Official guild conflicts are strictly forbidden.
Yet when Fairy Tail emerged victorious over Phantom Lord, even the Magic Council couldn't find grounds to object.
Master Makarov went to present the incident report.
It was mostly procedural – nothing major to address.
Shortly after, the Magic Council launched investigations against several council members, issued public apologies, and condemned Phantom Lord's actions.
An investigative team was formed to review each of Phantom Lord's mages, using both magical regulations and Fiore Kingdom laws as the basis for judgment.
After her investigation, Juvia was among the first to be released. She was then invited by Master Makarov to join them in Magnolia.
Through this process, and with Guild Master Jose's death, the once-mighty Phantom Lord quietly dissolved.
With Phantom Lord's affairs settled, it was time to rebuild the guild.
Thanks to Jehfrit's persistent demands, the Council approved compensation from Phantom Lord for Fairy Tail's reconstruction.
These funds were allocated entirely to rebuilding the guild.
With his responsibilities handled, Jehfrit began developing "Teal 7.0."
In his free time, he felt an itch.
So he packed up his fishing gear and set out.
Deep in the forest, nestled against the mountains,
This was Natsu's home.
While not as luxurious as city housing, the stone-columned, red-brick walls surrounded by greenery created a small but cozy atmosphere.
"Natsu, Happy, want to have a fishing competition?"
...
No response.
"???"
What's going on?
Jehfrit was puzzled. Lately, whenever he looked for Natsu, he was always missing.
He arrived at the new temporary guild location.
The temporary guild hall was set up with tents where everyone gathered and accepted missions.
"Where's Natsu?" he asked Mirajane.
"Hmm?" After a moment's thought, Mirajane replied, "If Natsu's not home, he's probably with Lucy."
"That guy!" Jehfrit gritted his teeth, angrily muttering, "Friendship-ignoring womanizer!"
"Don't you dare disturb them!" Mirajane grabbed Jehfrit firmly, giving him a stern warning.
"Fine, what about Gray?" Jehfrit nodded reluctantly.
"I don't know, Gray hasn't been around for days. Oh, Jehfrit! Let me tell you something..." Mirajane suddenly became excited, pulling Jehfrit closer. With a conspiratorial smile, she whispered, "Did you know? Gray's being pursued by a girl!"
"Ah, I know, it's Juvia." Jehfrit responded.
"That girl from Phantom Lord, right?" Mirajane continued enthusiastically, "What happened during that battle anyway?"
"10,000 Jewel please." Jehfrit immediately extended his hand, a card resting in his palm. With a merchant-like grin, he suggested, "I captured everything from that day! For someone as kind and gentle as Miss Mirajane, the entire exclusive collection can be yours for just 10,000 Jewel!"
"You..." Mirajane's smile froze, still present but with a slight twitch at the corner of her eye, showing her mood had soured quickly.
"8,000, can't go lower than that!" Jehfrit pretended to be in great pain, as if making a huge sacrifice.
"..." Mirajane tightened her grip on the wine glass she'd been polishing.
"6,000, any lower would be unreasonable!" Jehfrit declared.
'Crack'
Mirajane's wine glass shattered in her hand. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she smiled dangerously, "Mr. Jehfrit, behaving like this won't make you popular with the ladies."
"..." Jehfrit watched as Mirajane's hand crushed the glass fragments into powder.
The previously noisy guild had gradually fallen silent, everyone now watching the scene unfold.
Jehfrit looked around, then noticed a stack of photos he'd placed on the table.
He turned and waved.
"Ah, Laxus, let's go fishing!"
"Tch." Laxus sat with his feet on the table, his body wrapped in bandages. Hearing Jehfrit's suggestion, he smirked, "Fishing? Not interested. How about we hit the club instead?"
"You brat!!!" Jehfrit broke out in cold sweat.
Quickly stretching, he announced, "Ah - I prefer fishing anyway. See you!"
And with that, he dashed out.
"Fool..." Cana shook her head before downing another barrel of alcohol.
By the river.
Jehfrit arrived at his usual spot, carrying various bags.
Along the way, he'd bought some snacks – potato chips, beef jerky, etc.
He also picked up several books, including new magazines and novels.
With meticulous care, he arranged his expensive fishing equipment.
Jehfrit prepared himself!
While waiting for a catch, one could snack and read.
This was the "serendipitous discovery" state – the same state that helped Jehfrit defeat Erza in a fishing competition.
[TN: serendipitous meaning by giving exemple : Like casually gambling just for fun, being a chill guy without chasing the win, only to end up hitting a big prize anyway. A classy word you can toss around at a casino or in every day life to sound sharp without trying too hard.]
'Crunch crunch'
He ate, drank, and read simultaneously.
One hour passed...
Two hours passed...
Three hours passed...
Jehfrit stood up.
Time for a bathroom break.
Omelas – that place sounded interesting.
He'd read about it in one of the magazines – beautiful scenery and welcoming to tourists.
Maybe he should visit?
After three seconds of consideration...
Yes, he decided to check it out.
After finishing his business, he planned his route while returning to the riverbank.
"???"
"My fishing rod! Where is it?!!!"
Defeated, Jehfrit trudged home.
Not only did he fail to catch any fish, but he also lost his fishing rod.
"..."
"Jehfrit." Laxus called out to him.
Jehfrit turned to see the blonde dragging a suitcase with one hand in his pocket, looking arrogant as ever.
"Stop wasting time and finish your weapon," Laxus stated before walking away with his luggage.
"..." Jehfrit watched his retreating figure, shaking his head.
Among all the strong members in the guild – fellow Dragon Slayers like Natsu, or S-Class mages like Erza – why did Laxus always pick on him?
Since joining the guild, Jehfrit hadn't really bullied Laxus, had he?
Thinking carefully, pushing up his glasses, he recalled...
Aside from harmless pranks –
Like helping Lisanna draw a little turtle on sleeping Laxus's face, or things like that – he hadn't done anything too terrible.
Nothing compared to secretly cutting holes in Natsu's fish basket.
That was just competition... though he still lost.
In short,
He and Laxus didn't have any real grudges. Could it be just because he once accidentally broke Laxus's earphone wires?
Laxus, what a petty guy!
As the sun set,
Golden light bathed the courtyard.
A large barrel sat in the yard, filled with layers of ripe, dusky grapes.
The white-haired beauty, dressed in casual sport shorts and a sleeveless top, knelt beside a basin to rinse off the dust from her legs. She moved with practiced ease, her motions quiet and unhurried, as if part of a ritual long familiar.
Lifting her legs one at a time, she let the cool water stream down, glistening on her fair skin, tracing delicate arcs before falling to the ground with soft splashes.
She stepped into the barrel, her movements fluid and sure, beginning to press the grapes with a gentle rhythm. Her balance and posture made it seem like a dance—light, playful, and full of grace. It was a quiet, almost meditative moment.
"Is Miss Mirajane here?" a voice called from outside.
"Jehfrit?" Mirajane's head turned, eyes lighting up. She stepped carefully out of the barrel and jogged barefoot across the grass, leaving light impressions in the earth.
Jehfrit stood by the gate, hat in hand. He paused for a breath as she approached, her hair catching the last glint of sunlight.
"What is it, Jehfrit?" Mirajane asked, tilting her head with gentle curiosity.
"I'm planning to travel for a while," Jehfrit said. "I came to say goodbye before I leave."
"There must be more to it than that," she said with a teasing smile.
"Well... about our agreement..." Jehfrit rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Don't worry," Mirajane said. "I promised you, and I'll keep my word."
"Thank you very much." Jehfrit bowed slightly. "Your kindness and warmth deserve praise."
"Wish you a pleasant journey, Jehfrit," she replied, smiling.
"Thank you for your blessings," he said, then turned to go. "I won't bother you any longer."
//////
Translator's Note:
Should I tone down the foot fetish allusions even more?I think I've already reduced their presence quite a bit without disrupting the rhythm too much, but if it's still too much, there's still room to make further changes.