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Chapter 28: Love, How Inconvenient
"I need one of you to transform into a child, hurry!" Erza demanded, growling at Macao and Wakaba.
Another high-pitched voice put Erza particularly on edge, especially when it came as a threat.
"You shouldn't have lied to Jellal. I might not be so merciful and inform him of your little plan later today." Evergreen laughed, waving her fan elegantly.
"Tell him, and I promise you won't be at the S-Class Trials tomorrow." Erza vowed lowly.
Bickslow got defensive suddenly, and Freed knew better than to blackmail her. Evergreen stepped back instinctively, before grimacing at whoever made eye contact with her.
Macao transformed into Romeo, gleaming at his son's replicated arm.
"Is this alright?"
Erza facepalmed, "No, Macao. It has to be a random child that Jellal has never seen."
Why exactly was Erza forcing people in the guild to act like a family?
It started with Jellal informing her he wanted to meet Eugene's temporary caretakers before they left for Tenrou Island, since the two would depart earlier than the other mages.
It was only a two day trip, and he was this anxious. Sometimes Erza could never imagine Jellal being this overprotective.
"I can't transform into a kid I've never seen!" he put his hands up in surrender when Erza growled at the lack of cooperation.
"Then go out there and look for children."
"Nah, that's just creepy. They're going to think Macao has a thing for little kids." Wakaba protested, inhaling his pipe.
"Just survey Magnolia until you find some cute children to impersonate."
How hard was it to coordinate a cosplay for five mere minutes?
Erza signalled for Evergreen to come over, who was stiffly obeying now that Erza threatened her.
Macao left with a sigh while Evergreen stood in front of Erza, with an almost petrifying glare, as Elfman liked to call it.
"You're going to be wearing these clothes." Erza held out a frilly brown dress with a white apron at the front.
"So basically, you want me to dress up as a housewife." Evergreen grumbled unpleasantly.
"At least someone gets the memo, but it's only temporary."
Evergreen snatched the dress from Erza and with a huff, marched into the guildhall's bathroom. Macao returned as a little girl with blonde hair, causing Wakaba to jump out of his seat.
Erza nodded approvingly. "Good enough, and Evergreen's blonde wig will compliment the child Macao is impersonating."
Bickslow hummed in deep thought, "Hey Erza, doesn't the mother have two of these children?"
"We'll just say the older son is gone someplace." Erza said, brushing it off as an insignificant detail. "Oh, and don't forget to flatter Jellal. Maybe he'll be less observant and caught off-guard with a few compliments."
"Compliments? Got it," Freed said curtly, suffocating in his outfit.
Freed donned a suit and tie, with his hair bunched beneath a black wig. Of all things, playing the role of husband with Evergreen was the last thing he wanted to do.
He certainly felt bad for Elfman, who was stuck with her as his partner for the trials.
"I'm ready," Evergreen sang, fixing the wig onto her head.
"Just in time, here comes Jellal!" Erza said, leading him along towards the couple playing pretend. She couldn't help the smile when Jellal's grip on Eugene tightened slightly, cradling the child.
"Hello," Jellal started, reaching out the shake Freed's hand. "You must be the people that will take care of Eugene in our absence. I appreciate the kind gesture."
Freed shook his hand firmly moments later, only because he was bewildered by Erza's extent of deception.
Evergreen took the compliment statement a tad too far. Though, Freed found it no surprise because beautiful things unsurprisingly received compliments. "Oh honey, what a handsome man he is!" Evergreen chortled, slapping Freed's shoulder.
Jellal froze, wondering why Erza remained calm despite the underhanded flattery attempt. She, on the other hand, signalled for Freed to make it less awkward.
Freed did the exact opposite, putting Jellal on guard.
"Yes, he's such a handsome fella! I have never seen such beauty. It brings me to tears!"
"I...thank you?" it was the only thing Jellal could offer after they praised him awkwardly.
His eyes narrowed at the blonde girl standing innocently in front of Evergreen. "If my memory serves me correct, your daughter was crying earlier and running away from the guildhall."
Jellal then glanced at Erza, who simply blinked at him multiple times innocently. Mirajane passed by with an enormous smirk, one that Erza failed to notice but Jellal did.
"Stop hitting me," Freed requested through gritted teeth, directing his statement at Evergreen. She was overdoing it with the shoulder slapping, followed by a snort, then another slap to Freed. She glared at him, threatening to petrify him.
Jellal disregarded the girl's appearance and asked the parents, "I hear you have another child. Where are they?"
Erza didn't understand why he needed to ask such a question. Though, Jellal always had a reason for saying something.
That one question would reveal the cosplaying family's identity. Evergreen and Freed both said different things simultaneously.
"He's gone to the movies!"
"He's gone ice skating!"
Evergreen elbowed him for mentioning the movies. Freed doubled over in pain and yelped.
"Apologies. My husband has a terrible memory. My little boy is ice skating with his friends. Fret not, I discipline him when needed. That rascal would never be allowed to go to the movies."
"Is that so?" Jellal mused, watching as Freed recovered from the fall. His hair came down from the messy bun while stuffed in the wig. It now hung on Freed's shoulder, waiting for Jellal's eyes to see.
Erza covered her fiancé's eyes to shield him from Freed's disheveled appearance. Though, knowing her, her purpose was to shield Freed from Jellal's knowing gaze.
Sometimes having a smart hunk proved disadvantageous to Erza.
Amidst the chaos, they heard Evergreen yell, "You had one job, you fool!"
Losing his temper with the woman, Freed retorted, "You keep hitting me! If you want to take your anger out on someone, then go bother Elfman! Or should I say, your lover?"
Evergreen and Elfman growled. "What did you just say?"
"I said-"
Macao, in his guise knocked both Evergreen and Freed by punching them in the face.
"Their little daughter knows how to fight! She will be an expert at protecting Eugene." Erza insisted, relieved that the two had been knocked out.
"Mhm," his reaction was vague, milder than Erza's expectation.
Jellal in all honesty wanted to laugh, wondering how she convinced Evergreen and Freed to partake in something so ludicrous.
"If you insist on leaving Eugene with them, then I have no quarrels. Although, having Millianna or Sho accompany Eugene would be reassuring."
Then of all people, even if they knew nothing about child care. Erza noted his trust for them remained unwavering, contrary to the rest of the guild.
"Then I will have Millianna and Sho make trips to their house as well. Don't worry about the arrangements, Jellal. Eugene will be in good hands."
"That's alright with me," he studied her intently. Then, he noted mischievously, "Your proximity makes it seem like you want to kiss me in front of everyone."
"Maybe you just want to be kissed," Erza said, causing Jellal to step away and smile insincerely.
"You're going to have to do better than that if you want to be a distraction, darling."
It was the first time he used that endearment on her, and she came to like the way it rolled off Jellal's tongue.
Erza noted that his reaction time was a bit slow today. "It seems I haven't been your only distraction since the morning, Jellal."
Perceptive, Jellal thought inconveniently.
"I suppose my attention is a little divided today. There is an important matter that I have to attend to concerning the Magic Council. I'll see you in a few hours, my love." He pecked her cheek in front of the prying eyes of Freed and Evergreen, leaving his maiden blushing.
Before Erza could further convince him about the parents' credibility, he left the guildhall. She remained in a daze for a moment, contemplating what became of Jellal's decision.
Evergreen and Freed were terrified for their lives when Erza whirled on her heel to confront them. Both were mildly relieved at first when Jellal offered his affection, only for him to leave abruptly.
They both shrunk away from her until they bumped into the stools behind them.
Erza spoke with her arms crossed, somehow terrifying them even further. "I'm surprised you convinced him."
Elfman stared at her in bewilderment after having witnessed the stunt. "You're kidding, right? Even Natsu wouldn't fall for that."
She hummed in ignorance. "We'll just assume Jellal has unlocked a new level of negligence."
With that, Erza left the guildhall with Eugene. Evergreen got off the floor and kicked Freed's shin once more before taking off with Elfman to train.
He assumed she had multiple reasons for kicking him, and that was why Evergreen forcibly teamed up with Elfman.
Now all that remained was bringing Eugene safely to Tenrou Island, which would also prove to be a big problem if Freed's competitors spotted the ship.
"Tell me why I agreed to this?" Freed asked with a puff of air.
"At least she got you into the trials," Bickslow reminded, helping his friend up.
"Yet something tells me I was already chosen prior to Erza's arrangement."
"Yeah, sure." Bickslow brushed off nonchalantly, assuming Freed was reading too deep into the situation. "Also, when did Ever get a boyfriend?"
"Don't ask me. Tell that to her and you're going to get a good beating from her. Just imagining her with anyone gives me nightmares."
Hours later, the S-Class mages were scheduled to board onto a ship set sail for Tenrou Island. Erza was surprised to find Jellal compliant and obedient in leaving Eugene behind, especially since he was not convinced by Evergreen and Freed's act.
He smiled at her, and she immediately became conscious of his telepathy. So she drew attention away from Eugene.
They both boarded the ship with Mirajane and Gildarts following suit. Jellal would much rather fly over the ocean with Meteor, but Makarov insisted on staying together as a front.
Staring up at the sky, he thought about ways to reach beyond Earth Land, and pondered his chances of survival.
Then he glanced at Port Hargeon, remembering he was leaving a child behind at Erza's insistence.
Erza tapped his shoulder, breaking him away from his trance. "Jellal, I've been meaning to ask you about a language I've heard you speak. I don't understand the meaning of mon amour, and you have rarely spoken that language."
"That phrase I use means my love."
"I see..."
"Coincidentally, Eugene's name has origins tracing back to northern Ishgar, where Old Norman is spoken."
"Old Norman?"
"Yes. I learned recently that the language is referred to as Old Norman. Apparently, few people in Earth Land can speak it."
"It's not a native language in Fiore," Erza stated, debating whether or not she should tell him other people had spoken it despite that.
Specifically Jose Porla.
"You're right, since Old Norman is native in the northern regions of Ishgar, very few know of the language in Fiore. However, a former Element 4 member speaks the language. I believe it's Sol."
The man who had pulverized Elfman and left him traumatized by Lisanna's death. How could they forget such a spectacle?
"Master Jose spoke that language as well, I think." Erza revealed dreadfully. "After you passed out, he said something in what I assume was Old Norman since the word 'mon' sounded familiar."
"Do you remember what he said to you?" Jellal asked gently, caressing her hair with his fingers.
"It was mon petit tueur." She repeated with such accuracy, in an accent that Jellal hadn't known she could mimic flawlessly. His fingers stopped moving, simply idle in her hair for a long moment before continuing.
"Do you know what that means?" he inquired.
"No, but will you tell me?"
She disliked it when he failed to humour her requests. "I will not, because what he said is not true."
Erza sighed, "I assumed it was something terrible, but he said it with such fondness, you would mistake it as a compliment." A pause, a heated stare boring into his eyes. "I'll learn the language so I can speak it more fluently than you."
He smiled at that. "Maybe you can translate for me someday. I'm not well-versed in it."
Erza's cheeks puffed with air. "You're too humble for your own good."
"It's the truth, Erza. I suppose you wouldn't know until you learned it, though."
"An ancient language, huh? I expect it to be nothing short of difficult."
"A bit, perhaps, but nothing you can't handle. Now that I think about it, my guess would be that Jose learned very little of Old Norman through Sol. You could tell by Sol's accent that he's a native speaker."
"Perhaps Master Jose's ancestry traces back to northern Ishgar?"
Makarov, having heard the two converse about Jose, interrupted them. "Jose's ancestors remained in Fiore, and were once known as Blue Skull. I only know of this because the rivalry of Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord dates back before we became an official guild."
Gildarts crossed his arms, "Still mouthing off about Master Jose, are you? If I didn't know any better, I would say that Jellal and Erza are afraid of him."
Makarov warned, knowing the comment would provoke Jellal. "Gildarts, hold your tongue."
"I will not, Makarov. I came to understand true fear when I confronted Acnologia and lost my limbs." Gildarts swiped his cape away from his body to reveal his artificial limbs. The group could not stop staring at him. "I admire you both for speaking of that fear, but you will not overcome it unless you acknowledge it as your weakness."
"I do not fear Jose."
"Don't lie, Jellal. Let go of your false ideals and I promise you will learn to better confront your fears. This is what I hope to teach the S-Class candidates today, but I suppose we have a little re-educating to do amongst our own ranks."
"Gildarts, you're projecting a feeling onto me because of your personal experience. I speak of Jose because he has influence over me today. However, the fear of such a reality does not stem from Jose, and I don't think it ever will."
"That's fair, kid. But if you ever find yourself afraid of anything, do not let your emotions overtake you. When you act upon intuition against fear, you will face dire consequences. I'm living proof when I foolishly thought I'd stand a chance against Acnologia."
Jellal nodded to acknowledge the word of advice.
"Say, where did you both leave Eugene?" Makarov asked, changing the topic to an even more unfavourable one. The questioned engendered amusement on Jellal's part.
"He's with Ruchio's laughter. The landlord of Fairy Hills." Erza answered gingerly, maintaining eye contact with Jellal all the same.
"Does he have a daughter?"
"Yes, a sweet thing she is," Mirajane chimed.
"You are quite terrible at hiding things from me," Jellal commented, smiling dangerously at his fiancée.
"Whatever do you mean?" she asked breathlessly, wondering if he knew.
Of course he did. Nobody outsmarted Jellal Fernandes in his life.
"Mirajane seems to know of his whereabouts as well. I want to know where you left him, Erza."
The She-Devil froze, masking her expression so she wouldn't reveal anything to Jellal. Erza was more unsuccessful in that regard when he leaned towards her. This was a test, to see if Erza would tell the truth.
"I already showed you where he would be until we returned."
He stepped towards her, causing her to step back. "So he's not about to board a ship with Freed and Bickslow?"
She remained stubbornly silent, and Jellal only confirmed his suspicions.
"You cannot fool me, Erza. I've known you for too long, and I certainly won't allow Eugene to be placed in a compromising situation."
"He would be endangered if he stayed in Magnolia."
"Not if he was with me."
"You're not the safest bet either," Erza said, narrowing her eyes at him.
"I disagree with that, since nobody but you and I know what we're putting on the line to take care of him." He took another step, this time she didn't back away, inches away from his face. "Where is he?"
"No."
He reiterated it as a question, "No?"
She pressed her lips together in a fine line. "I can't tell you that."
A moment of silence passed, with Erza in denial and Jellal calculating what he should do.
"I'm going back for him."
She clasped his hand to stop him. "Don't bother, you won't find him anywhere."
Beneath his concern, there was admiration for her ability to stand her ground in a losing battle. "I don't know why you would entrust Eugene to Freed and Evergreen of all people, but this charade is ending."
"No, you will not go back for Eugene! He will be with us for the rest of the trip."
"You went through the trouble of getting a pretend sitter, only to risk getting him injured?"
"Settle down!" Makarov hollered, reaching for Jellal using his giant hand.
Jellal disappeared from his spot instantly, almost like an instinctive reflex.
Irritated, the guild master uttered, "Well, I suppose you do live up to your title as a Wizard Saint."
"Your action was predictable," Jellal responded, before heeding attention to Erza again.
Makarov wandered around the ship, enjoying the waves that countered the arid heat. "As long as he remains in Fiore, Eugene will never be safe. I would dare say your effort to protect him is a pointless game."
Jellal would not tolerate any undermining of Erza's efforts to take care of Eugene. She gripped her arm, a silent admittance of Makarov's statement.
"You wouldn't understand, he was subjected to a far worse fate had Erza not gone after him."
"How would you know that?"
"Take it from two people who have been orphaned at a young age."
Jellal dared not say anything more regarding life before the guild. The mention sparked interest amongst even Gildarts.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No," he said immediately, before Erza could answer for him.
Erza gently brushed her fingers against his forehead, disregarding Makarov's further interest in their past. "It seems you've learned what it means to love as a parent."
"A parent? I do not deserve such a title, Erza. I'm simply looking after a child who was brought into this cruel world."
"There is merit in looking after him, Jellal. You're his guardian, and that will show when he grows up and loves you just as much."
He did not expect the love of a child in return, especially since he felt no emotion at the mention of his biological parents.
There were bits of his memory, of ruinous buildings and a place far from Fiore.
That was all he could conjure up within the moment, for his memory refused to recall anything more. The image of his mother, father—all of it drew a blank in his mind.
Gildarts suggested, "I'd say bring Eugene along so Freed isn't burdened with looking after him during the trials, if Erza is so apprehensive."
Erza shook her head tentatively, recognizing how foolish her idea was to supervise Eugene. "It's alright, Jellal. You can return to Magnolia and look after him."
"I'll bring him here, so we can both watch the trials," he said, conceding to Erza's initial suggestion. Besides, she already had all the supplies in her space dimension. That was reassuring enough.
He took off into the sky just as quickly, and all Erza could see was a star landing in Port Hargeon.
"Parenting, what a taxing job it is," Makarov breathed, fanning his face. "I don't understand why you all are fully clothed in a weather like this."
All the S-Class wizards on the ship stared at him quizzically.
"I think Jellal will get Erza alone when he doesn't want her fully clothed," Mirajane commented slyly, laughing when Erza glared at her.
A knight's honour was still upheld despite being openly affectionate with Jellal, and only those foolish enough would dare make such comments.
Erza didn't know if Mirajane exalted foolishness or bravery. Perhaps both.
Makarov cleared his throat, disregarding the foolhardy comment, and strolled towards Erza. "I've been thinking about Jose's consequences as well, ever since Phantom Lord's war ended. When we return from the S-Class Trials, I will do my best to reopen Jose's case and get him a fair sentence. Five years concerns me."
"Thank you, Master." Erza whispered, eyes trained on the sea they sailed upon. "I'm worried about Jellal because Jose's hatred for him is evident. I think...Jellal is hiding more than he lets on about Jose."
"I'll find a way for him to tell me, so don't fret, my child. I won't let either of you deal with this man alone. He is a threat to Jellal, and I'm afraid something will happen to him after Jose's pardon. I won't let him suffer, Erza. That's my promise as your parent."
Erza smiled, "I'm glad to have such a considerate parent, Master."
Gildarts studied the guild master and Erza, and thought about doing some investigation of his own about Jose. Phantom Lord was never this big of a deal, and they ended up welcoming two of its members.
A conversation with Jellal wouldn't hurt, if he could get him to speak.
"Say, I've been wanting to get everyone's opinion on the most powerful magic to have ever existed." Gildarts started, sparking interest from the three wizards onboard.
"Since when have you become immersed in magical theory?" Erza inquired.
"It does factor in predicting the outcome of the trials," Gildarts mused.
"Of all of them, I think maker magic has a pretty great advantage for the trials, but I wouldn't count out takeover." Mirajane proclaimed, much to Makarov's agreement.
Erza hummed in deep thought. "I think having any elemental magic also is powerful since learning spells for the four elements presents endless mastery."
"I knew you would root for Simon," Gildarts said, pondering his chances of emerging victorious. "I think he can win, if Natsu doesn't beat him to it."
"Depends on who their partners are," Mirajane pointed out. "But in terms of the most powerful magic, wouldn't it be Master's magic?"
Makarov smiled. "What makes you think that?"
"Well, you mentioned in passing that Fairy Tail has three grand spells. Fairy Law is the one you possess, and can counter absolute strength opposing him. As for the other two, you have never used or informed us about them."
Makarov cleared his throat and jumped off the sail, letting the breeze flutter through his tropical shirt. "I don't think we really know what the most powerful magic is, children. There is a limit to mastering your own magic, but learning more presents an infinite number of possibilities. However, I will say that whoever completes the trial, they will possess the second grand spell of our guild."
Erza suggested, "What about Primordial Magic, Master?"
"I assume Jellal informed you of it. Hm," he gave it a thought, not as fluent in magical theory as the former council member. "I would say the origin of magic would be the most powerful. However, nobody knows what it is and how to attain it."
Gildarts yawned. "Sit back and watch the trials to see what kind of magic prevails."
"We won't be resting for a while," Mirajane pointed out. "Our priority is to set up the camp first, then designate the paths to each S-Class examiner."
With Mirajane there, Erza was certain the guild members would be satisfied with the food, fatigue or not.
Perhaps she would improve her culinary skills alongside Mirajane during the second half of the trial.
Freed hopped onto the top of the ship hoist the sail up, straining his arms to reach for the rope.
He glanced down at the small port, where Bickslow currently sat beside Eugene, staring at the child's stroller.
"Bickslow, I need your help with the sail." Freed called out. Only then did Bickslow look up and get out of his trance.
"But the kid," Bickslow protested, more concerned about Erza's wrath they would face were anything to happen to Eugene.
"It'll only be a minute. There will be nothing wrong."
"You sure about that? I mean, this isn't an ordinary child." Just thinking about Erza's anger being invoked at Eugene's crying was bad enough.
She went through the trouble of teaching Freed everything about taking care of a baby, even giving him books to read. Oddly, he did not find it strange that a What to Expect When You're Expecting book was included within the pile.
"It'll only be a minute."
Bickslow slowly got off the bench and eyed Eugene every step of the way. Deeming him safe, the mage whirled on his heel and jumped on the ship to assist Freed from below.
"Pull that string," Freed commanded, pointing to Bickslow's left.
"No," he said as Bickslow continued tugging at many ropes. "Not that one either. No, more left. Yes!"
Bickslow pulled the string towards him as tight as possible before tying it down to the pole. Finally, the Thunder Legion's ship was ready to sail.
Only to find that the guest of honour would not be getting onboard the ship because he was gone.
"Uh Freed, we have a tiny problem."
"I'm sure it's no big deal as long as Eugene is with us."
"Okay, then. We have a huge problem."
Freed cocked his head to the side and screamed his lungs bloody when he found the bench on the port empty, with no stroller around it. He fell off the pole and landed on the ship's deck, only to scramble around towards the port.
"Erza is going to kill us, Bickslow! We have to find him!"
"No need," another voice reassured them, and that was the last voice they wanted to hear.
"J-Jellal," Freed greeted nervously, afraid of what consequences came beyond today.
"Hello Freed and Bickslow. I must say, you both have shown such dedication to fulfilling Erza's wish. I sincerely apologize. We burdened you with bringing Eugene to Tenrou Island safely."
Jellal, apologizing? Freed wanted to bow his head in mortification and apologize to him endlessly for allowing Eugene to remain unguarded.
"Did Erza send for you?"
"I came here of my own volition, but Erza knows I'll be bringing Eugene to Tenrou Island."
Freed got off the ship as Jellal descended to the ground with Meteor. Jellal made carrying a stroller seem incredibly easy.
Then again, Freed dreadfully reminded himself that this man was renowned as a Wizard Saint. It was likely they would battle with him somehow.
"I shouldn't have left Eugene unattended at all. I'm very sorry, Jellal."
Jellal reassuringly replied, "I'm not angered because you left him unattended. I get worried because Eugene is a politically involved child. Fiore itself is not a safe place for him, and so I fear you wouldn't understand the gravity of his situation."
"I heard about the mystery of the child's supposed death." Bickslow mumbled, to which Freed shrugged because he only found out about Eugene through Makarov.
"You know who else is a mystery in our guild? Simon's partner."
Jellal raised an eyebrow. "Wally?"
Freed shook his head, "Haven't you heard? Wally was traded out for Mest after everyone insisted that Simon and Mest would make a powerful duo."
"Going with Wally was just as good as a shot. I wonder what caused him to change his mind so abruptly."
Bickslow quipped, "Don't know about you, but that is a weird combination. If testing one's friendship is part of the trial, like Master says, then there ain't no way those two will clear the first round. Maybe if you spoke with him, Simon would tell you what he found so interesting about Mest. Not much is known besides his insistence of being Mystogan's former pupil."
"Unfortunately, since I'm an examiner, I cannot consult or assist anyone on matters of the trial. I'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what caused the sudden change in partners."
Bickslow drawled out after a long thought, "Why was Mest not chosen this year if he was a contender in the previous year?"
"Mest was not a candidate for last year's trials." Jellal stated, wondering why the two had assumed that.
Freed scratched his head at Jellal's confirmation of Mest's participation. "Really? I remember Mest getting far in the trials last year."
"No, he did not. Besides, I think Bickslow of all people should know that you're not guaranteed to be a contender if you competed previously."
"I suppose my skills have gotten a little rusty," Bickslow chuckled nervously.
"That, or the contestants are stronger compared to previous years."
Freed assessed the situation and figured out that it was neither. Based on how much growth a person exemplified, it factored into being chosen for the trials. Bickslow might have changed, but there was no redemptive notion after the Harvest Festival.
"Well, I'm off. I wish you both luck in the trials tomorrow." Jellal said, giving them friendly encouragement before taking off with Eugene.
Freed blinked at the ship multiple times. Bickslow followed slowly with a question of his own.
"So...are we going to use this ship now?"
"Might as well destroy it now to get some practice in before the trials."
"What a waste, man. I knew we wouldn't be able to outsmart Jellal."
Freed slowly nodded, "The fact that Erza held him off this long was impressive. But I suppose our efforts were in vain."
Now he really wanted to know how the nomination process went. "Something tells me Erza tricked us."
A day wasted in planning an escapade that would never happen.
Freed wanted his time back.
Erza happily took over parent duty when Jellal returned to Tenrou Island, bombarding him with questions about Eugene's whereabouts.
"Did you travel quickly with Meteor?"
"No, you wanted me to float over the sea so that Eugene would not feel the breeze." He answered for what seemed the umpteenth time.
Mirajane was stirring the pot to make dinner in the orange sky. A camping trip proved worthwhile for S-Class mages and a child.
"I can take over, Mirajane." Jellal offered, standing next to her to survey the soup being made.
"If you do, I might pick on you for your culinary skills." She responded with a smile.
"I think I won't disappoint you," he said, holding out the cutting board with chopped carrots.
Mirajane keenly studied the cutting style and stepped back with mild surprise. "Very impressive. You didn't strike me as a professional chef."
"You give me too much credit."
"Showoff," Erza, Makarov, and Gildarts chanted in unison.
Mirajane took another spoon and dipped it into the pot, giving Erza a spoonful to try.
Erza blew on it lightly and tasted it, before grinning widely. "I can't find fault in it."
"Maybe I should get accustomed to cooking for you, Erza." Jellal said, piquing everyone's interest.
Makarov tutted them as if Erza and Jellal had done something wrong. "You still haven't cooked anything for her, Jellal?"
"Well, we've been going out for dinner or ordering from outside." Jellal confessed sheepishly.
"Ah, still in the honeymoon phase I see."
"Well, the honeymoon phase is as long as we make it to be."
Erza looked away momentarily, embarrassed by the attention they garnered after their engagement. She was still prideful, and it pleased Jellal all the same that she would remain stubborn in that regard.
Gildarts shifted at Jellal's statement. "You know, that's a great way to think of it. Relationships certainly last long with that mindset."
"I fail to see how you share that sentiment Gildarts," Makarov huffed out, crossing his arms disappointingly. "How many women have you been with?"
"It's not about how many women, but how long that honeymoon phase lasted."
"If I recall correctly, you said the longest you've lasted with someone was two years. What was her name again?"
"Cornelia." Gildarts answered without a second thought.
"Glad to know you didn't mix the names up this time."
"Let's change the subject," Gildarts cleared his throat, averting his gaze from the group.
"I was wondering if it would be fine to spectate the battles occasionally." Jellal inquired after washing his hands. Then he went to assist Mirajane in dicing more vegetables as she was focused on boiling the chicken.
"I think it would be beneficial for you to spectate the competitors so you can grasp their strengths and weaknesses. We have to make it hard for the participants." Makarov chuckled sadistically. He would show no mercy to this year's participants, and Jellal could only think it had to do with the setting of Tenrou Island.
The island that increased a person's magic power given that they bore the Fairy Tail emblem.
"It's not about being tough with them, Master. Rather, we have to make them understand that the responsibility after becoming S-Class is much greater than upholding prestige." Erza explained.
"For one, the others want to challenge you all the time." Gildarts added with a gruff laugh. They all thought of Natsu's attempted to beat Gildarts. Yet, now that they put Natsu's determination into perspective, they noticed Jellal had never once fought him.
He was smart enough to not challenge a wizard beyond his caliber.
Mirajane hummed, "The public always has an eye on us, so we ultimately build or tarnish the guild's name."
The former councillor had to admit there was barely anyone persuasion of reputation on their part. "Given how hard we've tried to stay on the Magic Council's good side, I doubt we have any influence on our reputation. Natsu put a damper on our name."
"That's true."
Mirajane felt the chicken with a fork and seemed it completely boiled before proceeding to shred it.
"We as examiners make the ultimate decision to pass or fail the kids, right?" Gildarts clarified, wondering if any of the groups held a candle to him specifically.
"You sure do. Though, if I were in their shoes, I would call it quits the moment I lay eyes upon you. I almost feel sorry for the pairs that will battle our three S-Class candidates."
Jellal added, "Tenrou Island itself will give them a hard time with all the creatures inhabited here. I doubt any of them will find Mavis' grave. What clues are you giving them, anyway?"
Makarov laughed at Jellal's insinuation that there would be any clues involved. "The only thing I'll say is that if you find danger, you're going to right way."
"So if they find me?"
"That's correct. Although it would be fun to shake things up and hunt them down one by one."
"How did you predict my strategy?"
"It's your only choice if you don't want to lose, but it'll work since they'll all be competing against each other for the title. They can say goodbye to that S-Class title this year."
Erza discerned based on Jellal's expression that he had tuned out of the conversation, and was thinking of something distant, in his own train of thoughts.
"Dinner is served!" Mirajane announced, bringing a silver tray towards the seated mages. Jellal remained under the tent, unmoving from his position.
"Jellal? Aren't you going to eat?" Erza asked, walking towards him.
"I'm not hungry," Jellal insisted, remaining in his spot.
Erza grabbed his wrist and led him to the fireplace pit where everyone surrounded it. She forced Jellal to sit and handed him a bowl. "Apologies, I should have rephrased my sentence. You will eat, Jellal. We have a big day tomorrow."
He hesitantly took the spoon in his hand, swirling it within the soup.
"Do you want me to feed you?"
Jellal was prideful to some extent, and simply answered, "No."
"No, I'm alright."
"Is it not to your liking?" Mirajane asked, despite everyone's compliments to the chef.
"That's not the case. It is delicious." Now that he took a sip, Jellal was hungry.
A child in the wilderness with them, Jellal almost bellowed at the idea. What kind of parents were they, bringing the child out here?
Then again, Eugene was safer here than back in Magnolia.
What a strange family they were, he thought.
When everyone fell asleep in their tents, Jellal snuck out. Granted, there was a lot of shifting since Erza was pressed against him, but the tent size was to blame. Eugene remained asleep in his stroller, since there was no sufficient bedding. The stroller, however, was designed for a sleeping child, so there was no concern there.
He stared out into the sea as he felt the grass beneath him, softer than the current sleeping arrangement beneath the rubble.
Maybe this could be his distraction throughout the night.
"Jellal," he heard footsteps behind him, and found Erza gracing herself with her presence. "Mind if I join you?"
It was late in the night, so the question he wanted to ask was if she minded being up so late.
"Not at all," he answered, patting the grass expectantly so she could sit beside him.
She rested her head against his shoulder and stared out at the full moon. "Lately I've been wanting to sneak out late in the night and talk together. It reminds me of when we first joined Fairy Tail."
"It is peaceful, with your presence especially."
"That peace can only exist if we aren't plagued with troubles."
"Indeed."
She stared into his eyes. "So, will you tell me what's been bothering you today? It seems your attention is still divided this late at night."
He cocked his head towards her. "Sometimes I wish I didn't possess telepathy."
"Well, it must mean our bond is strong, right? For me to read your thoughts so easily."
"I suppose so," he replied mirthfully. "Do you want to take a guess?"
"That's a bit too easy of a question. It's undoubtedly the Magic Council."
"Perceptive, beautiful, and charming. I wonder what's in store for our marriage."
"A lot of mind-reading." She answered, earning her a light chuckle before she continued. "What happened at the Magic Council? I've never seen you dressed in a suit and tie, even for work."
"Do you want to take another guess for that?"
"No, because the possibilities of your summoning are endless. I can say for certain that it was not a pleasant trip."
"You're right, and it to do with a dream I had days ago about Gran Doma's daughter passing away. I...was at the funeral and the chairman regretted accepting his position. Unfortunately, it came to pass, and I was there today to offer my condolences. I cannot foresee the future, yet, the scenario played out exactly as I remembered."
"Perhaps that has to do with your telepathy," she suggested. Although, this kind of foreseeability did not occur on demand. "I feel sorry for him. The public envies people like Chairman Gran Doma, but they don't see the pain behind such prestige. It's why you didn't become chairman."
"Precisely. Some people learn a painful lesson about power by losing something precious. I'm glad I left the Magic Council. If anything happened to you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
She silenced his worries with an embrace, leaning against his tall frame now half-bent, half-lying against the grass.
"Love with no regrets or doubts, Jellal. Besides, we have a guild we belong to. We'll never truly face anything alone, remember that."
"I'll keep that in mind," he assured.
"Is there anything else bothering you?"
"Nothing at all, now that I've opened up to you."
Her eyes twinkled at the revelation. "I'm your confidant, Jellal. Tell me all your secrets and I promise I'll keep them."
"I don't really have secrets."
She tackled him to the ground, laughing when she pinned him by tangling their hands together. Jellal unsuccessfully tried getting up, only for his movements to cease with her grip.
"I suppose we've shared all our secrets then. Haven't we?"
Jellal craned his neck to survey the area before adding, "Except some about the Magic Council."
"Those secrets are exceptions. Otherwise, I know everything else about you."
"I'd say that's a pretty big achievement since I'm alluded to as a mysterious man. Perhaps you'll get a strawberry cake for that."
"Made by you?"
He grinned, "Of course."
"We'll go strawberry picking and retrieve the rarest strawberries to have ever existed. I have a strawberry outfit to find the perfect strawberry patch for a perfect strawberry cake."
"Oh really? Can I see the outfit?"
"I'm saving it for our very special strawberry picking occasion!"
Erza was genuinely excited and clasped Jellal's hands tightly as they got up. She cheered and imagined their strawberry picking date, which would follow with baking. For them to be up at such an unholy hour and planning a trip, they were nothing short of strange.
"We can preserve an entire patch! That's the first thing I want to do when we come back from the trials."
"I had something else in mind, Erza."
"Hm?" she watched as his expression softened.
"I want to start our wedding preparations when we return to the guildhall."
She hooked her arm within his, appearing more jolly than before. "Yes, that's our priority. Then we can plan for the best strawberry cake—perhaps even make our own cake for the wedding."
He concurred with a smile, content she was looking forward to the wedding as much as he was.
Jellal cared not a whit about their early marriage, because his purpose of getting married was for their happiness, not to sate the public.
"Will you be inviting council members to our wedding?" she asked, and he was certain she was joking based on his relationship with the council now.
Not anything bad, but strained.
"Do you want them invited?"
"To show them you could have gotten married earlier had they not interfered." Her teasing smile had told him that perhaps it would be a nice way to provoke Gran Doma.
Jellal continued playing with strands of her. "That would be an entertaining scenario."
Her heart pulsed in content, now that they had nothing to worry about.
"Now you're pondering," he pointed out.
"I'm just thinking about how beautiful you are, and how lucky I am to be yours." She held out her hand to admire the engagement ring. "Anyone else would kill to be in my position."
"There's no need to make a comparison to anyone else, because I have only ever loved you." He responded knowingly, alleviating her concerns. "It seems many people had an eye for you as well."
"Really?"
"I remember every single person who has been entranced by your beauty. Even if I wanted to, I could never selfishly keep you all to myself."
Erza asked, "Is that what you wish to do?"
Jellal smiled, "Forgive me for desiring you so."
There was nothing apologetic about it, and Erza shivered in his embrace. "I hadn't expected you to feel such a way."
"Does it make you fear me any more or less?" he asked, referring to her heart racing faster.
She blushed despite herself. "It just surprises me, that's all. I can never imagine you wanting to covet anything, even me. Besides, I should feel that way since the most wanted man is in my arms right now."
"I think Hibiki takes that spot. Though truthfully, I would not take pride in being renowned as a womanizer."
She challenged him with a raised eyebrow. "Yet you allow the tabloids to spread misinformation about you. First it was that lady councillor, then fans introduced the secret society of Jellal admirers. What an honour." The last part dripped with sarcasm, thinking unhealthy obsession was unbecoming of anyone.
"That's the first I'm hearing about a secret society. People amuse me with their parlour tricks."
"So you won't clear up any of the rumours?"
"Where would be the fun in ruining my long-lived reputation as mysterious? Let them assume I live up to a false persona the public has idealized. I'll simply enjoy watching the reporters go bald from creating a new story. Besides, the more misleading they are, the better it is for me. Perhaps my enemies will think of me as a fool unworthy to be taken seriously."
"I think they all know you're intelligent. Nobody can ever brush you off as foolhardy."
Moments passed as they witnessed the clouds moving to conceal the moon and reveal it again.
Erza wanted to hold on to the peace forever. She wanted him to hold her hand for an eternity, where they had nothing to fear. Nothing to lose, and everything to love"I love you."
"Je t'aime, Erza."
"Perhaps I'll start learning Old Norman through you."
"By all means," he said, welcoming her dedication to learn the language.
Perhaps if he visited northern Ishgar, Jellal would discover his origins.
Sixteen participants gathered at Port Hargeon, staring at one another with mild curiosity. For one, the pairs turned out to be unexpected. Unlike the classic pair of Bickslow and Freed, there were people such as Juvia and Wendy paired together.
What surprised everyone the most was Simon's chosen partner, who convinced the candidate to team up with him.
Lucy heard rumours about Mest's strength, and many had said he took part in last year's trial and almost prevailed. Nobody cleared last year's quest, and so Lucy was determined to bring Cana to victory.
Provided she was still not as weak as before, which in her case, didn't seem to benefit Cana.
No training, no preparation, just pondering Cana's words and her revelation as Gildarts' daughter.
Makarov arrived on the ship in a tropical shirt, grinning at every single child of his. Freed particularly seemed annoyed by something, and if Wendy had not known better, she would say the guild master caught on.
His reaction was nothing short of sadistic.
"Alright kiddos, hop in!"
Natsu, Gray, and Elfman took the liberty to step onboard first, as though it would determine their victory.
They all bumped into each other.
"Watch where you're going!" they all yelled, growling at each other viciously. Wendy shrunk back, worried about fighting them.
Then again, that did not seem as bad as going up against Erza or Mirajane.
What if she and Juvia tested their luck and got Gildarts?
"No, I can't stand it!" Wendy screeched, shaking her head back and forth. Juvia placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Just moments ago, she was internally swooning over Gray's bashfulness.
"I don't expect to get anything out of this trial, Wendy. So don't worry about me winning." Juvia comforted with a weak smile.
"You want Gray to win?"
The Water Mage made no movement after that comment, but Wendy knew the answer to that question.
"Juvia, don't back down because of him," Simon said softly, drawing his competitor's attention. "Perhaps your affection for him will last in the long term. However, you'll gain something by competing in this trial and fighting for your victory."
Juvia stared at Simon in a daze, suddenly listening to his words out of pity.
"Why did you decide to partake in the trial?" she asked, frowning as Simon remained calm and collected. He was not supposed to be calm, not when he was in such a terrible condition.
"I'm alright, Juvia. Porlyusica healed me last night."
She gasped, "Did she? But she said it was next to impossible!"
"She does wonders on a mage." Simon assuringly stated, boarding on the ship that waited on Juvia and Wendy.
Looking back at Magnolia, he silently vowed to himself that Kagura would be the first person he would visit, S-Class or not.
"Simon, your deed made every headline in this week's article!" Makarov beamed with pride. He was perhaps the only mage in this guild with a clean record after taking on many missions.
He was only thirteen, but his lack of experience did not hinder his mission. A dark guild was found out by him and arrested by the Magic Council. It was the first time he took on a conjoined mission with the council.
It was daunting to see Rune Knights laugh at a boy who offered to serve as a spy. From nearly being killed, it was no small fear coming out alive.
He was up against the guild Carbuncle since they tried to abduct a princess in another nation in Ishgar.
The honour of his deed was so big that the princess herself came to see him. However, Jellal aided him in tracking the guild. So, he did what any decent being would think of: credit Jellal in front of her. She instantly foresaw Jellal's coming of the Ten Wizard Saints.
Jellal had been gone on another mission to retrieve one of Zeref's artifacts, much to Simon's interest. That sounded less dangerous and more rewarding than Simon's task. Though, with the princess' acknowledgment, he deferred on his previous opinion.
However, the greatest blessing received was not the visit of royalty. No, it was nothing compared to the reunion he had later on that day with his long-lost sister.
Macao waved at Simon, interrupting his readings with Wally and Sho. Each day that passed, Wally was becoming more block-like.
"Hey Simon, a kid outside wants to speak with you. Guess you're famous now."
Simon scoffed in response; not as famous as Jellal or Laxus.
"Go on," Sho encouraged, forcing Simon out of his seat to confront the stranger lurking outside.
With his social awkwardness kicking in, Simon gulped. The last thing he wanted was an interview with nosy reporters.
When he stepped outside the guildhall, a lone girl leaned against the wall.
She gleamed at his presence. "Big Brother."
Yes, she found home within her brother, and Simon's lonely residence would now be filled with his sibling's cheering and laughter, not despair.
Not the pain of living by the ocean without parents. For they were past that since the Tower of Heaven.
Juvia descended into shock when Simon turned around, knowing he was lying.
That made her angry, yet she dared not utter a word to another person about it.
Perhaps—perhaps Juvia would become like Simon one day and watch Gray covet another woman.
Now she wanted to hate Gray at the thought, to rid herself of feelings that were desperate to cling onto him.
Still, she remained cool inside, feeling nothing even as the sun radiated scorching heat.
Felt nothing as everyone stripped down to their swimsuits. Gray particularly was completely bare, something she did not care for.
Felt nothing even as Makarov announced the instructions and Freed cast an enchantment around the ship to cage the others.
Because if Simon could pretend, then so could she. For he was willing to mark his grave on Tenrou Island.
"Do you like someone?" Simon inquired to Kagura as he placed the unclean dishes in soapy water. Months had gone by since Kagura found her brother, and she had that newspaper to thank for publicizing his affiliation with Fairy Tail.
"I like many people," Kagura answered, staring at him dumbly. "Erza, Sho, Jellal, Millianna, Wally—all of them. But I love you the most."
"Erza especially?" he asked, clearing his throat. He didn't mean like as in that sort of way.
"Yeah. I owe her my life, because without her I would have been subjected to a cruel fate in the Tower of Heaven."
Ah yes, her story about Erza's heroic deed. Millianna had only told him and Erza privately, keen on keeping her debt hidden.
Though Erza paid the supposedly small favour no mind.
"Right, I remember."
"Do you love her, Simon?" Kagura asked with a small smirk. Simon sighed in defeat as though she had him figured out.
"Coincidental guess?"
"No, it's obvious. It's also painfully obvious how crazy she is for Jellal." She rolled her eyes at that, knowing Jellal was not yet moved by her feelings.
"She still denies it," he responded, twisting the water tap.
"It probably hurts her pride like it does yours."
Simon coloured at the thought, "I am not prideful when I address my feelings to Erza! What I would give to have her love me all the same. How low I'd stoop for her, if only you all could see the extent of my affection."
"I only see the extent of your madness." Kagura retorted, earning her a scowl from Simon.
"Cesser, Kagura." Simon warned lowly, in a language familiar to them, but not Fiorans.
Simon had no recollection of his parents, yet this language on his tongue remained mildly fluent.
"Pardon my language, Brother."
He paused, taking a moment to contemplate his blinding love for a girl within his reach, yearning to be in the arms of another. "Perhaps it would hurt less if I denied my feelings."
"Don't say that, Simon. You deserve her, and she will come to love you when Jellal cannot reciprocate her feelings. Besides, you would make a terrible liar."
"Erza says she can tell when Jellal and I bluff, yet I fail to see how Jellal can be read."
"The same way you read him, Simon. Of all people, you seem to understand the complexity of his emotions. So don't lie, for he will know when you lie as well."
"You think he knows I like Erza?"
Kagura hummed, "He does, but will say nothing. Erza is not his to keep."
"She is not mine, either."
"She will be soon, Brother. Let time unravel the events before you."
He waited, like she said.
Unexpectedly, Simon was almost always on the receiving end of suffering.
Juvia despised Simon's lie. Despised that Makarov caught onto her odd behaviour and asked what was wrong.
Conjuring water shells, she had answered, "Nothing," like an angelic being.
Instead, there was something wrong with Simon because the thoughts and bits of dreams swimming in his head were overwhelming. Cascading upon him during the worst time possible.
Mest asked, "Are you alright? We need to get going."
"Yes," he responded nonchalantly, extending a plant to Tenrou Island before catapulting himself towards the island while Mest teleported
He must have been a lost cause, because reminiscing the past only added oil to the fire.
Simon was still in love with Erza Scarlet, and it was the worst betrayal to Jellal.
"Erza, he's smiling," Jellal said, nuzzling his finger against Eugene's cheek.
Erza stopped stirring the stew within the pot and approached them with her apron on. "Oh, you little darling!" she exclaimed, laughing when the smile grew. She poked Jellal's jaw teasingly, humming when she was met with bone. "I think you've mastered the art of parenting."
"Was the S-Class Trial supposed to be a parenting boot camp?" he inquired, giving a knowing look. He couldn't help but smile at her antiques.
"Yes. Now you know how to protect a child in the wilderness."
"Since when did you think we would live in the wild?"
"Perhaps we may very well have to if we take a trip like this again."
"Perhaps," he said contentedly, mesmerized by Eugene's eyes. A golden green combination, lighter than his. Then the silver fringe adorning his face—he exalted beauty unseen before.
"Are you going to come watch me?"
She should have known the answer to that, seeing that he came to her S-Class Trial instead conferencing with the Magic Council that day. In fact, he offered to conduct it in Makarov's stead for the sake of her victory.
"How can I miss out on you mopping the floor of the competitors?"
"And if they succeed?"
"I can already say that you will show no mercy. Unless, perhaps, Wendy is to partake in the trials."
"I'd have to find out some way to divert her attention, or find a non-violent strategy to take her out."
Mirajane approached them from behind, idea lighting up her expression. "Gray told me that when he was with Wendy, she voiced her concerns about pickled plums."
"By the taste?"
"No, even better. She dreads the way a person looks when they consumed pickled plums. It's rather unappealing, so it does the job of taking her out."
"Since that isn't an observation Erza could make during battle, I would say it's unfair to exploit her weakness."
"There is another way you can defeat her without hurting her. Although she will never see you and Erza in the same light ever again."
"Out of the question." Jellal countered, knowing exactly what it entailed if he or Erza played out any indecent fantasies before Wendy. "I'm not trying to traumatize the poor girl. Besides, the chances of Erza battling her are low. She may not be taking part this year."
"You guys are no fun," Mirajane pouted, before moving to taste the salt in the dish.
"I would rather die than sacrifice my dignity like that," Erza added, blushing at the scenario she could easily imagine.
It's not as though Jellal would remain at the camp during the trials, anyway. She was certain he would survey every battle and examine all the routes the competitors would take.
"Is Master supervising the camp?"
"Yes, he says there's a way for him to spectate the trials without so much as stepping a foot out of camp. I wonder how he does it."
"I'm sure you'll find out someday," Mirajane said with a coy grin, knowing Erza would have said the same thing had she not been occupied with Eugene.
Gildarts jumped from above a cove, landing in front of the other S-Class mages. Yet, his presence did not startle any of the S-Class mages, nor was Eugene shaken by the intense magic energy.
He had to be a powerful mage in order to garner no reaction from the child.
Gildarts announced, "The first team has already arrived on the island. Let's get moving."
Mirajane and Erza nodded, relieving themselves of their camp duty. Erza pecked Eugene's cheek, before releasing his soft fingers and waving at him as Jellal took him in his lap.
"I'll come by to watch," Jellal said, waving at Erza as she started making her way towards her path.
"I won't disappoint you," she responded, waving back before disappearing into the cave of her designated path.
Jellal contemplated Erza's decision to bring Eugene along, but silenced his worries.
Thus, the S-Class Trials began, and troubles with the Magic Council would still arise after a content closure.
"How did you find out?" Jellal asked, bewildered that someone discerned his feelings for Erza.
"You're not that mysterious of a person, Jellal." Simon commented smugly. He had his best friend figured out.
Young Jellal scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Lying is unbecoming of me, so there is no need to deny it." He paused, wondering if Simon shared that sentiment. "Do you love her too?"
Simon stared out at the night sky, smiling at the stars above them. Jellal likely attracted them, as he did with many people.
He had also attracted the shiniest of them all, Erza Scarlet.
"No, how could I? I'll support your pursuit of her every step of the way."
Jellal chuckled softly before narrowing his eyes at Simon. "While your effort to conceal your true feelings is commendable, I'm a bit offended that you lied to me. You can trust me with anything, Simon. I won't tell her."
Simon gulped, as though his friend's realization was unfair. "I've loved her longer than you have."
"I know." It was an affirmation. Simon had met her first in the Tower of Heaven, and naturally, he was stricken by her beauty.
"Yet she runs after you, and I'm left behind."
Jellal embraced his friend upon his statement, remembering when it used to be uncomfortable to do so because Simon had a metal brace surrounding his jaw. "I'll make sure you're never left behind, Simon. So will Erza, because she loves all of us."
Simon tentatively responded, "Yeah, you're right."
Not in the same way she loves you, he thought to himself.
The young S-Class Mage was a boy to envy, for he attained everything, even if unintentionally.
Translations are in order:
Je t'aime is "I love you".
Cesser is "cease".
Old Norman is known as Old French, and although the characters in this story do not speak "Old French", it's still implied that the language is ancient, and hence it is not preserved. Many words of Old Norman originate from Latin and Old Norse. I wanted the juxtaposition between the real world and this AU, which is why not many people know of its existence in Fiore, and even fewer can speak it. Old Norman is commonly known as Anglo-Norman, but I liked the dubious mystery behind Old Norman in this world. Not to be confused as an entire language, Old Norman was a dialect at the type. You can read more about its history in literature on the Crusades.