"So, who wants to go first?" Cobra asked.
The four of them sat inside the love doctor building–the "normal" side that is. No way was Cobra having an extended meeting on the…other side. He shivered involuntarily just thinking about it. The regular side was almost completely bare and boring, but at least that worked in their favor to be discreet.
"I might as well," Mirajane said, stepping forward. "First, let me give you some context on the building. I met a woman several months ago, the one I mentioned before, Perse. We talked for a bit, and after we realized we had a lot of hobbies in common we became fast friends. At one point I mentioned my desire to have a relationship advice booth, but with no location to host it in.
"She told me that she knew someone who rented out several buildings on the cheap, temporarily, to those who needed it. I was ecstatic at the prospect but didn't have the people or supplies to make it a reality at the moment, so I didn't get any farther that day. Then, a few weeks ago, I received news that your guild would be coming to town. That's when I contacted Perse again and asked if the offer she suggested from before was still possible. Not only was it still up, but she was willing to go even cheaper this time. That made me even all the more eager to start.
"I told her the date I needed it and it was ready three days before then. She gave me a brief tour and everything. It's nothing special, as you've already seen, but knowing that it was all mine for a little while…maybe there was something obvious that I ignored in my joy."
Hearing that she waited until his guild arrived again made him remember that if not for Macbeth, he'd still be living the easy life. "So you admit you got duped?" Cobra interjected. Macbeth shot him a nasty glare, but Mirajane's face held only a sad smile.
"Yes…I think we can safely suspect that Perse is somehow connected to all of this. She left me a note after she replaced the sign, but I've received no communication from her since then, even after I tried to contact her when I heard about the rumors. I hate to think this was all a set-up, but I can't help but wonder how far back all this goes."
"Yeah, next time, maybe make sure you…wait, your friend made the new sign?"
"Why, yes," Mirajane replied to Cobra, "after you complained so ferociously about it, I figured I'd ask her. I love art, but Perse is a true artist."
Well, that was putting it mildly. The two signs were like night and day. Angel and devil. Lucy and…he should probably stop while he was ahead.