lyon were shirtless, fighting on the grass.
Cana and Ultear sat nearby, meditating beside Ur.
As Arlen entered, smiles spread across their faces.
Ultear rushed over immediately.
"Lord Arlen, you're back! Did everything go well?"
"Very smoothly," he said, patting her head.
Then his eyes showed a hint of surprise.
"Your magic power has grown a lot. Seems you've learned to control it properly."
Ultear beamed, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Lord Arlen! While you were gone, the Master took me to Tenrou Island—the guild's sacred ground!"
"I even met the First Master! She's super beautiful and cute!"
"And she taught me Lost Magic—Arc of Time!"
"I also learned Ice-Make Magic from Mother!"
She spoke excitedly, barely stopping for breath.
Arlen was genuinely surprised.
Makarov had taken her to Tenrou Island?
And she learned Arc of Time…
That kind of growth rivaled his own recent progress.
For a moment, even he felt a bit curious—
About meeting Fairy Tail's First Master himself.