The Guild's Reputation Seems to Be a Bit of a Problem

"Then it's settled. I'll help you find the necessary information and explain things, and you tell me about the Chinese language!"

According to Mira, Levy loves books, and she's probably the most familiar with the guild's library.

Moreover, besides magic, Rhode also needs to understand the kingdom's history, geography, culture, and other aspects.

These things can also be asked of Levy. Even if she doesn't remember everything, she'll know where to find it.

With Levy's help, Rhode's learning efficiency can be greatly improved.

And she's interested in Rhode's native language, so they can both get what they need.

The only ones unhappy were Jet and Troy. However, since Rhode didn't show any special reaction upon meeting Levy, they didn't say anything rude.

But... come to think of it, Levy is so cute, and he had no reaction?

That was another reason for their unhappiness.

Rhode didn't understand their messy emotional changes at first. Later, he heard Mira share some gossip—

These three grew up together, and Jet and Troy were recently investigating confession methods that girls like.

Rhode suddenly understood:

So they're t... No, it's impolite to call your companions that. They should be called flower protectors.

However, Rhode looked at the two of them as if they were scum.

Levy probably looked like a middle school girl, right?

"Is this considered a crime?"

"..." Mira covered her mouth and laughed. "Levy is 16 years old. She'll be very sad if she hears you say that."

"..." Rhode was silent for a moment. He remembered Mira was 18. The two-year difference seemed understandable...

"That's not right either," Rhode said. "16 is still a minor."

"No, in the Kingdom of Fiore, you can drink alcohol and... do all sorts of things at 15."

Mira pointed to Kana, who was half-drunk and holding a wine barrel. "For example, Kana has been drinking heavily since she was 13."

"Oh..." Rhode felt that Mira's example was full of things to complain about.

But it seemed normal for the people in this guild to not follow the rules.

The arrangement with Levy would start tomorrow, of course. She had just returned today and was tired from her journey, needing rest.

Jet and Troy, on the other hand, were unusually energetic. They didn't go home and instead chatted with familiar people in the guild about their journey.

Rhode was a bit envious. He needed to learn magic quickly so he could see this magical world with his own eyes.

Of course, the main point was to speed up earning money to repay his debt.

He, who didn't even dare to say "spend money," felt uneasy carrying such a large debt.

During dinner at the tavern, which was busy and noisy, Rhode, like yesterday, helped wipe tables and chairs, swept the floor, and returned to his rented place with Warm.

The room was as dark and somewhat desolate as it was yesterday.

However, Warm sniffed around like a puppy, bringing a bit of life to the empty room.

Rhode let Warm explore freely while he sat cross-legged on the bed, meditating as he did during the day, diligently training his spiritual power and increasing his magic power.

Only when drowsiness and fatigue set in did he hastily wash up, blow out the oil lamp, and go to sleep.

Before sleeping, he thought about how inconvenient the oil lamp was and that he would buy a magic lamp sooner or later.

Warm, like a little furball, lay quietly by Rhode's pillow until the early morning hours, when his body gradually became transparent and disappeared.

That night, Rhode felt warm and exceptionally comfortable in his sleep.

The next morning, Rhode woke up on time and washed up.

As he tidied his bedding and prepared to go out, he felt like something was missing.

"Where's my Poro?" Rhode bent down to look under the bed. "Warm?"

After searching the room, Rhode remembered he could use his magic power to sense Warm's location.

He closed his eyes and found that his magic power was much stronger than yesterday, and it didn't seem to be depleted now.

"Did the time limit expire, or did he automatically return when I fell asleep?"

Rhode wasn't sure of the situation and decided to summon him again:

"I am the one who communicates the path between two realms. You, creature of another world, respond to my call and cross the gate!"

The pendant emitted golden-blue light, and magic power gathered in the air. Rhode tightened his grip on the pendant and shouted the final words:

"Open, gate that connects to the other world!"

A small amount of magic power was drawn from Rhode's body, and a small white figure appeared on the floor.

Warm seemed a little confused for a moment, then immediately nuzzled into Rhode's arms.

"Your jumping ability is really good," Rhode said, ruffling Warm after catching it. "Were there any other companions next to you just now?"

Warm shook its head. It had been sleeping alone in its nest.

"Just now, I felt like I could summon another... I don't know what it is, besides you."

Warm looked at Rhode with its dark, glistening eyes, which revealed a clear foolishness... a clear innocence.

"It seems you don't know," Rhode said, patting Warm's head and putting it down. He then picked up the pendant again. "I'll just try again and find out."

"I am..."

The pendant had just started to glow when Rhode stopped the magic.

"Never mind, it doesn't feel very safe to try this at home. I'll go ask the Master."

He picked up Warm, locked the door, and went downstairs to leave.

Goodman had arrived a bit earlier today and had already set up his stall. "Good morning, Mr. Rhode..."

He noticed Warm, who was sticking out its tongue. "Is that your pet?"

Rhode realized an important issue: do landlords generally dislike tenants keeping pets?

Luckily, Warm wasn't purely a pet.

"Its name is Warm, and I summoned it from another world using magic," Rhode explained. "Warm, say hello."

"Wurururu~" Warm made a cute sound.

"Magic, huh? No wonder I've never seen an animal like this," Goodman said with a hint of envy. "Maybe when my son is a bit older, I'll have him learn magic too."

"You have a son? That's great! He can join Fairy Tail then," Rhode replied.

"Hah... haha... Yes, yes, but he's only three. It's too early for that, too early."

For some reason, Rhode felt Goodman's laugh was a bit strained.

He didn't quite understand the polarized reputation of his guild – being both the most trustworthy guild and the guild most in need of caution.

Fairy Tail was currently one of the most famous guilds in the country, and joining it was a source of pride for any mage.

Moreover, citizens often interacted with mages and knew that most of them were good people.

Causing trouble and destruction were secondary issues because they always did their best to make amends and compensate for their actions.

The biggest concern for Goodman was that there were many eccentrics and problem children in the guild.

If he sent his own son there... would he pick up some strange quirks? Would he tear down their home on a whim?

He usually found it amusing and lively to watch them fight and destroy guild property, but what if his own child became part of the spectacle...

Goodman needed to think carefully.