Stop Crying, It's Embarrassing

It pierced through the walls, rang across the sky, and carried clearly into everyone's ears.

Everyone present froze in an instant.

Makarov shot to his feet, his movements swift and sharp, not at all like those of an elderly man.

His eyes widened, and his body trembled slightly.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The bells rang one after another, urgent and resounding.

This was the guild's own bell of return, Gildarts's exclusive bell, symbolizing the return of those who had gone on an expedition!

"It's the bell! They're back!"

Cana shot to her feet, her face full of excitement, her voice trembling.

The deathly silent hall exploded in an instant. Everyone rose one after another, tables and chairs clattering as they collided.

Cheers, sobs, and screams wove together, shaking the entire guild.

"Seven years! They're finally back!"

Makarov trembled all over, his lips quivering nonstop as hot tears surged into his eyes.

Lisanna held his arm, tears streaming freely down her face.

"Master, they're back. Your children have come home!"

Makarov drew in a deep breath and strode toward the guild doors.

Outside the guild doors.

The crowd was packed so tightly that not even water could pass through.

Guild members poured out of the hall one after another, crowding onto the steps at the entrance and looking toward the end of the street.

Seven years of waiting, seven years of longing—all of it had now turned into anxious anticipation.

Romeo stood at the very front of the crowd.

The boy from seven years ago had already grown into a tall, straight-backed young man.

His brown hair remained the same, but his features had grown sharper, and his gaze had become more resolute.

He wore plain clothes, a short sword at his waist, and was already a qualified Mage.

For seven years,