The Beginning of the Fourth Heir

The Engagement

Chapter 24

Harada couldn't believe his eyes. He had conceived an idea about Fairy Tail and it shattered instantly because of what he saw. He was busy gawking at the rowdy scene when Mirajane Strauss approached him.

"Hello there. I'm Mirajane Strauss. Can I help you with something?" she asked. Harada snapped back to reality and cleared his throat.

"Uhm...is this the Fairy Tail guild?"

"Why, yes. This is Fairy Tail. Are you joining our guild? We're currently looking for new members." Mirajane offered.

"I'm afraid not. Uhm..." Harada began searching his own pockets and found the invitation. He gave it to Mirajane. Curious onlookers (aka the whole guild) viewed the contents of the letter over her shoulder. Natsu was having difficulty reading, seeing the letter was written in kanji.

"It's an invitation for Team Fairy Tail and Shadow Gear. For Milady's birthday. She's a former member of your guild." he explained.

"Huh? The only member I know who left the guild is Yui-chan. Don't tell me...she's your master?" Lucy said. Harada looked at her and spotted her celestial keys.

"Yes. She introduced herself as Yui to you guys. She had amnesia that time if I'm not mistaken. Her real name is Riyui Nura, granddaughter of Nurarihyon. She's from a yokai family. And her birthday is coming up and...I wanted to surprise her." When Harada said this, he blushed. Erza and her husband Jellal (they were married and Riyui was invited) were smiling at him.

"You're doing this to surprise her? Wow. You've traveled a long way. Just out of curiosity, is she your girlfriend?" Erza asked. This made Harada blush even more.

"W-Well...the thing is... she's...she's...uh..." he stammered. Natsu laughed and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"You know, you don't have to tell us why you traveled a long way just for an invitation. We understand. You really love her, don't you?" Natsu said. Harada nodded.

"Then let's go! After all, we don't want to miss Yui's birthday." Natsu said.

"Aye!" Happy agreed.

"I'm glad to hear it. Milady will be so happy when she sees you." he said. Then, he looked at Lucy. "Excuse me, but are you Lucy Heartfilia?"

"Huh? Yes, I am. Why?"

"Milady says you're an incredible writer. She really looks up to you, Ms. Heartfilia." This made Lucy blush.

"Well, I'm not really that good. But I can see potential in her. Though she's still has a long way to go." Lucy spoke.

"Oh c'mon! Enough with the chatter! Let's get on the road." Natsu grumbled. "Are you coming, Erza?"

"I don't know...Master Makarov might need me here. And besides, there's someone who will miss me while I'm gone." Erza said half-jokingly while looking at Jellal. The blue-haired wizard laughed sheepishly.

"I'll be fine, Erza. In fact, you don't have to worry about me. I'm coming with you." Jellal spoke. Erza smiled. Harada couldn't help but think, 'I wish I could do that with Riyui someday.' But he realized that he will have to go through the eye of a needle to be with the girl he loves. And he will do it willingly.

"All right then, let's get this show on the road!" Natsu shouted.

"Aye!" Happy agreed.

Meanwhile, Riyui was busy writing her novel. Kejoro was there with her, serving tea. Out of the corner of her eye, our heroine saw Kubinashi watching the brunette yokai from afar. She knew something was up. But she ignored it and continued to write. But when he continues to watch Kejoro like an avid stalker, Riyui sighed in resignation and told her attendant she will be going out to get some fresh air. When she got out of her room, however, she stealthily approached the blonde yokai.