An Inescapable Connection

"Old man, we're leaving. Be good, and don't cause any trouble!"

At Pink Ball's reminder, His Majesty the Emperor's face flushed red, followed by a powerful smack landing on her little head.

"Hmph! Do you take me for an idiot like Natsu?"

"Hey... Old Man Sordil, what does you two fighting have to do with me? (The Thunder Dragon, covered in black lines)"

"Mom, look at him... sob, sob, sob!"

Unlike a certain unreliable father and husband, Irene knew Pink Ball's nature inside and out. She skipped straight past the crying stage and entered teaching mode.

"Bang!"

"Waaah... mom, you... (Kornech, clutching the second takoyaki on her head)"

"Hmph! Is this how you usually study etiquette?"

"No... Mom, I..."

"Hmm?!"

Feeling the Mother Empress's authority, Pink Ball immediately changed her words.

"Mother Empress, I was wrong!"

"And what did you do wrong?"

"I shouldn't have offended Father Emperor's dignity, and I especially shouldn't have lied and twisted black into white."

"Mm!"

Nodding in satisfaction, the empress said solemnly, "Since your attitude in admitting your mistake is fairly good, I won't punish you severely. Later, copy the Courtly Rituals and Three Admonitions of Life that Teacher Charlie gave you fifty times each."

"Huh?!!"

"What... do you have an objection?"

Hearing the Mother Empress's question, the bitterness on Pink Ball's face vanished in an instant.

"No objection!"

"Mm!"

While the emperor's family exchanged farewell words, Great Guild Master was also advising Fried, who would be traveling with them.

"Fried, this time, Wendy is in charge. Unless you encounter a life-threatening situation or something beyond your capabilities, you are not to make a move."

"Rest assured, Great Guild Master. I know what to do!"

"Mm!"

"Alright, if we don't leave now, we'll miss the train!"

At His Majesty the Emperor's reminder, Wendy, Fried,