A magic merchant infiltrating Fairy Tail

Mira tilted her head, smiling sweetly, looking like she didn't understand what she was saying.

"That's right... We would never do something like deceiving consumers or our fellow guild members!"

Kira nodded in agreement. "Business, after all, is built on a win-win basis to maintain long-term operations. I will never do anything that drains the pond to catch all the fish!"

"Heh...hehe..."

Lucy just smiled politely, but Kira could see the distrust in her eyes.

Kira wasn't angry. He could have easily admitted that he was one of the most outstanding merchants in the new era of the Kingdom of Fiore, a well-known figure even in the business world, but he didn't do so because there was no need to flaunt such a thing.

Empty fame and such are all just fleeting clouds!

"Hey, it's normal that someone as excellent, considerate, gentle, kind, and knowledgeable as me can't understand you, Lucy! I won't be angry with you for it. On the contrary, I will enhance your wisdom and broaden your horizons until you feel ashamed of yourself."

Lucy was speechless and embarrassed: How come I never noticed Kira had this problem before...?

Chapter 616 Natsu's Personal Seat

Makarov stood on the second-floor railing, holding a large wine glass, his face flushed and his eyes gleaming with delight as he gazed at the lively scene at the guild.

"The young people in the guild are really outstanding!!"

He has decided to retire in a while and pass on the position of chairman. As for whether Gildarts or Kira will be his successor, he has not yet decided.

The former is too undisciplined, and the latter is too unconventional. Even if Makarov believes that the guild can continue to thrive regardless of who holds the position of guild leader, their flaws could potentially lead the guild into new predicaments.

"However... future matters will naturally be handled by future generations; my era has passed..."

"You agree, right? The first generation, the second generation?"

Not far away, Mebis and Precito, sitting at the table, both wore relieved smiles.

"That's true..."

Inside the guild, a group of mages were chatting about their experiences in the S-rank assessment over drinks.

"I didn't expect Natsu to become an S-class mage in the end... I thought it would be Gray..."

"They were both popular choices to begin with, so it wouldn't be surprising if either of them passed the assessment, right?"

"Speaking of which... after becoming an S-class student, Natsu will finally have his own private seat!"

Ah!! That's right!

Suddenly everyone remembered that since last year, Fairy Tail has had a rule to set up special seats for S-class mages. Natsu has caught a good time!

Unlike the previous ones, who were S-class for so many years but never received any decent benefits.

What is an S-class mage? The strongest group in a magic guild! In the end, all they get is the right to go upstairs and take on more demanding work.

You worked hard to level up and become a top member of your guild, only to get more job opportunities in return? Who would believe that?

Capitalists know to offer promises to their employees and reward those who make progress! Even if it's not much, at least there's something! But 'Fairy Tail' has absolutely nothing...

"Last year, the chairman added a seat to each S-class, is there nothing this year?"

"Hmm... given the president's personality, he might really forget! But even if he does remember, he'll probably pretend to have forgotten..."

"What?! No way!!"

"We are the number one magic guild in Ishgar, how can we not have year-end bonuses?! It's one thing for others, but S-rank mages must get them! Otherwise, how will they be motivated to become stronger in the future?"

Although this group lacked strength, they were adept at stirring up trouble, especially with someone like Makarov, whom they had known for decades and whose background they understood perfectly!

Encouraged by those around him, Natsu decided to go find Makarov alone and give him a good talking-to, letting this soon-to-retire old guy experience what the wave of youth is all about!

However, before he could go upstairs, Makarov came down first.

Makarov overheard their conversation clearly because those people below hadn't lowered their voices when they were teaching Natsu bad things, and he was currently feeling sullen.

What?! These guys actually said I'm stingy (which isn't actually true...)?! Do they even know who let them drink and laugh like that here?!

With this in mind, Makarov made an important decision that no one knew about: no matter what Natsu asked for his chair, he would do his best to satisfy him and give those guys a good slap in the face.

"President, President... I want an S-class exclusive chair!!"

"Hmm? Sure! Have you decided what kind of chair you want?" Makarov smiled kindly.

Each S-class mage has their own unique chair.

Gildarts' chair is plain but comfortable and practical, matching his carefree personality; Erza's chair is noble and gorgeous, matching her queenly demeanor; Mira's chair is exquisite and cute, matching her gentle and quiet temperament; Laxus' chair has rock-style patterns, matching his hobbies; Cana's chair is tarot-style and has a hint of alcohol, matching her lifestyle.

Kira's chair is truly remarkable. It's high-end, classy, ​​comfortable, durable, and multifunctional. Unlike chairs made by ordinary craftsmen, it was custom-made and incorporated various interesting magical items. No merchant guild in the entire Kingdom of Fiore could find another chair with a similar style. Kira spent a lot of money, time, and effort to create it.

Hmm? The president's attitude seems to be different from what they said?

Natsu decided to test the waters: "Guild Master, Kira said that S-Class Mages can design their own exclusive chairs, and the guild will pay for their manufacture. Is that true?"

Kira, who was standing not far away, was taken aback after hearing this and asked Happy beside him, "Did I say that to Natsu?"

Harpy honestly confessed: "Yes, you said it when you were bragging."

"Is that right?"

Kira thought about it carefully and finally remembered: when he first proposed the idea, that was indeed the initial plan, and he even mentioned it in the guild. However, later, because Erza, Laxus, and others' designs were too extravagant and wasteful, seriously jeopardizing the guild's budget, Makarov decided to reimburse only a portion of the costs.

Makarov naturally gave the same answer. He squinted at Natsu and said softly, "If the estimated expenses are too high, the guild will only reimburse a portion and will not be responsible for the subsequent maintenance work."

Last year, I spent all my savings to reimburse those kids. I was determined not to waste money like that this year, but in the end, I had to make a move just to save face.

While Makarov was still feeling sorry for his meager savings, his guildmates were stirring things up for Natsu.

"What?! Only a portion? President, you're being far too stingy..."

"Natsu is our guild's most popular mage! It's not too much to go all out, is it?"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the guild to reimburse you for the S-rank exclusive seat, Natsu, you absolutely can't let the guild master get away with this!"

"Hahaha……"

Kira watched all this silently, thinking to himself, "As expected, people who have been drinking are really bold!"

"Shut up, you brats!!"

Even someone like Makarov couldn't resist the provocation from a group of drunkards. Perhaps because he'd had a bit too much to drink, he disregarded his pension and shouted angrily, "It's just a chair! Fine, the guild rules can't be changed. They say they'll only reimburse a portion, and that's it. But... I'll personally cover the rest!"

"What?! What did I just hear?! The president said he'd buy the house outright... no, he'd reimburse the entire cost?!"

"Really? You mean you'll agree to anything Natsu asks for?"

"So many people heard this, you can't go back on your word, President!!"

Having already said his piece, Makarov naturally couldn't lose face at this moment. Taking advantage of his drunkenness, he straightened his back and puffed out his beard, saying, "Of course! No matter what you design it to be, I can make it happen for you!!"

Everyone cheered excitedly: "Wow!! The president is so generous!!!"

These hopeless alcoholics were happier to see Makarov take out his money than to see themselves make money!

"Hahaha... Since that's the case, and the guild is paying for it anyway, Natsu, feel free to ask!"

Natsu was taken aback, both surprised and delighted by the sudden change. Then, he crossed his arms and burst into laughter, seemingly having planned the design of his chair all along: "I'm going to decorate it with a complete dragon skeleton!!!"

"puff--!!"

Makarov spat out a mouthful of liquor, his eyes wide as he roared at Natsu, "What did you say?!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?! In this day and age, where am I supposed to find the remains of a dragon for you?! And a complete one at that, that's harder than encountering a dragon in the first place!"

The onlookers burst into laughter.

"Hahaha... There's no way you can do it now, President!!"

That's an outrageous boast!

"What? Is it not okay?" Natsu's tone was full of disappointment.

"Hahaha... Natsu, I told you the guild master wouldn't be good enough! Forget about finding dragon bones, even if you did, how much money would it cost the guild master to buy them?"

"This president is such a loser! Hahaha..."

Makarov's face turned red with anger again, his defiant look like that of an eight-year-old who had lost a bet.

The idea of ​​providing S-class mages with exclusive chairs was not only to motivate guild members, but also to project the guild's image to the outside world. People would say things like, "So-and-so is an S-class mage in 'Fairy Tail' with a special chair, and his strength is extraordinary." Therefore, each chair was designed and manufactured with special care.

Now that we need to get Natsu a chair, we can't just do it hastily.

Makarov was actually prepared to spend a lot of money, but Natsu's idea of ​​making a chair from dragon bones was really too much of a challenge for the old man.

Even if their own coffers can hold it, dragon bones are priceless and hard to find. Besides, the guild doesn't have enough space to store a dragon bone!

Sure enough, as people get older, they should accept their age; things like being proven wrong are not suitable for him.

Even at nearly ninety years old, he wouldn't allow himself to be told he couldn't do it!

"Isn't it just dragon bones?"

"I'll buy it!!"

Chapter 617 As a Dragon Slayer Mage, it's normal to have a dragon bone chair, right?

"but!"

"Although I promised Natsu that I would use the dragon's remains to make the S-class mage's exclusive chair, do you have any relevant clues, guild master?"

"Absolutely not!"

Inside the guild, Makarov sat on the bar, a long face on his face, drinking alone in despair. A group of mages surrounded him, curiously observing the old man who had just made such a boast.

Makarov had already woken up; he had been startled awake after saying, "I bought it."

The effects of the alcohol wore off completely, and I was sweating profusely.

This is not good news for an older person. Fortunately, he is a powerful mage, and his physical condition is not so old that he would catch a chill from such a sudden jolt.

However, while his physical health remained intact, he suffered a severe emotional blow.

"I regret it now! I'm so regretful!"

"Kids, you really need to watch your alcohol tolerance from now on! Drinking can lead to trouble!!"