Double chapter thanks to dracula who canât spell his name in the right order and that gay horse guy. (Thereâs also one other guy who got it right not shown here.)
MagnoliaâŚ.
Inside onf of the rooms at the top of Fairy Tail guild, Makarov is looking ata bedridden Noah whoâs clenching his teeth while dealing with the pain. His expression might not be changing but those eyes surrounded by wrinkles gave off a sense of panic undetectable to normal people.
â, is he okay?â
He said to an old lady whoâs bandaging Noahâs left arm and shoulder at the side of the bed.
âShut up!â
The old lady named Polysica shushed him without changing her expression. She continued moving her hands and only snapped at the old man.
âIf you keep making noises, I am going home!â
Makarov immediately zipped his mouth and didnât dare to speak further.
Thatâs because he knows she meant what she said.
The two might be tight companions of many years but Polyusica is a misanthrope to the core. For her, a place like Fairy Tail with its rambunctious atmosphere is definitely one of the place she absolutely donât want to stay long in.
If he push her any further, Polyusica will definitely pack up and leave.
Maybe itâs because she canât stand seeing Makarov holding back his anxiety on his own, Polyusica sighed.
âYouâre already so old and yet are still as impatient as ever. Your grandsonâs injuries cannot be said to be minor but it isnât so deep as to affect the bones. With [Healing magic], full recovery would be made within 3 days, the hell are you panicking about?â
âReally?â
Makarov heaved a big sigh of relief.
âWell thatâs truly just great.â
âThank you, granny.â
Noah thanked her while still on the bed.
âIâm sorry for the trouble.â
âDonât misunderstand me, I just canât tolerate being bugged by this old man over here!â
Polyusica expressionlessly tightened his bandage. She immediately stood up after finishing.
âIf it were not for this, I wouldnât have came to a place with so many nasty humans around!â
Noah laughed and Makarov spotted an expression of helplessness.
âWell whatever you say, thanks.â
âSave me the pointless chit chat.â
Polyusica turned around and walked towards the exit.
âIf you really wanted to thank me, donât make me come to this kind of place again.â
She said and slammed the door on her way out, anyone would have been able to feel the displeasure coming off of her.
âEven at such an age, she still hates humanâŚâ
Makarov curled his lips and then turned to Noah. When he saw his relaxed appearance post treatment, his eyes looked to be a mix of anguish and pity.
âSorry Noah, if i knew something like this woul dhappend I would have never let you on this quest.â
âGramps, what are you spouting?â
He waved his undamaged hand to dismiss this notion.
âNobody knew Phantom Lord would have appeared isnât it? Itâs not your falt.â
âDonât you worry, Noah!â
Makarov tightened his fist and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
âI will get them back for this sooner or later!â
âAnd Laxus!â
His frosty eyes turned into one of anger as he shouted the tsundereâs name.
âI specifically told him to protect you and now look at you all roughed up, when I get bank I need to give him a good hiding!â
âBrother Laxus?â
He recalled what Laxus said to him before falling silent without uttering a signle word.
âSay gramps, do you think I might have made an error when I didnât learn magic straightaway?â
Makarov still angry, stopped when he heard this. Seeing his grandson doubting his own choice made him feel like pampering him.
It has been about a full year since he adopted Noah. Makarov understands him more than anyone else. He also know that this grandson of his deals with various event and people in a manner in a calm and cool manner not found in many normal adults. He didnât have the reckless tendency commonly found in kids his age. His temperament is excellent.
As excellent as he maybe, he is still only an 11 year old kid. There is still a trace of childlike feebleness in him.
However, this weak side of him is only revealed to those people closest to him.
Such as the one before him right now.
âI am the one who told you to hold off on learning magic, if itâs anyoneâs fault, itâs mine!â
Makarov replied after a few moments of silence.
âBut Noah, I can tell you that your decision is definitely not wrong!â
Like a ray of light, his words broke through the clouds around his heart. His eyes brightened up as he turned to look at Makarov.
âYour talent is simply too good, even if you donât cultivate it, you have magic power the scale no one can compete with. If you can freely control this force then if you really did learn magic, your strength will surely be greather than mine!â
Makarov said in a formal manner.
âBut sometimes, just having an overly strong talent isnât all good. I believe you know what I am talking about, before youc an freely manipulate your magic power, learning magic, even if it does not has any inherent destructive power like the healing or support type of magic. If some of those magic power leaked out when you are using those magic, it might cause a very dangerous meltdown!â
âSince your talents arenât going anyway, and your magic power arenât going anywhere as well, is there any rush in learning magic?â
His voice softened up to this point.
âYou are still young, you are working hard at controlling your own magic power. One day, when this power is yours to command, then it wouldnât be late for you to learn magic. And judging by the magic power you have, your strength will grow exponentially for sure!â
His bewilderment started to disperse with Makarovâs words but he still has some uncertainty left in him.
âI know that, but this bout with Phantom Lord made me think if I learnt magic, could I have protected my comrades?â
âWhat are you saing?â
Makarov had a toothy grin on him.
âI have already heard from Erza, didnât you covered for her pretty well?â
âYou call that protection?â
Noah frowned.
âI am just helping out Erza as a meatshield.â
âYou didnât let those Phantom Lord harm your comrade, that is protecting!â
He patted his skinny little shoulder while staring straight at him.
âIf you really want to pursue strength then I wonât stop you forcibly but I hope that you choose the correct way to obtain power!â
âThe correct method?â
He murmured perplexed.
âMagic isnât the be all end all of power!â
Makarov said in a deep way.
âErzaâs the same, while training her magic sheâs also training her sword skills yes?â
Noah instantly realized the meaning behind his words and he started to cheer up.
âI believe that you will be able to find your own path of magic!â
Seeing him brightening up more and more, Makarov perked him up more.
âBut before that, no matter what happens, gramps has got your back coveredâŚâ
Noah inhaled deeply and stored away the gratitude he feels for Makarov and nodded heavily. Looking outside the window, his face turned into a resolute one.