Chapter 114: Miko: Ikuto, You’re Really Disappointing!

Many people traveled to Fiore Town.

But they didn't all go together; instead, they paired up and chose their own times.

For example, Elfman and Evergreen—though he knew his sister would also visit Fiore Town, he still set out early in the morning to meet Evergreen.

Mirajane, on the other hand, arrived at Jehfrit's shop around noon.

However, only Ikuto was there.

"Sure enough..." Mirajane shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Miss Mirajane. Master Jehfrit hasn't woken up yet," Ikuto said somewhat awkwardly.

"As expected." Mirajane smiled. "I'll wait for him."

Mirajane went to the backyard.

Emily was practicing swordsmanship there.

"Miss Mirajane!" Seeing Mirajane arrive, Emily put away her wooden sword and greeted her politely.

"Keep practicing. I won't disturb you," Mirajane waved her hand.

"Miss Mirajane," Emily said, "I heard your combat skills are strong. My master isn't good at fighting, and Sister Ikuto is the one who teaches me swordsmanship. I want to learn about unarmed combat from you."

"Alright." Mirajane smiled and stood up. "Let's have a little sparring match."

"Mm-hmm!" Emily nodded happily and said, "Wait a moment."

The little girl ran back into the shop and returned shortly with two arm guards and gloves. "Please wear these. It will hurt if you get hit by the wooden sword."

"No need." Mirajane smiled and shook her head.

"Really?" Emily looked very concerned.

"Just come at me," Mirajane laughed.

"Then I'll count on you!" Emily bowed politely, then sheathed her sword.

The terminology here is strange.

Even though it's clearly using a sword, it's referred to as "swordsmanship."

Emily's wooden sword was modeled after Ikuto's long blade style.

Pulling the relatively long sword from the waist in a normal way wouldn't work.

Instead, one had to use specific techniques, which were actually part of the Moonless Style's draw technique.

Emily steadied herself, focusing intently on Mirajane's eyes.

In battle mode, she wasn't just a cute little girl who only knew how to pout.

*Boom*

Emily suddenly launched an attack, spinning while drawing her sword and slashing horizontally at Mirajane's chest.

Mirajane didn't resist directly. With Emily's strength and speed, she could block it with just one finger.

But she wanted to show Emily some combat techniques.

So she stepped back, avoiding the blade, and simultaneously kicked upward.

Emily quickly changed tactics, raising her arm to dodge the kick. If she got hit, the impact would knock her weapon away, resulting in defeat.

While dodging, she had to counterattack. Emily spun around, and the blade slid along the mouth of the scabbard.

"Garuda Flame—"

A burst of flame shot toward Mirajane.

Mirajane sidestepped to avoid it.

Emily pressed forward again, and Mirajane skillfully countered.

The two exchanged blows fiercely.

At first, Emily held back, fearing she might hurt Mirajane. Despite both Jehfrit and Ikuto telling her that Mirajane was powerful, Mirajane's appearance didn't seem threatening.

But as the fight continued, Emily realized that even relying solely on technique, she couldn't push Mirajane to her limit. So she unleashed all sorts of moves to see how Mirajane would handle them.

As for Mirajane, she was clearly just playing with the little girl, neither winning nor losing, maintaining a balance.

Upstairs.

Jehfrit crawled to the window, slowly inching over, opened it, and peeked down. Instantly, his eyes lit up.

Today, Mirajane dressed differently than her usual plain style. She wore a short jacket, a small skirt, long stockings, and elegant high heels, looking young and trendy, much like Lucy.

She had such clothes too...

Jehfrit couldn't help but stare at her agile legs flipping around.

But just a few seconds later—

Mirajane suddenly sped up, kicking Emily's sword hilt. Emily couldn't hold onto the long sword, causing it to fly out of her hands, spinning toward the second floor.

*Slap*

Miko caught it just in time and handed it to Jehfrit.

Under Jehfrit's Deception Magic, Emily turned her gaze to see Jehfrit catching the long sword.

"Ah, Master, you're awake. I'm sorry," Emily quickly apologized.

"No, the person who should apologize is someone else." Jehfrit pretended to be angry as he looked at Mirajane.

"Yes, it's Mr. Jehfrit who should apologize. He made plans with a girl but didn't even get up by noon." Mirajane sighed dramatically. "How can Mr. Jehfrit ever find love like this? He's already nineteen."

"Eighteen!" Jehfrit emphasized, 'By the way, I'm quite popular. No need for you to worry about my love life.'

"You're eating the food of a nineteen-year-old."

"Not arguing with you." Jehfrit dropped the long sword and got up.

After tidying up a bit, he came downstairs.

"Let's go," Jehfrit said.

By now, Emily had quickly taken a bath, changed into pretty clothes, and used a magic tool to dry her hair.

Ikuto also changed into a bright kimono.

"Let's go, Master. I wonder how Brother Rade and the others are doing," Emily said excitedly, holding Jehfrit's hand.

"Everyone is surely becoming the person they want to be," Jehfrit said with a smile.

He waved his hand.

A carriage soon arrived.

Everyone got in.

They arrived at Magnolia Station, bought tickets, and boarded the train.

Emily looked around, then let go of Jehfrit's hand and sat next to Ikuto.

Mirajane adjusted her skirt and elegantly sat beside Jehfrit.

"I haven't eaten breakfast yet..." Jehfrit rubbed his stomach, planning to send Miko to buy him something before the train departed.

"I've prepared something."

Mirajane said, placing her cute handbag on the table, opening it, and taking out homemade sandwiches filled with generous ingredients and tea.

"How considerate," Jehfrit couldn't help but remark. "Then I won't hesitate."

Nothing particularly memorable happened during the journey—if you don't count Jehfrit constantly smelling the fragrance coming from Mirajane.

No transfers were needed; they reached Fiore Town directly.

Entering the town no longer required payment.

Jehfrit looked up.

The previous scenery hadn't been removed.

Town Mayor Edward knew he didn't have John's business acumen, so in terms of commerce, he continued the previous plan, only adjusting some details, with Edward overseeing "fairness."

Thus, Fiore Town's environment hadn't changed much from before.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Jehfrit, Miss Mirajane, Miss Ikuto, and Miss Emily?" The guard stopped them.

"It's us," Jehfrit replied.

"May I bother you for a moment?" the soldier said. "Mayor Edward instructed us to give you this invitation if we saw any Fairy Tail members."

"At eight o'clock tomorrow evening, Mr. Heartfilia, who funded the establishment of Fiore School, will host a party. He wants to invite all Fairy Tail members to attend."

The soldier handed over the invitation.

"Alright," Jehfrit nodded.

Everyone accepted the invitation.

They had known about this news earlier.

It was mentioned when the discount cards were sent out at the guild, but now it was an official invitation.

"Tomorrow night, huh? Looks like we'll be staying here for two nights. I wonder if our previous inn has any rooms left," Jehfrit said.

"There should be some," Ikuto nodded.

Everyone entered the town.

There were still many people—after all, the town had been rebuilt, and travelers were curious about the changes, plus there were events going on.

Jehfrit looked around. Compared to his last visits, there were many new attractions now.

"Oh no—"

While walking, Mirajane suddenly gasped.

Jehfrit turned to see that Mirajane had been accidentally bumped by a woman, causing her to stumble and nearly fall.

Jehfrit quickly reached out to steady Mirajane's shoulder and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Thank you." Mirajane smiled and shook her head. "I was careless."

"It's crowded; be careful. You rarely wear high heels, so why wear them on a trip?" Jehfrit said.

"Sometimes I feel like wearing them," Mirajane smiled.

Jehfrit thought for a moment, took out a handkerchief, and said, "Hold on."

"Mm." Mirajane grabbed one end. Jehfrit held the other end, then turned around excitedly to watch a magician perform.

"..."

Ikuto, walking behind, remained silent.

Emily's eyes were glued to the handkerchief, then she looked up at Ikuto.

"What's wrong?" Ikuto noticed Emily wanting to say something and leaned down to let her whisper.

Emily moved close to Ikuto's ear and whispered, "Is Master an idiot?"

"...," Ikuto was silent for a few seconds, patted Emily's head, and said, "Kids shouldn't think about these things."

"Master... really is as Miss Juvia and the others said..." Emily pouted.

She spoke softly, but Ikuto heard her. However, she didn't respond, pretending not to hear.

Still, she glanced again, puzzled about what Jehfrit was thinking.

'Damn, is this assistant wearing so little?!'

Jehfrit stared at the magician's assistant, surprised.

This outfit... a bikini would be considered conservative!

Basically covering only three moles!

This assistant drew many spectators for the magician.

Jehfrit contemplated finding an opportunity to perform here in the next two days.

His assistant—Ikuto—was a conservative person who definitely couldn't wear so little, but his skills were far superior to this magician's!

Decided—

He would leave a deep and unforgettable impression on the residents and visitors of Fiore Town—a truly magical performance!

A tug came from the handkerchief as Mirajane pulled Jehfrit away from there.

Jehfrit had no choice but to look elsewhere.

[Wow, exotic charm!]

Suddenly, another girl caught his attention.

She must be from the desert, dressed distinctly different from the locals, with healthy wheat-colored skin and a great figure, especially those hips swaying provocatively, calling out, "Soul-stirring!"

Her looks were passable, but her dance was indeed seductive.

Performing various wild yet uniquely beautiful movements, capturing the audience's eyes.

There was also a little girl holding a plate, hoping delighted patrons would reward her.

*Slap*

Jehfrit slapped down 10,000 Jewels.

"Thank you, big brother, you're such a kind person!" The little girl's eyes lit up, grabbing Jehfrit's hand and refusing to let go.

Seeing this, the dancer gradually approached with her dance.

"Ah, I want to eat that, Jehfrit," Mirajane pulled him, almost making him fall.

An irresistible force dragged Jehfrit towards a snack stall.

"Wait a moment, first..." The dancer saw this and anxiously tried to wave, only to meet Mirajane's gaze.

In that instant, her body stiffened, feeling a chill run through her as if encountering a desert crocodile—a creature with dragon lineage, a very powerful magical beast.

"...," Jehfrit glanced at Mirajane, who turned to him with a full smile.

"Let's go eat," Jehfrit said.

"Mm."

They walked to the stall.

"Boss, give me five servings of this."

"Alright, please wait a moment, esteemed guest!"

While waiting, Jehfrit suddenly said, "Is Miss Mirajane jealous?"

"Not at all," Mirajane calmly replied. "That girl is an unknown mage, likely to bring trouble."

"Oh," Jehfrit nodded and said, "Shall we split up later?"

"Sure," Mirajane still smiled in response.

"I've been here several times but never played around in the red-light district," Jehfrit suddenly remarked.

Ikuto behind him felt speechless: What exactly do you want to do, Mr. Jehfrit? Looking for trouble on purpose—courting death?

"Oh," Mirajane remained calm. "Lucy and the others arrived earlier. I plan to hang out with them. Mr. Jehfrit can go wherever he wants; don't worry about us."

"Eh..." Jehfrit fell silent.

After a while, he said, "Never mind, I'll go play pillow fights with Natsu and the others."

"Pillow fights, yay! Master, let's play together; more people make it fun!" Emily caught the keyword and said happily.

"Alright," Jehfrit nodded.

"...," Ikuto looked at the handkerchief again, with Jehfrit and Mirajane each holding an end.

Recalling their conversation earlier, she was puzzled.

What are they doing?

Miko stood by Jehfrit's side, arms crossed, also looking at the handkerchief with a helpless expression.

Smart people dating is already troublesome since both are strong-willed individuals who refuse to lose.

Tiffany would have been better; she appears tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Jehfrit could easily win her over if he wanted.

But

Mirajane is superior.

Ikuto

Miko looked at Ikuto, thinking: You're really disappointing!

They found the inn they stayed at last time.

The owner had specifically reserved empty rooms.

Natsu and the others had already arrived and were relaxing in their yukatas after bathing.