Since the end of the Royal Civil War, when Weston was granted the titles of Duke and Chief Imperial Court Wizard and returned to Magnolia, he had not been in contact with Queen Lily.
The lack of contact wasn't due to any specific reason; it was purely because there was a significant gap in their ages, identities, status, and social classes, and both were busy with their own affairs.
However, since the other party specifically sent a letter to Fairy Tail this time, it meant that the trouble she encountered might indeed be quite substantial.
Perhaps, it was even related to magic.
Whether out of their past friendship, future interests, nominal subordinate relationship, or possible unknown risks, Weston had to make this trip.
"That being said, the guild can't be left unattended."
"So, just like before, Mavis will stay behind at the guild, and then... is there anyone among you interested in taking a trip with me?"
Weston looked at everyone in the guild with an expectant gaze.
To be precise, he was looking at the four of them, Mavis, Precht, Zera, and Warrod, with an expression like a bad teacher preparing to call on a student in class.
However, the result disappointed him; not a single person present wanted to go along.
"Zera?"
"I'm not going! I've improved my magic recently, so I want to stay and consolidate it."
Weston nodded, not forcing her.
They were wizards after all; magic training was indeed important!
"Precht?"
"I'm not going! I lent all my money to Yuri a few days ago, I need to go work!"
Weston nodded again, expressing understanding.
Even if they were wizards, working to earn money was also very important!
"Warrod?"
"I actually wanted to go with you, but if I leave, there will be no one to look after the flowers and plants at home!"
Weston: "..."
Compared to the others, isn't your reason for refusing a bit too frivolous?!
"You guy, you don't practice magic and you don't go to work. You spend all day taking care of flowers and grass. Do you really plan to turn yourself into a tree and live to 200 through photosynthesis?"
Warrod's eyes lit up, and he shouted excitedly: "Oohhh—!! Could it be that such magic actually exists in the magical world?!"
Seeing this overjoyed appearance, Weston was stunned, and cold sweat poured down: "Hey, hey, hey... you don't actually want to do that, do you?"
"Hahaha... just kidding, just kidding!"
Warrod waved his hand with a laugh: "But spending time with plants and feeling the breath of nature really does help maintain physical and mental health!"
"Oh, by the way, recently I've discovered that I seem to be able to hear the voices of flowers, grass, and trees. I know what they're saying!"
Hearing this, everyone in the guild was instantly dumbfounded, leaning back collectively in shock.
"What?!"
"Really?! That's even possible?!"
"Please, look at the way he's smiling; you can tell he must be joking again!"
"Eh?? Joking..."
"True, any normal person should realize with their pinky toe that hearing the voices of plants and such—how could such a thing be possible?!"
"I actually believed it for a second; I feel like an idiot..."
Seeing this, Warrod couldn't help but put his hands on his hips and laughed triumphantly: "Hahaha... I wasn't joking about that sentence!"
"...Hm?! Eh??!!"
Warrod spread his hands and explained: "Actually, I'm not entirely sure myself if it's the flowers and trees talking, but I can definitely hear some strange sounds."
The laughter of the crowd came to an abrupt halt. Hands holding wine glasses were suspended in mid-air—they neither toasted nor remembered to set them down—as they stood there looking at each other, blinking their eyes.
"Uh... I still don't believe it!"
"I bet it's just the town children hiding nearby and playing a joke on you!"
"Even children wouldn't be able to hide, right? I think the possibility of it being some naughty cat is much higher!"
"Exactly!"
A few seconds later, the guild returned to its usual clamor. Those who were drinking continued to drink, and those who were chatting continued to chat.
Warrod scratched his head, not explaining further.
After all, it was such a ridiculous thing. Even if the people in front of him were guild companions, it was only natural for them not to believe him.
Thinking of this, Warrod scratched the lush "tree crown" hairstyle on his head and sent an apologetic look toward Weston: "Anyway, I can't go with you this time, Weston. I think you should find someone else!"
Weston stepped forward and patted his shoulder, comforting him: "It's fine, it's the same if I go alone!"
Crack, crack, crack...
In an instant, it felt as if countless glass hearts around him had been shattered to pieces.
"How can you say that, Master?!"
"Occasionally, take us along on a mission too!!"
"Exactly, exactly... we are all the backbone of the guild. In the future, we might be the talents who can inherit your position and become the second Master of Fairy Tail!!"
Weston's eyes twitched: "Shut up! You guys spend all day in the guild drinking, bragging, and talking about women, and you aspire to inherit my position? Win against Precht first!"
Although it wasn't explicitly stated, everyone in Fairy Tail knew in their hearts that if one person were to be chosen from the guild to succeed as Master, it would definitely be Precht.
As for why it wasn't Mavis...
That was naturally because, in everyone's eyes, Mavis was highly bonded with Weston!
If one day Weston really washed his hands of the job and retired early from the position of "Master," Mavis would definitely accompany him.
When that time came, wouldn't Precht be the only one in the guild capable of taking the lead?
"Master, what you said is so heartbreaking! We are also very excellent..."
"Master, I think perhaps our guild can carry on the 'Master and Vice Guildmaster' system. When Precht succeeds to the throne, I can reluctantly be his deputy and take over Mavis's current work..."
"You guy, get out of here! The person to be the second Vice Guildmaster should be me!!"
"Master, I won't compete with them for the second position, but can I sign up to be the third Master?!!"
"Uh... just work hard then!"
"What?! You can actually sign up for this kind of thing in advance? Then Master, I want to sign up to be the Fourth Generation!"
"Master, I want to be the Fifth Generation!"
"Please, by the time it reaches the fifth generation, you'll probably be long dead. There might be a chance if you let your son or grandson do it! But before that, you'd better find a girlfriend first, hahaha..."
"What did you say?!!"
After less than three minutes of silence, the guild was noisy again.
"Well... seeing that everyone is so full of vitality, I can finally go on a long journey with peace of mind!"