Chapter 175: Rhodes Doesn't Lose Out
Back then, he was all alone, with no friends or family. But now, he has many friends in the guild he can chat with, some good buddies to laugh and spar with, and comrades who fought alongside him—not to mention someone he likes.
In terms of daily life, he's bought several convenient magic "electrical appliances" for his home and has gradually started to pursue a more comfortable living environment.
Career-wise, he's been diligently training to improve his skills, trying to read more to expand his knowledge, and gradually increasing the frequency of taking on quests to broaden his experience.
And when it comes to feelings... The person he likes is almost always by his side. They often have a special understanding between them, and sometimes just going out for a coffee together makes him happy for an entire day.
Though there are still some difficulties ahead, Rhodes finds joy in the process of gradually overcoming them.
Maybe it was because Mira mentioned that the New Year was approaching, but Rhodes quietly did a year-end review of himself.
All in all, his current life is fulfilling and happy. And with clear goals, he feels motivated in everything he does.
Mira leaned forward a bit, tilting her head as she looked at him. "Why are you suddenly smiling like that?"
"It's the New Year, you know." Rhodes glanced at her and noticed that today they coincidentally wore matching coats. He smiled even brighter. "Will everyone gather together to celebrate?"
Mira thought about it, then replied, "Well, since many people celebrate at home, it won't be as lively as the Harvest Festival."
Rhodes looked around. "From the atmosphere on the streets, it seems like the New Year isn't as important as the Harvest Festival."
"That's because a good harvest is the most important thing in a year," Mira explained. "Plus, the magical parade attracts a lot of tourists, so of course, it's more festive."
Rhodes understood and nodded. The Harvest Festival had, to some extent, become a famous tourism event, whereas the New Year was still just an ordinary holiday. Though both were occasions worth celebrating, the levels of excitement and importance were naturally different.
But in Magnolia, you never had to worry about it being too quiet, because...
"Fire Dragon's 'Snow Fist!'"
"Natsu! You'll get scolded if you destroy people's snowmen!"
"Don't worry about such small things, Happy!" Natsu formed a snowball. "Take this!"
"Starting a fight so suddenly is underhanded!" Happy flew up to the roof, sweeping snow with his wings. "Snow Mist Attack!"
Natsu raised his fist, annoyed. "Happy! Using anything but snowballs in a snowball fight is cheating!"
"And hiding stones in snowballs?"
"That's even worse than cheating!"
The two argued loudly, throwing snowballs at each other as they walked toward the guild.
"Those two... so noisy, even early in the morning." Rhodes suddenly grabbed Mira's arm, pulling her towards him.
A snowball flew right past where Mira had just been standing, hitting the ground behind them.
Caught off guard, Mira's shoulder bumped into Rhodes's chest.
She quickly steadied herself and tucked her hair behind her ear. "It's just a snowball. No need to be so tense, right?"
"I'm used to it." Rhodes added, "Besides, there might be stones hidden in their snowballs."
Mira glanced at him and turned to greet the troublemakers. "Natsu, Happy!"
"Aye!"
"Oh, Mira and Rhodes!" Natsu raised his snowball enthusiastically. "Wanna join?"
"Though it looks fun," Mira politely declined, "we have things to do."
Rhodes said, "You two, be careful. Don't go breaking other people's windows."
It might not be easy to break glass with a snowball, but with Natsu... it wouldn't be surprising if he ended up knocking a house down during a snowball fight.
Rhodes was a kind person. He didn't want the guild master to end up writing a formal apology on New Year's.
Natsu made a face. "Nagging Rhodes, you're starting to sound like Erza."
"Aye! Rhodes's becoming a nag."
"If Erza were here, she'd probably switch into a snowman outfit and then bury both of you with snowballs." Rhodes's comment earned him two childish faces.
Mira couldn't stop laughing. If she knew the mind-magic spell "thought speech," she might've called Erza over to join Natsu in the snowball fight.
After seeing off the two troublemakers, Rhodes and Mira officially began their shopping.
They bought food and drinks, decorations for the holiday, and replaced the broken dishes that had piled up recently.
Rhodes once asked why they didn't just switch to all wooden tableware, so if something broke, Laki could fix it, saving money.
Laki had pushed up her glasses and said she wanted to hang him from the ceiling, so Rhodes dropped the idea.
Ceramic plates and bowls were more comfortable to use. Switching to wood wouldn't be ideal—and certainly not because he feared any "tools of punishment."
As usual, they arranged for delivery of the heavier or bulkier items from the stores. Rhodes only carried some lightweight decorations—at least he now actually looked like he was on a shopping trip.
After buying what they needed, it was time to use his "influence for personal gain"... I mean, enjoy some public-funded... No, it should be called the "paid shopping" phase.
In fact, they got lost amidst the winding streets during the holiday and had to "accidentally" take a few more routes.
After wandering around for a while, they happened to pass by where Rhodes lived, and Goodman was there, tending to his shop as always.
"Hey, isn't this Rhodes? And... Miss Mirajane?" Goodman looked genuinely surprised.
He took a good look at their matching outfits, giving Rhodes an ambiguous smile. "You two... out for a stroll?"
"Goodman, hello." Mira greeted him politely. She had seen Goodman in the tavern a few times and knew he was Rhodes's landlord.
"Goodman," Rhodes was quite pleased with this misunderstanding—mostly because it wasn't entirely incorrect. "Lately, you've been opening later and later."
"It's getting colder and colder, you know? Not much business if I come early anyway," Goodman replied.
Rhodes nodded. "That makes sense. Oh, by the way, I have a heater at my place. Want me to bring it down for you?"
"Thanks, but I'm all set," Goodman pointed at the things on his stall, giving Rhodes a sly wink. "I've got some new items today. Wanna check them out? They'd make great little gifts for a lady."
He was selling accessories—hair ties, bracelets, and the like—which his wife had designed, inspired by traditional weaving techniques that Rhodes had introduced them to before.
They had an ancient, woven charm, yet didn't look out of place when paired with modern clothing.
Rhodes was easily convinced. He saw a few beautiful hair ties that would suit Mira well.
Seeing Mira show interest in these items, Rhodes didn't hesitate. He picked up the ones he had been eyeing.
"This red one would go well with that dress you like. The thicker black one would look perfect for tying a ponytail, and this one with the little star decorations would be great for braiding."
Rhodes rambled on enthusiastically.
Mira let her bangs fall over her face, picking up the black hair tie and tying a high ponytail. "Like this?"
She looked at herself in the mirror. "Looks quite similar to my old hairstyle."
"As long as it looks good." Rhodes nodded. The only difference compared to her old style was the lack of a big bow.
Mira switched to the red one, gathering her hair to one side and letting it rest over her shoulder. She parted her bangs to the sides and asked, "How about this?"
That dangerous hairstyle...
"This looks..." He paused and then said, "very (gentle), very pretty!" Rhodes's heart raced. This hairstyle was amazing, and he felt an urge to confess his feelings.
He whispered the word 'gentle' softly, but Mira heard it clearly, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.
She quickly let her hair down, picking up the one with the star decorations. "Braiding's a bit troublesome, maybe another time."
"Mm, mm, mm..." Rhodes nodded quickly, buying all three before she could change her mind.
Goodman made a good profit, but Rhodes also felt he hadn't lost out at all.