The Game of Parental Rights

Looking toward the source of the sound, he saw Laxus standing there, as calm and composed as ever.

Now that he thought about it, Laxus had been with them since they left the Del Fiore estate.

He must have been keeping his distance out of consideration for the Di Malventos' situation earlier.

"Hey, Sylas, everyone," Laxus said with an easy smile. "Let's calm down, alright? We need to focus on figuring out the next steps. Are we really going to give up on your father's safe return?"

"Of course we're not giving up, you damn fool. Outsiders should just stay out of this," Sylas snapped back.

Laxus grinned. "Ah, good to see you're back to your usual self."

Sylas swiftly swatted away Laxus's hand from his shoulder, walking away with a cold, stiff demeanor.

Laxus, looking startled, called out to him in a hurry.

"Wait! This time, this isn't something the Di Malventos can handle on their own."

"..."