Lucy's 'Birthday' (Part 1)

"Please take the seat of honor, Your Majesty!"

The Emperor nodded and said softly, "This isn't the council hall. Relax, everyone. Sit!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Unlike the respectful and proper commander, the White-coated Big Sister unceremoniously slumped into the seat at the lower left.

"You insolent woman, why aren't you thanking His Majesty at once?!"

"Hail, let it go!"

"His Majesty is so magnanimous and forgiving. What an honor for this woman."

After thanking him on someone else's behalf, the white-bearded commander helplessly headed for the lower-right seat. But before his butt could touch the chair, that woman started causing trouble again.

"Hey, hey... Little brother, what exactly is your status? A king? A head of state? Or... some special identity?"

"You asked us so many questions at once. Which one should I answer first?"

"Sure, sure, sure... Any of them is fine. Go ahead!"

Upon hearing that, His Majesty the Emperor suddenly felt that he was missing a glass of brandy or red wine, as well as an exquisite dish on the table.

"Ahem... In that case, I'll answer your first question first!"

Pointing at the ground with his right index finger, then at himself and the white-bearded commander, His Majesty the Emperor slowly explained, "This is the Southeastern Province of the Erus Empire. I am Sordil Ornn, Emperor of the Erus Empire, and also an S-Class Mage of the Fairy Tail mage guild. This man is Major General Hail Linnag, commander of the Southeastern Province garrison."

"Nani?!"

"Little brother is actually an emperor?"

Smiling slightly at the White-coated Big Sister, the Lazy God said softly, "And your future boss."

"Sure, sure, sure... Boss, what about that thing?"

"That is the spoils we captured, and it will also be the project you need to research from now on!"