"I think I smell Lucy's scent!"
"Even if you don't mean anything by that," Rhodes warned, "you probably shouldn't say that in front of her family."
He was a little worried they'd get kicked out before they even made it to the front door.
Sure, their current "Lucy Search Team" was made up of some of the most capable (and chaotic) members of Fairy Tail, but that didn't mean storming into the Heartfilia estate was a good idea.
Gray folded his arms, unimpressed. "You don't need a nose for this. The biggest building in the area is clearly Lucy's house."
"Put your clothes on first," Erza reminded him flatly, then let out a sigh. "As expected from one of Fiore's wealthiest families. That house is even bigger than Cathedral. No, bigger than the entire Grand Council's meeting hall."
Rhodes nodded. It was so massive, demolishing it would take several minutes at the very least.
They headed straight toward the grand estate. But before they could reach the front gate, a man stepped forward to block them. He appeared to be a guard or possibly a private security officer.
"You are approaching the Heartfilia estate. May I ask who you are?"
Erza answered confidently, "We're wizards from Fairy Tail. Companions of Lucy. We've come to see her."
"The lady's friends?" The guard blinked, then nodded. "Please wait a moment."
He ran toward the courtyard and spoke to a maid, Mrs. Spette, who had cared for Lucy since she was a child.
If they looked closely, the courtyard was full of people. Maids, gardeners, staff. At least twenty people were in sight, and that was just the exterior. Who knew how many were inside that huge mansion?
Gray muttered, "And to think Lucy's used to living alone."
Happy added, "Aye! She's also totally self-reliant."
Rhodes quipped, "And yet you guys barge into her place like it's your guild dormitory."
Natsu laughed loudly, not at all ashamed. "Because she's Lucy! Lucy of Fairy Tail!"
Because she was Lucy, she could adjust to worrying about rent each month. Because she was Lucy of Fairy Tail, she tolerated their messes, chaos, and relentless teasing.
"That's not an excuse to bully her all the time!" Rhodes pointed out, holding his head high. "Sure, I bully her too, but only with words!"
Just then, Mrs. Spette returned with the guards. "I'm very sorry, but Master Jude is having a serious conversation with Miss Lucy right now. They are not to be disturbed. Please wait here for a while."
She looked toward them with a kind smile. "If you don't mind, would you like to come in for some refreshments?"
Mrs. Spette was fond of Lucy, who had few friends her own age growing up. She knew full well that Master Jude didn't approve of the Fairy Tail crowd but even so, she wanted to welcome them quietly.
Natsu's eyes lit up. "Refreshments?"
"Any fish?" Happy added as he flapped forward eagerly.
But before they could rush inside, Erza grabbed Natsu by the collar and Happy by the scruff, holding them like two unruly kittens. "No need. Thank you for your kindness, but we'll come back later."
Dragging the pair with her, she turned, and the group reluctantly followed.
Of course, Erza's idea of "later" meant maybe a few seconds.
Given the chance that Lucy might be under pressure from her father, no one hesitated. They immediately agreed to sneak in.
Even someone as level-headed as Rhodes knew what was coming. Naturally, he joined in.
This wasn't mischief. This was a plan.
They found a secluded spot behind the estate. Happy carried Natsu. Raptor carried Erza. Rhodes took Gray. One by one, they flew to the mansion's rooftop.
Happy peeked through the windows, searching until he spotted the room where Lucy and Jude were seated. Once located, the team rappelled down the wall with ropes, quietly lowering themselves to the windowsill, where they all pressed close, lying in a row to eavesdrop.
The ropes had been provided by Erza. She had even brought along a set of stealthy black tights for the occasion, though it was a shame she didn't get to use them now.
Once everyone was in place outside the window, they began to hear a deep, commanding male voice from inside the room.
"This marriage would be very meaningful for the future of the Heartfilia family."
Then came Lucy's voice, soft and filled with disappointment.
"Father…"
Her words were immediately brushed aside.
"That's all I wanted to say. You can return to your room."
But Lucy didn't back down. Her voice sharpened with resolve.
"Please don't misunderstand. I didn't come back here to compromise with you. I came to tell you my decision."
"What?"
"You can't just decide my marriage like this. I have my own life to live."
There was a pause. The man's voice shifted, surprised. "Lucy?"
He wasn't used to hearing his daughter speak to him like this.
"If you hadn't done what you did, maybe I could have still reasoned with you. But you crossed the line the moment you tried to hurt my friends."
A tearing sound followed. Lucy ripped the luxurious dress she'd been made to wear and shouted, "Don't ever go after Fairy Tail again! If you do, the entire guild will see you as an enemy. That includes me!"
"Do you have any idea what you're saying? You know better than anyone the power and wealth the Heartfilia family holds."
"It doesn't matter! I don't want your money. I don't want this house. I want a place that accepts me for who I am! Fairy Tail is my true home, and it's warmer than this mansion ever was."
"As long as I'm with my friends, I'm not afraid of anything. Not even the power of the Heartfilia name."
Outside the window, Natsu trembled with excitement. Lucy's words hit him hard, and he was about to shout in support—
Rhodes was faster. He scooped up Happy and used him to plug Natsu's mouth before he could make a sound.
Erza was visibly moved too. Tears welled up in her eyes. "That was beautiful... So well said..."
Rhodes didn't take any chances. He yanked off Gray's shirt, since he'd taken it off again anyway, and stuffed it directly into Erza's mouth.
Gray turned to Rhodes with wide, horrified eyes. He had just… silenced Erza.
Erza.
Was he out of his mind?
Rhodes shot Gray a glare that said, 'Don't drag me into this. You're the one who decided to strip right now.'
Then from inside the room came a sudden voice.
"Who's over there?!"
It was a bit too blatant for all of them to be lying flat against someone's mansion wall.
At first, the guards below thought they were just servants cleaning the windows. But it quickly became suspicious when none of them moved for several minutes.
Without hesitation, the group scrambled back up to the roof.
Down below, Lucy opened the window and looked out. The courtyard was already in chaos.
"There are intruders! Someone snuck onto the property!" one of the guards shouted. "Find them immediately! Protect the Master and the young lady!"
Who else would sneak into the Heartfilia estate like this?
Lucy sighed. She already had a pretty good idea.
She shut the window and took a moment to compose herself. Her voice softened.
"That's all I wanted to say. If Mom were still here… she'd support me, I know she would. Goodbye, Father."
That final line hit Jude like a blow to the chest.
For a moment, as he looked at his daughter's retreating figure, he thought he saw the silhouette of Layla reflected in her.
He couldn't utter a word.
'Layla… would you have supported her too?'
…
"I told you not to make any noise or sudden movements. You got us caught, didn't you?" Rhodes said sharply, immediately passing blame like a veteran teacher scolding misbehaving students.
"Sorry…" the trio and the cat replied in perfect sync, bowing their heads like kids caught passing notes in class.
Rhodes' plan had obviously been flawless. If anything went wrong, it was clearly their fault.
"You're doing double shifts when we get back. That's your punishment."
"Yes…"
Now that they had confirmed Lucy was safe, everyone finally relaxed. Just more labor? No problem.
Gray stretched. "Well, if she's not being locked up or anything, can't we just go see her normally?"
"Snacks," Natsu murmured dreamily. His mind had never left the refreshment offer.
"Fish…" Happy sighed, just as lost in the thought.
Erza smiled. "Forget it. Lucy's given up the young lady lifestyle. When she comes back, she'll want us to help her earn rent again."
Rhodes let out a long sigh and said with heartfelt gravity, "Next time, please try not to destroy everything in your path. It would really help Lucy and the Master sleep easier."
"Yes…" they replied again, just agreeing for now. Whether they'd actually manage to behave was another story.
...
Bonus @2000
40 chapters 👉patreon.com/Keepsmiling818