Chapter 13

Chapter 13. About laws and gray everyday life.

Ignorance of the laws does not absolve from responsibility. But knowledge is easy.

Stanislav Jerzy Lec.

Magnolia greeted us with the usual noise and din, characteristic of a large commercial city. In the air there are whimsical aromas of butchers, bakeries and pastry shops (it's good that we did not come through the port or the tanner's area, magic is magic, but such aromas can be cooler than any magic), although before I seemed to feel everything was not so keen, hello from the dragon chuyki?

And now, finally, the guild! Home, sweet home, where Mirazhana, no less (but rather more) dear to my heart, lives, before I had time to present a pleasing appearance to my heart, as through my inner world, full of harmony and love for my neighbor, I walked through the forged boot of routine and rudeness. Natsu opened the door in his favorite way - with a powerful kick, from which the unfortunate piece of wood groaned pitifully and nearly flew off its hinges.

-And here we are! Hello! - Well, why yell like that?

-Bale! - Elsa's fist is reliably imprinted on the dragon's head, - Natsu, you don't need to express your joy so violently.

The surrounding people whinnied in satisfaction, watching the fire magician rubbing the back of his head with embarrassment.

- Welcome back, - Mira smiled, - I am glad that everything is all right with you, especially after what was written in the newspaper, - the girl looked at me somehow strangely, as if she wanted to ask something, but could not formulate a thought. Okay, I'll wait until it ripens.

-What did they write in the newspaper? - Lucy, with the curiosity characteristic of any woman, immediately grabbed the newspaper lying on the counter - teek-s, well, the headline, 'Duel of demons in Onibas' ... uh-huh, 'Frozen Forest' and his attempt to destroy civilians using magic mass destruction ... released a demon ... destroyed by the Fairy Tail mage Demon Sephiroth ... see the list of destruction on page two ... uh ... a demon? - Lucy turned to me, how surprised ...

-It's just a nickname, like 'Titania' from Elsa, the dark ones gave it to me ... after I ... mmm ... talked to them.

- I see, - the girl hesitated, apparently remembered a recent conversation and my story.

- Come on, we are back and it should be noted!

-Wow, you are talking! What could be better than a good foodie? - Natsu ...

- Of course, good drink! - Hmmm, for a while my potion was enough, Cana again took up the old one.

"Oh, I can help with that," and give the girl a sinister grin. Hmm, and why did she turn green somehow? Nuuu ... not even interesting.

- By the way, we have not yet noted your purchase of a house, - Gray remembered, - maybe then we will sit with you?

-Well, everything is not yet fully arranged there ... - I tried to move out.

-So we will help you! Shit! - the cat was burning with enthusiasm, although it is good for him - others will be engaged in the rearrangement, but he will have to eat.

As a result, the whole guild lathered up to celebrate the housewarming, simply ignoring my weak attempts to abandon this venture, however, they really helped with cleaning, even though I did not let anyone into the basements - there is definitely nothing interesting for them. The damned ixid thought that I kept a fish there and did not want to share, so I presented Lucy with the Virgo key so that she would help him dig a passage to the coveted basement. Damn, he's an idiot, but an idiot with good brains is a really scary combination. And then I repaired the hole - and on the floor from the Virgo (by the way, there is definitely something in the maid's uniform, the eyes are attracted downright against her will, well, Lucy called her back, and in her emotions she blazed with jealousy ... hmm, even so ?), and in the wall from the cat (he did it himself when he caught my very 'kind' look). Gray again began to arrange a striptease for everyone (I must admit that the slightly drunk girls this time reacted to the spectacle more favorably), Cana got to my bar (and how did she find it, by the smell or what?) And was in deep thought, Natsu managed falling asleep with your head in a burning fireplace, by the way, is a rather funny sight - when inhaling, the dragonseer absorbed the flame of the fireplace, charging itself with magic, and then, with an exhalation, set it on fire again and so on in a circle. Elfman tried to track down his sister, but wherever there, at that moment I had already safely snatched her. It was very interesting to communicate with Mira, the girl knew a lot and was ready to share her knowledge, and even her positive was just magically transmitted to others, like an empath, I really almost got hooked on her emotions, I was sobered only by the old pain, bitterness and guilt. that constantly slipped somewhere in the depths of the girl's feelings. But all this smile and joy of hers is just a mask, I suddenly realized, so familiar that it has long grown to her face, but still a mask. And only the return of Lisanna can remove this pain, or at least the news that she is alive and well, preferably with evidence. So, at the first opportunity, you need to inform the World about this, the main thing is to find the right words. Alas, all good things ever come to an end, and our conversation about nothing with a beautiful fake is over - some kind soul (I suspect a cat), knocked Elfman, as his sister and a certain Sephiroth left together to the second floor (I just wanted ask the girl how best to furnish it, although who am I kidding, it just wasn't a bad reason to be alone, staying within the bounds of decency), and here is a picture, we are sitting with Mira, leaning against the wall, sipping juice and just chatting (succeeded to persuade the beauty to somehow let me try her cooking, motivating by the fact that I heard out of my ear that she cooks great, and I, as a new person in Fiore, would not mind trying the local cuisine, plus a couple of compliments, a hungry look and a girl melted), as the door is almost knocked out to hell and a white-haired giant bursts into the opening. A dumb scene - the girl and I are not doing anything reprehensible (sorry, very sorry), everything is within the bounds of decency, and then Elfman bursts in.

-Aaa ... uh, and down there, this ... cheese for wine is over, I was sent to find out where you can get more, - there was a giant, in confusion even forgetting to insert his eternal 'man'.

- And that's why you almost broke down the door? I raise an eyebrow inquiringly.

-Well ... I ... - finally confused Elfman.

- I see, - I sigh heavily, - forgive the lady, my duty as the owner of the house requires personal intervention.

- It's okay, - this miracle smiles, - thanks for the evening.

-I think it's worth to thank Happy, after all it was his initiative, let's go to the others? - I stretch out my hand to Mira, noting how Elfman frowned, yeah, now the cat is in danger of being shocked. What? I'm not vindictive, I just don't like it when they try to destroy my house (and there are suspicions that it was the kote who brought the giant, and even if not, you can always say that it was a preemptive strike)

-Let's go, - the girl rises, regretfully removes my limb back and catches something similar in her emotions, it seems that I'm not the only one who is a little sad that we were interrupted.

Downstairs I had really not sweet - the people thoroughly managed to thin out my stocks of food and alcohol and to calm down on the achieved results until they were going to, along the way, here and there light intercourse began, threatening to leave me without furniture - I had to rush around and calm the most violent, well, or ask them sort things out without resorting to arguments in the form of my property, supply the hungry and at the same time try to maintain discipline. In one of these races, I ran into Elsa doing about the same thing. Glancing around the hall, we decided that we could take a break.

-Fuh, what all the same they are violent, - I wipe the nonexistent labor sweat.

-This is nothing, here Natsu and Gray - yes, they are often ... too carried away, - a slight smile touched the lips of the Valkyrie.

-How do you manage to hold all this Caudle in your hands?

-In fact, they are not as scary as they seem, well, and experience, of course.

-Clear...

-Sephiroth ...

-Mmm?

-I want to ask you a question, - there is so much mixed in the girl's emotions now that I don't even know what will happen now ...

-Of course, what do you want to ask?

-Why? - I didn't understand, now I really didn't understand, - why do you want to die? - and a furious glance in my direction, so now I finally do not understand anything.

-Die? How did you decide? - there is no need to portray surprise in my voice - I am really shocked.

-First Lullaby, then that case with the revived city - every time you find yourself in the epicenter and survive contrary to common sense. After all, one day luck may end, and then what? - hmm, and indeed, from the outside, my maneuvers look like attempts at sophisticated suicide, but I can't reveal the truth either, at least the whole truth.

-It's strange to hear such a question from a member of the Fairy Tail Guild ... I'm just protecting my friends.

- You know, if you die, your friends will definitely not be better ...

-So I just don't need to die, that's all, - I smile at the girl, - quite simply.

-You speak as if you are immortal, - eh, Elsa, if you only knew how close you are now to the truth.

- I just got something for which I can stay in this world, here I met many interesting guys and not only, I met Mira, Lucy, - as I listed, I imperceptibly get a little closer to the Valkyrie, - ... with you , - and now the final touch, until the standard reaction to the attempt to tackle followed, - so it would be stupid to die at the very beginning of such a promising story, but now I'm sorry, I still need to get cheese from the basement - and carefully walk around the girl frozen in bewildered goodbye, lightly brushing her face with hair, quite by accident, of course.

The rest of the evening passed quite boringly, unless, of course, you count the attempts (very successful) to hide from Elsa - the girl clearly wanted to continue the conversation, but for now it was enough for me - not all at once, extraction of cheese from the basement (the cat tried to break through there by all means and by crook, I had to stop), a couple of glasses with Kana, light jokes on the verge of flirting (but not turning into it) with Lucy and substitution of Wakaba's pipe for a similar one, but with a small surprise, hehe ... hmm, but not so the evening passed bored, but in the near future I will not repeat it at home - two times in a row the house may not stand it.

Closer to night, the people crawl home. More staunch comrades carried comrades less staunch. I, as a hospitable host, invited the guests to stay overnight, hoping in my heart to plow the fairies in the morning for the big cleaning. But the guys turned out to be very smart (or experienced) and nevertheless left my modest monastery, leaving the morning cleaning for me ... zarrrazy !!

But okay, it will be in the morning. Now I said goodbye to everyone and went to 'sleep'. In fact, he spread to Cedric (damn, as it sounds, especially, given the constant debate of readers about who is whose schizo is, * author's note) (Rrrrrr !!! * note of the owner of the section.) And went to a couple of hot spots ... What for? Yes, all for the same speed reading glasses without a built-in limiter. I doubt that in an ordinary shop they will sell me an actually broken and life-threatening artifact, but a merchant who supplies not very legal guilds for completely illegal affairs may have such a thing. Well, or it can be ordered. In the memory that I inherited from the esteemed Hokage were the addresses of the relevant people, as well as ways of contacting them, including in Magnolia. So, he changed his face, put on the 'demon mask' for emotions, it's time to go shopping.

Marcus. Not quite an honest merchant.

The heavy-built man of forty with gray hair at the temples had quite counted the pack of precious stones - yes, getting a job with his small but very profitable business under the nose of one of the strongest guilds in the kingdom was definitely a great idea. There are few competitors - they are afraid, and there are many buyers, just because of the lack of competitors, hehe. And why be afraid, one wonders? That would be instead of 'Fay', 'Ghosts', then yes, respected Jose will not let an extra worker in his city, he would have to either share or trade only permitted goods, and these are completely different profits. The merchant's satisfied thoughts were interrupted by the melodic ringing of the doorbell. Hmm, at such a time and through such a door, only a very specific contingent could come.

-What will you please, dear? - Marcus habitually began, but stopped in the middle of the phrase when he met the eyes of the alien. The cold, indifferent look of scarlet eyes, during his career as a trader in illegal goods, a man only once met such a look - at the head of the assassins' guild, who somehow ordered ... however, it is better not even to remember this once again - you will be more whole.

-I need speed reading glasses. No limiters. Men's, - the voice matched the look, - and yes, - a cold smile, so a dead man could probably smile - just stretching the lips without the slightest attachment of feelings - make them stylish.

- Y-yes, of course, unfortunately, now I do not have the right product, but I assure you that by tomorrow evening you will receive what you need, - Marcus sympathized with the recipient of such a 'gift' in advance, burned out brains are not the most pleasant state for a person.

-Perfectly. How many?

-M-Million Precious, - usually such an artifact cost three times cheaper, but it was not easy to 'break' it correctly and illegal artifacts racked up terrible prices, and if the order was urgent ... A bundle of money fell in front of the merchant.

-I will come tomorrow evening, - without saying goodbye, the stranger went out into the street. Marcus, on the other hand, developed a violent activity, the last thing he would like to cause the displeasure of this man, at one glance at whom the veins began to shake and cold sweat appeared.

Sephiroth.

The ordering of glasses passed without incidents, I was already afraid that questions from the series `` how did you know about us, guy, did you find out '' or 'under whose sky you walk', but no, the 'demon mask' perfectly discouraged the desire to ask any questions, Yes, and negotiating in it is a sheer pleasure - crystal clear thoughts, the possibility of a creative approach and computing power close to the `` combat mode '', oh, you still need to learn how to remove indifference and unnecessary cold, after all, not all doors can be opened by intimidating the key keeper some require a radically different approach.

The whole next day I spent in the library (as soon as I turned one pigsty back into my sweet house), both guild and citywide, shamelessly exploiting Levi - I needed collections on the rights and duties of guilds, mages, in these guilds, consisting of, it's also a good idea to look through the civil and criminal codes (Fiore also has such, however, their thickness is much less than in my past worlds), the girl tried her best, picked up the necessary books, looked for precedents, though her two guards / idiots in love ( there is no need to be an empath, everything is perfectly visible on them, except that the girl does not notice what looks they are seeing her off, but alas, the book child and that says it all) at first they looked very suspiciously at me and strained me a little. But convinced of the complete absence of my interest in the girl, except for the source of knowledge, they calmed down somewhat. In general, this dream of a book maniac honestly deserved its cake (and not even one!).

At night I got my glasses (Toad increased his choke skill by two points) and sat down to the material. Yes, speed reading without brakes is something - only three strokes per book, but now this whole book is in my head and ready to use, and in just five minutes! But the vessels in the brain still need to be strengthened, otherwise I will be tortured to constantly restore ...

I met the morning with square eyes and a terrible headache, and the symbiote I was also sick. A scan of the body did not reveal any problems, although the pain persisted. Hmmm, either I started to malfunction, or I got 'mental fatigue' like I did with psionics. Hmm, and the symbiote is also capable of psi, even in the basic configuration, you will need to try ... oh, my poor skull ... but definitely not today. It was hard to go for tea or music, so I decided to use a much simpler method - I knocked out my consciousness, plunging into a healing sleep.

In the morning I was pushed by Elfman, as it turned out, Natsu still appointed a showdown with Elsa and it should have taken place already today, and then the Master fussed in advance - after the dragonseer grabbed it (and the old man had no doubt that it would be like that), Titania will have to cross blades with me. Yeah ... a great start to a beautiful day, eh, but I wanted to run from her for at least three days ... no luck, little bird.

The beating took place, uh, sorry, the battle was supposed to be right in front of the entrance to the guild, there is one playground there ... the city dwellers also came to admire such an unforgettable show. The master set several barriers, at the sight of which I only sighed sadly - on what principle they are arranged I could only guess, even though I fully saw how they work. And here is Elsa ... the girl looked at me with a look that promises so much (only there is a suspicion that it is not at all what I would like) that I wanted to somehow immediately give up such generosity, pretending to be a rag, I borrowed from someone -that of the magicians a newspaper and pretended that I was not here. So what do they write here? Shit, Kageyama, it turns out, escaped, killing a couple of soldiers while they tried to shackle him. Hmm, this can be a problem. On the other hand, such news will serve as a good lesson for the overly humane Natsu. Meanwhile, events on the square began to take an interesting turn.

-I think the fight will be entertaining, real men always show the best they can, - Elfman shook his clenched fist.

-Do you think? Yes, Elsa will fill him with two kicks, but Gray was much more objective.

-Brother, Elsa is not a man! - Mira was indignant.

"Yeah, monster aunt," Macao agreed. Are they blind or what?

-And in my opinion, a very sweet and attractive girl who, by the way, constantly cares about you assholes, - almost deathly silence was established on the square. There was a slight outburst of jealousy from Lucy's side ... and something similar flashed from Mira.

-Hear, what is he, fell in love or what?

-Yes, who knows, but about the assholes, that's for sure after the party - all Magnolia heard Sephiroth's opinion about the people that smash the houses of honest magicians and evade help in cleaning.

-Oops, somehow it didn't work out well ...

But then Natsu could not resist - how is this so, everyone forgot about the mahache and began to discuss something else?

-Elsa, today I will definitely make you - the dragonseer began to blaze.

-Sorry, Natsu, but I need to talk to Sephiroth, and it won't work until our fight ends ...

-Let's start! - gave permission to Makarych.

The fireman lit his fists and rushed at the girl, unfortunately for him, too slowly - Elsa just shifted slightly to the side and put the guy in the head ... with a plate glove ... from full swing. Natsu was knocked out, Gray's satisfied voice echoed over the frozen square ...

-Well, I told you!

-Hmm ... h-yes, so, our second fight Elsa against a newcomer, - Makarov quickly came to his senses. Taking a deep breath, I put down the newspaper and stepped into the circle.

"Sephiroth," the girl nodded to me, "you ended our last conversation so quickly ... I think we should continue it.

-Mmm, then let's do this: now we will fight, and if you win, I will treat you to dinner, and if I am, then let's just have supper somewhere - and add an innocent look to the words.

-Do you want to ask me on a date? - Squinting, as if examining how it would be more convenient to put me in a coffin, asked the Valkyrie.

-Hmm, would you agree? Otherwise, I don't really want to receive the same refusal as Loki - my jaw is dear to me, like a memory - I have been attached to it since childhood. But do not worry, I just prefer to talk with food, I think you can invite a couple more people with you, if you don't mind.

The girl thought for a while.

-Okay, if this is just a business conversation, then I agree, - oh, what did it cost me not to stretch out in the smile of a contented cat ... I didn't specify who exactly I'm going to invite to our "business conversation".

- That's great, I guess it's worth starting? - a nod in response, - then one more minute. I put my sword into my spatial pocket and take out a couple of sais in return - now I'm ready.

The master somehow looked very askance at me, at Elsa, then glanced at Mira and Lucy ... it seems that he somehow understood the true meaning of my words, but only grinned into his mustache.

-Let's start!

Unlike the last time, none of the opponents rushed headlong, risking getting over this very head, no, we converged slowly and carefully, watching every step of the opposite side. Well, it's time! I accelerate sharply, about a third of the maximum and with one jerk I find myself next to the girl, jabbing the saim continues the movement of the body, complements it, and stumbles upon a hard block with a sword, it is dangerous, this makes sense only if you are physically stronger than the enemy, and almost several times , otherwise it can turn out very bad, so let's check - I clamp the blade with my weapon and pull it aside, the other hand is already flying with the second dagger into the unprotected body, but it meets the second sword on its way, deftly, there is nothing to say. And if so? I fix both blades, then a sharp jerk and Titania's weapon rushes into flight, damn, I completely forgot about magic - the knocked out blades dissolve in the air, and they already meet me, and even in 'demonic' armor, began to take me seriously? The girl brings down at the place where I stood an incomprehensible-looking garbage - not yet a mace, not a sword, so, something in between, and the currents of magic in the warrior's body began to spin faster - from such a distance and with such power I can notice them without even rearranging the view. Hmm, a strange choice - if I were just a powerful guy, yes with armor, then it's understandable, but for an easy quick target? The body reacted on its own, not requiring the participation of the mind, I listened to the girl's dance, peered at her drawing - great potential, but alas, not realized, she has both strength and speed, but now she does not want to use them, well, then I I will not overstep the allotted boundaries, but her tactics and level of mastery of the arsenal, alas, are far from perfect. Little experience? I don't know ... I build into her drawing and begin to change it imperceptibly, to seize control, here she will need something longer - a halberd or a spear and Elsa obediently tries to pierce me with a long spear that has appeared from her pocket, but now she will have to attack stronger than necessary - I slightly correct the trajectory and the girl almost falls into the blow, well, that's all, I throw one of my blades at her feet - the opponent stumbles and, pulled by inertia, falls to the ground, but I do not let her fall, carefully picking up on your hands - it's easier to get to the unprotected neck and gently press on the desired point. The main thing is that it takes time to hold on to it. Now that's all for sure - Elsa is sleeping peacefully in my arms, and I can get out of a trance and assess the situation. Hmm, why is it so quiet around? And the people are looking strangely.

-What? - raise an eyebrow inquiringly, it seems that something like that has already happened.

-Uh ... but what about magic? - no, it was definitely not so long ago.

-What for? - Mira could not stand it and burst into a fist. At Elfman's surprised look, she explained that the exact same dialogue took place when he was knocked out.

In a dream, the girl smiled at something and buried her nose in my chest. Hmm, wherever to put it, no, I don't mind leaving it in my arms, but people may not understand. Damn, when she sleeps, she is even nicer, so calmly, get yourself together, there are a lot of extra eyes. The already familiar toads saved me from a delicate situation.

-Mage Sephiroth? You are accused of damaging the city property of the city of Onibas, Demon Sephiroth, you are under arrest! - the toad waved a piece of paper in front of my nose, hmm, so this time they decided to make me the last one, and not Elsa, eh, they shouldn't have done that, it's in vain. A bloodthirsty grin crept across my face.

-Of course, envoy, one minute, I will betray only my friend in safe hands, - the still sweetly snoring girl was carefully taken into the arms of the Master, for the sake of such a thing, even increased in size. Now the old man was looking at me with worried eyes and was clearly wondering how to get rid of this messenger of the Council and where to hide the body later. I smiled encouragingly at the Master and walked over to the toad.

- I am at your disposal, - the overgrown frog tried to fasten the anti-magic shackles on my hands.

-Hm, let me know what you are doing? - there is more curiosity and goodwill in his voice.

-According to the law, the arrested magician must be escorted in anti-magic shackles, your hands, please! - answered the toad. Oh well.

-Article fifteen, paragraph three, - a magician accused of a grave or especially grave crime, or who resisted arrest, should be escorted in shackles and accompanied by two knights of the runes. Damage to city property does not apply to these types and I do not offer resistance, and by the way, the knights of the runes are also not visible, so let me know why the shackles were suddenly needed? - The toad gritted its teeth (wow, this thing also has teeth!).

- I'm sorry, there was a mistake on our part.

- Well, that's nice, - I smiled at the envoy of the Council, - then let's go? - and we went to the service magokath, accompanied by the amazed whispers of my fellow guilds, out of the corner of my ear I manage to hear the voice of the master.

-I'm already beginning to sympathize with the Council ... although no, it just went dry in my throat, - and then the door closed behind me, cutting off the sounds of the street.

Magokat, how much there is in this word ... my body was copied from Natsu in the image and likeness, all its features and capabilities, but, as it turned out, there were also disadvantages, in transport I felt ... a little uncomfortable, no, so like Natsu, I was not lucky, but it didn't smell like an ideal state either, which means that the problems of dragonslers are not only psychological, but also have some real physical basis? Thinking about research helped me control my stomach, or I'll be fine if I appear before the Council in a half-disassembled form. Oh, why is this bastard turning so sharply ?! Phew, don't get distracted, think further. Vestibular apparatus, why did you leave me, to whom did you leave me? So, let's try to trace the source of the outrage. Combat mode.

Attention, unknown interference in the structure was detected, attention, increased susceptibility to previously detected radiation. Hmm, how many are highlighted. The analysis of changes in the structure ... is impossible, there are no necessary organs of perception, the changes are of a nature similar to unknown radiation. Use the host's organs of perception. Analysis. Result. A new way of influencing matter has been discovered, more data is required. So, it seems that the creators of the Symbionts did not know anything about magic, however, the complex itself allows you to study and adjust it, but this requires more data, and even better, the derivation of the laws of magic, hmm, a task ... Postpone research until the necessary data is obtained ... Received. Media analysis. Structural errors found. The analysis is complete. Exit the Mode.

So, but this is interesting ... yeah, that's the problem - the dragon's perception is much more perfect than the human one, there are a lot of specific smells in the transport, constant small tremors from the engine or the movement itself, all this creates constant informational pressure on the brain, I was wrong , the problem of dragonslers is not in the psyche, this is pure physiology and I see two ways to solve this little trouble - to suppress the instinct in transport, or to develop the brain, this explains why now I feel better Natsu - after the speed reading glasses, I have a little thinker pumped, at the same time it is now clear why Wendy normally tolerated trips - as a dragonsler, she is very weak (compared to Gajil or Natsu, of course), but she was engaged not only in the magic of Air, but also in Rituals and, to some extent, Life (or through what did she heal?), therefore, her mind and consciousness were much more 'strong' than that of the above couple. I wonder what Natsu will do to cure the 'carriage fever'? Although no, I will not treat him yet, unless I give out temporary blockers, first you should test the system on yourself, otherwise Natsu will accidentally gain wisdom, and he will become pacifists, so nope ... just with small spoons and not very often, hehe.

For self-digging and analyzing the causes of the problems of dragon-sleds, I did not notice how we got to the right place - the branch of the State Council of the Kingdom of Fiore. Yes, after all, local magicians are not alien to some pomp and theatricality, otherwise, why would they need a building hanging in the air? Although, such a show of strength should impress ordinary people and willy-nilly, but make them respect the magicians. True, maintaining such a structure in the air is expensive, very expensive, hmm, which means the Council definitely has money (Hamster rubbed his paws in anticipation).

-Arrived, - I wonder if this toad has no captain's uniform? It looks very much like it ... so it seems that I am starting to get a little carried away again, and you can't get rid of the excess magic right now ... okay, I hope that my roof won't blow off right in the courtroom.

The messenger took me right to the door of the building, where the Counselors had already gathered, to think of only eight of the most respected magicians in the kingdom and all in one place. And all for my sake, really, you can already start to be proud of yourself. But then the doors opened and we appeared before the Council, my amphibious guide immediately went to the secretary's office, where he settled down with all the comfort, all I had to do was stand in front of the podium and look up at the venerable magicians who were going to decide my fate. Yes, I must admit, the architect of this hall was very well versed in psychology, you could not imagine better, for complete happiness only shackles are not enough ... hmm, but if I had not remembered that cute arrangement, then the shackles would also have been present. I looked around the Council with a slightly annoyed look, what, old people, wanted to show the toughness, painting the novice magician? Well, let's see who wins.

-We begin the court of wizards, - began to read the toads from a piece of paper, - the accused Demon Sephiroth, tell the truth and only the truth, - I felt like a particularly sophisticated spell fell on the hall, which school could not be determined, but what is there, I even I didn't understand what exactly it was doing, but just in case, I decided to refrain from outright lies, however, this is still not my method, it is much more interesting to make the enemy deceive himself.

-The case concerns the incident with the 'Frozen Forest', you are accused of causing damage to the railway station (what are they, about that unfortunate lever or what?), Also, through your fault the city of Onibas was endangered and its central square was wiped off the face of the earth ... You are responsible for all this destruction! - the old man, sitting on the highest place, almost pointed a finger at me, - do you have something to say in your defense?

-Of course, first of all, I want to express my gratitude to the Council that I have gathered in full force for the sake of the trial of an ordinary magician, not every God-chosen one gets such an honor - the main thing is not to laugh in their face, it will not be polite at all - that As for the accusations, let's analyze them according to the laws of the Kingdom of Fiore.

-According to the decree of 602 'On Forbidden Artifacts', published, by the way, by the Council, in the event of the likelihood of such an artifact falling into the possession of the dark guild, magicians from the official guild have the right to intervene in the affairs of any campaign or society to prevent such a course of events. On the train was our comrade, who entered into a fight with the magician of the dark guild 'Frozen Forest', it was this magician, Kageyama, who delivered the forbidden artifact 'Lullaby' to the head of his guild. Therefore, our actions are legal.

-But you did not have permission from the Guild Master to conduct the operation, - objected a pretty pretty girl, about twenty years old, so that's what you are, Ultear, I must admit, very nothing, although you can't reach the girls from 'Tail', I sucked in air nose. Trying to remember the smell and magic of everyone present in the hall will definitely come in handy in the future.

-It is true, the master was at a meeting in the city of Clover, and, according to the 'Code of Guilds', in case of an emergency and the absence of the Master, any of the senior mages of the guild can give such permission. In our case, permission was not required, since the operation was led by Elsa Scarlett, who is just one of the S rank magicians.

- Let's say, - the same magician from the top row gritted his teeth. But what about the danger to the city and the destruction of the square?

-The danger for the city, namely the awakening of the 'Lullaby', was formed due to the death of Erigor, who just delivered this artifact to Onibas (to be exact, the artifact finally woke up thanks to a drop of Dark magic, but without close death it would have been so easy do not wake up, so everything is true). I admit, I killed this magician, - some murmur arose in the hall, however - it was within the framework of the same decree.

-But why murder? Couldn't it have been stopped in some other way? - hmm, and this shorty grandfather seems to be Makarych's first sidekick.

-At that moment, I was a C rank mage and oppose an experienced A rank mage, who also specialized in kills in open combat ... how do you imagine that? They had to use means to guarantee the incapacitation of the enemy. Nothing more 'merciful' was at hand at that moment.

-It is said in your documents that you are an A rank sorcerer, why do you claim that your rank is C? -a very slippery question, but I was ready for it in advance.

-My A rank I received from the Guild Master and he had to be certified at the Council of Masters in Clover, at the time of the confrontation with Erigor, my rank was S.

-But the square in Onibasa was destroyed by you! We have dozens of witnesses! - hmm, it seemed to me, or is there already some despair in your voice?

- Did your witnesses report that there was a hefty demon in the center of that square? Animated Magic Death of Mass Destruction, Soul Eater, 'Lullaby'. Since the rest of the magic was cut off by Erigor's air barrier, there was only me between the inhabitants of the city and the demon. From the 'Code of Guilds', it follows that to protect the civilian population, the magician can use ANY methods, except for those that harm the protected population, since demons of this class are vulnerable only to enchanted weapons and higher spells, and neither one nor the other in my There is no arsenal, I used the only possible option, as a result of which only the square suffered, but not the inhabitants of the city.

-Are you all? - again the old man from above.

-The court is removed for the meeting.

Half an hour later.

-Taking into account the speech of the defendant, the Council made a decision, the magician of the guild 'Fairy Tail' Demon Sephiroth, to acquit on all counts, due to the lack of corpus delicti. Do you have anything to add, justified? - Well, judging by the sour faces of some representatives of the Council and the contented smile of that funny grandfather, Makarych will have to put down, hmm, to collect some funds for this? Why not? I felt that the brakes are slowly failing, eh, forgive the Council, but I can't stand it anymore ...

-There is, dear Council, or rather, there is something to think about. How exactly did a fairly average dark guild find out the location of the Lullaby and remove its protection?

-Uh ...

-In addition, it is very strange that the person who removed this very protection mysteriously disappeared, having eliminated several knights of the runes, - Jellal's face trembled a little, it seems that I hit it successfully, - at the same time the ostentatious trial of the full composition of the Council over an ordinary magician ... all this brings up interesting thoughts, doesn't it? - to take a short glance at Ultear, putting on the 'demon mask' for a moment, the second hit, it becomes more and more fun.

- These reflections are irrelevant, - the same old man from the top row interrupted my speech irritably, it seems to me, or does this Gandalf admirer somehow dislike 'Fey'? - so keep them with you.

-Of course, I think the council room is not the best place to think out loud such washes, it is much better to do it, say, in the editorial office of the 'Magic Herald' and 'Fiore News' hit - they just justified the potential scapegoat, deciding to play generosity, and the facts I have outlined look very interesting from this angle, besides, I remember their advice according to the canon - there they were afraid that for such a jamb they would be torn apart. Well, now they will try to either buy off or bury right here, although they will rather buy off, but they need a little help with making a decision - although I am a rather addicted person, moreover, not devoid of ambition and a certain amount of greed, so on joy, I can forget about such reasoning, after all, there cannot be a dark magician in our glorious Council? - and a sweet smile from ear to ear.

-Hmm, the board is removed to the meeting, wait here.

Another half hour later.

The not so joyful 'Gandalf' and the rest of the magicians returned to the courtroom.

-Khe, taking into account the courage and valor demonstrated by the magician Sephiroth, the Council decided to give him a written gratitude, along with a personal certificate, as well as give admission to the library of high magic in Era and write out a bonus in the amount of one million precious, - well, here and that's all, complete victory, although they clearly protested with the money, I was hoping for ten million, but they understood my hint of fame and curiosity correctly, although they had something from that scribble, and the magician 'Fay', besides , yesterday's C rank in the highest spells will definitely not figure it out, so on their part they do not lose anything ... so let them think so.

Pleased with myself, I bowed to the Council and headed back home to Fairy Tail.

A little bit later. Personal account of one of the Counselors.

-He knows something for sure, I don't know what exactly, but it can interfere with our plans, - the young girl was measuring the room with steps.

"Don't worry, Ultear, he's just a rookie mage, although he has done a pretty good job of the Council, this will not interfere with our plans. Although Kageyama and I really missed, we should have left him rotting in the quarries.

- What now, - the girl calmed down a little, - The lullaby is destroyed and it will not be possible to use it. It's a shame that Zeref's demon wouldn't hurt us, especially if he could recover at the expense of the city.

- It's okay, - her interlocutor shrugged his shoulders slightly lazily, - we still have Deliora, by the way, how are things on that island?

-Everything is going according to plan, another three or four months and the demon will be free.

- Great, - the owner of the office smiled.

At the same time, in the most frostbitten guild of the kingdom.

Master Makarov peered into the crystal ball, his old friend promised to contact as soon as the court session was over, it's good that Elsa quickly woke up and stopped Natsu, who was going to 'save' comrade Natsu, who woke up after a knockout a little earlier. Oh, here it is.

-Well there, - could not resist the 'old hobbit', referring to the same 'hobbit'.

-Makarych, where did you dig up this monster ?! - came from the other side of the ball.

-Uh? - The Fairy Master was surprised, as well as half of the guild, who managed to crowd behind him.

-This ... this one. In general, we got off with a slight fright, only a million precious ones.

The master sighed with relief, the fine was really small - he had to pay a few dozen, when his own spy was too fond of.

"And we also had to write him a letter of thanks and give him access to the library," the interlocutor continued contritely.

-In terms of? Have you fined Sephiroth and wrote a thank you note?

- Which one was fined ?! - the interlocutor could not resist, - we had to pay him! Yes, our bearded man almost strangled his beard when he wrote him a check!

-You did what? - the jaw of the chosen magician still rushed to the ground.

-In general, so, with you a triple portion of noodles with pork, I'm already an old man, I need to retire, and here your scumbag without a sense of self-preservation is almost blackmailing the entire Council, and successfully! In general, everything, wait for him tonight, and don't even come to me without noodles! - and the connection was cut off.

In the settled silence, the Valkyrie's voice sounded distinctly.

-Maybe he wasn't joking about taking over the world ...

Sephiroth.

The first thing I did after leaving the office of the Council was to throw off the excess magic, launching several exploding balls of fire into the air, and what, and salute about the release and the release of excess mana, two birds with one stone, so to speak. Fortunately, the remnants of common sense were enough first to retreat into a deserted area, and only then to indulge. And thank you for this to all the gods and demons - for balls of the purest Black Flame were torn from my hands. I don't even want to imagine what would have happened to me such a fireworks in the city center. Well, now we also have to deal with this! after all, there are times when a regular flame is much better than a black flame. Hmmm, I think you shouldn't linger here (and sideways, trying not to attract attention, dump nafig). No one thought to take me back to the guild, they say, now you are a free person, so get for your hard-earned money, what are the hoarders sitting in the council, horror (although the inner hamster approved their behavior)! Eh, we'll have to trudge on the train, since it's not far from here. And now, after some twenty minutes, I was already shaking on the train, struggling with my own body, no, urgently, urgently to revise, otherwise I am not responsible for myself! Hmm ... and why do I feel like I forgot something? So what could it be? So, I ate the Lullaby, the Council warmed it up, with the girls ... well, but I didn't go to dinner with someone, which is very regrettable. This needs to be corrected, but no, the feeling of some incompleteness does not leave, something else? Outside the window, landscapes flashed, birds flew ... birds? Damn, I have two dozen living books about the magic of Life in my spatial pocket! And some are still alive and not connected ... h-yes, I don't want to take them out of my pocket anymore, you never know what could have happened there, given that the pocket space is similar to the world of celestial spirits, yes it also passes through my magic ... Cough, let's hope that nothing bad happened and it's just my paranoia, yes, yes. the way it is.

How I got to Magnolia and the guild, I didn't remember much, being lost in thought. I came to my senses only from approving yells addressed to myself and Elfman's attempt to crush my hand, accompanied by screams about a real man.

- Okay, I just used the most terrible weapon of any magician.

- What is it? - immediately alerted the dragonseer.

- Brains, Natsu, brains, - I involuntarily smile, - By the way, Elsa, you seem to want to continue our conversation? How about tomorrow night?

"I don't mind, there are only more questions," the warrior gave me a very thoughtful look. Oh, a flash of jealousy, where exactly? Smiling Mira squeezed the Master's shoulder, and so that the poor grandfather was already twisted, although the old man tried not to show it. Hmm, if you think about it, after all, Mirazhana and Elsa were rivals for a very long time, then it stopped, but not because of reconciliation, but for a very tragic reason, which led to the sealing of magic inside the blond angel (or is it a demon?). And then a 'contest' appears, where magical power does not play a special role and the old spirit of rivalry, seemingly killed forever in the girl, raises his head again, perhaps it's even good if you can swing the cage, which Mira herself put on her own strength, yes and it would be interesting for me to see the waitress as she is, without a mask, but also without an open wound in the soul, which means we continue in the same spirit (the main thing is not to overdo it and not get rid of both girls).

- Do you remember that there were two more people in the conditions? Mira, Lucy, would you like to join us? - there was silence in the hall, but what was happening in the emotions of those around you cannot be described, some annoyance from Elsa, surprise and slight interest of Lucy (moreover, interest directed not only at me, but also at the girls ... however), in Mira's emotions were going on in general, something strange and terrible - the bitterness of resentment that she was taken as an appendage, determination and something else like schadenfreude and ... no, it is unrealistic to describe this cocktail further.

"Well ... I don't mind," Lucy answered first.

"Okay," Mira smiled after hesitating a little.

- People, I didn't understand something, or has this guy just successfully invited three beautiful girls to a date? Wakaba asked with obvious envy in his voice. These girls were embarrassed together.

- Brains, my friend, brains, - I winked cheerfully at the smoker.

- So you planned something like that from the very beginning? - it came to Macau, - crazy!

Oops, I think I shouldn't have said that - the girls looked at each other in a strange way, and a chill ran down my spine.

- Uh, I guess I'll go. There is still a whole bunch of questions to be resolved, until tomorrow, I will drop by for you here at seven in the evening, will it do? Well, that's great, bye everyone - and quickly, quickly ran away ... uh ... retreated home, not paying attention to the shouts of the Master, from the series 'Well, stop, spanking !!!'

But I did not go home at all, but to one restaurant, somehow advised to me by Mira, where I ordered a table for four for tomorrow evening, hmmm, or everything will turn out in the best possible way and it will be possible to further lead the beauties to the thought of a harem, or they will kill me in a friendly crowd. It will be fun anyway. The adrenaline released into the body pleasantly stirred the blood, yes ... playing with SUCH girls is dangerous, very dangerous, but ... so attractive, besides, I physically could not choose one of them, because I was drawn to everyone three. Hmmm, if I were a sultan ... So, you need to return from heaven to earth. And the first thing is to see how my trophies feel there.

At home, I immediately climbed into the basement, or rather, into that part of it that would soon be the spell chambers. Crawl into your pocket, pull out the books. Don't understand, and that's all? Where are the others? And I don't remember putting such a tome into my pocket ...

On the floor in front of me lay a sated anthracite-black tome, with no inscriptions or decorations on the cover. Switching to dragon vision and trying to evaluate this thing in terms of magic. Hmmm, a living book, and, in some incomprehensible way, is tied to me, whether it has something that resembles a mind, it is not clear, but where the rest of the books went, I began to guess - they were devoured in the most insolent way. Hurry up, only the cannibal book was enough for me to be completely happy. What's next? Demon pen? Bloody feather? Having calmed down a bit, I continued my research. Okay, well, let's say these books really could eat each other, but how the hell did it end up tied to me? The only option that came to mind was that the binding was over when I destroyed the rune circle that maintained a semblance of life in the objects of that city, but how? Hmmm, this question is clearly not my level, and there is no one to ask, sad, however. Here this masterpiece of literature deigned to wake up, wow, it is even endowed with emotions! And what's there? Contentment with life, satiety, laziness. Hmm, this combination sounds like a puppy's contentment at the sight of the owner, uh? The book rose into the air and began to twist circles around the shocked me, happily rustling the pages. The picture, I must admit, was quite surreal, so what should I do with this thing? For a start, is it worth looking at what it says? I always have time to dissect it.

Catching the book took some time, this nightmare of the librarian took my attempts to get to him for some kind of game and tried to dodge in every possible way, at the same time remaining in the reach zone, finally, unable to withstand such bullying, I just threw a net of symbiote over the flying infection and pulled him to him. Once in the hands, the book stopped jerking and generally pretended to be the most ordinary paper product. So, let's open it, sir. The pristine pages are all the same anthracite black. Bummer, and what a bummer. In a fit of irritation, I began to shake the tome.

-Bastard, and how can I get knowledge of the magic of Life now? Incinerate !!!

Either the threats worked, or the book heard the right phrase, but the pages began to be covered with glowing scarlet letters.

-Hmm? - I looked at the inscriptions. Yes, it's the same content! And if sclerosis does not change me, a couple of chapters here are named the same as the books that I threw in my pocket. Interesting...

With the book, I poked around for ten hours, putting on various experiments and experiments. It was not possible to delve into the principle of its work, but the possibilities were impressive. This book most of all resembled an expert environment - a specially developed ... mmm, software shell capable of receiving and processing various data, according to the rules hammered into it. Not AI yet, but not a simple algorithm either. The best part was that the book could gain experience, each time conducting an increasingly complex search for the necessary information. I suspect that in the future she will also be able to sort through, and maybe even more abruptly, and if she also plant the soul of some librarian ... but these are the affairs of the future, and most likely distant. I was also amused by the way the book 'database' was replenished - it just ate up the source of knowledge (established empirically by feeding a couple of books on Fire magic), I wonder if instead of a book it devours someone's brains? An interesting question, it remains to catch a well-read asshole, although, in other people's brains, I already know how to fumble, it remains a matter of time ... I spent the rest of the day in speed reading glasses, absorbing knowledge of the magic of Life and Fire, at the same time carefully modernizing the brain (compaction of the neural network and modernization of the circulatory system ... brrr, that's still something to do, but I don't want to change the brain tissue from ordinary to dragon). I also found a mention of a method for changing the nature of a flame, as well as enhancing magic. The key to fire magic was emotion - anger, rage, anger - that is what can turn an ordinary ball of fire into a fire explosion at the same mana cost. Why and how the author of the article did not write, or did not consider it necessary, or did not know himself. I had one thought - since the locals 'conduct' mana through the body, then perhaps a certain state of consciousness and hormones in the body help to 'push through' magic with minimal losses, that is, for each type of mana there is a certain ideal psycho-emotional state that allows to work with it as efficiently as possible? Gods, how everything is wound. No, there is still too little knowledge.

Towards evening, I looked up from the books, put myself in order, changed my usual raincoat for a stylish black suit and went to the guild for the girls, mentally wishing myself luck.

Ten minutes later. In the guild.

Yeah, luck is clearly on my side. At the guild, three dazzlingly beautiful girls were already waiting for me - Lucy in a green dress, slightly glowing with magic, the work of the Virgin? Mira in something airy blue that perfectly matches the color of the girl's eyes and hair and, of course, Elsa. Judging by the views of the 'fairies', they rarely see a warrior in a dress, and even in such a ... a tight-fitting evening dress, and even with a slit, which favorably emphasizes all the dignity of the Valkyrie, the only thing that was somewhat out of the general appearance was long gloves. sleeves that completely hide the girl's hands, hmm, but I have never seen her hands - all the time they are wearing either plate gloves, or, as now ...

- Ladies, you look just amazing, your beauty is dazzling, - I bow in the best English traditions, remembering with a kind word my mentor in etiquette from a past life, hmm, what was his name? And I catch a bit of surprise from Lucy, damn it, I bowed automatically and quite naturally, as if I had been to the dinners of aristocrats more than once or twice, the others did not understand, but the heiress of the Heartfilievs ... Stirlitz had never been like this close to failure. Deciding to quickly round off the greeting, I escorted the girls to a previously hired carriage, which took us to the restaurant.

What about such an impromptu date? Yes, so that I once again agree to such a thing! Conduct a conversation at ease, give each girl a bit of attention, and even avoid provocative questions ... even the modernized brains slowly began to boil, honestly, it's better to relive the consequences of absorbing the Lullaby again than that. But on the whole, the evening went very well and even without losses, except for Elsa's ultimatum statement that "you need an eye and an eye for such an irresponsible type with a complete disregard for life," and therefore, I will carry out the following missions under the close attention of the Valkyrie, I had to argue a little, but ultimately give in (if I agreed right away, they would have suspected a trick). In general, it was amazing to bathe in the emotions of this trinity - embarrassment, excitement, jealousy, sympathy - all this mixed into such a cocktail that it was much more drunk than wine. Well at least I managed to restrain myself from hasty actions, otherwise, I'm afraid, it would become much more difficult to improve relations. But the evening ended, the crew took the girls home, while I, having seen off my companions, returned to experiments and training - theory is theory, but without practice there is little sense from it.

Somewhat earlier. Lucy Heartfilia.

The girl put a point and with the usual gesture sealed the letter that she would never send to the addressee.

- And yet, what does he want? - the recent events again appeared before my eyes - a guy with a strange color of hair and his invitation to dinner. Moreover, he invited me without a second thought, otherwise why was the presence of Elsa and Mira necessary? Or is it not so simple? Lucy remembered the story of the trial ... well, when it comes to Sephiroth, nothing can be simple and clear. The girl laid out the available facts, as her father once taught.

-So what do we have? A young magician, quite handsome ... although no, this is beside the point, initially he declared himself as a C rank, but the case with the revived city raises doubts about this, and physical testimony, coupled with the possession of a weapon ... without such a good mentor not to achieve, but a good mentor is worth good money or connections, - the girl looked sadly at her whip, but, taking herself in hand, continued to think, - the manner of holding and speaking betrays a strong independent personality, although this can be said about any representative of the 'Fey' ... Hmm, what else? No, nothing else comes to mind, and the main question remains unresolved ... what should I wear?

After suffering for a few more minutes and still not finding a suitable solution, the girl decided to contact a specialist.

- Lady, open the gates, Virgo, - a wave of the golden key and a girl in scraps of shackles and a maid's uniform appeared in the room, making a knixen, she turned to the caller.

-I am at your service, princess, how can I help?

-I have, - the girl was slightly embarrassed, - an appointment for tonight ...

- Have you been invited on a date, madam?

-Uh, no ... there will probably be girls and besides me, Sephiroth invited me and Mira and Elsa.

-So, you need to outshine everyone around you, - the spirit nodded to her thoughts, - now everything will be, - the maid disappeared in a flash of blue radiance to appear a second later with a gorgeous green dress in her arms.

- Try it on, princess.

The dress fit perfectly, and the fabric from the world of celestial perfume was very pleasant to the touch. With a nod of approval, Virgo returned home and it was Cancer's turn - an appropriate hairstyle was required. When this was over, Lucy went to the guild - the time was approaching seven o'clock.

A certain nervousness reigned in the 'Tail', Wakaba and Macao were arguing about something, Kana applied to the wine, periodically throwing dreary glances at others, Gray sat very thoughtful (however, not forgetting to undress slowly), Natsu actually went somewhere, although, judging by the absence of a flying shawarma, he took some task. And then the girl saw Mira and Elsa. They were so beautiful that a sigh of admiration escaped by itself. I wanted to come up and hug (or better, even cuddle), and maybe kiss the girls. Lucy shook her head, sweeping out indecent thoughts from her, but from time to time she still threw interested glances at the waitress with the Valkyrie.

But then the wait came to an end and the culprit of all this disgrace appeared in the doorway.

- Ladies, you look just amazing, your beauty is dazzling, - said the guy and casually, as if having great experience, made a full-fledged court bow, characteristic of a hereditary aristocrat when meeting a lady. New questions have just come up for Sephiroth. Many questions.

The dinner was held in an interesting conversation - as if by agreement, the girls decided to extort all the ins and outs from the magician, but in vain, the guy dodged with the intensity of a snake in a frying pan, joked and changed the topic of the conversation, and when Heartfilia tried to charm the magician with the help of classic female tricks, she was almost two angry furies in which Elsa and Mira turned into ashes (in this state, the girls acquired some kind of charm of a fierce predator, which made them even more attractive). Are they jealous? Then Sephiroth began to whisper quietly with Elsa about something and something stung Lucy herself. And she too?

The rest of the dinner passed more or less calmly, but as soon as the guy left to order a carriage, the girls dropped their smiles and stared at each other.

- It seems that we are having problems, - there was something frightening in Mira's voice.

- Yes, but now is not the time and place to discuss this, - nodded Lucy.

- Then I propose to meet tomorrow at Lucy and talk about this, - summed up Elsa.

-Okay, hey, why me? - but, alas, the girl did not have time to continue - Sephiroth returned and the discussion had to be interrupted.

And only at home, having climbed into the hot bathroom, the girl finally understood one simple thing - very interesting times begin, and one cunning-ass magician will be especially fun. The room was filled with cheerful girlish laughter.