Nighttime.
The guild hall was bustling with life as everyone gathered together.
"Jehfrit, come sit by me," Mira said warmly. "The Master told me to keep an eye on you today."
"...," Jehfrit glanced at Mira before slumping onto a stool, his gaze drifting out of focus as he stared absently at her busy figure moving around behind the bar.
"What flavor soda would you like?" Mira turned back and couldn't help but smile when she saw Jehfrit's blank expression. "Promise not to cause trouble?"
"I wouldn't dream of it, Miss Mira," Jehfrit replied dramatically. "Your lack of trust in me today wounds my heart deeply."
"I think I still trust you enough..." Mira tapped her chin thoughtfully. "...to know that you wouldn't suggest such an event without good reason."
Hearing this, Jehfrit clutched his chest theatrically, feigning devastation. "Such gentle words, yet they cut deeper than any blade!"
*CLINK*
Mira slid a fizzy drink across the counter. "Enough with the dramatics, Mr. Jehfrit. Just don't overdo it, alright?"
"My compliments to your kindness and grace." Jehfrit picked up the glass and sauntered over to where Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel sat—three mummies wrapped tightly in bandages from head to toe.
Their legs were bound straight, their backs propped against the table, feet stretched stiffly forward. On the other side of the table, Lucy, Juvia, and Levy whispered quietly among themselves.
"*Hmmph?*" Natsu grunted through his gagged mouth.
"*Hmmrph!*" Gajeel added.
"*Hmph?*" Gray chimed in.
Natsu: "*Mmmph mmph mmph!*"
Gajeel: "*Mmmpth mph mmph.*"
Gray shook his head slightly. "*Mmph mmph.*"
"..."
"What are they saying?" Lucy asked, baffled.
"Juvia doesn't understand either," Juvia admitted, shaking her head.
"I have no idea," Levy agreed.
As Jehfrit approached, the trio renewed their efforts:
Natsu: "*Mmph mmph mmph mmph!*"
Gray: "*Mmph mmph mmph mmph!*"
Gajeel: "..."
"That one I understood!" Lucy exclaimed triumphantly. "They're calling for Jehfrit!"
"You're right, Miss Lucy," Juvia nodded enthusiastically.
"Good evening, lovely ladies. Your charm remains undiminished," Jehfrit greeted, raising his glass slightly.
"Evening, Jehfrit," Lucy responded.
"Thank you for protecting Gray-sama, Mr. Jehfrit," Juvia said earnestly.
"Jehfrit, is Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe... okay?" Levy asked hesitantly.
After the events of a few days ago, Laxus and the Thunder Legion had vanished shortly after receiving initial treatment. Everyone feared they might leave town altogether out of shame or guilt.
"They'll be here soon," Jehfrit reassured them.
With hearts settled, Jehfrit leaned casually on Natsu's shoulder, resting his elbow there.
"*Mmph mmph mmph mmph?*" Natsu hummed.
"Don't worry, there's plenty of time left—still over ten days," Jehfrit replied.
"You can understand them?" Lucy asked curiously.
"Yes, he's asking about the machinery exhibition," Jehfrit explained.
"Oh! The one you gave tickets for—Alex's Machinery Expo?" Lucy recalled. Earlier, Jehfrit had gifted both Gray and Natsu tickets to attend the event.
"Precisely. They're worried they won't make it, but there's nothing to fear—they'll definitely catch it," Jehfrit assured them.
"*Phew,*" Gray sighed in relief.
*KLIK*
Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the stage.
Several guild members took turns performing impromptu acts fueled by alcohol-fueled enthusiasm. Natsu and Happy watched longingly, though Natsu's injuries kept him grounded.
Finishing his drink, Jehfrit twirled a playing card between his fingers.
---
After several acts, the spotlight returned, brighter this time, silencing the crowd.
On stage stood Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe.
All eyes turned toward them.
Jehfrit flicked his card into the air, watching it transform into shimmering black-and-gold light before catching it again. He repeated the motion absentmindedly.
"Though we've accepted Jehfrit's explanation," Fried began, gripping the microphone tightly, "we all know the truth isn't so simple."
"Laxus and our reckless actions hurt everyone here."
"We made mistakes—and we won't brush them aside with excuses!"
"When we disappeared for those few days, we heard how worried everyone was about us."
"It made me reconsider all the polished speeches I'd prepared… because now, I find myself unable to say them."
Fried set the mic down and bowed deeply. "To everyone—I'm sorry."
"Sorry, Reedus."
"Sorry, Elfman."
"Sorry, Mira."
"Sorry..."
Fried listed name after name, his voice trembling as tears threatened to spill.
"Sorry…" His voice cracked. "But… I truly don't want to leave Fairy Tail."
"It feels selfish to admit…"
"But..."
"Please forgive us!"
He bowed again, lower this time.
"Sorry, Gray."
"Sorry, Happy."
"Sorry..."
Bickslow followed suit, listing names and bowing deeply.
"Sorry," Evergreen added sincerely.
Finally, all eyes fell on Laxus.
His lips quivered as internal conflict gripped him.
He knew he was wrong—but his pride refused to let him—
"LAXUS!" A voice called out suddenly.
Laxus looked up just as Jehfrit tossed a card toward him.
Before Laxus could catch it, another hand intercepted it—Jehfrit himself had appeared on stage.
Placing a firm hand atop Laxus' head, Jehfrit announced loudly, "Sorry, everyone!"
With that, he pushed Laxus' head down forcefully, forcing him into a deep bow alongside him.
"You guys really are something else…"
"Jehfrit, you idiot, that joke went too far!"
"Fried, your magic is incredible!"
"Bickslow, if it was an S-Class trial, why didn't you go easy on someone like me?!"
"Evergreen, you did nothing wrong—and in my book, you're Miss Fairy Tail!"
Laughter erupted throughout the guild.
"Laxus..." Erza spoke up.
Everyone turned to her expectantly.
"Learn from this, you dummy!" she declared firmly.
"And give these fools some punishment already!" Cana shouted, grabbing her beer and splashing it directly onto the stage.
"CANA!" Gasps filled the room.