Chapter 4

Weiss hadn't expected the Fairy Tail timeline to predate its main plot.

Spotting Lucy in the magic shop clinched it for him.

"Don't knock it! I've got a magic item girls adore—changes your clothes' color with your mood!"

The bald shopkeeper, sporting triangular tufts on either side of his head, hawked a trinket.

Lucy, though, tuned him out.

"What a hunk!!"

Turning, she locked eyes on Weiss striding in—his striking looks hooked her instantly.

A touch boyish—maybe underage?

Her breath hitched as he approached, snapping her from her daze.

She schooled her face into a prim lady's mask, hiding the butterflies rioting inside.

A nervous gulp slipped out.

Golden chest?!

Weiss neared Lucy, spotting the small golden treasure chest atop her head.

A heroine indeed—golden-tier.

He checked its conditions.

[Lucy Heartfilia]

[Golden Treasure Chest: Requirement - Help Lucy Buy the Canis Minor Celestial Key at a Steep Discount]

"Hello, I'm Weiss. May I meet you, lovely lady?"

Weiss flashed a smile at Lucy's cute, flustered look, extending his right hand.

"Uh… hi, I'm Lucy—just Lucy's fine!"

He's chatting me up?!

Lucy's heart erupted like a volcano—mini-Lucys danced in her mind, squealing.

One hand clutched her chest; the other hung her whip on her waist, then clasped Weiss's hand.

"You here for magic gear too?"

"Weiss, why not go first? Let the owner pitch you something—see if you need it?"

Releasing his hand, Lucy beamed, friendly.

Their brief, polite handshake—Weiss letting go first—boosted her opinion of him.

"Nah, just passing by, checking for goodies."

"Didn't expect to meet you, Lucy. Even rare S-rank items here can't top you!"

Weiss shook his head, grinning at her adorable face.

"Haha, Weiss, you're a riot—I'm not that great~"

Honest guy!

No—great at charming girls.

Lucy ate it up.

Who'd balk at a handsome, polite Ves guy?

"Come on, Lucy, confidence! Your figure and face? Magazine-cover ready—no magic touch-up needed."

"Haha, stop it~ You're tops too, Weiss—future number one on the [Most Wanted Boyfriend] list!"

The shopkeeper watched their mutual flattery in silence, fuming.

He'd kick them out if Hargeon weren't a fishing town where wizards—less than 10% of the populace—rarely shopped.

Two wizard-looking customers? He wouldn't ditch that chance.

"Oh, almost forgot the big thing."

Lucy smiled at Weiss, then turned to the owner. "I'm after a key to unlock great power."

"Oh? That? Rare, but I've got it!"

"Wow!"

The bald owner, hearing her quarry, grabbed a box from under the counter and popped it open.

"Ha~ Canis Minor's key!"

Lucy's heart leapt at the silver Celestial Key.

Weiss tugged her soft hand.

She spun, puzzled, blushing as she noticed his grip.

"W-what's up, Weiss?"

"C'mon, Lucy, Canis Minor's junk—let's hunt a Golden Zodiac key."

Weiss winked hard, eyeing the key.

"Huh? Oh! Yeah, let's go."

Lucy blanked, then caught his blatant hint.

Smart girl—she gripped his hand, heading out.

"Hey, wait, customers!"

"It's a pet-type spirit girls love! Collectible!"

"I'll cut you a deal!"

The bald owner hollered.

"How much?" Weiss glanced back.

"10,000 J."

The owner winced.

"Let's bounce."

Weiss turned away.

"Hold up!"

"9,000 J!"

"8,000 J?"

"6,500 J—rock bottom, sir!"

Seeing no bite, the owner grit his teeth. "3,500 J!"

"Deal!"

Weiss zipped Lucy to the counter, her face a mix of shock and thrill.

Even the owner flinched at his speed.

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