In the strange atmosphere, the Strauss family's housewarming feast finally ended. Lisanna quietly stuck out her little pink tongue, feeling like she might have said something wrong, causing the mood afterward to become a little awkward.
But that had been her true feeling. Brother Moen, gentle yet dignified, felt just like a father within a family, while Sister Erza, though a bit strict, guided and cared for everyone like a mother. And Sister Mirajane was even more like an elder sister who acted as a second mother. She felt there was nothing wrong with what she said.
Since Lisanna's childhood memories never included their parents, it was normal for her to feel this way. She still longed for and loved the warmth of a family atmosphere. Even though she wasn't lacking in affection—because she had her brother and sister caring for her—the absence of parents still affected her. That was something unavoidable.
"Lisanna you didn't do anything wrong. Mira overreacted a little. Your sister's face is unexpectedly thin."
Right as everyone was about to disperse, Moen found Lisanna, crouching down to pat her head as he whispered. He had noticed that Lisanna felt a bit wronged after being scolded by Mira, so he came over to comfort the little one.
"Sis might not actually dislike me saying that."
Looking at Moen, Lisanna muttered softly. Despite her cute appearance, this girl actually spoke quite boldly. Underneath that adorable face was a straightforward heart—truly innocent and unrestrained in the way children could be.
"…"
Moen was instantly speechless. He thought these kids were a little too mature for their age. But he more or less understood: what Lisanna said had never involved anything romantic. It was a longing for family warmth—an emotional compensation resulting from the loss of parents.
"What are you two whispering about?"
Mira poked her head over, staring suspiciously at the sneaky big-and-small pair.
"Ahem, nothing. Thank you very much for the meal, Mira. Your cooking truly didn't disappoint me."
Moen stood up with a smile toward Mira, directly shifting the topic.
"Of course! My cooking has always been good."
Mira beamed confidently. She had been praised quite a lot today. Even Erza admitted defeat to her, and that made her feel the happiest!
"I'll pay back your money soon."
Once her excitement passed, Mira spoke again. She still remembered her debt. Even though Moen had said he wasn't in any rush, just because he wasn't in a rush didn't mean she could ignore it.
"Don't worry about it, Mira. Really, I don't need the money."
Moen's expression showed a bit of helplessness. Although it sounded a little boastful, it was true—he really didn't lack money at all.
And once The Great Detective Holmes was released, he would only become even less lacking. Soon, money would become nothing more than a series of numbers to him.
These days, Moen didn't even look at mission rewards when taking jobs. He simply went out to fight people or beasts, seeking real combat to sharpen his skills.
Speaking of The Great Detective Folmos, it was already prepared for release and distribution throughout the entire Kingdom of Fiore.
Sorcerer Publishing—the company Moen signed a contract with—had absolute confidence in this story and gave it the highest level of promotion.
This was the same publishing house that released Weekly Sorcerer Magazine—famous not only throughout Fiore but across the whole Ishgar continent. Weekly Sorcerer Magazine was indeed enormously popular.
Because of that, The Great Detective Folmos was also promoted through Weekly Sorcerer Magazine, and the pre-release hype was basically complete.
According to Sorcerer Publishing, as long as it became popular in Fiore, they would immediately expand distribution across all of Ishgar, turning The Great Detective Folmos into a flagship IP and making Moen famous throughout the continent.
A manga version would also be released. The manga publisher—under Reedus direction, had already reviewed it and gave extremely high praise.
Moen contributed as well by adjusting the designs of those classic characters to better match their depiction in the story.
But the manga version would be released later—at least after the novel exploded in popularity. Of course they planned to earn money twice. The manga version hadn't even been officially announced yet.
All in all, Moen was one hundred percent sure he would never have to worry about money again. That was why he truly wasn't in a hurry for Mira to repay him.
"No, I don't want to owe this favor forever."
But Mira didn't care about any of that. She was still extremely firm. She would work overtime, do extra jobs, and repay it as soon as possible.
She was even thinking about taking part-time work at the guild whenever she was free. After all, those were still wages and the guild actually paid quite well.
Mira had confidence in her cooking. If Sister Airo made a certain amount cooking, then she could make the same!
Of course, Sister Airo worked multiple positions and received several salaries. Mira definitely couldn't compete with that. She sincerely admired that woman.
"Alright."
Seeing Mira so determined, Moen didn't try to argue anymore. Even if he said he didn't want the money at all, it wouldn't matter. Mira would never accept that. That was just how her personality was.
After helping clean up the dishes together, Moen led everyone out, leaving Mira and her siblings to themselves. They would stay a night in their new home to test everything and see what needed improvement or purchasing.
A house's problems could only truly be discovered by living in it. But once you started living in it, renovations became more difficult. Fortunately, the house was built entirely by guild members. If anything was wrong, they could just call someone over to fix it.
Once the group returned to the guild hall, Moen was immediately called over by Makarov, saying he had something to discuss with him.
"Gramps, you need me for something?"
Moen walked into the Guild Master's private office and saw Grandpa Makarov dressed in formal attire. He instantly found it strange— the old man had actually taken out his Ten Wizard Saints robe to wear. He normally wore it very rarely.
"Pack your things, Moen. Come with me to Clover Town."
Seeing Moen enter, Makarov spoke straightforwardly.
"Huh? Clover Town? What are we going there for?"
Moen was confused. Why so sudden?
Looking at Makarov's formal clothing, and thinking about the time of year, Moen suddenly realized a possibility.
"To attend the Regular Meeting of the Regional Guild Masters Alliance."
Makarov said, and it was exactly what Moen had guessed.
Clover Town was the location of the Regular Meeting of the Regional Guild Masters Alliance. Grandpa Makarov dressing this formally to go to Clover Town could only mean the regular meeting. Moen had just recalled—it was around that time.
"You're bringing me this time?"
Moen's eyes lit up instantly, his expression full of anticipation.
Those who could attend the Regional Guild Masters Alliance Meeting were, of course, the guild masters. But guild masters usually didn't go alone; they often brought along a younger generation they were cultivating.
First, it allowed youngsters to broaden their horizons and get familiar with the process.
Second, it let the next generation of mages interact more.
Those who were brought along were usually strong candidates for the next guild master, so early introductions were considered necessary.
The "Regional Guild Alliance" was an unofficial organization within the Kingdom of Fiore and did not operate under the Magic Council.
The Magic Council was responsible for overseeing the entire continent of Ishgar. Although they had offices in many places, they were never sufficiently staffed. Many local issues depended on local guilds to handle.
Therefore, the masters of the various legal guilds in different regions spontaneously formed alliances, gathered regularly for the Guild Masters Meeting, discussed affairs large and small, strengthened connections, exchanged information, and sometimes cooperated on especially difficult missions.
The Regional Guild Alliance of the Kingdom of Fiore included most of the nation's official guilds. Of course, some didn't attend—participation wasn't mandatory. If someone didn't want to take part, no one forced them. It was entirely voluntary.
Makarov naturally had to go. His influence within the "Regional Guild Alliance" was enormous—he was full of connections.
"I'm bringing you to see the world."
Makarov said with a grin, giving a definite answer. It was something he had thought through carefully.
His eldest grandson's strength could give him face, but with that personality, bringing him along would be completely pointless.
But the younger grandson was different. Moen's temperament would definitely shine in that kind of setting, and Moen's strength could completely hold the stage. Considering his age… it was even more shocking than Laxus. He would absolutely make those old fellows jealous to death!
"Sure! When are we leaving?!"
Moen agreed instantly. Of course he wanted to go see it—this wasn't a place just anyone could attend.
The influence of the "Regional Guild Alliance" in the entire Kingdom of Fiore was tremendous. Decisions like jointly eliminating a dark guild might very well be made there.
"We leave today. We'll stay there for one night, and the meeting officially begins tomorrow."
Makarov hopped down from the desk and signaled Moen to pack his things quickly. The two of them would be catching the train to Clover Town soon.
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