Chapter 91.2 : Assistant Ikaruga!!

Alex was a man of his word.

His promises would surely come to pass.

The Alex Machine Exhibition took place in Magnolia, with all members of Fairy Tail receiving tickets.

Everit and his companions enjoyed the exhibition thoroughly. Afterward, he, Natsu, and Gray linked arms and stumbled home in the sunset, accompanied by Lucy and Juvia.

Observing the trio's antics, Lucy remarked, "Did they really not drink, Miss Juvia?"

"Most likely not," Lucy replied. "If they had, it would be them carrying Everit home."

"I can't comprehend it. The machine exhibition turned Gray-sama into a child," Juvia sighed, shaking her head.

Recalling the events prior, Gray, typically at odds with Natsu, unexpectedly found himself piloting a double-controlled mecha alongside Natsu, facing off against Everit and Happy's Dragon Knight mecha in the arena. 

Despite their upgraded equipment, the showdown resembled nothing more than children playing in the sand.

"I just can't wrap my head around this," remarked Lucy.

"Well," Lucy chimed in with a smile, "Isn't it rather cute?"

"I suppose so, it's quite the spectacle," agreed Juvia with a nod.

"Oh, I seem to be running out of fuel," Natsu quipped, emitting a mechanical sound.

"I—I'm running low as well," Everit responded in a similar mechanical tone, producing a card and summoning a beverage.

"Thanks—a lot—No. 003," Natsu replied, mimicking a robotic gesture as he received the drink.

"You're welcome—number 001," Everit reciprocated with a stiff arm.

"I too—require—a recharge," Gray chimed in, his voice mechanical.

Lucy and Juvia, watching from the sidelines, couldn't contain their laughter, covering their mouths in amusement.

As they bid farewell at the end of the match, Everit waved stiffly, "Goodbye—No. 001—No. 002—"

"Goodbye," Natsu and Gray replied in unison, before walking away arm in arm, leaving laughter echoing behind them.

Back at the alley's end, Everit turned to see a tall pink-haired beauty, and a petite white-haired beauty, both giggling uncontrollably.

Ah, it seems there's a bit of camaraderie here.

Nonetheless, Everit maintained his composure and casually remarked, "Emily, you seem to have recovered quite well."

"Yes, I'm almost back to my old self," Emily replied with a smile, rushing over to embrace Everit. She affectionately called him "Master."

"And don't forget about me, Mr. Everit," added Ikaruga.

"Ah, yes, of course," Everit replied, slightly puzzled. "Let's continue our conversation inside."

Leading them indoors, Everit watched as Ikaruga straightened her attire and gracefully knelt down, bowing her head and placing her fingers together before gently touching them to the floor.

"I'm interested in working with you and applying for a clerk position in your shop," she said.

"Alright," nodded Everit.

A slight smile curled on Ikaruga's lips as she added, "I'm not particularly skilled, so please offer me some guidance in the future."

"Sure, you're hired," said Everit.

Ikaruga lifted her head, her chest bare, causing Everit to feel a bit flustered. Hastily, he tossed out a card that transformed into a key mid-air, caught skillfully by Ikaruga.

"The key to the shop and the pricing list are all here. It's in your hands now," Everit remarked nonchalantly.

The initial intention was merely out of boredom and idleness, occasionally sparking some inspiration that led to the creation of various oddities. 

Gradually, these accumulated, filling up the warehouse.

Rather than discarding them, it seemed better to sell them off, and surprisingly, the business thrived.

"Got it," Ikaruga nodded. Glancing outside at the sky, she inquired, "Mr. Everit, are you planning to cook dinner now?"

"No," replied Everit, shaking his head. "Oh, right. Where are you staying?"

"We're also joining the Fairy Tail guild," Ikaruga replied. "We've already spoken to Miss Erza, and she's arranged accommodation for us in the girls' dormitory."

"Alright, since there's nothing else to do today, you can head back first," Everit suggested.

"Hey, can't we stay a bit longer and play with Master?" Emily asked, sounding a bit disappointed.

"Sure, let's have dinner here then," Everit consented. "I'll go take a shower. You two can play around in the shop. Just remember, don't go to the second floor."

The first floor served as the shop, with a courtyard behind it, while the second floor was Everit's private living area.

He cherished his privacy and disliked others loitering around his bedroom, laboratory, or study.

"Yes," Ikaruga and Emily nodded obediently, waiting for Everit to ascend the stairs.

Ikaruga and Emily glanced around cautiously, then Emily waved her tiny hand towards the vacant staircase and said, "Greetings, Miss Miko."

"Miss Miko, please grant me your guidance in the days to come," Ikaruga added.

They had heard from Miss Mirajane about Mr. Everit's invisible assistant—rumored to be a formidable demon!

No one besides Everit had ever laid eyes on it!

Only a select few in the guild were aware of its existence, and due to an unspoken agreement, Mirajane could only ascertain that aside from herself, the guild master, and Gildarts, few others knew about it. As for the rest, she remained uncertain.

Yet, even without knowing the specifics, certain anomalies over the years led to informed speculation.

Naturally, they all silently disregarded it.

Considering they would likely have more encounters with Everit in the future, it seemed prudent to extend their greetings in advance.

"Huh?" Emily suddenly exclaimed. She felt as though her head had been lightly touched a few times, yet she saw nothing!

Though the sensation was gentle, it startled her enough to freeze in place, and Ikaruga too grew tense.

However, nothing out of the ordinary followed, and the two breathed a collective sigh of relief. It appeared they had earned the individual's approval.

The mist enshrouded the water.

Everit was bathing.

Suddenly, it seemed as though someone was addressing him.

"..."

"What?" He listened intently, then after a moment, he gasped.

"95-64-95?"

Privacy.

"Shut up, you can't even keep your mouth shut with four hands."

"Emily's talent is truly exceptional, quite rare," Everit remarked with a grin. "Do you think she'll truly inherit my deception magic?"

"Well, if my offspring prove too dumb to carry on my deception magic, you can always strike a pact with her after I'm gone."

"...Everyone meets their end. True, but it's not my time yet. I intend to see a hundred years, regardless," Everit stated calmly.

"...No, don't curse me. I've no inclination towards immortality," he admitted, showing a remarkable acceptance of mortality. 

Perhaps it stemmed from his youth and vitality, sparing him the need to contemplate such matters. 

For now.

Whether he'd grow conscious of his mortality or alter his stance as age caught up with him, that was a matter for seventy or eighty years hence. 

By then, he'd likely have traversed the forbidden realms of life.

"...Why are you still crying? My mistake. I shouldn't have spoken of my demise."

"...Ah, if you weep again, expect a splash of water."

"...Come in!"

With a yelp, Everit bounded out of the tub, snatched something up, then leaped back in, causing water to cascade everywhere.

"Hahaha—"

After the refreshing bath, Everit towel-dried her hair and descended the stairs, the night already descending outside.

Ikaruga and Emily sat quietly, each engrossed in their respective books.

Emily was absorbed in a tome of magic, while Ikaruga flipped through the pages of "The Reluctant Merchant's Dilemma."

When Everit descended the stairs, Emily closed her book neatly, while Ikaruga swiftly concealed the novel behind her back.

"Time for dinner," Everit announced, laying out three cards on the table. With a flick, three piping hot meals materialized.

As Everit settled in and began eating, Ikaruga and Emily followed suit, their movements somewhat restrained.

"Mmm, delicious!" they exclaimed in unison after their first bites.

"Indeed," Everit nodded in approval before addressing Emily, "Starting tomorrow, come see me at five in the afternoon. If I'm not home, feel free to wander."

"At five?" Emily inquired, "What about daytime?"

"My magic specializes in deception," Everit explained, "There's not much to learn; it's mostly about practice and accumulating knowledge." 

He produced a card and tossed it into the air.

With a resounding boom, a towering bookshelf materialized, laden with volumes of various sizes.

Everit gestured, and the bookshelf transformed into cards, flying into his hand. Placing them on the table, he said, "Just peruse these for a general understanding."

Emily's eyes widened in awe. The bookshelf loomed taller than a person, its width beyond measure with just two hands.

"After all, it's not the kind of magic that enhances actual combat," Everit smiled. 

"From the initial stages to proficiency, you need a solid theoretical foundation. Without understanding the theory, you won't achieve the subtlety of neuron-level control or delve into deeper emotions. Even the soul cannot wield this magic."

"So, I urge you to think it through. If you have the time, learning other magic would be easier than mastering this one."

"No!" Emily declared firmly. "I must learn this magic, and I will succeed!"

"Very well," Everit nodded, turning to Ikaruga. "We'll discuss your requirements later. I have some materials that can craft you an excellent blade."

"I couldn't possibly impose," Ikaruga started to refuse, though she was clearly pleased.

"It's a small matter. Consider it your first month's salary," Everit insisted, brooking no argument.

"Thank you, Mr. Everit," Ikaruga said gratefully.

That night, Everit lay in bed, an unseen smile on his face as he pulled the quilt over himself. It was as if someone had spoken to him. 

He chuckled softly in response, "Ikaruga is indeed impressive. She possesses great strength and is adept in kendo. Her hands are steady and nimble. She's a rare talent."

There was a hint of anticipation in his voice.

"What's truly remarkable is her humility. Many at her level carry pride and preconceived notions, yet Ikaruga, despite her outward strength, harbors low self-esteem. And she values 'dedication.'"

"At first, it was just a casual offer, but the returns have been significant—"

"She will undoubtedly make an excellent assistant for my magic!"

Everit's tone exuded joy; he had long envied his colleagues' assistants, and now, with Ikaruga, he found the perfect fit. 

His magic performances would soar to new heights. Just the thought of it filled him with excitement!

****

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