"Hmm? Zorn?"
Startled by the unfamiliar voice, Makarov's bubble on his nose popped, and he groggily looked at the Council members at the door.
He mumbled with a questioning tone.
The leading civil official was named Eileen Gorg, skilled in script magic and ancient script magic research. Due to his magical characteristics, he served as a secretary, responsible for drafting documents, formulating action plans, and relaying opinions, instructions, and requests from superiors and subordinates, among other administrative tasks.
Upon hearing Makarov's voice, Eileen tilted his head and saw Makarov, one of the Ten Wizard Saints, from behind a Guild Member.
His attitude immediately changed from indifferent to respectful. He took a few steps forward, walked to the bar, raised his right hand to his chest, and slightly bowed:
"Master Makarov, I extend my greetings to you. I apologize, I did not notice you just now. Your humble servant is here to convey the Council's decision regarding Zorn's selection for the Ten Wizard Saints assessment."
"Please inform Zorn to come to Council Headquarters in ten days for the final assessment. This is the notification letter."
Eileen maintained his bowing posture while stating his purpose for being there, his voice remaining steady. After speaking, he offered the notification letter with both hands.
"Alright, got it. You've worked hard, you may leave." Makarov picked up the scroll, placed it casually on the bar, and waved his hand, signaling Eileen could leave.
"It is my duty, Master Makarov. Then, your humble servant will take his leave." After standing up, Eileen bowed again before leading his team out of the Guild.
Throughout the entire process from Eileen entering the Guild to his departure, the Guild remained relatively quiet.
Everyone also saw the Council members being so respectful for the first time, and for the first time, they felt that the Master's Ten Wizard Saints title carried some weight.
Normally, when Council members performed their duties, the more normal ones had that indifferent attitude, and some were incredibly arrogant.
Not to mention their Guild always caused destruction during missions, leading to penalty notices and complaint letters.
"Hahahaha, how about it? My position as Master still carries a lot of weight, doesn't it!"
Makarov saw Everyone looking at him in surprise, feeling very proud. He stood up, put his hands on his hips, and burst into laughter, showing no trace of his previous drowsy appearance.
"Master, awesome."
"Amazing."
The Guild took this opportunity to become even livelier. Master Makarov even raised a wine glass larger than his body and drank heartily.
"Master, drink a little less, and shouldn't Zorn be brought back earlier?"
Erza stood beside him, frowning slightly and asking Makarov with some concern.
After all, returning from Tenrou Island, then getting the scroll and going to Council Headquarters, the timing was still a bit tight.
"Well, well, he'll be back soon, no need to worry. A little late is fine."
Makarov did not consider the Ten Wizard Saints selection a major event. Although the Ten Wizard Saints title, to some extent, was an acknowledgment of strength and an honor.
But it didn't mean that those who didn't receive the title were necessarily weak, nor did it mean they hadn't contributed to the continent, nor did it mean there was a problem with their character.
Self-recognition and self-belief surpassed everything.
"Ah, so delicious, another glass." Makarov raised his glass, showed his big white teeth to the bar attendant, and happily requested another pour.
"Master, you can't drink anymore, your health is important, give me the glass."
Erza saw the Master drinking so recklessly, completely disregarding his health. She directly reached out and took the huge wine glass, putting it away with magic.
"Just a little, just a little more, okay?"
Upon seeing the wine glass disappear from his hand, Makarov's happy expression immediately turned dejected. He gestured with his index finger and thumb, emphasizing just a little more, looking at Erza with a pleading expression.
Perhaps you have some questions: as the Master, the most senior person in the Guild, why is he so completely controlled by Erza and even asks so cautiously?
Does that even need asking? Of course, it's love. The daughter's concern for her old father is very much appreciated by Makarov; a daughter is an old father's cozy little cotton jacket.
If it were Laxus, Zorn, or other boys, they would probably have been sent flying with a punch by now, and would have ended up with a retort like:
"You brat, trying to control me? You're a hundred years too early!"
"Alright, just a little."
Erza looked at the Master's pitiful expression and softened. Her magic shimmered, and a small, delicate wine glass appeared in her hand. She had the attendant pour half a glass and handed it to the Master.
"Pour a little more…"
"No, this is enough," Erza firmly refused to budge.
"Alright~_~"
"Hahahaha, the Master is still controlled by Erza."
"Nonsense, you brats, hurry up and get to work!"
————Separator————
Inside the Magic Council, around a massive conference table, the Chairman and a group of Councilors were holding a voting meeting.
"This meeting is to determine the assessment personnel. The candidates' information is already in front of you. Does Everyone have any recommendations, or perhaps wish to nominate themselves?"
The Chairman finished speaking, looked around, and waited to see if anyone would speak.
The Councilors and some of the Ten Wizard Saints lowered their heads and began to review the documents.
"Fairy Tail, Zorn?"
"Crack, crack"
As this sound rang out, the document in the hand of a certain Ten Wizard Saints deformed.
"What's wrong, Jose? Do you have an opinion? And rein in your magic."
The Chairman looked up at Jose, whose anger was soaring and whose expression was already distorted.
A large amount of black aura surged from Jose, making those around him show expressions of disgust, though he remained completely unaware.
"I volunteer to be the assessor, and to test the standard of the person being assessed."
Jose heard the Chairman's reminder, reined in his magic, and his expression returned to normal. He calmly nominated himself, but his eyes were far from calm, carrying a hint of ruthlessness.
"Everyone, let's vote by a show of hands!"
Upon hearing someone volunteer, the Chairman quickly asked Everyone to vote, no longer asking for recommendations. Otherwise, this meeting might not end anytime soon. Anyway, with a Ten Wizard Saints conducting the assessment, the standard was sufficient.
"Agree."
"Okay."
"….."
"Good, then it's settled. Meeting adjourned. Eileen, send out the notification, just like that."
The Chairman made the final decision, leaning on his magic staff, and strode out of the meeting room first.
"Yamaji, I didn't expect you to also agree to Jose being the assessor. Don't you know that Jose and Makarov fought when they were drunk last time, and Jose lost to Makarov, holding a grudge ever since?"
"This time you're eager to give Jose a punching bag. Aren't you going to stop him?"
"Stop him? If I stopped him, I wouldn't get to see a good show." Yamaji looked at a Councilor with a puzzled expression.
He knew Zorn's strength very well. Even Makarov spoke highly of that kid, personally admitting that he could no longer discern Zorn's current strength.
As for a mere Jose, there was even less to say.
"Oh, judging by what you mean, Zorn's strength among the assessed candidates is very strong, then."
"In that case, I really must take a good look this time."
From this, it was clear that Jose was very unpopular among the group.
Meanwhile, Jose was fiercely thinking in his heart about how he would toy with Zorn, unaware of what terrifying existence he was about to encounter.
To be continued~
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