Chapter 131: Asking Mystogan

Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Asking MystoganThe two of them walked out of the cave together.

One of the benefits of Erza's Requip magic was that, after they were done, she could simply call out "Requip" to change into a new set of clothes. Now, she had swapped the revealing bunny outfit for her more modest "Farewell Armor." However, as they walked, there was still a small hint of discomfort.

"Does it hurt?" Nate asked, holding her hand, their fingers intertwined as couples often do.

Erza smiled softly. "At first, it did a little, but it doesn't hurt anymore."

'You're even tougher than Ultear and Juvia!' Nate thought, remembering how unexpected it was to share such an intimate moment outdoors with Erza. His original intention had been to spar with her on the island, but when they were transported to the cave, one thing led to another.

"Shall we spar by the beach? The same place where you fought Laxus last time?" Erza still seemed eager for a duel.

Nate led her to the western shore of the island. The last time he had fought Laxus there, the beach had been left in a battered state. But over time, the tides had restored it to its former beauty.

Finding a rock where they could sit, Nate held her hand as the sea breeze cooled the air, offering refreshing comfort.

"Let's postpone the sparring for a few days. You might aggravate your injury," Nate said, gently kissing Erza's cheek. "Don't push yourself. We can spar anytime; I'll always be here for you."

"Alright, I'll listen to you," Erza smiled warmly, touched by his concern. She rested her head on his shoulder. While she had always felt that her guildmates were like family, being with Nate brought her a different kind of warmth and comfort.

Erza was in high spirits. The deep emotional and physical connection she now shared with Nate left her feeling both relaxed and fulfilled.

The two sat in silence for a while, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the vast beauty of the ocean before them.

"Nate," Erza said quietly.

"What is it?"

"Do you like me?" Erza had sensed Nate's affection for her, but she still longed to hear him say it aloud.

'Is she feeling insecure?' Nate thought. Unlike Juvia, who was always confident in his feelings for her, Erza, despite her strength, seemed to carry a hidden vulnerability. It was as if her armor served as a shield for her emotions.

Nate responded with a firm and reassuring tone, "Yes, I like you."

Erza turned to face him, her eyes locking onto his. "When did you start liking me? Was it at the resort?"

"Earlier than that."

"Earlier? Was it when we were imprisoned together by the council?"

"Even earlier."

"Really?" Erza raised her eyebrows, half-smiling in amusement. "When we first met at the guild?"

'Was it love at first sight?' Erza's heart fluttered at the thought.

But Nate shook his head. "Even earlier than that."

"I don't understand..." Erza laughed softly. "When could you have seen me before?"

"From the moment you were born, I liked you," Nate said with a playful grin.

Erza's cheeks flushed at the sudden romantic gesture.

'Insecure?' She felt anything but. Now, she was both embarrassed and happy.

"You really know how to charm a girl!" Erza pretended to scold him, though the smile on her lips betrayed her. "Have you dated a lot of girls before?"

'Not just before, even now, there are three,' Nate thought. But this wasn't something he could confess. Not now, at least. He chose not to answer the question, understanding that it wasn't really a question she wanted answered. seaʀᴄh thё NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Instead, he asked, "And do you like me?"

"Mm, I do," Erza nodded earnestly.

"When did you start liking me?"

"When we were imprisoned by the council together."

Erza's eyes softened. "I admired you back then, especially when you told me about Siegrain being a Thought Projection."

"Then, after we went to the Tower of Heaven together, and you helped me free myself from my childhood trauma..."

"I think that's when I truly started liking you."

That was why, when Nate kissed her for the first time, she hadn't resisted.

They gazed into each other's eyes, and before long, they were kissing again.

Later, as evening fell, Nate didn't teleport them back to Magnolia but took them to the nearest port town, Hargeon. There, they enjoyed a lavish seafood dinner and spent some time shopping, buying new clothes for Erza. The bunny outfit from earlier was no longer wearable, so Nate bought her a new one.

Afterward, they headed to a hotel.

"Erza," Nate began.

"Yes?"

"Some of your armors are a bit revealing. Maybe you could wear something a little less... attention-grabbing?"

Hearing this, Erza chuckled. "Are you jealous?"

"I am," Nate admitted openly. "I don't want other people ogling my girlfriend."

"Alright, I'll be more careful!" Erza, clearly pleased, stood on her toes to kiss Nate on the cheek right there in the street. "I'll listen to you from now on!"

They returned to the hotel for a second round. Erza had many different outfits to wear—bunny girl was just one of them. Nate thought it might take a while to try them all. Tonight, it would be Nurse Erza.

...

The next morning, after spending a wonderful night with Erza, Nate used his 'Flying Thunder God' magic to teleport back to Magnolia. He dropped Erza off at the girls' dorm to rest before heading to the guild.

By the time he arrived, it was already half-past nine.

At the construction site, many people had gathered.

"Thank you for taking care of me. I'll be leaving now," Wendy said with a polite bow, her hands clasped in front of her.

Happy offered her a fish. "Carla, do you want some fish?"

"Hmph." Carla turned her head away, still her usual proud self.

"You're just shy, how cute!" Happy's eyes sparkled with hearts.

Lucy didn't tease him this time. Instead, she tried to convince Wendy. "Are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer?"

"I've already been away from the guild for a while now. The master will start worrying," Wendy replied with a sweet smile. "But Lucy, you should come visit our guild sometime too!"

"Leaving already?" Nate approached them.

"Thank you, Nate, for inviting me to visit Fairy Tail," Wendy said gratefully. "Just like the rumors say, it's a really wonderful guild."

Nate smiled, thinking, 'It won't be long before you join us for good.'

"Did you get to see the person you wanted to see?" Nate asked.

Wendy froze for a moment. "The person I wanted to see... Jellal?"

Seeing her confusion, Nate quickly realized that Mystogan hadn't revealed his identity to her. Deciding not to press the issue, he simply said, "You'll see him again one day. Take care, Wendy, Carla."

"Goodbye, Nate, Lucy, and everyone in Fairy Tail," Wendy said, waving.

Once Wendy had left, everyone returned to their work.

...

At Magnolia's train station, Wendy and Carla boarded the train. As it started moving, Wendy immediately felt a wave of dizziness.

"What's wrong?" Carla asked, concerned.

"I feel sick..."

Wendy slumped onto the table, her eyes swirling in confusion. "It's just like Grandeeney said. I've ended up just like Natsu..."

After learning 'Dragon Force,' Wendy's power had significantly increased, but she had also inherited the unique weakness of Dragon Slayers—motion sickness.

Outside the train, a man watching from afar noticed her condition.

"Mystogan," Nate called out.

Mystogan looked surprised, turning to see Nate approaching him.

"You don't have to call me Mystogan, Nate."

Nate smiled and nodded. "I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?" Mystogan asked, puzzled. "How did you know I was here?"

Nate pointed to his eyes. "You've been closing small Anima portals recently, haven't you? Can you tell me where the next one will appear? I want to go to Edolas."

Mystogan was instantly stunned. 'How did he know about my identity?'