Chapter 53: Tarot Card, The Chariot

Mira held two magic crystals in her hands, with a magic book resting on her lap. She looked at the things in Rhodes' bag and said helplessly, "Rhodes, all these things you've prepared could easily blow up a small village... We're just going to attend a celebration."

"When I borrowed these items, the Guild Master said the same thing," Rhodes thought for a moment before saying, "I just feel safer this way. I even asked the Guild Master if he could help draw some defensive magic circles on me, but he said there was no such thing and kicked me out of the storage room... sigh."

"Well, I think I can understand the Guild Master's feelings," Mira said, half-wanting to return the items. After some thought, she kept one small magic crystal in her bag. "Thank you for putting in so much effort to prepare all of this. I feel safer than ever this time."

Rhodes regretfully packed the crystal balls that Mira handed back to him. "This is all just a necessity... Once I become as strong as Natsu or Erza, I won't need these anymore."

"Wait, you didn't prepare anything else, did you?" Mira asked, sounding a little worried.

"It's nothing special, just two Swift Crabs," Rhodes lowered his voice and leaned closer to her ear. "One is scouting ahead, and another is hiding at the bottom of the boat. If anything happens, I'll pick you up and jump off the boat immediately."

"Th-thank you?" Mira started to worry about what would happen if Rhodes took on an actual escort mission in the future. If they got attacked... she glanced at Rhodes' backpack. Yeah, let's hope the attackers survive.

"Oh, besides physical preparations, I also did something a bit more... metaphysical," Rhodes said.

Mira kept smiling, patiently listening to him.

"Since everyone says that Cana's fortune-telling is accurate, I asked her for a reading yesterday." Rhodes had never been superstitious before, except when he played games that involved gacha draws.

But now he was in a world filled with magic—prophecies, fortune-telling, and the like were real magic here. And it was free, so why not believe it a little?

Mira became interested. "What did the reading say?"

"It was 'The Chariot'—the chariot of victory that overcomes all obstacles," Rhodes said. "Cana explained that The Chariot symbolizes 'never giving up,' overcoming difficulties through perseverance and eventually achieving success. If it's a reading about a trip, then it means great fortune."

"If it's a work-related reading, it means that you, confident and rational, will instill more confidence in your client."

"That sounds great, doesn't it?" Mira said. "If the fortune says it's lucky, why did you still prepare so many... defensive weapons?"

"Because it said I needed to overcome obstacles and remain rational to succeed." Rhodes pointed to his backpack. "Is this rational enough?"

"Too rational," Mira sighed lightly. "As the 'client,' I feel very confident that you'll successfully complete this mission."

"That's good then. I'll be a bit more vigilant," Rhodes said, connecting to the perspectives of the two Swift Crabs. His mind felt like it had "split screens."

He carefully observed every passing boat and every pedestrian on the shore.

Seeing Rhodes like this, Mira recalled the Guild Master's instructions. The purpose of this trip was to help Rhodes relax a bit, but...

Carrying some consumable magic items for self-defense was one thing, but was there anyone who went on a trip constantly using magic to scout? He even thought of getting his fortune told beforehand!

However, in a way, this was good.

If she had been half as cautious as Rhodes back then, maybe Lisanna wouldn't have...

Compared to her former reckless, overly confident self, it might actually be safer to team up with someone like Rhodes.

Lisanna's face appeared in her mind, and Mira hugged her own arms, thinking, "It was all my fault..."

"Mira, Mira?" Rhodes' voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Sorry, I zoned out. Did you notice something?" Mira asked.

"Nothing suspicious, just wondering if it's cold in the cabin?" Seeing Mira hugging her arms, Rhodes pulled out a jacket from his backpack. "Good thing I brought this too."

It was the only jacket Rhodes had. Truthfully, if he wanted, he could have stuffed all of his clothes into his backpack, not that he had many.

"Thank you." Mira didn't refuse and draped the jacket over herself. The scent of sunlight on it gave her a sense of warmth. Amid sadness, feeling the care of her companion was the best comfort.

"It's not even noon yet, but the cabin may be a bit damp. Do you want me to make a fire for you?" Rhodes asked.

His finger traced through the air, with each letter forming large magic symbols spelling "FIRE" in midair. It then shrank to the size of a fist, transforming into a small flame.

Seeing this contrast, Mira couldn't help but laugh. This was the first time Rhodes showed her his Solid Script magic, and it turned out like this.

Finally, the boatman in the back couldn't bear it anymore. "Don't play with fire in the cabin!"

What was wrong with this guy? Not only did he bring a bag full of explosives, but he was also playing with fire in the cabin? Was he really not afraid of causing an explosion?

"Sorry, sorry!" Rhodes waved his hand, making the flame disappear.

The boat continued downstream, and as the sun rose higher, the air gradually became stifling despite the shade provided by the boat's canopy.

This was why they were taking a boat instead of traveling on Swift Crabs.

It would still take some time to reach Crocus. Mira opened her suitcase and took out a lunchbox. "I made some sandwiches this morning—if you don't mind, let's eat together. Although the taste might not compare to Cook's."

"You can cook...?" Rhodes trailed off.

Well, of course, it was only natural. He remembered the time Mira shopped for Cook; it probably wasn't Cook lowering his standards—it was because Mira was actually good at it.

"Don't underestimate me. I raised Elfman on my own." Mira handed a sandwich to Rhodes. "Actually, Elfman is also quite good at cooking."

Rhodes accepted the sandwich. He actually brought some bread, but...

At a time like this, even a fool would know which to choose. He could always give the bread to Worm later.

"Elfman? Knows how to cook?"

Rhodes tried to imagine Elfman wearing an apron... but it was impossible to picture.

"Is it that hard to believe?" Mira laughed. "I told you, Elfman is a gentle soul."

She had said that before, but Rhodes thought it was just a big sister defending her brother's image.

He gave a sheepish smile and took a bite of the sandwich. "Hmm?"

"What's wrong? Does it taste bad?" Mira checked the lunchbox. "The preservation magic should still be effective."

"No, it's not that—it just tastes familiar." Rhodes chewed thoughtfully. "It's delicious, and different from what I usually eat at the guild."

Mira smiled. "As long as you like it. I was worried you might be too used to Cook's food to like mine."

Ah, so that's what it is! That sandwich from that day was hers too.

Rhodes remembered waking up that day; the taste on his tongue was the same, and the smile before his eyes was the same too.