Fairy Tail: I Don't Want to Be the Guild Master-Chapter 145: Today Is a Special Day

With the extended endurance provided by the Crest of Insight, Rhodes spent additional time practicing with the Blue Sentinel in the guild's backyard.

The towering golem enthusiastically swung its massive stone fists, though the confined yard limited its ability to move freely.

"Come on, let's try that technique one more time," Rhodes encouraged. He had discovered that the golem could utilize certain earth-based magic, something definitely worth exploring.

Master Makarov, watching anxiously nearby, called out, "Just be careful not to damage the walls again!" Shaking his head slightly, the guild master decided it was safer to return to the tavern.

Other than the initial summoning and Take over process, Rhodes rarely required assistance during magic training.

"Understood!" Rhodes replied cheerfully, pondering where he could find a larger training area—someplace spacious enough for both the Red Brambleback and Blue Sentinels to stretch their limbs freely.

The forest outside Magnolia seemed suitable, though Rhodes worried about safety if his magic reserves ran low after prolonged training.

Finally, as his magical energy nearly reached its limit, Rhodes stopped practicing, engaged briefly in some physical training, and headed back inside the guild.

He glanced curiously at Natsu, who was still slumped listlessly at a table. Oddly, even Gray sitting nearby failed to provoke any reaction from him.

Nearby, Cana lounged with a drink, eavesdropping with mild disgust as Macao and Wakaba exchanged boastful stories.

Erza had recently returned from an S-Class mission and was currently speaking with Master Makarov at the counter.

Mira, however, was nowhere to be seen.

Rhodes scanned the hall again but found no trace of her. Wondering if she had stepped out briefly, perhaps to the kitchen or the storeroom, he quietly approached the counter.

"Thank you for your hard work," Master Makarov said kindly to Erza. Spotting Rhodes approaching, he smiled, "Ah, Rhodes, perfect timing. Could you assist Erza in finalizing the paperwork?"

"Of course." Rhodes swiftly pulled out the guild register and pen, asking casually as he wrote, "Erza, that's some new armor you're wearing, right?"

"Indeed, this is the Thunder Empress Armor," Erza explained. "My usual armor was damaged and is currently being repaired. Does this look strange?"

"Not at all," Rhodes replied honestly. "It actually looks refreshing."

Erza's various armors and weapons were essentially magical artifacts. Most could be worn comfortably like regular clothing without much concern about magic consumption unless she was actively engaged in combat.

However, some specialized armors required continuous magical energy just to wear, though these typically possessed immense power. Damaging Erza's armor indicated just how challenging her recent mission must have been.

Rhodes almost drooled seeing the numerous zeroes listed beside the mission reward. As he wrote, he suddenly paused, realizing something important. "Master, wait a second—this is an S-Class mission. Is it really alright for me to register this?"

"It's fine since the mission is already complete. Just keep the details confidential," Makarov reassured him.

Guild members were typically forbidden from accessing S-Class mission details prematurely to prevent foolish actions born from temptation or overconfidence. However, Rhodes was an exception—though he doubted he'd take advantage of such an opportunity just yet.

"Time certainly flies. Is Rhodes already helping Mira with her duties? Very good, very good," Erza remarked earnestly, her tone playfully resembling that of an older, approving guild member.

"I only help out when she's not around or if things get too hectic," Rhodes explained, then paused, a thought crossing his mind. "By the way... where is Mira?"

"She went to the church with Elfman," Makarov replied in a quieter tone. "Today is the anniversary of Lisanna's passing."

Rhodes was stunned. He looked up, the words taking a moment to sink in.

"Has it already been a full year since that happened?" Erza added softly, her voice laced with sorrow.

When Mira first joined Fairy Tail, she had been warm and friendly, eager to build bonds with everyone.

But over time, tensions had risen between her and Erza, and for reasons neither fully understood, they often found themselves at odds. It wasn't until after Lisanna's death that they finally started getting along—though not in the way Erza had hoped.

"If you're concerned, go check on them," Makarov said gently. "But also trust in Mira and Elfman. They're strong in their own ways."

Rhodes quietly finished the paperwork, put away the guild register and pen, and looked to Makarov. "Master, I'm heading out for a bit."

As he left, Erza watched him go. "Rhodes really does care about his friends."

Makarov smiled. "Of course. He's a member of Fairy Tail."

...

So that was it. No wonder Mira hadn't come to see him summon the Blue Sentinel—she had even complained the last time that she missed the summoning of the Brambleback.

No wonder Natsu seemed so subdued today. No wonder everyone's laughter had felt just a little quieter.

Rhodes quickened his pace, heading toward the central cathedral. But as he walked, his steps gradually slowed.

"I should buy flowers," he murmured.

Stopping by a flower shop, he explained the reason for the bouquet. The florist silently prepared a bundle of pure white lilies for him.

As he stepped outside, bouquet in hand, Rhodes looked down at his clothes. "I should really change into black..."

He quickly rushed home, changed into more appropriate attire, and then made his way toward kardia Cathedral.

Along the way, Rhodes tried to organize his thoughts. What should he say to Mira? How could he encourage Elfman?

It had been a long time since he felt this nervous.

Upon arriving at the cathedral, he approached an elderly priest and asked respectfully, "Excuse me, where is the cemetery?"

"It's just around the back," the old man replied gently.

"Thank you," Rhodes said softly.

As the two passed each other, the old man suddenly paused and spoke again. "Stay calm, child."

Rhodes stopped in his tracks, puzzled, and looked back.

"A mind clouded with confusion and distractions is not fit to grieve properly," the priest said with a kind smile. "Before you step into the cemetery, take a moment to reflect on why you're truly here."

"I..." Rhodes faltered.

Was it for Mira? For Elfman? For... himself?

He glanced at the bouquet of white lilies in his hand. If his heart wasn't in the right place, did he even deserve to stand before Lisanna's grave?

"Thank you," Rhodes said respectfully, bowing slightly as the priest walked away.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward into the cemetery.

I am Rhodes, a wizard of Fairy Tail. Today, I'm here to honor the memory of my fallen comrade, Lisanna.

That is all.

The cemetery was silent, its stillness broken only by the faint rustling of wind between the gravestones. As always in such a place, visitors instinctively lowered their voices and tread lightly.

It wasn't difficult for Rhodes to find the grave he sought. Elfman stood solemnly before the tombstone, while Mira knelt quietly beside it.

Though there were two of them, their backs looked weighed down with sorrow. Rhodes felt a deep loneliness radiating from them.

He approached slowly, deliberately letting his footsteps sound a little heavier, as if to announce his presence.

As Mira and Elfman turned, he offered a quiet, "Excuse me."

"Rhodes?" Elfman blinked in surprise. "Why are you here...?"

"Master told me that today marks the anniversary of Lisanna's passing," Rhodes said gently. "I came to offer her these flowers."

Mira didn't seem surprised. She stood up gracefully and stepped aside from the front of the tombstone, giving Rhodes space. She bowed lightly in thanks.

Elfman quickly followed suit.

Rhodes nodded in return and turned to face the grave.

The headstone was modest, marked with the Fairy Tail emblem, Lisanna's name, and the years of her birth and death.

Kneeling, Rhodes placed the bouquet carefully at its base. He recalled the smiling face of Lisanna from her photos, and closed his eyes to offer a quiet prayer.

After a moment of silent reflection and a heartfelt message spoken only in his thoughts, he looked back at Mira and Elfman.

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"I'm sorry for intruding on such a personal day."

"Not at all," Mira said softly, her eyes still on the grave. "Thank you for coming to see her. Lisanna would've been happy to know that someone new—and exceptional—had joined the guild."

"Yeah," Elfman added quietly. "That's exactly the kind of person Lisanna was."