Hearing the client's story, Noah guessed who might have recommended Fairy Tail—it was probably Jude. Noah's collaboration with the Heartfilia Conglomerate was ongoing, and he had helped Jude out numerous times. It wouldn't be surprising if Jude recommended Fairy Tail to his business associates.
"Could you give us more details?" Ultear asked. "About the banquet, and the rumors you heard."
Eidel nodded, thinking for a moment before replying, "The banquet is being held in another city. I have important business to discuss there, so I absolutely must attend. As for the rumors of an attack... I heard them from some friends. They didn't know the specifics, just that there was talk of trouble."
Ultear nodded again. Erza and the others remained silent. There wasn't much information to go on yet, making it difficult to form a solid plan. However, their mission was simply to protect Eidel during the trip to the banquet and back. They didn't need to worry about anything else. They'd just have to deal with whatever came up when they got there.
After discussing the details, confirming the departure time, and other arrangements, Eidel invited them to stay at his villa. Ultear politely declined, explaining that they had already rented rooms at an inn and would meet him here on the day of departure. Eidel tried to persuade them briefly, but seeing they wouldn't change their minds, he escorted them out.
Back at the inn, they briefly discussed the mission but didn't dwell on it. With four S-Class wizards and Noah as backup, they weren't worried. They could handle almost anything.
So, they spent the next two days enjoying the city. The girls bought lots of clothes and sweets. Erza practically filled her storage space with every soufflé and strawberry cake she could find. Noah visited some old bookstores and found a few rare books he hadn't read. Everyone had a good time.
Then, word came from Eidel: they would depart for the banquet the next day.
They rested well that night, checked out of the inn early the next morning, and met Eidel at his villa. Eidel and his personal guards rode in a carriage ahead, while Ultear and the others followed in Noah's magic-powered carriage. Noah, being the only other man on the team, rode in Eidel's carriage to provide close protection. As soon as they left the villa grounds, the mission officially began.
After two days of travel, they arrived in the city where the banquet was being held and checked into the largest hotel. Eidel had booked enough rooms in advance, and Noah and the girls were given rooms adjacent to his suite.
Once they were settled, Eidel prepared to leave for the banquet, with Noah and the others accompanying him.
Since it was a formal event, Noah wore a suit. Ultear chose a long black gown, Erza a striking scarlet one, Mirajane a deep crimson dress, and Sorano a sky-blue gown. They all wore high heels. Erza and Mirajane nearly started a fight over their clashing dress colors but were quickly separated by Ultear and Sorano.
Upon arriving at the lavish banquet hall, they assessed the environment and decided to split into two teams. Ultear and Sorano would patrol the venue, scouting for potential threats. Noah, Erza, and Mirajane would stay close to Eidel.
With the plan set, Ultear and Sorano grabbed glasses of juice and began circulating through the crowd. Noah noticed tiny, almost invisible angels flickering around Sorano—her reconnaissance units.
Erza and Mirajane, meanwhile, made a beeline for the extravagant buffet tables. Erza's eyes sparkled at the sight of the exquisite desserts, and she immediately began systematically trying one of everything. When she found something particularly delicious, she'd flag down a waiter to get the name and details, meticulously recording them. Mirajane wasn't quite as methodical, but she was happily indulging just the same.
Noah stayed by Eidel's side, listening absently as the client networked and discussed business. He wasn't interested in any of that, merely keeping a part of his attention focused on their surroundings, ensuring no threats approached Eidel. The rest of his attention was drawn to Erza and Mirajane.
They were both naturally beautiful, but usually, they were either training or fighting, rarely dressing up. Now, in elegant gowns, their beauty was captivating. They were easily the center of attention, drawing envious stares from many of the other women present. Not that either of them cared; they were far too busy eating.
When they noticed Noah looking, they both held up tasty morsels, offering him a bite. Noah nodded, and they brought him samples of everything they thought was particularly good. He accepted and ate them all, which earned him a new round of jealous glares, this time from the men. He ignored them.
Seeing him enjoy their offerings, Erza and Mirajane smiled and went back to their culinary exploration. Noah continued his guard duty, his eyes occasionally drifting back to them.
Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. He turned to find Sorano and Ultear.
"Well? Don't Erza and Mira look gorgeous?" Sorano asked with a sly grin.
Noah sensed danger and quickly replied, "You two look stunning as well! So, did you finish your sweep?"
He wasn't lying. Sorano and Ultear were just as breathtaking, easily outshining most of the women in the room. He could feel even more intense, emotionally charged stares directed his way now.
"Yep," Sorano said, her smile widening at his compliment. Her expression turned serious as she switched back to business. "We found a few issues, but we took care of them preemptively. Everything's secure now."
Noah nodded, trusting their judgment.
With the serious talk done, Sorano dragged Ultear over to the buffet, joining the feast. They periodically brought back tasty treats for Noah, further intensifying the envy directed at him by the other male guests.
Soon, it was time for the banquet to officially begin. The host gave the customary opening speech, and everyone politely quieted down.
Suddenly, the main doors were kicked open with explosive force. A horde of men in black suits stormed in, brandishing various magic items and pointing them at the stunned guests.
Two figures strode through the parted crowd: one, a heavily tattooed, muscular man wearing only a black vest, and the other, a man in a rumpled, clearly neglected suit.
~~~
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