The "Tower of Heaven" incident had been resolved, and now it was up to the Council to handle the rest. Nate and Erza prepared to return to Magnolia.
Before leaving, Jura approached Nate.
"Nate, could we exchange Magic Net contacts? I'd love to discuss magic with you in the future."
"Sure."
Nate didn't hesitate and added Jura as a friend on the Magic Net. Jura's username was simply "Jura Neekis," his real name.
"Do you want me to help you get verified?" Nate asked casually after adding Jura. "It's a red checkmark next to your name, confirming you're the real Jura Neekis, officially recognized by the Magic Net."
"That would be great, thanks," Jura responded with a smile. "I'll be escorting Jellal to the Council soon. If you ever have time, you're welcome to visit 'Lamia Scale.'"
'Escorting Jellal?' Nate thought. Maybe it was to prevent a situation like the one with Erigor, where he was rescued midway.
"I'll definitely visit when I have the chance," Nate nodded, suddenly remembering someone. "By the way, Jura, do you have a mage named Lyon in your guild?"
"Lyon and his group? Yes, they joined not too long ago. Are they your friends?" Jura asked.
"Something like that. Send them my regards."
"I'll be sure to pass it along." Jura nodded sincerely before bidding farewell. "Goodbye, Nate, Erza, Wendy, and Carla."
He then boarded the Council's magic warship.
Carla, with her arms crossed, looked like a worried mother. "We should head back too, Wendy."
"Wait, Carla, I haven't properly thanked Nate yet..." Wendy said softly.
Nate thought for a moment and then made a suggestion. "Are you two going back to 'Cait Shelter'? Since you're already out, why not visit our guild as guests?"
'Cait Shelter' was a small, relatively unknown guild. It hadn't been around long and didn't get many substantial job requests. Wendy rarely had opportunities to go on missions. The truth was, the guild's master, Roubaul, was a 400-year-old spirit, and aside from Wendy and Carla, the entire guild was made up of Thought Projections.
But 'Fairy Tail' was famous throughout the land.
Hearing Nate's invitation, Wendy's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Really? We can?"
"Of course," Nate replied warmly. "But it's getting late today. How about staying another night at the Akane Resort Hotel and heading to Magnolia tomorrow?"
Erza smiled and added, "Though the guild is still being rebuilt, you're more than welcome to visit us, Wendy."
Wendy looked at Carla with hopeful eyes, making it hard for her to refuse. "Fine, fine. I'll go with you. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving you alone."
"Thank you, Carla!" Wendy beamed with joy.
Unlike Natsu and Happy's dynamic, Wendy and Carla's relationship was more like that of a mother and daughter. Nate found it amusing.
The group then took a boat back to the Akane Resort. When the hotel staff saw Nate return, they greeted him with forced smiles—part relief, part dread. Still, they offered upgraded rooms.
Nate got his own room, Erza got one, and Wendy and Carla shared a third.
...
Erza was secretly relieved she wouldn't have to share a bed with Nate again. It wasn't that she disliked him, but after yesterday's thoughts—'Does he like me?'—she felt restless and unsure around him. Even though she had slept peacefully the night before, ever since the idea of 'he might like me' crossed her mind, she'd been feeling awkward.
In the hotel's luxurious bathroom, Erza stood under the showerhead, her thoughts wandering as she recalled their kiss. A kiss on the lips was entirely different from a kiss on the cheek.
"Does Nate really like me?" she murmured to herself. "He touched me last night, and then tonight he kissed me... He must like me, right?"
"How should I handle this... Stay calm, Erza! You're the Fairy Queen. Don't get flustered!"
She held her face in her hands, completely unsure of how to react. When Nate had asked, "Can I kiss you?" she hadn't known whether to refuse or accept.
"But doesn't he like Mirajane?" Erza wondered aloud. "And Juvia likes him, doesn't she? She even saw me as a rival at first!"
Erza's mind spun with confusion. It was all too complicated.
After her bath, she lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
'Damn you, Nate.'
...
Meanwhile, in the room next door, Nate was chatting with Juvia on the Magic Net.
Sunny Doll: "Nate-sama, are you not coming back tonight?"
Sigma Male: "I just finished everything. I'll be back tomorrow."
Sunny Doll: "Okay..." [Crying emoji]"
Sunny Doll: "Juvia really misses you, Nate-sama."
Nate thought for a moment before replying.
Sigma Male: "Are you in the women's dormitory?"
Sunny Doll: "Juvia can't sleep. She wishes Nate-sama were here to hold her... [Cute emoji]"
Sunny Doll: "[Selfie in pajamas.jpg]"
Nate opened the photo. Unlike Ultear's more provocative style, Juvia was wearing a light blue, cute pajama set. In the selfie, she looked a little shy, sitting on her bed.
'You're getting bold too,' Nate thought, smiling. Sending a picture like this at night, she definitely didn't want him to sleep peacefully.
Sigma Male: "I'll be right there. Meet me in the outskirts of town."
Sunny Doll: "Juvia will sneak out of the dorm. No one will know!"
After closing the Magic Net, Nate prepared to use his 'Flying Thunder God' technique to teleport back. Juvia, soft and obedient like water, was someone he missed as well. But then he remembered the gift he had promised her earlier. A few days ago on the train, he'd promised Juvia he'd bring her something when he returned.
'Where am I supposed to find a gift this late?' Nate thought. 'Might as well make something myself.'
He dressed and asked the hotel's staff for some materials, then handcrafted a little weather doll, called a 'Teru Teru Bōzu'. It was a simple charm for wishing away rain and bringing clear skies.
Making it was simple. He wrapped a piece of white cloth into a ball to form the head, drew on a face, and tied a string around its neck.
"Not bad. I'm a genius," Nate mused. It was a simple gift, but it had thought behind it.
With that, he activated his teleportation magic and reappeared at his mansion on the outskirts of Magnolia.
Half an hour later, Juvia arrived.
"Nate-sama!" she cried, excitedly throwing herself into his arms, nuzzling her head into his chest.
"This is for you," Nate said, presenting her with the handmade doll. "Whenever you miss me, just look at this."
Juvia was so touched that tears of joy welled up in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Nate's neck, clinging to him tightly.
"Juvia is so happy! She'll treasure this forever. Juvia loves Nate-sama so much!"
"I love you too," Nate said with a smile, stroking her hair before carrying her into the bedroom.
It was their second time together since the first, and the passion between them burned brighter than ever. One thing Nate particularly loved about Juvia was how she always listened to him. Being made of water, she was exceptionally... adaptable.
...
Early the next morning, Nate bid Juvia farewell and used 'Flying Thunder God' to return to the Akane Resort. He, Erza, Wendy, and Carla then boarded the train back to Magnolia. By noon, they had arrived at the guild.