Ghosts of the past

Chapter 19 : The heiress

Hi guys! Chapter with a lot of dialogues today where I had to, once again, postponed a part to the other chapter despite the length of it XD (Note to myself, learn how to make smaller plans :P )

Also, you must have noticed that this last update was late... like three weeks late -_- ! I'm so sorry for that but I was on a two weeks trip in Europe and I had no time to write nor internet. But now I'm back! :D

Hope you all have nice summer vacations!

Lily xx

The sun was barely rising above the horizon when the group arrived at Makarov's house. This time, the small man wasn't in his night clothes and was all alert, showing a serious expression. He however seemed to be relieved to see them all safe and sound.

"I'm glad noting serious happened to you during those two weeks" he said, inviting them with a sign of his hand to come inside.

All of them looked at each other at that sentence. Understanding that something important had in fact happened, Makarov's traits hardened a little.

"Let's talk inside" he simply said.

Despite their impatience to interrogate Makarov, Gray and Levy summarised the events with Phantom and their implication of the organisation in the murder of most of their parents. As for Gajeel and Juvia, the simply listened, Gajeel clenching his teeth when something frustrating was said, that is to say pretty often. At the end of the story, the little man nodded, indicating he had registered everything.

"What about you? The West?" Couldn't help but asking Gray.

"Some villages are ready to support us provided that the future queen renews the commercial treaty with them".

No matter how hard Levy had tried to get prepared for the subject, Makarov's words hit her straight in the face.

"Are you okay shrimp?" whispered Gajeel while tapping her hand with his index to get her attention.

As an answer, she took Gajeel's hand in hers, focussing on the heat he emitting to keep her mind straight. Makarov's look bifurcated on their joined hands for a second, obviously surprised, before acting like nothing happened.

"Fairy Tail will also help".

"What?" exclaimed Gajeel who was silent until now. "I taught we were supposed to stay quiet on the shrimp's identity!"

"I didn't mention the identity of the heiress yet. But if it was essential to keep her anonymous until now" started the old man, keeping his calm "now, if we want to get August off the throne, I'm afraid Levy will have to assume her role".

Gajeel felt the little hand tightening in his but she however nodded.

"Not mentioning that those who are the most susceptible of hurting her already know" completed Gray.

"I already summoned everyone at the tavern in one hour. You should go there" Makarov added. "We'll talk about the details with the others and will make the announcement. If you are ready that is".

Despite the fact that she was practically shaking, Levy nodded once again. Then they started to walk to the tavern that was only a two minutes' walk from there. Where to go if not there? Running would not help her anyways and the young woman was missing her friends. Maybe they would even help her think about something else... But despite the encouraging words she was trying to engrave in her head, she couldn't help but being stressed to go inside.

Despite her fears, she was relieved to see that the tavern was true to itself: full of life, action, laughs, and people bickering. She simply felt at home in that mess of a bar, and that no matter how much she liked calm and serene places.