Fairy Tail: Becoming stronger by spending money.

"Caesar, you haven't gone on any missions in a while."

Mirajane carried a tray and walked over to Caesar, who was tinkering with something. She gently tapped him on the head with the tray and said, "What have you been busy with lately? Acting all mysterious?"

"Nothing serious. I just want to take it easy. Mira, I've got two tickets here. Want to come with me?"

Caesar put away his things and showed her the tickets.

"Is this... a date?"

Mirajane smiled and took one of the tickets. She noticed it was for a luxurious beach resort package.

Three days and two nights, including meals, lodging, and full access to entertainment. Based on her estimate, each ticket was worth close to 200,000 J, which was no small amount.

But for someone like Caesar, that wasn't surprising.

"So, are you coming or not?"

Caesar spread his hands and looked at her.

"Of course I'm coming!"

Mirajane tucked the ticket away without hesitation. No way she was letting someone else get it.

"When are we leaving?"

"August 15th."

"That's the day after tomorrow. Alright, I'll go pack."

After they agreed on the details, Mirajane went off to prepare, while Caesar resumed working on his project.

Erza and the others passed by from time to time, curious about what Caesar was building, but he always blocked them from getting too close.

…

Soon, August 15th arrived.

Caesar and Mirajane departed together.

Akani Beach, a famous resort in the world of Fairy Tail, welcomed them with crystal-clear waters and first-class service.

Of course, the prices matched the luxury.

Mirajane wore a stunning white bikini and walked down the shore. After a bit of searching, she spotted Caesar speaking quietly with a staff member.

"What're you talking about?"

Mirajane came up behind him and playfully slapped his back, making Caesar jump.

"Nothing important."

Caesar shook his head. The staff member quickly excused himself and disappeared.

The whole exchange made Mirajane raise an eyebrow, but before she could say anything—

"Mira, you look beautiful."

"Really?"

His timing derailed her suspicions. Mirajane smiled and struck a pose, flaunting her figure.

Though she was only 15, the image of the mature Mirajane in Caesar's memories was already becoming reality.

Caesar nodded, trying to keep a straight face as he covered his nose and inwardly praised himself for keeping this version of Mirajane hidden from others so far.

The two went on to enjoy their beach trip.

Clear waters, palm trees, warm breezes—and a beautiful girl by his side. Who would say no to that?

After a relaxing time by the sea, they returned to the hotel for dinner and later wandered into the underground casino.

Caesar momentarily took over Tsunade, placing bets with a legendary fat sheep's luck. Then, he gave Mirajane instructions to bet against him.

It didn't take her long to understand the trick—and how profitable it was.

With a pile of winnings, Mirajane was overjoyed.

She completely forgot the odd beach incident from earlier.

But on the second day, something changed.

Caesar became distracted. He'd zone out during conversations, vanish for long stretches, and often couldn't be found at all.

Mirajane grew more suspicious, but she didn't bring it up.

After all, Caesar was always quick with excuses and could produce witnesses if needed.

Still, the mood during dinner was a little cold.

"Mira, there's going to be fireworks at the beach tonight. You have to come," Caesar said, glancing at the time and noticing her gloomy expression.

"Okay..."

She replied, but her heart wasn't in it.

"I arranged it just for you. Don't be late."

Caesar left to prepare, and only then did Mirajane realize—this wasn't a public event.

This was something he had planned... just for her.

She froze, unsure how to react.

But her mood quickly brightened.

As the sun set and the evening drew in, Mirajane walked alone to the beach.

The area had been completely cleared.

A smooth stretch of sand was prepared, with a path framed by flowers and lanterns.

"How romantic..."

Mirajane's heart fluttered, though she tried not to jump to conclusions. Still, she felt her expectations rise.

As she stepped onto the path, soft bursts of magic began to fire off at the path's edge.

Fireworks.

Glittering, colorful, timed to bloom gently one after another, lighting up her way as she walked.

Her smile widened.

At the end of the path, Caesar stood on a small wooden platform in beach shorts, waiting for her.

"You must've worked hard to set all this up."

"It's nothing. I just wanted to put on a show for you," Caesar said, brushing her cheek.

"I hope you like it."

He raised his hand and shot a glowing orb of magic into the sky.

Boom!

A burst of shimmering magical light exploded overhead, followed by dozens more.

A kaleidoscope of colors lit up the night sky, painting it with radiant beauty.

"Wow..."

Mirajane stared in awe.

There was something uniquely magical about fireworks meant for just one person.

She leaned gently against Caesar's shoulder.

The show continued for two full hours—everything Caesar had created over the past few weeks. And the result was worth it.

As the last wave of fireworks faded, Caesar looked at Mirajane's gentle expression.

His heart pounding, he stepped back and dropped to one knee.

A bouquet appeared in his hand.

And with it—a small, velvet box.

Mirajane froze, covering her mouth with both hands.

Tears streamed down her face.

"Mira," Caesar began, "I know I've made you wait for a long time. But from this moment on, I won't make you wait any longer."

He opened the box, revealing a delicate magic ring inlaid with shimmering gemstones.

The enchantment woven into it: Protection.

This wasn't just jewelry—it was a promise.

To guard her. For life.

Mirajane extended her hand through teary eyes, and Caesar gently slipped the ring onto her finger.

He kissed the back of her hand.

Then looked up at the sky and said softly, "It's past midnight. It's now August 17th.

Happy birthday, Mira."

As if on cue, resort staff emerged pushing a trolley with a birthday cake, lit with candles.

Mirajane looked at the cake, then back at Caesar.

She burst into laughter through her tears.

Throwing her arms around him, she leaned up and kissed him passionately—openly, honestly, and full of love.