novelraw Chapter 327 Reassurance
Chapter 327 Reassurance
Chapter 327 Reassurance (Please Subscribe!)
As it turned out, Erza and the others' worries were unnecessary. Magnolia at night was no different from before, still bustling and prosperous, after all, it was only a short time since night fell.
Magnolia is a prosperous and populous city, so naturally there are many activities at night, and the nightlife is just beginning.
Orange and warm white lights cascaded from the shop windows and hanging lanterns lining both sides of the street, illuminating the main road paved with stone slabs as bright as day.
The place was bustling with noise, and the enticing aroma of grilled meat, freshly baked bread, and spices wafted through the air, mingling with the cool evening breeze. At the roadside food stalls, oil sizzled and splattered, while inside the restaurants, the sounds of clinking plates and cheerful laughter blended together.
The city won't be quiet until late at night.
Of course, even late at night, the windows of the late-night diner will emit a dim and warm light, specially for night owls to come out and look for food.
The group walked along the main street, where the lights were just coming on and the crowds were bustling, but the noise had not yet reached its peak. They arrived at the familiar guild hall, where the liveliness had not diminished at all.
The heavy wooden door of the guild was ajar, and warm orange light and even more enthusiastic noise flowed out from the crack.
Looking at the building that held countless memories, standing serenely in the night, its outline clear, everything as before, nothing changed, Erza, Lucy, and Gray all breathed a deep sigh of relief in unison. Their tense shoulders relaxed, and their anxious hearts finally settled into their chests.
Nothing had changed in Magnolia, and the guild hall remained unchanged, which was enough for them.
What they did probably didn't affect other places, since it only lasted a few hours, and they only really interacted with a few people, mostly their own guild members.
Moen stepped forward, pushed open the familiar wooden door, and with a creak, strode directly into the guild hall.
Inside the guild hall, the fireplace crackled and popped, dispelling the chill of the night. The air was filled with a comforting mix of aromas: beer, roasted meat, and burning wood.
At this time, there were still quite a few people in the guild hall, sitting in twos and threes around the rough wooden tables, some drinking and laughing heartily, others arm in arm, loudly debating the interesting stories from the day's missions.
But the guild hall will close soon, and it's already so late. If we accept the commission, we'll have to leave tomorrow anyway, so we might as well accept it tomorrow. There's no rush to hand in the mission right now.
Seeing that everything in the guild was still the same, with everyone still laughing and joking together, the familiar noise seemed to carry warmth back to them, and everyone felt very emotional, especially Lucy.
Lucy stood in the doorway, her gaze slowly sweeping over the familiar surroundings: the busy figures behind the bar, the task sheets hanging on the bulletin board, the clutter piled in the corner, the chandelier hanging from the ceiling...
Lucy took a deep breath, the guild air filled with the aromas of wine and food, and she felt a strange sense of temporal disorientation.
After all, she had just run away from the guild from six years ago that afternoon, and now she was back in the guild six years later. The scene in front of her overlapped and separated with the blurry but warm memories from six years ago, giving her a feeling of familiarity and strangeness.
Of course, there is also a heavy, heartwarming sense of security that brings tears to one's eyes. Although the guild from six years ago is very nostalgic, the guild of today is the real home for them.
At the front desk, Lisanna, who was on duty today, was wiping wine glasses. She looked up when she heard the sound, and looked at the five people and the cat with curiosity. Her bright eyes were filled with a smile and a little bit of confusion.
Guild members who were sitting in twos and threes drinking and chatting in the guild also stopped talking and greeted them.
The fact that Moen, Erza, Gray, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy came together so late at night piqued everyone's curiosity. After all, these were all top members of the guild, so why were they coming together so late? Did something big happen?!
However, the group did not stay in the guild for long. After confirming that everything was alright, they simply responded to their companions' greetings and left the guild hall.
Standing once again under the cool night sky, the guild's clamor was shut out by the heavy wooden door.
"I told you there would be no problem."
Moen stood with his hands in his pockets, a relaxed yet confident smile on his face. The night breeze ruffled the stray hairs on his forehead, making him look incredibly confident.
Moen's thinking was simple: if he, as a key figure, didn't have any problems, then the timeline couldn't possibly have any issues.
"Great~ I can finally get a good night's sleep."
Lucy looked up at the deep blue velvet night sky, stretched out a big yawn to ease her tired body, and then smiled as she playfully tilted her head to look at Moen and Erza, her golden hair dancing in the light.
Lucy felt she had really worked hard, not because of the physical labor, but mainly because of the mental strain and immense psychological pressure.
"Time to go home! Time to go home!"
Natsu yelled and walked back with Happy. He didn't want to come out in the first place. Moen said that everything was fine, so everything must be fine. Besides, even if something really happened, Moen would find a way. He could just call him if anyone needed to fight.
Natsu was too lazy to think about such complicated matters. He was the type with a high battle IQ, and he had many ideas when fighting, but he would avoid using his brain if he could.
"Then I'll go back too."
Gray put his hands behind his head, casually said goodbye to Moen, Erza, and Lucy, and left as well. After confirming with his own eyes that Magnolia and the guild were both alright, Gray had nothing else to worry about.
Seeing Natsu, Happy, and Gray leave one after another, Lucy waved to Moen and Erza, skipped home, and rushed back to record what she had seen and heard that day, as it would become a very important part of her adventure!
Moen watched his companions leave until their figures disappeared around the street corner before turning back and looking at Erza with gentle eyes.
"They're all gone, Erza. What about you?"
Moen didn't leave because he sensed that Erza had something to say to him.
The "Fairy Queen" was bowing her head slightly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of her arm armor, her small mouth slightly open, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. She was clearly not one to keep secrets.
"You're really good at keeping secrets."
Looking at Moen, who was tilting his head slightly and listening patiently to her, Erza raised her head and made a comment that was particularly clear in the quiet street.
Erza knew that what she said made no sense, since this was clearly not something that could be talked about in public.
"If you don't remember, who can you blame?"
Moen's lips curled into a slightly mischievous smile as he retorted with a quick, light laugh.
"You met us when you were little, and you couldn't even tell the difference between us as a bunny girl or a catwoman. I really have no idea what to do. You can't blame me for this."
Once Moen started talking, he couldn't stop. This was truly a long-suppressed rant, accumulated over six years. He'd wanted to complain about this since he was a child, and now he could finally let it all out.
""
Erza opened her mouth, her Adam's apple bobbing slightly, as if swallowing the unspoken explanation. Of course, she wanted to defend her younger self, but upon rational thought, she realized she couldn't hold back anymore. She also found the whole thing unbelievable.
What was I thinking when I was a child?
Erza has absolutely no recollection of this.
How so? People can't even empathize with or understand their past selves.
Erza looked as if she was trying hard to recall something. Her brows were slightly furrowed, and her eyes were focused on the void, as if she were flipping through fragments of her memories.
"Don't think about it anymore. Let bygones be bygones. Since everything is fine, why think about it so much?"
It only adds to your troubles.
Moen smiled and shook his head. He reached out and gently patted Erza's head, his hand landing with a comforting warmth. His fingertips brushed through her rosy hair as he softly spoke words of soothing comfort.
"snort!"
Erza brushed Moen's hand away, gritted her teeth, puffed out her cheeks, and then turned and left without saying another word to Moen.
There was nothing she could do; she really had no right to dwell on why Moen hadn't told her about it sooner. After all, she herself had been a part of it when she was a child, and it was her own fault for not recognizing him or remembering the incident.
If they didn't leave soon, Erza felt she was about to burst out laughing.
They were so adorably silly and innocent when they were little.
Erza's shadow stretched and shortened under the streetlights, her footsteps making a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound on the stone slabs. Watching her departing figure, the smile remained on Moen's face. He shook his head, turned and left, also preparing to go home and rest.
Then, Moen saw a familiar figure walking towards him. She had silver hair and wore a striking red dress. The hem of her dress fluttered in the night breeze like a blooming rose. Her fair skin, under the soft light of the night, was as smooth as milk, making her irresistible to look at.
"Mira? Is she here to pick up Lisanna from get off work?"
Moen spoke first, his hands hanging naturally at his sides, displaying a casual demeanor, and asked with a curious expression.
"Well, it's about time to get off work."
Mirajane nodded, her fingertips lightly twirling the hem of her skirt, her movements elegant and restrained, and answered softly. Her gaze passed over Moen and fell on Erza, who was gradually walking away.
"Isn't that Erza?"
Mira asked, seemingly casually.
..Yes."
Moen looked back, his lips twitching involuntarily. Is this what bond is? Erza's back was practically a pixel! He could still recognize her?! Would he recognize her even if she were reduced to ashes?!
"You and Erza? Are you at the guild for something?"
After receiving a definite answer, Mirajane spoke casually, her voice soft but with a barely perceptible tension.
"Didn't you run into Natsu, Happy, or Gray on the way?"
Instead of answering directly, Moen asked a question in return. His expression was puzzled, his eyebrows were slightly raised, and his gaze swept across Mirajane's face, capturing the subtle changes in her expression.
"You ran into them? Were they with you too?"
Mirajane's downturned lips gradually softened, her tense shoulders relaxed, and her breathing seemed to become lighter. If there were so many people, then there was nothing to worry about.
"Yes, and Lucy too."
Moen keenly observed this and then increased the number of people.
"you...
'
Sure enough, Mirajane's expression became more and more relaxed, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. She was now really curious about what these people were doing gathered together so late at night.
"Sister! Brother Moen!"
However, before Mirajane could finish her curious question, Lisanna's cheerful voice interrupted her.
"Why are you all outside? Come help us tidy up so we can go home!"
Lisanna gave Moen and Mirajane a strange look, then grabbed their hands and dragged them back to the guild hall.
By this time, everyone had started to leave, and it was time for the guild to close. Laki had already started cleaning up the tables, and of course, there was also the indispensable work of repairing the damaged tables and chairs, which had become almost a daily task.
"Thank you for your hard work, Laki."
Moen patted Rachi on the shoulder as if a leader were comforting a subordinate. Rachi was bending down to cast a spell to repair the table.
"If you have the time, go help tidy up the table."
Laki replied to him irritably. As the backbone and unsung hero of the guild, the true pillar that kept the guild from falling apart, Laki was very confident in front of Moen.
Simply put, this guild can't function without Laki!
"Haha~ I'm going right now."
After joking around, Moen stopped slacking off and started cleaning up the mess at the guild with Mira and Lisanna, who were also chuckling. He grabbed an empty barrel; it was cold and still smelled of lingering wine. These people really know how to make a mess!
"Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable to pay the guild staff high salaries."
A voice suddenly rang out, startling Moen. His hand trembled, and he almost knocked over the wine barrel. He immediately looked towards the source of the sound before letting out a sigh of relief.
"It's Sister Qi Ke! When did you get here?"
Moen was speechless. He raised his hand and rubbed his temple, showing a hint of helplessness. This "Guardian," "Earthbound Spirit," and "Urban Legend" of Magnolia was simply elusive.
"I've been helping out here!"
Kiko couldn't help but raise her voice a little. She had already cleared the tableware from several tables, but these guys hadn't even noticed.
"Huh? No wonder the progress is so fast..."
'
Lisanna stuck out her tongue, her cheeks slightly flushed, and she looked apologetic. She had thought it was because of Moen's involvement, but it turned out that it was Sister Kiko who was helping out.
"Sister Qi Ke, could you please say something earlier next time? If you don't take the initiative to speak up, no one will know that you've helped."
Moen sighed helplessly, his voice filled with genuine concern. Qi Ke's low profile was largely due to her overly composed and independent personality.
She always helps quietly, doing what she feels she should do without ever seeking credit. Even if no one cares after she finishes, she won't say anything, and she will still help next time.
"Sometimes I speak up and no one responds..."
Qi Ke wiped the table silently. Her movements were gentle, and the rag moved almost silently across the surface, as if afraid of disturbing the lively atmosphere. When there were many people, her presence would decrease sharply. Only when there were few people would she be noticed, and her voice and words would be heard and responded to.
Of course, she rarely speaks up on her own initiative. She is already used to standing quietly on the sidelines and watching everyone. She doesn't need to participate too much; just watching is enough for her.
"6
""
Moen fell silent. Mira, Lisanna, and Laki also felt a pang of sympathy. A faint sadness filled the air. Sister Qi was several years older than them, only twenty-two this year. It was hard to imagine how she had managed to get through the past twenty-odd years.
"Don't worry about it, I don't think there's anything wrong with it."
Kiko noticed Moen and Mira's reactions. She raised her head, smiled slightly, and comforted them, telling them they didn't need to be like that.