"Have a seat," Freed said calmly, motioning for Rhodes to sit before the mirror. He opened the makeup box with precise movements, as if preparing for battle.
Rhodes stuffed another piece of pastry into his mouth, speaking around the bite, "Want some?"
"I've already eaten," Freed replied without looking up. "But Laxus likes that flavor."
"Then should I save some for him?"
"No need." Freed suddenly touched his face with both hands, adopting a dreamy expression. "I'll make fresh ones for him later."
Rhodes blinked.
Staring at Rhode's reflection, Freed sighed softly. "Even though you're the groom today, Laxus still looks cooler when he eats."
"Yes, yes, yes…" Rhodes responded dryly, not even surprised anymore. "'Laxus is so handsome, how could Rhodes ever compare?' Is that about right?"
Freed didn't deny it. Instead, he said reassuringly, "Don't worry. You're the protagonist today. I'll make you shine."
Rhodes quieted down, though he still felt awkward letting Freed draw on his face.
Outside, the muffled roar of an airship echoed overhead, followed by the rising cheer of voices. More guests had arrived. Laxus and Bickslow had gone out to greet them, so Rhodes had nothing to worry about for now.
By the time Freed finally leaned back and declared himself finished, Rhodes practically felt freed himself. He quickly changed into his formal clothes and stepped out.
At once, a familiar bald head caught his eye. Jura of Lamia Scale stood tall among the crowd.
And across from him, Gildarts.
The two men were locked in a silent staredown, eyes blazing as if lightning arced between them.
That was unmistakably the look of two titans sizing up a worthy opponent.
Thankfully, Jura was a gentleman. Instead of challenging Gildarts to a duel right there, he turned with a smile and greeted, "Saint Rhodes, congratulations."
Rhodes smiled warmly. "Thank you. It must've been a long journey. Did you come alone?"
"No." Jura shook his head. "Lyon insisted on coming, said he wanted to meet someone important." His brow twitched. "Though his manners leave much to be desired."
"It's nothing." Rhodes followed his gaze. Sure enough, not far away stood Gray, and next to him, Lyon.
Both had their arms crossed, foreheads pressed together, arguing shirtless like mirror images.
Rhodes sighed inwardly. So Gray was the "important person," huh?
The moment Lyon noticed Rhode's eyes on him, he practically leapt away from Gray and rushed over, nearly knocking Gray off balance in the process.
He clasped Rhode's hand in both of his and exclaimed, "Hello, Mr. Rhodes!"
Rhode's smile stiffened. He wanted to say he wasn't in the mood to shake hands with a half-naked man, but the guy was a guest. "Hello, and thank you for coming all this way."
"You're welcome!" Lyon said earnestly, tightening his grip. "Actually, there's something I'd like to ask of you!"
"Go ahead," Rhodes said, bracing himself.
"Please let me join the groomsmen too!" Lyon clasped Rhode's hands with both of his, his eyes burning with determination.
Rhodes coughed awkwardly. "Well… since the number has to match the bridesmaids, it's not really possible to add someone at the last minute."
"That's easy!" Lyon declared proudly. "Gray has already given me his spot!"
A loud crash followed as Gray stormed over and sent Lyon flying several meters. "Who said I'd give it to you?! This is our guild's wedding, why do you have to steal a place?!"
Lyon scrambled up, sparks practically flying from his eyes as he butted heads with Gray again. "Of course I have to! Juvia is a bridesmaid, so I must be a groomsman! You don't even care about this kind of thing, so what's wrong with letting me have it?"
Gray didn't back down an inch. "Who cares what you think! Rhodes asked me personally!"
Lyon jabbed a finger into Gray's chest, right below his tie. "How could Mr. Rhodes possibly want you of all people standing at his wedding? You're a pervert who might strip at any moment!"
Gray jabbed him right back. "You're the last person to talk, ice freak!"
The two of them bickered fiercely, reverting to their old habits, completely ignoring the actual groom standing beside them.
Jura bowed repeatedly in apology for Lyon's behavior. Rhodes waved it off, his smile wry but good-natured. Honestly, what Wizard Saint hasn't run into one or two half-naked idiots before?
"Rhodes! The people from Blue Pegasus are here!" Max shouted from the doorway.
Rhodes quickly excused himself, while Jura tactfully said he'd go find Makarov to chat.
Sure enough, stepping outside, Rhodes saw the familiar quartet of Blue Pegasus, and this time Jenny was with them too.
"Men~~~" Ichiya struck his usual dramatic pose, glittering roses practically forming behind him. "The scent of a wedding is especially enchanting! On behalf of Blue Pegasus, we offer our sincerest blessings!"
"Blessings!" Hibiki, Ren, and Eve echoed in perfect unison.
Rhodes chuckled. "Thank you, please, come in."
They exchanged greetings warmly. Ichiya quickly went to strike up conversation with Jura, while Hibiki, Ren, and Eve immediately dashed toward the female guests, their "charming prince" routine already in full swing.
Fortunately, Mira's model friends had shown up in force, so Bisca no longer had to deal with their antics alone.
Macao and Wakaba, on the other hand, were sulking at a table. They'd argued all morning over who got to entertain the beautiful guests, but the moment the Blue Pegasus trio appeared, all their confidence evaporated.
Jenny lingered behind, smiling as she spoke with Rhodes. "It's been a long time. I didn't expect you two to get married so soon after coming back. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Rhodes replied warmly. "How have you been?"
Jenny flicked her hair with a proud smile. "How else could I be? I'm currently number one on the Most Desired Girlfriend Among Mages ranking. Even if Mirajane makes a comeback, she definitely won't beat me."
"I can't agree with that," Rhodes replied gently, shaking his head. Jenny had indeed changed over the past six years, more refined, more alluring, but in his eyes, the top spot on that ranking had never moved.
Before Jenny could snap back, Rhodes steered the conversation elsewhere. "That's not what I meant. I was asking about relationships. Haven't you had a boyfriend these past six years?"
Jenny's eyebrow twitched, her confident mask cracking for just a moment. "H-how could I not have a boyfriend?!"
Rhodes blinked, confused by the sudden defensiveness. To him, it was just friendly curiosity, but Jenny had taken it as a challenge to her charm, and instinctively blurted out a denial.
Realizing her voice had risen, she cast a nervous glance across the hall, checking if a certain someone had overheard. Only when she was sure he hadn't did she recover, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"The people who want to pursue me could line up from Blue Pegasus all the way to Fairy Tail," she said haughtily. "It's just that I don't want to… to settle down so early."
Her gaze wavered slightly, and Rhodes couldn't shake the feeling there was something unsaid behind her words.
"Rhodes! The people from Mermaid Heel are here!" Marx's voice rang out, just a bit too excited.
It was understandable, Mermaid Heel was rumored to be a guild of dancers as graceful as the sea itself.
Rhodes thought at first that Millianna would be leading them, but instead, he spotted a familiar figure approaching.
"Simon?" Rhodes blinked. He remembered Simon had joined Blue Pegasus after Tower of Heaven.
Simon gave him a small wave. "I came with my sister and Millianna."
Right on cue, two girls stepped forward. One of them burst out cheerfully, bright orange hair framing her playful face, cat ears twitching as she bounded over.
"Strongest spirit! Long time no see, meow!" Millianna grinned, full of energy.
Rhodes smiled back. "Long time no see, Millianna."
The other girl was her opposite, long black hair cut in a neat hime style, tied with a white ribbon, and a quiet, composed expression.
Simon introduced her. "Kagura, this is Mr. Rhodes."
The girl bowed politely. "Mr. Rhodes, it's an honor to meet you. Thank you, and your companions, for saving my brother. I am truly grateful."
She had the air of a slightly old-fashioned, well-mannered lady. Rhodes gave her a reassuring smile. "Hello. That was a long time ago. No need for such formality, please, just enjoy yourself."
Simon's eyes shifted, catching Jenny nearby. "You're here too? Where are Mr. Ichiya and the others?"
Jenny gave him a sidelong glance, unimpressed. "It's a wonder you still remember you're with Blue Pegasus. For a second, I thought you'd jumped ship to Mermaid Heel."
Simon rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "I just… haven't seen my sister in a while."
Jenny snorted softly. "A while? It's barely been half a month." She couldn't even be bothered to call him out more than that.
...
Stones PLzzz
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