A Warm Room

The two of them froze for a moment. After exchanging a glance, Macao tentatively asked, "Guild Master, did you have an illegitimate granddaughter show up at your door?"

Upon hearing Macao's question, the veins on Makarov's forehead bulged. His right fist instantly enlarged, sending Macao flying out into the street. Wakaba, standing by, silently swallowed. He had also wanted to ask the same thing, but Macao had been quicker. Thank goodness.

Wakaba silently wiped the cold sweat from his brow. When he noticed Makarov's gaze turn towards him, Wakaba snapped to attention. "Guild Master, if I may be so bold, how old are the little girls?"

"Two little girls, about four years old. They were previously kidnapped and have just been rescued. Their parents couldn't be found, which is why I brought them back to adopt them. But you know, with Laxus, I used to be more hands-off. Allen was always there with him. But that's not possible now. Allen will be going on missions soon. I have absolutely no experience taking care of little girls, which is why I wanted to ask you two, who are married and have children, if you have any experience with girls this age."

"Guild Master, if you had told me this earlier, I wouldn't have taken that punch." Macao rubbed his bruised chin as he staggered back over. His head didn't seem to have fully cleared, and his words were still a bit slurred.

Just then, the previously quiet hall erupted into a lively buzz because of what Makarov had just said. People began whispering and chattering amongst themselves.

"So, our Guild is about to welcome two adorable little lolis?" someone shouted excitedly.

"Ohoho~ That's quite a bold idea you have there!" another person let out a strange laugh.

"Hmph, don't tell me you haven't thought of it too?" someone else chimed in.

Seeing the topic of discussion gradually veering off track and getting further and further away, Makarov couldn't help but frown. He cleared his throat forcefully and then let out a heavy "Hmph?!" This stern reprimand boomed in everyone's ears like thunder, instantly silencing the noisy scene.

Seeing that everyone had finally stopped their rowdy teasing, Wakaba quickly seized the opportunity to ask, "Guild Master, since that's the case, where do you plan to house the two little girls once they arrive?"

Hearing this question, Makarov first reached up and scratched the back of his head. After a moment of thought, he replied, "I originally planned to put them in the empty rooms on the second floor of the Guild first. But, those rooms are still quite bare, so it will take some time to decorate them properly."

At this moment, Allen walked over and said, "Grandpa, we also need to prepare clothes and daily necessities for the little girls. We can go shopping together later." Makarov's eyes lit up. "You're always so thoughtful. I'll leave the shopping to you. We'll tidy up the rooms on the second floor first. For the next couple of days, let them stay with Grandma. We'll bring them over in a few days."

And so, Allen, along with Laxus and Macao, set off to buy some items for the three little girls. The rest of the people, led by Wakaba, began decorating the rooms on the second floor.

By 6 PM, Allen and Laxus returned to Polyushika's place with bags and bags of items.

Just then, the three little girls woke up almost simultaneously. Earlier that day, because the three young girls were too frail, Polyushika, after a thorough examination, decided to let them sleep to recover their strength. Otherwise, Allen wouldn't have had time to participate in the afternoon's brawl.

Ultear was the first to wake up. When her crystal-clear, gem-like eyes opened, her first instinct was to look for Allen. However, the space before her was empty. That familiar, warm figure was nowhere to be seen. In an instant, a strong sense of loss washed over her, and tears threatened to spill.

Just then, the door was gently pushed open, and Allen and Laxus walked in. The moment Ultear saw Allen, her tear-filled eyes instantly sparkled with joy. She eagerly stretched out her hands, wanting Allen to pick her up.

Seeing this, Allen quickly set down the items in his hands and hurried over to Ultear. He carefully picked her up and held her in his arms. At this moment, Ultear was like a little bird that had found its home, nestling obediently in Allen's embrace, feeling that long-lost warmth and security.

Beside them, Sorano and Yukino watched this heartwarming scene with envious eyes. Although they yearned to be held just like Ultear, they were clever and sensible enough not to voice their wish, lying quietly beside them.

Allen keenly sensed the envy in Sorano and Yukino's eyes. He turned his head and gave Laxus a knowing look. Laxus, understanding immediately, strode forward, opened his arms, and gently embraced both Sorano and Yukino at the same time.

Held by Laxus, Sorano and Yukino felt both excited and thrilled. They were as happy as if they had received the most precious gift in the world. Because at this moment, they deeply realized that they finally had family again, people they could rely on and who would never abandon them. This feeling was wonderful!

Just then, Polyushika came to check on them after hearing the commotion from Allen and the others. Seeing their actions, she let out a sigh of relief and said to them, "It's good you got back in time. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to handle all three of them."

Allen, holding Ultear, said to Polyushika, "Grandma, these three little sisters might have to stay here for a couple more days. The Guild isn't ready yet."

Polyushika waved her hand at Allen. "It doesn't matter. As long as you two are watching them, they can stay for as many days as they need." After saying this, Polyushika went out to prepare dinner for everyone.

Allen and Laxus exchanged wry smiles. At ten years old, they were already acting as babysitters. Although they didn't want to, looking at the little cuties in their arms, they couldn't bring themselves to complain.

Three days later, Makarov sent a message to Allen. The rooms prepared for the three little girls in the Guild were ready, and he was asked to bring them over.

Just like before, Allen carried Ultear, and Laxus carried the two sisters as they walked towards the Guild.

Allen looked into the distance. The Guild's doors were wide open, as if warmly welcoming their arrival. As they gradually approached, Allen was surprised to find that the entire Guild had been meticulously cleaned and tidied, giving it a brand-new look.

These guys have been quite diligent these past three days, Allen thought.

The moment they stepped through the Guild doors, several firecrackers suddenly went off beside them.

"Welcome to Fairy Tail!" Allen said softly to Ultear in his arms, a smile on his face.

Ultear, Sorano, and Yukino, who had been startled by the firecrackers, trembled at first but quickly regained their composure. When they saw the enthusiasm and friendliness radiating from the faces around them, they couldn't help but break into radiant smiles. Although still young, they were already a little sensible, and at this moment, they truly felt the warmth of home.

At this point, Macao strode forward. When he saw the angelic, cute, and charming smiles of the three little sisters, a strong sense of affection surged within him. Macao couldn't help but secretly lament, I wish I had such a well-behaved and clever daughter! These three little girls were simply too endearing, making him almost unable to look away. A doting and loving smile, like that of an old father, spread across his face. However, this expression caused Allen to frown.

Wakaba stepped forward and nudged Macao aside. "Haven't you seen enough? It's my turn!" Immediately, Wakaba's face took on the same doting fatherly smile as Macao's.

Seeing more and more people gathering around, Allen frowned and yelled, "Don't crowd here! Get out of the way first. You'll have plenty of time to look later. Let us go to the rooms and settle in first."

"Right, right! Get out of the way first, don't crowd the three little cuties."

Macao and Wakaba quickly acted as escorts, leading them up to the second floor.

When Macao opened the rooms prepared for them, even Allen was surprised. The decor didn't seem like something the rough-and-tumble members of the Guild could have done.

Seeing the confusion on Allen's face, Macao rubbed his nose and smiled proudly. "How is it? Not bad, right? The girls from the Guild, along with my wife and Wakaba's wife, decorated it. They were responsible for the design, and we just helped out. This is the result. Do you like it?"

Before their eyes, all the walls in the room were painted in soft pink and light blue. A soft, plush carpet covered the wooden floor. To the right of the door, colorful paintings of cute animals and plants hung on the wall. To the left was a row of wardrobes for their clothes. Further inside was their bedroom. The three little girls each had their own bed, or the three beds could be pushed together. The sheets and comforters looked very comfortable. Many small stuffed animals were placed on the beds. Next to the beds was a large window, allowing the morning sun to shine directly into the room. There were also a few small potted plants on the windowsill, adding a touch of life and vitality to the entire room. Outside the windowsill was a small balcony with a tea table and a few chairs, convenient for them to have tea and admire the moon later.

In that instant, time seemed to stand still. The three little girls' eyes widened, and they stared blankly at everything before them, their mouths slightly agape, their faces filled with disbelief. Just then, Allen and Laxus carefully and gently set them down from their arms. Allen, with a gentle smile, softly asked the three little ones before him, "How is it? Do you like it?"

Hearing Allen's question, the three little girls snapped back to reality as if waking from a dream. They turned their heads in unison and saw Allen and Laxus standing before them with smiles. Makarov also stood quietly to the side with a benevolent smile. Looking further back, the Guild members were gathered by the door, each with a kind smile on their faces, seemingly genuinely happy for this moment.

This feeling of being cared for and watched by so many people, being surrounded by love, was too unfamiliar for these three little girls. Yet, at this moment, a warm current surging from the depths of their hearts made them realize with absolute clarity—this was the taste of happiness! Unbeknownst to them, crystal tears began to slide down their tender cheeks. But these were not tears of sadness or pain; they were tears of emotion, shed from experiencing such happiness and joy.

The three little girls, their voices choked with tears, shouted loudly, "We love it!!! Thank you, everyone!!!"