Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail
The residents of Magnolia were concerned, their mayor just announced retirement. Not surprising, considering the age of the man. What was creating this uncomfortable shroud of uncertainty was that that rumors about the new mayor knows nothing about their lively and unique town. This is the crux of the unnerving atmosphere, merchants shuffled their wares restlessly, residents would look at the town hall with a hawk's eye, holding suspicion to anyone that walked in—the new mayor was to be announced there. The only people to be unaffected was, the children, running blissfully, dragging their worrying parents away from the building of interest. Only an hour left to the revealing of their new leader.
Hisui was on the second floor of the town hall, curtains closed, leaving a slit just enough to see the unsettling attention to the building but not enough, to have the citizens see Hisui. She placed her cup of tea down on a coffee table and looked at the sweating figure of the retired mayor.
"You seemed to be well loved by the people here Wilber-san, it'll be hard to get everyone's acceptance."
"My…my most sincere apologies Hisui-sama." The man bowed profusely, head touching the coffee table.
"Raise your head, that is a good thing. Regrettable that I can't reward you more than I already did."
"No such thing!" The man paled at his actions and somehow pressed his head deeper to the table. "T—to be able to have a peaceful life with my family in the capital is a good enough reward."
"But still, what a task father pressed against me."
"If—if I may, I believe that Hisui-sama shouldn't worry too much, I can say with confidence that you are a well-loved figure in this city."
"That's good to hear. Well, I suppose I should start by getting Fairy Tail's approval."
"What do you mean?"
"Fairy Tail is the pride of this town, if the guild shows no hostility to me, then a good deal of people should follow."
"I still believe that Hisui-sama is…worrying too much."
"Let's hope so." The doors opened, a maid stepped in the room with elegance.
"Princess, it's time to get ready." The maid announced.
"I'll be there soon." Hisui rose from her seat. "Wilber-san, I'll do my best to succeed your role."
"I pray for Magnolia's prosperity. I know Hisui-sama can do it."
Even the rowdy guild of Fairy Tail wasn't unshaken by the fact of a new mayor. Different the normal chatter, serious discussions are sprinkled throughout the smashing of mugs and slamming of tables.
"Hey Luc-chan, what do you think about the news?" A petite girl with blue hair asked her friend, eyes never leaving the book she was holding.
"I can't say for sure, we can't really just go on the rumors." The one replying was blonde toying with her hair. "I mean, some rumors say the new mayor isn't even human, but a giant. Levy, what can I say about this?"
"That's true." Levy said, flipping over a page. "I hear that it's a perverted man."
"That'll be a problem…"
"Yup." They turned to the loud noise created from a broken wall.
"At least someone is unaffected."
"I envy Natsu at times."
"Why would you envy the stupid Natsu?" A new voice chimed in, one that belonged to Natsu's partner.
"Happy!" Lucy exclaimed. "When did you—"
"Natsu told me to stay out of his fight with Gray, so I came here for a shield."
"Me!?"
"Aye. Lucy is heavy so, a stay icicle shouldn't hurt too much." Lucy grabbed the flying cat and pinched his cheek, treating them like dough, pulling them to their limit.
"I'm not heavy, you useless cat!"
"Sorry!"
"You better be!"
"Happy! What did I say about telling a girl that she's heavy?" A girl with short white hair commented with a displeased face.
"Lisanna, you're on a break?" Levy asked, seeing that her friend isn't holding a serving tray or any mugs.
"Yup!"
"What do you think about the new mayor?"
"Isn't it fine if he or she helps the town grow?"
"Even if it's a pervert?"
"Well…that's a bit…be—besides those are just rumors I don't think anyone but the retired mayor knows who the new mayor is."
"But isn't it fun to guess at who it might be!?"
"Le—Levy, I think you're influenced by your books."
"N—no I'm not!"
"I don't know about that." Lisanna nudged Levy in the ribcage.
"Happy!" Natsu shouted, wounds being tended by Wendy, a child that's tied her blue hair to twin tails. "Let's go check out the new mayor!"
"What about your fight with Gray?"
"Erza got in the way. So, you want to go or not?"
"Aye sir!"
"Natsu, I'm coming too!" Lucy announced.
"Sure! Let's all go together!" A large part of the guild rallied under the grin of Natsu, following him to the town hall. "I think they're starting soon, let's get front seats!"
Hisui, now in an expensive green dress that only left the arms exposed was getting ready for her speech as the new mayor. A good amount of people was staring at empty podium set up on the stage, trying to gather information, some were guessing the mayor's height with the microphone's position. Others were raising the noise levels in the hall with mindless chatter. Fairy Tail members were the majority of the latter. The old mayor stepped on the podium. Flashes from the media were setting off like fireworks.
"Thank You all for coming here and sharing my retirement with me, it was an amazing experience to have to opportunity to serve you and act as your spokesman. I still remember the day I became mayor of this town, I was nervous, wondering what to do with this town, especially with the folks at Fairy Tail. Flash forward twenty years and here I am, ready to hand my position to new blood.
"Knowing that I'm retiring now, I have regrets of what I could have done yet, proud at what I accomplished. At least, let me share these words with you: Thank You so much for supporting me in what I've done in the past two decades." As Wilber left, cheers exploded in the hall, words of gratitude, cries of sadness everyone had their own ways of saying goodbye, and at the same time, they had the same. Following the Fairy Tail members, everyone in the town hall, along with people that aren't, thrusted one hand in the air, the index finger higher than the rest.
After waiting for the hall to quiet down, Hisui finally stepped out drawing gasps and questions as to why the Princess of their kingdom is here. Each step refined and emanating authority, they left everyone speechless as much as they are confused. Like a video on pause, they waited for a signal to move again,—Hisui opening her lips.
"Good morning everyone, I'm sure all of you are wondering why I'm here." Starting from those words, people began to move, flashes continued. "I will the new mayor of Magnolia, I look forward to be working with you." Hisui waited for the roaring of her audience to die down before saying anything again. "My goal is simple: To make this town prosper. When father told me to become the mayor of this town, I was stunned much like you are. How am I supposed to do that? I ran that question through my head more times than I could count.
"That's until, I remembered what happened at the Grand Magic Games. One guild stood out, more than any other. The bounds they have for each other, their unified hearts, their determination to prove that they are still the best guild in the lands. Fairy Tail isn't strong because of one person, likewise, I can't become a good leader by myself. I'm still inexperienced, still naïve, still young. I need your help.
"When I was looking the report of this town, I saw an opportunity to improve it. We have everything we need to do it. All that is left, your cooperation. With your help, I believe I can make this place better. I won't go into too much details now. Just know, I plan to make Magnolia a better place." To Hisui's surprise, she was received much better than expected, the cheering wasn't at the level of when Wilber left the podium, it was more than enough to firm Hisui's resolve to not let these people down.
While the doors funneled people out, Hisui walked down to the group of Fairy Tail wizards. Hisui looked at each member carefully, picking out the right kind of person.
"Erza-san, can I ask of you to guide me around town? I just arrived, so I need get a good look at the city."
"I'll be honored to."
"Erza, can I come as well? I'm bored." Natsu asked.
"That isn't for me to decide."
"Then," Natsu turned to Hisui. "can I come along?"
"I don't see why not, please do."
"By the way, where's that big guy in the armor?"
"Arcadios?"
"Is that his name? We'll go with that. Yeah, where is he? I normally see him stick to you like glue." A gauntlet strung Natsu right on the head.
"Natsu! You're being rude."
"Erza, it was a simple ques—"
"Natsu!"
"It's fine Erza-san, I don't mind."
"Then, where do you want to go?"
"First, I want to see the poorest part of the city. Can you take me there?"
"That'll be the edges of the city. Natsu, stay behind the Princess, I don't think that anyone is dumb enough to try anything if I'm guiding, I don't want to take chances."
"Happy, we get to be knights!" Natsu straightened his back to look as knightly as possible, holding one arm loosely to his head, saluting to no one in particular.
"Aye! Happy said copying Natsu.
"Natsu, we're not here to play!"
"It's fine Erza-san, I don't get opportunities like this back in the palace. Also, Natsu-san, the salute is like this," Hisui showed a proper salute to Natsu and Happy. "the arm is straight, it looks sturdier like this right?"
""Yes ma'am!"" The two bursts in laughter, striking different poses, mistaking samurais and knights. Hisui giggled at their antics as Erza guided them to the poorer parts of the city.
The buildings are all wooden constructions, with no gaps in between each one. The streets were narrow and dirty. Adults sat on doorsteps, playing card games. Children ran around, kicking a ball that has seen years of use. Smile could still be seen. That was what Hisui noticed first. Although the houses here are smaller, cheaply constructed, Hisui could still see smiles.
"I assume these people are barely living off their wages?"
"Yes, their work shifts are long too." Erza replied. "But they still live good lives, the community here is strong." Hisui was about to ask when she saw lots of people sharing items, buckets, mops and other household items. "The people you see here are too poor to afford higher education, so they can't go for higher paying jobs."
"Natsu-niichan!" A group of kids ran out from their homes and coordinated a tackle at Natsu and Happy.
"It's Erza-neechan!" Another group of kids rushed to the stalwart Erza.
"These are orphans, one way or another, they don't have parents to take care of them, the guild uses some money to make sure they can keep living. Natsu is among the people that spends the most money on raising these children." Erza explained, petting the head of kids no older than five. Hisui was watching the kids play with Natsu and Happy, tugging on them, reporting what they've done for the past few days. She walked forward to Natsu that was surrounded by kids. She knelt down on the floor, not minding the dress or the sting the hard, cobble bricks created.
"Natsu-san, can you introduce me to these children? Erza-san, can you do the same?"
"Sure! Listen up, I brought you the Princess along with me! Isn't that cool?" Cries of admiration escaped the children's lips.
"Can you tell me your dreams?"
"I think I'll end it for the day after I go to your guild, I have some things to discuss with your Master." Hisui said, just leaving the slums, glad at what she saw back there, giving her more ideas on how to improve the situations of the poor. They walked along road to Fairy Tail, Hisui ignored the stares she was getting—having gotten used to them long ago. What Hisui wasn't ignoring, was the state of the city. The buildings and people. They were especially interesting to observe, a soup of emotions entered Hisui's eyes, all the while she was applauding Fairy Tail's influences. Everywhere Hisui looked, she could see at least one symbol of the guild; T-shirts, hats, keychains and other merchandise related to the strongest guild. The buildings, some of them were old, but Hisui noted that most of them were new.
Standing at the guild door, Hisui admired the exterior design of the building. From the roof all the way down to the outdoor café, each part matching the 'Overdoing' nature they were known for. Erza opened the door, Natsu announced their return, Hisui got a good look at the interior of the guild.
"We're back!" Natsu took off at full speed, charging to Gray. "Let's finish what we started this morning!"
"Mira, can you guide Hisui-sama to Master's office? I need to stop those two."
"No problem." A woman with long white hair took Hisui by the hand and pulled her to a room. "Sorry for treating you like this, I can't risk having you get loss when Erza goes wild."
"Please don't mind it."
"What do you think of our guild?"
"It's lively. Is it always like this?"
"All year around, if you'd like, come by around sometimes."
"I will."
"Here we are." Mirajane stopped at a red door with a door plate that says, 'Please knock' "I'll go back to my duties, I hope we can talk again." The barmaid waved as she vanished in the crowd of people. Hisui knocked twice.
"Come in." The doors silently opened and Hisui walked inside the office.
A wall of bookshelves crammed full of book and file stood at the back, in front, was a long work desk packed with more files and documents. Two chairs were placed at the door and two more was facing the occupant of the desk. The room was well lit with bright lights shooting down from above.
"What do you wha—Hisui-sama!?"
"Good afternoon Master Makarov, I hope I'm not bothering you."
"Not at all! The tiny man hurriedly stashed a magazine in a drawer before Hisui could get a good look at what the guild master was reading. "Please take a seat." Once Hisui was seated, Makarov breathed a sigh of relief.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No—nothing! Anyway, is there anything I can help you with?"
"About that, do you think you can arrange a room for me to stay in? I heard from Erza-san that she's staying at a place called Fairy Hills. Do you think you can allow me to stay there even though I'm not a member of your guild?"
"Is it about the safety of this city?"
"Partly, the crime rate in Magnolia is the low because of pressure Fairy Tail has, so I'm not too worried about thieves. Granted, there is a chance that someone could be hired, that's why I think that Fairy Hills is the safest place for me to stay in. However, that's not the main reason why I want to stay there."
"There's another one?"
"It's a childish one, one spawning out of envy. I want friends to talk with." Makarov's expression turned serious and nodded. "Ever since I was a child, no one was close to me besides my parents. The rest, were servants and guards that won't meet me eye-to-eye. I remember when I was sneaking out the palace, I saw the maids gossiping with each other, they looked so happy. Being a Princess is lonely, even now, I only have a few guards and servants I'm close with, even then, they can't cross the barrier."
"I see…to be so close to people to talk to yet…I'll see what I can do."
"Thank You for going with my selfish actions."
"Don't apologize, selfish is being human, it's only natural to have desires, I hope we can fulfil the other ones too."
"That's…"
"Am I wrong? You're hiding more inside." The petite man started to write a letter. "That can come later."
"You're just like my father, he sees through everything like you."
"That's just me being a worried grandfather." Makarov laughed as he handed Hisui a letter. "This should get you in, do you need help with the luggage?"
"No, I brought my most trusted maid with me."
"I assume she's also your guard?"
"Yes."
"That's good."
"Can you do one more thing for me?"
"That is?"
"How much money is loss in repair damage? As the person in charge of this city now, I want to know how much money is used in repairs. When I was walking through the city, some houses look new, some old. It was inconsistent, with no planning at all. So, I assumed that the new ones came off the repair compensation. Though I'm a mayor in title, father gave me more power than that, I think I can help you." With teary eyes, the elderly man asked.
"Will you listen to my troubles?" With a slow nod, Hisui became glad that she decided to finish her tour another time.
With her business done with Fairy Tail, Hisui made her way back to the town hall where her maid was waiting. Her pace was slow, as her thinking overruled everything else. She decided her first contribution should be to secure the future generation, they were innocent, as Hisui once was, they dreamed without caring if it was obtainable or not. Hisui will provide that chance, first comes the matter of financial ability of Magnolia.
"Everything is ready Hisui-sama." A fair-skinned maid with black, shoulder-length hair spoke up, chocolate eyes showing no uncertainty. In her right hand, was a stack of documents, the other was firmly gripped onto two bags.
"Thank You Karie, we're changing places to stay, follow me." A small smile formed on the maid's lips as she followed her master.
"I must thank them, they're doing something I can't."
"You just won't."
"I'm afraid my position won't allow it."
"Same with Arcadios."
"Arcadios-sama is different from me milady."
"Friends sure are hard to find."
"That's what make them precious."
"Then why can't you?" The maid stayed silent, towing the luggage along the stone road.
"May I speak my mind?"
"Please." Having seen Karie becoming honest so suddenly, it drove Hisui's curiosity, she replied on the fly.
"Aren't we already friends?"
"Huh?"
"I believe we have a misunderstanding, what I mean by something I can't do is speaking freely without reserve, those wizards can, I can't, I might lose my job if I say something that can be misinterpreted by others. Hisui-sama, I think you're not aware that most friends are made without having to confirm each other's relationships, it happens naturally." Hisui then pouted slightly.
"How am I supposed to know? I have so few…"
"Then I believe that Hisui-sama should make some more, his majesty sent you here isn't just because he wanted to test you."
"Easier said than done."
"If quantity doesn't work, try quality."
"That isn't so simple."
"You have one right here don't you?" Karie pointed to the building that was coming to view. "And you have more over there."
"Since when were you so sassy?" Hisui turned around to meet her new-found friend.
"You don't sound like a very good friend Hisui-sama," Karie's lip turned to a full grin complete with dimples. "from the very start."
Thanks for reading! Glad to see that this story is getting some traction .
One mayor thing I'd like to address, let me know if the way I write Hisui's actions in the future—her the difference between her business attitude to the casual one is so extreme, that it seems like she has two personalities. I'm writing the next chapter now, and it feels like it. Do let me know what you think.
I really don't have much things to say this time, only: Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day!