Chapter 61

"It's Ultear, one of the nine councilors…" Mirajane whispered in surprise.

No one had expected that what happened last night would alarm a councilor, much less bring one to Magnolia by the next day.

"Looking for Knight?" The other members of the guild exchanged curious glances.

Fairy Tail's wizards were no strangers to the Council's army, given their mischievous reputation, but a councilor personally leading the charge? That was a first. The question on everyone's mind was whether Knight was in trouble or just gaining unwanted attention due to the Six Demon Generals.

Lucy leaned in toward Cana, whispering, "Is the councilor really that young?"

Cana, still holding her usual barrel of wine, smirked. "Don't let her looks fool you. She's incredibly powerful."

Ultear, unfazed by the murmurs, fixed her dark eyes on Knight at the bar. Her thin lips curled into a faint, knowing smile, enjoying the flicker of surprise that crossed his face when he saw her.

But her playful excitement was short-lived. Her expression quickly shifted back to one of professionalism as she walked up to Knight. "You're Knight, I assume?"

Knight raised an eyebrow, inwardly chuckling. What do you mean, 'You're Knight'? You chat with me every night, and now you pretend you don't know me in person? But he kept his thoughts to himself as he stood up and walked toward her.

"I am," he confirmed.

"I heard you were attacked by one of the Six Demon Generals. I need to discuss this with you in person," she said coolly, her gaze scanning the chaotic tavern. "Let's talk somewhere more private."

Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked toward the door. Knight gave a quick word to Mirajane before following her out.

As they reached the entrance, Ultear turned to the knights accompanying her. "You'll remain here at the guild. The Six Demons may strike again."

"Yes, Lady Ultear!" they replied in unison.

The guild members gathered near the doorway, watching Knight being escorted away. Lucy's brows furrowed with concern. "Is he going to be okay?"

"It's nothing," someone reassured her. "Knight's just cooperating with the Council."

…

Knight followed Ultear as they strolled along the river, descending a broken path away from the guild. Although they had seen each other's private photos online, this was only the second time they'd met face to face.

After a few moments of silence, Ultear abruptly stopped and turned around, catching Knight's eyes wandering down her legs. She chuckled, her voice teasing, "What? Don't recognize me?"

Knight grinned. "I almost didn't, with all your clothes on."

A blush crept across Ultear's cheeks, her ears turning red. While she was bold enough to send provocative photos online, being teased in person felt much more intense, and her embarrassment was undeniable.

Seeing her flustered face, Knight thought she looked even more captivating than in last night's photo. Before she could react, he quickened his pace, walking ahead.

Ultear recovered her composure, glaring playfully. "Come on, let's find a quiet spot."

The two of them soon found a cozy café. Ultear ordered some cakes and desserts, took a delicate bite, and then asked, almost as an afterthought, "Do you want some?"

Knight eyed her with amusement. "You've already taken a bite and now you're offering? No thanks."

Ultear smirked mischievously. "I won't give it to you, anyway!" she teased, quickly pulling the cake back before offering it again.

Knight played along, tasting the coffee instead. "So, what exactly do you need to talk about?"

Ultear rolled her eyes, pretending to stifle a yawn with a raised hand. "Can we not talk about the Six Demon Generals right now? I've been awake all night since I arrived."

Knight blinked. "You came all the way here last night?"

"Yeah. Do you know how far the Council's headquarters is?" she replied, exasperation creeping into her tone.

Knight smiled. "Well, I appreciate the effort."

Ultear gave him a charming look, stretching her legs under the table and resting them on his lap. "Then show your appreciation. Give me a leg massage, I'm exhausted."

Knight couldn't resist. Her legs, smooth and soft like fine silk, were as alluring as they looked in the photos. He gently rubbed them, savoring the moment.

Ultear shifted slightly, clearly enjoying the touch but maintaining her playful demeanor. "So, you don't really want to talk about the Six Demons, huh? Then what's your real reason for coming?"

She continued to eat her dessert, seemingly indifferent to his little indulgence. "Don't you want to spend time with me?"

The playful exchange continued until Ultear, with a mischievous smile, held up another piece of cake. "Open up, I'll feed you."

Knight hesitated, expecting her to pull it away at the last second, but she didn't. He took a bite, savoring both the cake and the attention. "Delicious," he said.

"Because I fed it to you, or because the cake's actually good?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Knight chuckled. "Both."

Time flew by, and by the time they left the café, the sun was already setting. Walking by the river as the warm glow of the evening light bathed the city, Ultear leaned in and whispered, "It's time to get down to business."

Knight raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his lips. "Then let's find a quiet place."

They ended up at a nearby hotel, where Ultear, still keeping her playful demeanor, opened up more than just conversation.

"Call me brother," Knight whispered, grinning.

"Brother…" Ultear finally conceded, her voice soft, as the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving only the quiet comfort of their shared company.

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