There was no doubt that Annie's investment seven years ago had been an incredible success. It had brought in returns of more than ten times her initial investment, and it had also made her—or rather, the entire Fairy Tail guild, whose finances had been rather strained—wealthy almost overnight.
Even more surprising, the investment was sustainable.
Since Annie and Lucy now owned the vast majority of the Heartfilia company's (or trading company's) shares, it was fair to say that the shareholders and actual controllers of the company were the Fairy Tail guild.
That meant that every year, or even every quarter, it would provide Fairy Tail with a steady stream of substantial income. In turn, Fairy Tail would protect the company with its "force." It was a win-win relationship that both parties were happy to accept.
So, the now-wealthy members of Fairy Tail began celebrating that very day in their temporarily seized guild hall in Magnolia, eating and drinking to their hearts' content in the not-too-shabby main hall.
"Annie..."
"Seeing how well you've helped the guild grow makes me truly happy... This is a guild that values peace, where everyone is like family."
"Everyone shares in each other's joy, drinks together, grieves together, and worries about their family..."
"Companionship isn't just something you talk about. Companions are people who trust one another unconditionally, heart to heart. That was the feeling and purpose with which I founded the guild, together with Yuri, Precht, Warrod, and Zera..."
"Just like everyone here today."
Just then, the petite first guild master, Mavis Vermillion, came over to Annie and spoke with a sigh. She had a large cup of ice cream in both hands, and, like Annie, she had beautiful blond hair and blue eyes. A pair of wings like cat ears sprouted from her head.