When Ultear mentioned seeing the First Master, Arlen was only slightly surprised. He already knew that in this world, souls could persist—especially for powerful mages. Whether it was a true soul or something like a thought projection, he wasn't entirely sure.
As Ultear chattered excitedly, Cana, Ur, Gray, and Lyon also walked over to greet him.
"Hey, Arlen! Is doing requests fun?" Gray asked with a wide grin, hands behind his head—shirtless as usual.
"Gray, where are your clothes?" Ur snapped.
"Huh? My clothes—wait, where are they?!" Gray froze, then panicked as he realized he had stripped again at some point. He hurriedly grabbed his clothes from the grass and put them on.
"Forget that idiot," Lyon rolled his eyes. "I'm curious too."
"It's… alright," Arlen replied with a faint smile. "You'll understand once you're strong enough to take on jobs yourselves."
"That tells us nothing," Gray complained.
Arlen ignored him. Even if he explained, it would only make them impatient—and Ur would never allow them to go yet anyway.
"Arlen, I heard something," Cana said, tilting her head with a grin. "You've got a nickname now—Fairy Tail's Noble Prince."
"Is that so?" Arlen chuckled, gently patting her head. "Not bad. Means I'm getting somewhere."
He had already heard it from the orphanage headmistress. It surprised him at first—but he didn't dislike it.
Being remembered… wasn't a bad feeling.
—
"Hungry?" Ur asked. "I can cook."
"A bit," Arlen nodded. "Let's all do it together. Barbecue sounds good."
While preparing the food, Arlen told Ur about the Black Magic Cult and the R-System, as well as his plan to head to Rosemary Village.
Though worried, Ur ultimately agreed after considering his strength.
Later at the guild, Makarov also brought it up, and Ur confirmed she'd help destroy the R-System if found.
—
The next morning, Arlen set off with Ultear and Cana.
After saying their goodbyes under everyone's reminders, the three boarded a train to Rosemary Village.
Looking out the window, Arlen thought quietly:
Hopefully those cultists show up soon…
Christmas was approaching.
Then New Year.
And Fairy Tail's grand annual parade.
He had no intention of missing that.
—
"Lord Arlen, what should we do once we get there?" Ultear asked.
Arlen looked at the two girls.
"If something happens, gather the villagers. If there are enemies—fight."
"Understood!" Ultear said confidently, puffing her chest.
Her strength had grown rapidly.
Cana too had immense magic power—
But her magic…
After thinking for a while, Arlen asked:
"Cana, why did you choose Card Magic?"
Cana froze.
Then fell silent.
Realizing he might've crossed a line, Arlen was about to apologize—
But she spoke first.
"…Because of my father."
After a pause, she continued softly:
"After my mother passed away, I came to Fairy Tail to find him."
"I chose Card Magic because I like divination… and with everyone's suggestion, I learned it."
Ultear gently held her hand.
Arlen frowned slightly.
"Your father… he's in Fairy Tail, right?"
"With your magic power, he must be strong too."
"…Yeah," Cana nodded. "He's very strong."
"Then… have you told him?" Ultear asked.
Cana lowered her head again.
This time—
Not sadness.
But confusion.
Silence lingered.
Then Arlen spoke again, calmly:
"I don't know your exact situation."
"But you should talk to him."
"Why did you come to Fairy Tail? Just to watch him from afar?"
"Or to sit beside him as just another guild member?"
"Blood doesn't change."
"…And I'm guessing—he doesn't even know who you are."
Cana's body trembled.
Arlen gently placed a hand on her head.
"I understand what you're afraid of."
"You're thinking—what if he thinks it's a joke?"
"What if you say your mother's name… and he says he doesn't remember?"
"You keep thinking like that—over and over."
"And eventually… you settle for 'this is enough.' Just watching from afar."
He paused, then said softly:
"So don't overthink it."
"Just talk to him—as a guildmate."
"And if… he really doesn't remember—"
"You're not alone."
"I'm here."
"Ultear, Ur, Gray, Lyon, the Master…"
"Everyone in Fairy Tail."
"We're your family."
"And if he truly fails you—"
"I'll personally deal with him."
"And we'll cut ties completely."
"Someone like that… doesn't deserve to be your father."
—
Cana broke.
Tears streamed down her face as she threw herself into Arlen's arms, crying uncontrollably.
His words had reached her.
For so long, she had been afraid.
Lost.
Even her Card Magic… was a way to search for hope.
Now—
That fog began to lift.
She made up her mind.
When her father returned—
She would face him.
No matter the outcome.
No regrets.