Cheese!

Banjou answered sincerely.

"I actually don't have much money. I won't lie to you—I'm a Dark Mage working for a Dark Guild, but I've never taken on those kinds of jobs. I only do ordinary missions, so I haven't earned much."

"My home is in East Town. I have many younger brothers and sisters to support, and one of my sisters is seriously ill. All the money I earn goes toward their food, clothing, and my sister's medical expenses."

"As for the clothes and cosmetics I'm wearing, my master gave them to me. She said I represent the honor of Mugetsu Style."

"A camera. I can't afford one."

"People in West Town look down on those from East Town. Even if they're just children, if I brought them all over here for photographs, the soldiers would drive them away. They'd say the children were disgracing West Town and hurting its business."

"The photographers in West Town are unwilling to go to East Town, too. They're afraid of catching diseases."

"My sister is in poor health and can't travel far either."

"So," Banjou said earnestly, "please come to my home tomorrow morning and take a family portrait for us. If you think the money isn't enough, I can owe you a favor. When you need it, I'll protect you once."

"Don't let my appearance fool you. I'm actually the ace of my guild!"

"..."

Banjou's reasoning persuaded Ifrit. It was only a trip, after all.

As for whether it might be a trap.

He wasn't all that afraid.

The ace of a Dark Guild?

His magic might be weak, but against a powerful enemy, even if he couldn't win, escaping wouldn't be difficult.

Except for that violent woman with the scallion head.

Ifrit said, "Fine, I agree. But can we go closer to noon? I'll probably wake up very late."

"Of course! Thank you so much, kind Mr. Ifrit!" Banjou's voice was filled with excitement and gratitude.

"Then head back first. I won't keep you any longer," Ifrit said.

"Yes." Banjou left.

Ifrit knew himself well.

When he woke up, it was indeed nearly noon.

Banjou had already been waiting at the door.

After washing up, he couldn't very well make her wait any longer.

So he picked up his breakfast, intending to eat as he walked.

"Mr. Ifrit, there's no need to hurry. Please finish eating slowly before coming with me."

"It's fine, as long as you don't mind the smell of these buns."

"Of course not!"

The two walked side by side.

Ifrit noticed that Banjou was as tall as him today. She had changed into a pair of old flat shoes.

The rabbit ears she had fashioned from her hair last night had been let down today, becoming a hairstyle like that of a refined lady.

Ifrit said nothing and continued eating his breakfast.

East Town was extremely rundown.

All manner of filth was hidden here.

Banjou looked at Ifrit worriedly, only to see him finish the last bite of his bun, take out a snow-white handkerchief, wipe his mouth first, then his hands. His expression remained perfectly normal.

After winding through countless twists and turns.

They arrived at Banjou's home.

There were many children here.

"Quick, bring Emily out." When Raid saw them arrive, he hurriedly directed several children to get busy inside.

"Good morning, Brother Ifrit!" Raid greeted him brightly.

"Good morning, Raid." Ifrit nodded with a smile.

"Go stand in place. Don't delay Mr. Ifrit," Banjou said.

The children lined up according to height.

Ifrit counted them. Forty-three people.

No.

Forty-eight people.

One girl had pale, bloodless skin. She was as thin as a monkey and wore a hospital gown, so frail that it looked as though someone had merely tossed clothes onto a chair. An IV needle was inserted into the back of her hand.

She sat in a wooden wheelchair. Two children pushed it, while two more followed closely behind—one holding the IV pole and the other carrying the IV bag.

This was Emily.

Emily was arranged in the very center. Aside from her sitting down, all the children were already standing in place, while Banjou stood at the very back.

"We're ready, Mr. Ifrit," Banjou said.

"Good. Remember to smile," Ifrit said gently with a smile.

"Okay—" Banjou and the children answered in unison.

Ifrit took out the camera and held up his fingers.

"Three."

"Two."

"One."

Banjou and the children shouted together, "Cheese!"

Click.

The image froze on the moment when Banjou, the children, and Emily wore their brightest smiles!

"Same Camera Used by Famous Reporter Edward"

Inside the carriage.

Ifrit flipped through a magazine.

This camera looked pretty good. At the very least, its appearance passed muster.

He turned the page.

"Super Cool Cameras on Sale—Prices Slashed!"

This one looked so cool!

"Blue Pegasus Grand Wizard Mr. Ichiya's Endorsement, This Century's Most—"

Forget one endorsed by Ichiya.

Ifrit immediately turned the page.

He was picking out a new camera. He had given his old one to Raid when he left Ahanita Town.

He fell into a dilemma.

Every newly released camera was handsome, trendy, and cool.

Which one should he choose?

Ifrit refused to admit he had difficulty making choices.

Not until they entered the next town.

He made his choice.

Expensive things had their reasons for being expensive!

He first went to the bank to withdraw money, then headed straight for the store.

"I want this one!"

He could barely wait.

Once he got the new camera, he pressed the button hard.

Crunch.

Ifrit's expression changed.

Why wasn't it click, but crunch?!

The sound was much quieter, and it wasn't as crisp as before!

He confronted the clerk.

The clerk looked utterly baffled. "Sir, that's because all new cameras are designed to reduce noise. This model uses the latest technology, and its noise has been reduced to the absolute minimum."

"No!" Ifrit said with unprecedented seriousness. "Loud is good. I want it loud!"

"Uh..." The clerk thought for a moment, then said, "Sir, how about we have a technician modify your camera? That way, it can make whatever sound you want."

"That'll do." Ifrit nodded.

So he stayed in the town temporarily.

It was perfect. He had time to organize his materials and submit his firsthand report.

For the past few days, newspapers across the country had been reporting on Fairy Tail's defeat of Eisenwald, but they lacked detail and contained many errors.

Naturally. Only he had material from an up-close investigation.

He organized the photographs, wrote the article, then headed out to the town post office, intending to send it to Wizard Weekly, a long-term partner and one of the country's most famous magazines.

"Erigor survived his fight with Natsu, but once my article gets published, he'll be dead. Mm, socially dead."

Ifrit muttered to himself as he walked.

He had specifically chosen the part where Erigor wore an expression of complete righteousness as he berated his subordinates for letting Fairy Tail escape. He made it the highlight and attached the photo from that moment.

Unfortunately, he had no photograph of Erigor getting beaten down by Natsu. Otherwise, that stark contrast before and after would have earned even more praise from readers.

He had heard that when the Magic Council arrested Eisenwald's members, Erigor alone had escaped.

Ifrit began to "worry" about Erigor's situation.

I wonder where little Erigor is hiding. Is the communication there any good? Can he receive newspapers?

How worrying.

Hopefully, he had a habit of keeping up with newspaper news.