### Chapter 40: One's Own Path
"Stop making a fuss, Romeo. You are a mage's child; you should trust your father and wait obediently at home for his return."
Makarov said calmly.
"But... but... he was supposed to come home three days later, but it's been a week and he hasn't come back! Macao went to work at Mt. Hakobe; it's not far from here! Go help me find him!! I'm so worried!!"
Having not seen his father Macao for a week, Romeo was obviously anxious.
"Stop making a fuss!! Your father is a mage!! This guild doesn't need mages who need others to wipe their butts!! Go home obediently and drink your milk!!"
Makarov scolded Romeo.
"Mean old man!!"
Romeo jumped up angrily, punched Makarov in the face, and then ran out of the guild crying.
"What happened to Macao?" Riku asked curiously.
Gray said: "A week ago, Macao took a mission to subdue the ferocious magic beast Vulcan. He hasn't returned yet, so he probably ran into trouble."
"Why did he suddenly take such a mission?"
Wakaba took a puff of his pipe and said: "I actually know. Some other kids mocked Macao for being just a drunkard. Romeo argued with them, saying he would ask Macao to do some high-difficulty missions to prove himself. To make Romeo proud, Macao took this mission."
Because of Romeo, Macao hadn't taken high-danger jobs for a long time. Also, to ensure he could go home every day, the work Macao could do was very limited, mostly small-fry missions nearby.
Whenever he mentioned this, Wakaba sighed endlessly. Before this, Macao was also a high-spirited mage who adventured everywhere.
Bang!!
Natsu slammed the mission he just took onto the request board.
"Hey!! Natsu!! You broke the request board!"
Nab shouted at Natsu, but Natsu ignored him, said nothing, picked up his luggage, and left the guild.
"Natsu!" Happy saw this and hurriedly chased after him.
"Master, isn't that kid Natsu acting a bit strange? He's not going to save Macao, is he?"
"He's immature after all. Doing so will only hurt Macao's pride."
Hearing this, Makarov took a puff from his pipe: "Whatever. Everyone walks their own path. Let him choose how to walk it."
Riku knew the old man was just talking tough; he was clearly more worried than anyone else in his heart.
Since Natsu went, it should be fine. He remembered Macao was the Fourth Guild Master of Fairy Tail, so he wouldn't die that soon.
As for Natsu, he probably related it to his own father, which was why his reaction was so big.
The incident with Romeo and Natsu was just a small interlude, and the guild soon became lively again.
In the evening, the guild closed.
"Ugh~~~!"
Riku held onto the wall and vomited. Not having seen everyone in the guild for a long time, Riku was very happy and drank a few too many glasses.
Although his body was now as strong as a monster, drinking too much still made him vomit.
"Really, drinking so much as soon as you come back."
Mira complained while patting Riku's back, trying to make him feel better.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Just drank a few too many. Vomiting it out makes it better."
After vomiting, Riku felt much better. Mira put Riku's arm over her shoulder, supported him, and walked towards home.
At night, for Riku and Mira, a short parting was sweeter than a new marriage. Longing and love turned into tides, wave after wave, subsiding only after a long time.
Riku gently stroked Mira's smooth back.
"Sorry! Mira, I made you worry this time."
Mira rested her head on Riku's chest and said: "I used to be a mage too. I understand you, and I believe you will definitely return safely."
Hearing Mira's words, Riku felt warm inside. Mira was beautiful, cute, and understanding—hundreds of times better than his previous life.
If this was just a dream before dying after being struck by lightning, he hoped never to wake up.
To protect Mira and the guild well, he had to become stronger and stronger.
"How long will you stay in the guild this time?"
Mira looked up into Riku's eyes and asked. Riku had spent most of the past three years on missions or training outside, spending little time in the guild and often being separated from Mira.
"After coming back this time, I won't leave."
"Not leaving?!"
Riku nodded: "Yeah, not leaving. I've been outside for the past few years; it's time to rest properly and spend more time with you."
"Really?!"
Riku scraped Mira's little nose: "Of course it's true. When have I ever lied to you? I'm not like Teacher and Macao, obsessed with work to the point of driving their wives away."
Mira blushed: "Who's your wife? We aren't married yet."
"We're already like this, aren't you my wife? As for marriage, let's get married after finding Lisanna! My wedding can't be without her!"
"Lisanna... is Lisanna really alive?"
Two years ago, she went on a mission with her siblings, but an accident occurred, and Lisanna disappeared. Both she and Elfman thought Lisanna was dead, but Riku said Lisanna wasn't dead. Because they indeed hadn't seen Lisanna's body, they weren't sure either.
"Lisanna is definitely alive. I have some clues. I believe it won't be long before I can bring her back."
Lucy joining the guild meant the plot was starting. He couldn't remember the detailed plot clearly, but he knew the general parts.
According to the plot, Lisanna was now in the Fairy Tail guild of Edolas. He would go to Edolas when the time came and bring Lisanna back.
He missed that quirky little sister a bit now too.
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