Partiality

That night, Erza and Lucy slipped away to a secluded valley not far from Warrod's home.

"Warrod told me there's a hidden hot spring here," Erza said, lifting a handful of steaming water to test its temperature.

Lucy sank into the bath with a sigh of relief. "A soak after a long day—this is heaven."

Moonlight and scattered stars shimmered on the steam above the pool, bathing the spring in a soft, silvery glow.

"If only Su Yan and Natsu could join us," Lucy mused, closing her eyes.

Erza laughed. "They'd probably rather fight monsters than relax in a hot spring."

Suddenly, Natsu's voice rang out from behind them, followed by Gray's. "Actually… this looks nice!" Gray added, stretching as he stepped into the water.

Su Yan appeared next, towel slung over his shoulder. "A hot spring is good for recovery—and health."

Lucy shrieked and flung a washbasin at them. "Guys, get out of the women's bath!"

"It's a mixed spring!" Warrod Sequen announced cheerfully, waving his arms as he padded in, wrapped only in a towel.

"This… this is unacceptable!" Lucy protested, clutching her chest.

Erza rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide a small smile. "We're comrades—there's no shame in sharing a bath."

Lucy scowled. "It's not normal!"

Warrod grinned. "Comrades share everything—trust me!"

Lucy shot him a glare, but Warrod raised his sleeve to reveal the Fairy Tail emblem on his forearm. "I founded Fairy Tail alongside Mavis. I'm one of the first-generation members—your senior."

Lucy's jaw dropped, and Erza's eyes widened. "Warrod… a founding member?"

Su Yan nodded. "That explains why the guild master insisted on this mission."

Warrod clasped his hands. "Seeing you young mages carry Mavis's spirit forward—her idea of 'comradeship' lives on in you."

He recited softly: "Comradeship isn't mere words but an unbreakable bond of trust. Whatever you face—joy or sorrow—you are never alone…"

Meanwhile, in the grand hall of the Magic Council, deputies gathered for an emergency session.

"The Great Demon Fight was Fairy Tail's triumph…" began one councilor.

"Indeed," Sirius murmured. "Their return has shifted the balance."

Councilor Grand Doma tapped his wand for silence. "Today's topic: Tartaros."

He continued, "Seven dark guilds under Tartaros's banner have vanished in recent days."

A deputy speculated, "If Fairy Tail undertook this, it would explain their boldness—yet they acted without council sanction."

Oger interjected, "We cannot blame Fairy Tail for every upheaval. They don't need our favor—"

"Partiality?" another judge spat. "Fairy Tail bows to no one."

The council chamber buzzed as the debate on Tartaros—and Fairy Tail's role—grew ever more heated.