บท 101: Chapter 91.1 : Felix Town!!
"If it's a machinery exhibition, even if we can't make it this time, we'll surely catch it next time," a sudden voice broke the silence.
All heads turned to see Edward approaching with a sizable entourage in tow.
Among them was a man clad in oil-stained overalls with disheveled, greasy hair that seemed to have gone unwashed for days.
"Alex!" Natsu's eyes lit up, and Gray straightened up.
Edward addressed them, "As a token of gratitude, I've requested Mr. Alex to organize a machinery exhibition in Magnolia, your guild's town."
"It's not just a request," Alex interjected, scratching his head bashfully. "Consider it my way of saying thanks. You're all invited to attend."
"Fantastic!" exclaimed Everit and the others, their faces beaming.
"Lucy."
At the sound of her name, Lucy turned, surprised. "Father?"
Indeed, it was Lucy's father, Jude Heartfilia, standing before her.
Jude glanced at his daughter, relieved to see she wasn't seriously injured, though his expression remained solemn.
"I have some matters to attend to here," he stated curtly before striding toward Ikaruga.
"Mr. Jude!" Ikaruga called out hastily.
"I apologize for my tardiness," Jude responded with a hint of regret.
"It's alright; no one could have foreseen this," reassured Ikaruga, shaking his head.
"Wait, Father, what's going on?" Lucy hurried after him, seeking answers.
"Allow me to explain, Miss," Jude's assistant stepped forward, offering an explanation, while Ikaruga chimed in from the sidelines.
So it transpired—
Not long ago, while on a business trip, Jude was ambushed by a dark magician hired by a rival business. Fortunately, Ikaruga happened to be passing by and intervened, saving his life.
In gratitude for this act of valor, Jude pledged to honor one of Ikaruga's requests.
Coincidentally, Ikaruga had just undertaken a mission to journey to the Tower of Heaven.
She understood that embarking on this journey might mean she wouldn't return.
So, she penned a letter to Jude, hoping he could assist Ryder and the others in their livelihoods and studies, and ideally, help Emily with her treatment.
However, before Jude arrived in Ahhanita Town, an unexpected event occurred.
Nevertheless, it turned out alright in the end.
"No wonder you chose to die back then," sighed Erza.
She had faced Ikaruga in battle before. That woman was formidable. Engaging in a desperate fight would undoubtedly drain her physical and magical power.
Yet, she hadn't anticipated her enemy giving up the assault during the final strike, leading to her defeat.
"I apologize for the inconvenience," Edward interjected. "Mr. Jude, I cannot entrust these children to you."
All eyes turned to him.
"In the new Ahhanita Town, there will be no distinction between east and west," declared Edward.
"I shall assume the role of mayor. Ryder and the others need not depart from their hometown. I will provide them with shelter, sustenance, and education. Please, proceed."
Jude pondered for a moment before responding, "Then, I shall invest in the schools and enterprises here."
"Excellent!" Edward beamed with joy.
Ikaruga took a deep breath, reclined, and drifted into slumber.
All anxieties could now be released entirely.
She couldn't withstand the fatigue any longer.
The battle had taken its toll on Ahhanita Town.
Thankfully, Edward proved to be an adept mayor.
Moreover, the Ahhanita family had bequeathed him a substantial fortune.
Mayor Edward was known for his pragmatism rather than pedantry.
Before the battle, control over the town was with Mayor John.
But during the battle the protective barrier had fallen once again. Amidst the chaos of battle, even the most royal palace subordinates dare not venture forth to investigate.
Hence, any spies from the palace would find themselves lacking in crucial details—especially regarding the immense wealth left behind by the Ahhanita family.
Despite John's annual tributes to certain figures in the palace, he had made a decisive choice—to distribute the entire Ahhanita family inheritance amongst those individuals, ensuring they feasted well.
Whether they still yearned for more was inconsequential; what he held in his grasp was sufficient to maintain their satisfaction.
These funds would be channeled into the reconstruction of Ahhanita Town.
While the previous business model could serve as a blueprint, the focus lay in resource allocation and the reintegration of the economy into the fold.
The division between east and west would cease, fostering harmony and presenting an opportunity to disrupt the town's established order during the reconstruction phase, transforming the commercial street into a bustling city center.
Sometimes, when a person of influence loosens their grip ever so slightly, allowing power to trickle down, countless individuals at the grassroots level stand to reap unimaginable rewards.
Furthermore, Edward abstained from claiming a single coin from this wealth.
But that wasn't all.
There was also the investment from Lucy's father, Jude.
Ahhanita Town would not wane in the aftermath of the battle; it might even thrive.
Of course, with the renaming of the town from Ahhanita to Felix, Edward sought to cement a brighter future.
Natsu and his companions rejoiced; for once, amidst the tumult, there was no need for restitution—only promising developments.
Prior to the construction of the school, Ryder and his friends took up residence in Everit's former hotel.
They had already invested a portion of their savings into books and preparatory studies, recognizing the significance of Jude's investment and cherishing the opportunity it afforded them.
The exception was Emily, who opted not to attend school.
Time has elapsed since the battle.
Within the confines of the hotel, Ryder spoke earnestly: "Sister Ikaruga, we're sorted here. Once the school is establihed, we can reside in its dormitories. Each of us will pursue our aspirations and study with purpose."
"Brother Ryder's objective, what is it?" Emily asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Her illness had been cured. Following days of recovery, though arduous, she found the strength to rise and walk. A hint of flesh returned to her frame, and her countenance regained a healthy, rosy hue.
Ryder replied, "I aspire to follow in Mr. Edward's footsteps. I aim to become the mayor of Ahhanita Town."
"Then you must dedicate yourself," Emily affirmed.
"Emily, you must also strive to master magic," Ryder added.
Before departing Ahhanita Town, Everit had pledged to take Emily under his wing.
"Of course, I won't disappoint Brother Everit!" Emily exclaimed, raising her fist in determination.
"So..." Ryder turned to Ikaruga, saying, "Sister Ikaruga, you needn't protect us any longer. Pursue your own dreams."
Ikaruga's expression was complex.
In the underground church, candlelight danced, casting flickering shadows upon a three-meter-tall stone statue. Adorned with wings on its back and eight arms, its face emanated compassion.
In the next moment, the stone statue's eyes opened.
Crimson irises with vertical pupils—a gaze unmistakably inhuman!
****
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