Fairy Tail: I Don't Want to Be the Guild Master-Chapter 355: Worthy of being a combination of strategist and demon

Chapter 355 - Worthy of being a combination of strategist and demon

Rhodes paused for a few seconds, mentally reorganizing his thoughts.

He figured he didn't need to stop entirely just because Lahar didn't like his official tone. Instead, he could break things down, present a fact, then follow up with a short explanation. That seemed fair and reasonable.

As Lahar listened to his revised explanation, he found it harder and harder to imagine how Captain Org would continue pushing blame onto Fairy Tail.

This guild wasn't just good at fighting. They were also extremely articulate. Rhodes wasn't just a "problem child" anymore. He was a "problem child who could argue like a lawyer."

The questioning continued with more specific, detailed topics. And the more Rhodes answered, the more astonished Lahar became.

He started to realize something unbelievable: this so-called "ordinary wizard" might actually understand combat and warfare better than he did, and Lahar was the captain of the Council's forced detention unit.

Fairy Tail's actions in the Phantom Lord conflict weren't just impulsive or emotional. There was clear evidence of structured tactics, layered strategy, and deliberate decisions.

'Could this young man be the son of a military general? A noble raised in a battlefield household? Or maybe even the heir of a foreign kingdom playing the part of a humble mage... just like Heartfilia's heiress, Lucy?'

After all, every trace of Rhodes's activity only began last year, as if he had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

But in the end, that wasn't Lahar's job to question. And Rhodes wasn't the only guild member with mysterious origins. If they went digging deep enough, half the continent's mages would probably have sketchy backstories.

What truly mattered was the emblem on Rhodes's arm.

That Fairy Tail mark represented Master Makarov's trust. That alone was more meaningful than any birth record.

Lahar glanced at the notes being written behind him and then checked the time. "That's all for today..."

"Wait," Rhodes raised his hand politely, "I have one more question."

Lahar gestured for him to go ahead.

"I know the investigation isn't finished yet," Rhodes said, "but I'd like to ask about the damages. Specifically, what's the status of compensation for our guild's losses, and the damage done to nearby businesses when we were protecting our comrades?"

He didn't particularly want to bring it up like this, but someone had to. And since their cheerful old guild master had conveniently forgotten to mention these 'minor details' while bragging, Rhodes stepped in.

Lahar nodded. "There's no harm in giving you an early answer. We're in the process of verifying the damage on both sides.

"In principle, the primary party responsible will be expected to pay for damages. Based on our current findings, that responsibility lies with Phantom Lord.

"If Phantom Lord's remaining assets aren't enough to cover it, then Jose Porla himself, or the specific members who led the assault, will be required to compensate."

He didn't say the rest aloud. If those people didn't have the money... well, then it would come down to their willingness to make amends.

Still, Rhodes wasn't too worried. Phantom Lord had been a wealthy guild. After this incident, they'd almost certainly be disbanded.

Jose, once one of the Ten Wizard Saints, was practically guaranteed to be stripped of his title and imprisoned. He was the one who initiated a full-scale guild war. No one would defend him now.

...

The investigation continued.

The Council seemed determined to review every participant in the battle individually. Some would be let off with warnings. Others would face real consequences.

Most of the Council's scrutiny remained focused on the Phantom Lord side. Fairy Tail, by comparison, was treated far more leniently.

Even though they had to remain in the temporary camp, they were allowed to return home now and then to grab clothes or pick up personal items.

So Fairy Tail more or less turned the Council's "quarantine inspection" into a summer camping trip.

Every day was filled with noise, laughter, and lighthearted chaos. Other than being occasionally called in for questioning and the strict ban on alcohol, it was basically a real camping experience.

Of course, Mira and Erza kept a close eye on things. No one was allowed to start fights or disrupt the order of the camp.

Up until the very end of the inspection, Rhodes had always assumed that it was the Council who had stopped Phantom Lord's reinforcements from joining the battle, and he had quietly been impressed by their decisive action.

That was, until the Council abruptly summoned Mystogan to testify. Only then did Rhodes learn the truth.

"Well played," Rhodes muttered. "Would've been nice if someone told us though."

"Master, want to play cards? We're one short," Rhodes called out, already sitting at a game table with Mira and Erza.

Several other guildmates had already started their own games around the camp.

Makarov smiled and waved a hand. "You three play. I've got something else to take care of."

"Something else?" Rhodes blinked. "What's left to do at this point?"

Everything important had already been handled. They'd even asked Reedus to start sketching designs for the rebuilt guildhall. Once the Council's review was over, they'd give the final approval to begin construction.

So what was the old man really up to? The guild master always looked for chances to slack off. What could he possibly be doing now?

Mira, while expertly shuffling the deck, offered a hint. "Lately, the master's been dropping by the Phantom camp a lot."

Erza nodded. "He's checking in on their younger members. I think he wants to see if any of them still have potential, and whether they could use a little guidance from a more experienced hand."

There was a quiet note of admiration in her voice.

"The master always does care deeply about helping young wizards grow."

What the three of them didn't know was that the reason Makarov had been so focused on the young members of Phantom Lord wasn't just goodwill.

It was because of his own regrets.

His son, Ivan, had gone astray right under his nose, and even Laxus had shown signs of walking a dangerous path.

Makarov didn't want to see any more young people lose their way. That's why he was determined to offer guidance and warmth, especially to those stuck in their lowest moments.

"Did you notice the Phantoms have been spying on us too?" Rhodes asked suddenly.

Erza followed his gaze and replied calmly, "You mean the blue-haired girl? I saw her. But since we're all on Council territory and there's no hostility, I didn't bother confronting her."

Mira glanced in the same direction and smiled mischievously. "I don't think she's spying on us. I think she's spying on someone in particular."

Rhodes looked toward Gray, who at that moment was being scolded by Rune Knights for wandering around the camp again without his clothes.

"Gray's charm is far too effective," Rhodes muttered.

Mira giggled. "You might be able to pull it off too, you know."

Rhodes raised one hand solemnly. "I swear, I will never use my looks as a weapon."

Mira gave him a look that clearly said you're finished and set down the freshly shuffled deck. "Alright, now how do we play this card game?"

"I'll call Warm. He's great at cards."

Twenty minutes later, Erza had a giant clown face painted across hers.

She looked crushed. "Next time... next time I will win!"

Rhodes felt a little guilty. She might actually stand a chance, if she didn't team up with Warm next time.

Mira, on the other hand, was laughing like she hadn't in days. Sure, cheating in cards was bad behavior... but if Warm was the one doing it, that wasn't her fault, was it?

She waved at Erza gleefully. "Add another line on your nose!"

"Yes..." Erza groaned in defeat. "Alright, Warm. Next round, let's go!"

"Hoo... hoo~" Warm puffed happily, ready for another game.

"I think the problem is your outfit," Mira said thoughtfully. "You'll never win unless you wear a bunny girl costume."

"So that's the secret!" Erza exclaimed in sudden realization. "I need to change clothes!"

Mira leaned in close to Rhodes, whispering beside his ear, "What do you think? Doesn't Erza look amazing in that outfit?"

Rhodes froze. "...."

He stared up at the sky, pretending to admire the clouds. Erza looked... stunning. A bit too stunning. He didn't dare look at her for more than a second.

Macao and Wakaba were far less restrained. The two middle-aged uncles already had their arms around each other's shoulders, hearts practically flying from their eyes.

"Ooh~~ Ooooh~~~ Are they playing some kind of punishment game where you change outfits if you lose?"

"Rhodes and Mira really nailed it," Wakaba cackled. "What a combo, strategist and demon queen!"

...

Bonus @1200

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