— — — — — —
"What about Grandpa Makarov? How is he now? Did he… pass away?"
Kazuma blinked, then understood why Lisanna would ask that.
"What kind of thing is that to say, you silly girl? Who said he died? Can't Grandpa just retire on his own?"
"If the old man heard that, he'd probably keel over on the spot. Hahaha!"
Kazuma looked at Lisanna and couldn't help laughing at her words. She really was a cute girl, and her blunt honesty caught him completely off guard.
"Oh! Oh! I… I forgot. Master Grandpa can retire too!"
Lisanna finally realized she'd gotten carried away. She'd subconsciously assumed that Makarov must have passed away, and that was why there was a new guild master.
Only now did it click that you didn't actually have to die to retire.
As Kazuma and Lisanna talked, everyone else wore puzzled expressions, clearly wondering why Lisanna seemed to know this stranger so well.
A few of them stepped forward, about to ask questions, but Mira stopped them.
"Um… everyone, this person doesn't seem like an enemy. So could you please give Lisanna a little space?"
"Let's wait outside for a bit. Please."
Mira looked at them seriously as she spoke.
"Well, if Mira says so…"
"Alright then."
"Judging by Lisanna's reaction, he probably isn't our enemy."
The Fairy Tail members hesitated for a moment, then chose to trust their companion and stepped outside.
In the blink of an eye, only Mira, Lisanna, and Kazuma were left in the room.
"Mira-nee, I…"
Seeing Mira's actions, Lisanna hurried over and grabbed her hand, wanting to explain.
"Lisanna, you don't have to explain."
Mira looked at her, tears spilling from her eyes, yet she still forced a gentle smile.
"I actually sensed it a long time ago. You're not my Lisanna. But… you're just as kind and gentle as her."
"I didn't want to ask, and I was too scared to ask. I kept thinking that as long as I didn't say anything, you'd stay with us."
As she spoke, Mira pulled Lisanna into a hug. She cried even harder.
"I'm sorry. I'm such a selfish, terrible big sister."
"No! Mira isn't terrible or selfish at all. You're the best big sister ever!"
Seeing Mira cry, Lisanna hurried to comfort her, though her own heart grew heavier with hesitation.
She wondered if she should stay here. If leaving would only plunge Mira into grief and despair all over again.
"Lisanna, go," Mira said softly. "Don't worry about me or Elfman. You should go home."
"You're just like the Lisanna of this world. So the me in your world must feel the same way I do."
"Your leaving must have been a huge blow to them. They must be heartbroken. So go back, Lisanna."
"Don't let your real sister keep drowning in sorrow."
Mira had keenly noticed what Lisanna was thinking. She fought to rein in her emotions, wiped away her tears, and faced Lisanna with a gentle smile.
"This time we spent together is enough. I'll always remember the days we shared."
"And I'll carry those memories with me as I move forward. So don't worry about us. Go home."
As she spoke, Mira turned her head away. She didn't want Lisanna to see her tears falling again.
She tried so hard to hold herself together, but how could anyone truly control it? Losing family really hurts.
"Ahem, stop crying. Go make me something to eat," Kazuma said suddenly. "I'm starving after the trip here."
Looking at Mira's red, swollen eyes, Kazuma shook his head, reached out, and gently wiped away her tears as he spoke.
"Okay," Mira replied.
She needed something to distract herself, and cooking was a good choice.
Without thinking, she made fried rice and tossed in a generous amount of chili. It didn't take long before she brought it to Kazuma.
"Huh. Not just the looks, the way you dress, your personality, even your cooking style are exactly the same," Kazuma said after taking a bite, shaking his head.
He remembered how he'd once eaten explosively spicy fried rice for an entire year. It tasted great, sure, but eating it nonstop was torture.
"Don't you like spicy food?" Mira asked.
"No, I do like it," he replied. "It's just that having it all the time gets a bit overwhelming."
"Mira, want to make a deal with me?"
"I'll help you find the Lisanna of this world, your Lisanna. In return, I'll take the Lisanna from my side away with me. What do you say?"
Kazuma looked straight at Mira.
"You mean it?!" Mira stared at him in disbelief, covering her mouth as tears streamed down her face.
"Isn't my Lisanna… dead?"
"Heaven, hell, the underworld, even beyond the world itself," Kazuma said calmly. "As long as I accept the task, I will see it through."
"When I give my word, it never changes."
His expression turned solemn as he met Mira's eyes, speaking with absolute confidence. "So trust me. I will bring back the one you cherish."
"…Okay. Then I'll leave it to you. Please, find her."
Looking into Kazuma's eyes, Mira felt his resolve. Almost without thinking, she nodded. Somehow, she believed that this man really could bring her sister back.
"The me in the other world probably likes you a lot, doesn't she? I can feel the connection. What, are we married or something?" Mira said with a mischievous smile.
She felt sure of it. If the other Mira was anything like herself, she would fall for this man.
All because of those words: "Trust me. I'll bring back the one you cherish."
.
.
.