Chapter 94: The Guild’s Chaos

"Your drinking posture," Jehfrit said, "is also incredibly cool and stylish!"

"What exactly are you trying to do?" Cana gave him a helpless look.

Is he here to confess?

Did someone slip him wine this early in the morning?

Jehfrit had actually experienced something like this before—once, Evergreen bought some wine chocolates. No one was watching, and he ended up eating two pieces.

That entire day, every girl in the guild received a full year's worth of confessions!

*Slap!*

Jehfrit placed his gourd on the table and said, "Still, compared to what i usually drink, it's still a bit lacking."

He opened the lid dramatically and waved it slightly under Cana's nose so she could catch the scent.

"You idiot!" Cana was genuinely shocked—the gourd wasn't just for show; there was actual alcohol inside!

Has Jehfrit gone mad?

Even though he always denies it, everyone knows he avoids alcohol like the plague. So why now—

Cana's eyes widened as everyone else stared in disbelief.

Jehfrit lifted the gourd high, tilted his head back, and poured the wine into his mouth from a distance—mimicking the dramatic style of swordsmen from old TV dramas.

Everyone stood with mouths agape. Even Natsu looked surprised.

"Eh?!" Happy uttered in confusion.

"EH?!!!" The whole guild erupted in shock!

Jehfrit is *drinking alcohol*?! This is like Natsu not getting motion sickness or Gray actually keeping his clothes on!

Is the world going insane?!

"No way," Cana whispered, barely able to believe her eyes. "This must be fake!"

She grabbed the gourd and took a swig herself.

"It's really wine?!"

Her hand trembled, and the gourd clattered onto the table.

Jehfrit picked it up with a calm, almost aloof expression, sighing softly.

"Ahhh…"

"Wine is a good thing. You can't go three meals without it."

With that, he casually took another sip like it was water, then strolled toward Natsu with the gourd swinging at his side.

The entire guild watched him in stunned silence, their heads slowly turning to follow his movement, jaws still dropped.

"Hey, Natsu. Morning!" Jehfrit patted Natsu on the shoulder, then let out a loud belch.

Natsu's hair nearly blew back from the force.

"Oops, sorry," Jehfrit chuckled. "I had quite a few drinks this morning. Just a little tipsy—I hope you don't mind."

He emphasized the word *tipsy*.

"Tipsy?!" Gray snatched the gourd from Jehfrit and took a swig himself. He froze instantly—it was real wine!

Gray and Cana shared the same dumbfounded expression.

Jehfrit calmly retrieved the gourd and walked over to the bar counter.

Mirajane smiled gently. "Looks like Mr. Jehfrit has been deceiving us all along. Turns out you *can* drink after all."

"Of course," Jehfrit smirked.

Mirajane added, "But even the best things should be enjoyed in moderation. Don't overdo it."

Jehfrit caught the subtle warning in her tone.

Mirajane leaned in slightly, a soft fragrance following her movement. She whispered, "Too much will make you need the restroom, and dull your taste buds."

Side effects?

Jehfrit looked at her carefully. Mirajane simply smiled and straightened up.

Right… It *was* just sweetened juice.

Yes.

The gourd was a magical item with a secret design—it had two layers.

When Jehfrit held it, a hidden mechanism activated, allowing only the special fruit-based beverage Mirajane made to pour out.

But once he let go, anyone else holding it would get real alcohol.

Jehfrit clipped the gourd to his belt.

"You're really…" Natsu started to speak, but Gray stopped him.

"This guy came prepared," Gray muttered. "We'll have to catch him off guard."

Exactly.

It wasn't just Gray.

No one believed that what Jehfrit drank was actually alcohol.

It was like if one day, Gray showed up fully clothed and kept his clothes on all day—everyone would think he'd been replaced!

Same logic applies here—

There's no way Jehfrit actually drank alcohol.

It had to be the gourd!

But confronting him directly now wouldn't work—he wouldn't be flaunting it like this unless he had a plan.

This guy never fights unprepared.

So—

We need to wait for our chance!

Everyone exchanged glances, silently reaching an agreement.

Time for a battle of wits!

They were determined to expose Jehfrit's lie, no matter how many people it took!

All eyes locked onto Jehfrit's gourd with fierce determination.

Except one person—

Juvia.

She hid in a corner unnoticed by most, eyes fixed firmly on Gray.

Gray-sama…

Today is the perfect opportunity!

Mr. Jehfrit hasn't mentioned fishing yet—this is my chance!

As Gray and Natsu whispered about their plan, Juvia opened the bottle and extracted a few drops of potion.

'Only look at me, Gray-sama!'

*Whoosh—*

She blew the potion toward Gray.

"Ah, this is boring," Natsu yawned, standing up and walking toward Lucy.

"Wait, Natsu!" Gray followed.

"Oh no!!"

Because Gray moved at the last second, the potion missed him—and flew straight into Levy's mouth.

'One more time!'

Seeing Gray grab Natsu, Juvia blew again.

But suddenly, a gust of wind blew the potion—

Straight toward Macao.

"Agh—" Juvia panicked, blowing more drops.

Meanwhile—

Mirajane looked at Jehfrit, who had a knowing smirk on his face.

As she thought about it, a strange taste entered her mouth.

"Hmm?"

Mirajane felt a sudden shift inside her—a wave of irritation rising.

A feeling of… anger.

"ERZA!" Mirajane stormed toward Erza, shouting. "Let's fight!"

Jehfrit jumped behind the bar counter, pulled up a chair, rested his elbow on the table, and propped his chin on his hand, watching the chaos unfold.

"That love potion of Juvia's looks interesting."

He had his magic defenses fully activated today—no one was sneaking anything past him.

Yet he caught Juvia's odd behavior.

Sure enough, the guild was now in total disarray.

Thanks to his interference, Juvia's attempts kept missing their mark—even though he didn't know what exactly she was doing, he could tell she was targeting Gray.

And the result?

Exactly as he predicted.

Juvia kept trying, causing most of the guild to end up affected by the potion.

Except—

"You two seem like an exception," Jehfrit murmured, looking at Lucy and Natsu.

Lucy clearly wasn't acting normal today.

Natsu had grabbed her while explaining his plan to uncover Jehfrit's trickery, but Natsu found the idea too complicated.

He had something more important to do today!

"Something wrong, Lucy?" Natsu asked, noticing her flushed face and racing heart.

Ever since Mirajane had spoken to her yesterday, and seeing Bisca's example, the innocent Lucy couldn't stop thinking about it.

She was, after all, a girl longing for love…

Last night, when Natsu sleepily grabbed her hand and mumbled in his sleep that he wanted to keep working with her, she hesitantly asked, "Would you always choose me as your partner?"

To which Natsu sleepily replied:

"Of course!"

Of course?

Of course what?

Of course they'd be partners forever!

And if they were partners forever, that could only mean…

After Natsu fell asleep, Lucy grabbed an old magazine she'd seen before. One section discussed dreams revealing true feelings—*a subconscious answer in sleep is the purest truth!*

Which meant… Natsu actually had feelings for her?!

Once she realized that,

She became hypersensitive.

Natsu held her hand—his grip was strong, firm, and protective.

"Lucy," Natsu said, watching her flustered expression. He turned slightly, confused, but remembering his original purpose, he continued, "Meet me tonight under the pagoda tree at South Gate Park. I've got something important to tell you."

The park's pagoda tree!

Lucy's eyes widened—*that* was where couples confessed!

Important words—

Could it be?!

Lucy's voice trembled. "You mean…"

Natsu glanced at Jehfrit.

'He turned away!'

'He's shy!'

'That Natsu actually…'

Lucy felt like she might pass out.

Natsu leaned in and whispered, "Come alone after nine."

Nine o'clock!

According to Magnolia's local romance guide, 9 PM was the perfect time for confessions—it symbolized eternity!

Natsu is going to confess to me!

Lucy's heart was in complete turmoil.

"Don't forget—come alone!" Natsu said seriously.

"Um… okay." Dazed, Lucy nodded instinctively.

Natsu left.

Lucy wandered out of the guild, her mind elsewhere.

Jehfrit decided not to interfere—those two seemed to have something far more entertaining happening.

The pagoda tree?

At nine PM?

Not exactly the best timing.

On his days off, that was usually when he stayed home and boiled water for a foot bath.

But—

Tonight could be an exception.

"About time," Jehfrit muttered, eyeing Gray.

With a little help from his magic, Juvia finally managed to blow the potion into Gray's mouth.

Gray's expression shifted, his gaze locking onto Juvia.

"Here it comes—"

"The passionate stare—"

Juvia's heart pounded with excitement.

Gray began walking toward her.

'Come closer, Gray-sama!'

Closer and closer—

Then he stopped.

Blocking his path was Happy.

"Happy!" Gray growled, eyes blazing. "You can soar through the skies like it's nothing!!"

"Huh?" Happy blinked in confusion.

"I'm strong—but I can't fly!"

"You're weak—but you can fly!"

Gray shouted nonsense, yet somehow sounded furious.

"Happy—"

"You're worthy of being my rival!"

"Let's fight!"

"Fight....FLYING!!!"

"Huh?!" Happy gasped. "Gray, what's wrong with you?!"

Happy's eyes widened—today was just too weird!

Jehfrit can drink now?

And Gray is talking like this?!

"Fight me, Happy!" Gray grabbed Happy and ran upstairs.

"NOOOO! NATSU, HELP ME!" Happy cried, struggling.

But Natsu wasn't around.

Happy was dragged all the way to the rooftop, standing on the edge.

"Gray, you're not serious, right?!" Happy looked down at the streets below. "You can't fly!"

"I can fly with my belief. Believe it!!" Gray declared confidently.

"Why is he looking at Happy instead of me, Gray-sama?!" Juvia crouched behind a pillar, close to tears.

"So it's a potion that makes people angry at whatever they fixate on…" Jehfrit observed.

"But everyone's obsession is… pretty unexpected."

At the guild entrance, Erza pointed angrily at a pillar. "Why do you always block my path? I want to walk straight through!"

"So you challenge me to a duel!"

"I'll be the one to duel you!" Mirajane stepped forward.

"Gajeel, stay away from *our* Levy!" Team Shadow Gear's Jet and Droy chased Gajeel.

But Gajeel was flipping tables everywhere. "Salamander! Where are you? Come fight me!"

"Fried! Let's settle who's the smartest mage in the guild!" Levy chased Fried.

But Fried charged straight at Jehfrit, yelling, "Jehfrit! Stay away from Laxus! Fight me and prove who Laxus trusts more!"

"???" Jehfrit lowered his camera, completely baffled.

"Elfman!" Evergreen shouted. "This household should be led by me!"

"Five hundred Jewels weekly allowance is my bottom line. I won't budge—I'm a man!" Elfman argued seriously.

Are these two moving way too fast?!

Jehfrit clenched his teeth—how did they jump ahead so quickly?!

The chaos escalated.

Soon, fights broke out.

Especially between Mirajane and Erza—Mirajane transformed into her demon form, ready to brawl.

*Snap!*

Jehfrit clicked his fingers, knocking both women unconscious.

"I can't let you two fight."

If those two clashed, the guild wouldn't need repairs—it would need rebuilding.

Jehfrit controlled the situation, preventing large-scale destruction, but let the smaller chaos play out while filming everything with delight.

As time passed, more and more people were knocked out until eventually, the entire guild lay sleeping.

Jehfrit stepped over the bodies, picked up Mirajane and Erza, and carried them to the rest room.

The guild was silent.

Nothing fun left, Jehfrit headed outside.

*Crash!*

A heavy object dropped from above.

It was Gray.

He landed flat on his back, blood dripping from his nose.

"Happy! Let's try again! This time, I won't lose! Believe it!" Gray shot up, fired up.

"Help him fall asleep, Jehfrit!" Happy flew down urgently.

"Rest a bit, Gray." Jehfrit said, and Gray collapsed instantly.

"Phew, thanks," Happy sighed. "What happened to everyone? They're acting so weird."

Jehfrit looked at Juvia descending from above. "Juvia, don't play with strange potions anymore. If you want love, earn it through effort."

"I understand…" Juvia looked around regretfully.

"Take care of Gray," Jehfrit said.

Juvia looked at the sleeping Gray on the ground—her excitement reignited.

What could she do to a sleeping Gray-sama…

"Oh, and boys find lap pillows hard to resist," Jehfrit added before leaving.

Back home.

Ikuto was busy helping customers.

Jehfrit didn't interrupt her. He went to the backyard, sat on a chair, and watched Emily practicing sword techniques diligently—her strength was growing, and her recovery speed was impressive for a child.

That evening.

Lucy, dressed beautifully and blushing furiously, arrived at the meeting spot.

Natsu was already waiting.

Oh no oh no

Lucy clutched her chest—her heart was pounding wildly.

What should I do?

I've never rejected a boy before!

Does that sound like a rejection to you?

Jehfrit leaned against a tree nearby, unnoticed by either of them.

He looked at Lucy's outfit—

Battle-ready fashion.

If Natsu confesses, it'll happen instantly.

Too bad it's Natsu…

Tsk.

Dense idiot.

"Yo, Lucy! You're here!" Natsu grinned.

"Y-yeah…" Lucy looked around nervously.

"Hurry up." Natsu said.

Hurry up?

Hurry up with what?

Lucy blinked. Was he rushing her to say yes?

But he hadn't even asked yet!

"Call out Virgo!" Natsu said.

"???" Lucy froze, utterly confused.

"What?" she asked.

"Virgo! Your maid spirit," Natsu pointed at the ground. "Call her out and dig a hole here."

"I heard," Natsu said excitedly, "that Master Makarov hid embarrassing photos of everyone underground here."

"I wanna find Jehfrit's photo!"

"Hmph! Gray and the others are trying to prove Jehfrit faked drinking. That's impossible—they're idiots! Jehfrit definitely set traps!"

Natsu laughed smugly.

"But Jehfrit usually stays home at this hour. So hurry up and summon Virgo. Once we find his embarrassing photo, hehehe…"

His evil laugh echoed.

"Just… just for that?!" Lucy's voice trembled.

"Yeah, don't stall. Do it now." Natsu said impatiently.

"You idiot!!!"

Lucy threw a devastating right hook—sending Natsu flying!

*Snap.*

Jehfrit happily snapped a photo of the priceless moment.