Chapter 179: Sudden Kiss and Sudden Enemy Arrival

Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Sudden Kiss and Sudden Enemy ArrivalCurious about what kind of gift Mira had in store for him, Nate eagerly set out after replying, "I'll be there soon."

However, along the way, he received a flurry of messages.

Levy: "Master, hope the patrol isn't too exhausting~"

Grateful for his apprentice's friendly check-in, Nate was glad she didn't suggest a stroll around town together.

Next, his second girlfriend messaged him.

Juvia: "Nate-sama, I saw an adorable Teru Teru Bozu doll at the cathedral!"

Juvia: "[Photo of the Teru Teru Bozu for sale]"

Sigma Male: "It's cute. Buy it!"

Juvia: "Yay! Juvia will buy it for you!"

Juvia: "It's just 10,000 J! [Photo of the Teru Teru Bozu doll with 'Juvia' written on it]"

Already bought it?! Nate stared, dumbfounded. Just for a name on it? Talk about a money-maker...

Sigma Male: "Why is it so expensive?"

Juvia: "Nate-sama likes it, right? So whenever you miss Juvia, you can look at it~ ??"

Fine, if it makes you happy, Nate chuckled to himself. He realized he hadn't prepared anything for Juvia lately, unlike Erza, to whom he'd given Senbonzakura, Ur, who'd received Sode no Shirayuki, and Mira, who'd received Murciélago.

Sigma Male: "I love it. I'll prepare a special surprise for you next time."

Juvia: "Really? Juvia can't wait~ ??" Searᴄh the nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

After settling things with Juvia, his first girlfriend messaged him next.

Witch of Pain: "[breakfast photo]"

Nate opened the image, seeing Ultear having breakfast with Meredy.

Sigma Male: "I'm not used to you sending me breakfast pictures."

Witch of Pain: "[sexy nightwear photo] "Isn't your big sister beautiful? ??"

The photo showed Ultear looking seductive and alluring, definitely from her private collection.

'How sneaky, hoarding photos,' Nate thought, amused as he saved it.

Witch of Pain: "Darling~ would you like to join me for breakfast? I made it myself!"

Tempted—he hadn't actually tried Ultear's cooking before—but he had to decline for now.

Sigma Male: "I'm on patrol."

Witch of Pain: "I bet you're with someone else. Poor me, so unloved ??"

Seeing her pout, Nate promised he'd join her that evening, which appeased her.

Barely a few steps later, Erza's message arrived. Fortunately, it wasn't an invitation but an addition to a group chat.

[Harvest Festival Patrol Alert Group]

'Members: Nate, Erza, Mirajane, Mystogan, Laxus, and Guild Master Makarov. Aside from him, all were S-Class mages.'

Makarov: "Report any suspicious activity immediately to ensure the festival proceeds smoothly."

Nate replied with "Understood" and let it be for now. He knew most of Grimoire Heart's plan, so his patrol was more of a cover to avoid all the invitations.

Unlike him, everyone else seemed to be taking their duties seriously. Laxus covered the bustling cathedral area, Mirajane took the south, Erza the west, and Mystogan the north, where there was a risk of an attack from the lake. Nate's patrol area was the east, covering a large section of the eastern forest. Thanks to his Six Eyes, his coverage was far broader than the others combined.

Upon arriving at the meeting spot in the south, he found Mirajane already waiting beneath a maple tree, her smile warm as she stood among the scattered red leaves.

She spotted him and brightened, walking toward him with a small gift bag in her hand.

"Nate, you're here!"

Mira smiled and took out a knitted scarf from the bag, a bit shy as she spoke, "It'll be winter soon, and Magnolia's weather can get cold quickly. It'll even snow before long."

A scarf? Nate thought, looking it over with delight—this had to be handmade.

"This is the scarf I've been working on the past few days. Here, it's for you; keep warm, alright?"

Mirajane lifted the scarf to put it around his neck but found the height difference a bit challenging. She pouted playfully, "Bend down!"

Nate chuckled and knelt down, letting her wrap the scarf around him. As she finished, Mirajane beamed proudly, admiring her work.

"Looks great. You better not say you don't like it!"

"I love it, thank—"

But before he could finish, Mira pulled on the scarf to bring him closer, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him. While he could have reacted quickly, Nate knew it would be foolish to pull away.

A bit surprised, he realized she was being bold—it wasn't like their last time camping, where she'd kissed his cheek. This was different.

After the brief, feather-light kiss, Mirajane backed away, her cheeks flushed as she shyly clasped her hands behind her back.

"I should... go back to patrolling..."

Before she could finish, Nate pulled her back into his arms. "Not fair—you kissed me, but I didn't get to kiss you back!"

"Let me go, you big dummy—people might see!" Mirajane laughed, half-heartedly swatting at his chest.

'If you're worried about that, why did you kiss me in the first place?' Nate thought, smiling to himself. Last time, she'd caught him off guard, and he wasn't going to miss his chance this time.

Gently, he held her face and leaned down to kiss her. Mirajane's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red, and although she considered pushing him away, his grip was firm. She felt rooted in place.

"Just... one kiss, okay?" she whispered, her last bit of defiance before she let herself sink into the moment.

Nate took his time, savoring the kiss he'd been waiting for. Compared to Mira's earlier brief kiss, this was a real kiss, one that left her breathless and dazed.

While Mira was utterly immersed in the moment, an annoyed voice broke the silence.

"Ugh, I hate when lovey-dovey couples act like this in front of me. Seriously, it's disgusting!"

Shocked, Mirajane snapped back to reality and pulled away, catching her breath. Nate felt a small sting as she accidentally bit his tongue.

They both looked toward the source of the voice. Sitting on a tree branch about thirty meters away was a burly man with pale skin and an expression of pure jealousy.

"Who is that? Such strong magic power!" Mirajane's face was still flushed, but her tone was serious as she eyed him.

Nate's muffled voice came out. "Meet... the Seven Kin of Purgatory."

"Huh?"

Mirajane blinked in confusion before catching on, her face turning even redder. 'Did... did it hurt?'

She didn't have time to ask, though, as the man in the distance clenched his fists, clearly incensed.

"I've decided. I'll kill you both right here!"