Time passed quickly. It had already been a week since Arlen's last mission.
This past week had been relatively peaceful. Aside from his daily training, most of Arlen's time was spent guiding Erza, Kagura, and the others in magic and swordsmanship.
One thing worth mentioning—
Ever since receiving the Flame Emperor Armor, Erza—who previously had no interest in appearance—had surprisingly started paying attention to her looks.
Even if it was just her hair.
—
"Arlen-ge, Laxus is here. He's looking for you."
Kagura, wearing slippers, ran into Arlen's room.
"Oh? Laxus is back?" Arlen stood up, gently rubbing Kagura's head. "At this hour… something must've happened."
Kagura's face flushed slightly as she made a face at his back, then followed him downstairs.
—
"Just got back?" Arlen asked, sitting on the sofa and taking a sip of tea. "Finished your mission? What's up?"
"…Yeah. Just returned today."
Laxus' voice was low. He looked unusually down.
Arlen frowned slightly.
"What's wrong? You don't look good."
Laxus clenched his fists—
Then slammed them onto the table.
"The old man… kicked my father out of the guild."
"Ivan…?" Arlen muttered.
Ivan Dreyar.
Makarov's son.
A user of Shadow Magic and familiars.
To be honest—
Arlen had never liked him.
There was always something… insidious about him.
Arrogant. Calculating.
But still—
He was Laxus' father.
"When did this happen?" Arlen asked.
"Yesterday evening," Laxus replied, head lowered. "By the time I got back, he was already gone. Left Magnolia… no idea where. Just gave me a communication lacrima."
"I asked the old man—but he wouldn't explain anything. Just said my father would 'endanger Fairy Tail' and couldn't stay anymore."
Laxus' voice grew more agitated.
"What kind of bullshit reason is that?! Just like that—he kicks out his own son? Why not kick me out too?!"
Arlen didn't interrupt.
He understood.
No matter what Ivan had done—
To Laxus, he was still his father.
Back then, when Laxus was weak due to unstable magic, Ivan had gone to great lengths to obtain a Dragon Lacrima for him.
Without it—
Laxus wouldn't be who he is today.
That mattered.
"…Laxus," Arlen finally said calmly, "I won't try to force you to accept it. But think about this."
"Ivan is your father. But he's also the Master's son."
Laxus said nothing.
"Do you really think," Arlen continued, voice steady, "that kicking out his own son didn't hurt him?"
Laxus' fists tightened slightly.
"You're wondering why, right?" Arlen went on. "If it hurts so much—why do it?"
He leaned forward slightly, gaze sharp.
"Because he's not just a father."
"He's the Master of Fairy Tail."
"If Ivan truly did something that could endanger the guild—then as Master, he has no choice."
"Even if that person is his own son."
Arlen's tone hardened.
"The guild doesn't belong to one person. It exists because of everyone. It protects everyone."
"If someone becomes a threat to that—then they must be removed."
"Even family."
Silence filled the room.
Laxus lowered his head, his expression unreadable.
After a moment, Arlen added more gently:
"You know the Master better than anyone."
"If there had been another way… do you really think he would've chosen this?"
"…If you want the truth—go talk to him. Calmly."
Laxus took a deep breath.
"…Yeah."
"I'll talk to him tomorrow."
Then he suddenly leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs like he owned the place.
"Oh, and I'm staying here tonight."
Arlen blinked.
"…You serious?"
"Yep. Thanks in advance. Also—when's dinner? I haven't eaten yet."
Arlen stared at him.
For a moment—
He really wanted to punch him.
"…You've got some nerve," Arlen muttered. "I comfort you and feed you?"
Laxus waved it off lazily.
"Don't sweat the details."
—
In the end, Arlen still arranged a room for him.
—
At dinner—
"Man… I'm full," Laxus said, patting his stomach. "Ur, your cooking is amazing."
Ur smiled, placing more food onto Arlen's plate.
"If you like it, come by more often."
"Don't encourage him," Arlen said dryly. "He'll start freeloading."
"Hey, you heard her," Laxus shot back. "Not my fault."
"…Shameless."
"Whatever."
Arlen rolled his eyes and went back to eating.
—
Outside, the stars glittered in the night sky.
Inside, the room was warm and lively.
Laughter occasionally echoed around the table.
For all the tension earlier—
This moment felt peaceful.
—------------------------------
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