Fairy Tail: I Don't Want to Be the Guild Master

To prepare for potential food shortages during missions, it was standard practice to bring a bit of dried food and sugar for emergencies. Of course, it absolutely wasn't to lure little girls with candy.

Jenny stared at the chocolate offered to her, then glanced at the older man holding Hunter and smiling warmly.

Around them, the summoned beasts were locked in fierce combat. Her eyes welled up with tears.

And then she burst into sobs.

She had been terrified. She thought Labon was going to eat her. And her little brother too.

"There, there. It's alright now. Are you cold? Hungry? Does anything hurt?"

Rhodes was momentarily flustered. He wasn't exactly experienced in comforting crying children.

"Just stay here for a bit, okay? I'll be right back." He gently placed Hunter next to Jenny, then summoned Warm to act as a warm, furry heat source for the siblings.

"Partial Take over: Krug Arm!"

To conserve magic power, Rhodes activated a partial take over. Both arms became encased in rugged stone-like armor. It was time to join the battle directly.

The crab form lacked offensive strength. The wolf and raptor forms were too wild and vicious for close proximity to children. The Krug was the most balanced choice.

His left fist slammed into a Labon's stomach, causing its body to ripple before crumpling over. Then his right fist struck another across the head, knocking it unconscious in a single clean hit.

Compared to the chaotic biting of the summons or Elfman's single-arm take over brawling, Rhodes' controlled technique was far more efficient. Each strike cleanly removed a threat.

"Manly!" Elfman shouted with admiration.

"I'd recommend toning it down," Rhodes warned mid-swing. "If an avalanche hits, we won't be able to run with two kids."

"Manly." Elfman whispered the word this time, still beaming with pride.

Rhodes laughed as he fought. Elfman really could be adorable when he wasn't shouting.

The battle eventually wound down. Labons lay scattered across the snow like fallen titans.

Considering their strength and numbers, an average mage probably wouldn't have made it out.

The real problem wasn't individual power—it was scale. One wizard couldn't possibly deal with dozens of creatures alone. Not unless their magic packed serious destructive force.

Elfman was breathing heavily, wiped out from the fight.

"These rabbit-things, fight harder than they look. Manly."

"Yeah, no time to relax," Rhodes said, eyes scanning the snowy horizon. "We've got to get the kids down the mountain. No telling how many more of those things are out there."

"But we haven't found the herbs yet."

"We'll come back for them. We can't risk bringing the kids any higher."

Jenny clutched Warm tightly and spoke up timidly, "Um... big brother, I actually found the herb."

Rhodes blinked. Somehow, Warm and Jenny had already become close. The furry creature kept nudging her like she was its longtime trainer.

Honestly, he felt his own social skills were being outshone by a summon. It hadn't even been that long.

Maybe it was because she still hadn't eaten the chocolate he gave her.

"You found it?" Rhodes asked, genuinely surprised.

Jenny nodded enthusiastically. "Yep!"

"You... you're amazing! That's seriously manly!"

Jenny scrunched her face. What did that even mean? She wasn't Hunter.

"Alright then, let's get down this mountain fast." Rhodes lifted Hunter into his arms and nodded at Elfman to carry Jenny.

Jenny was a little nervous at first, but once she felt the strength in Elfman's arms and the steady warmth through his coat, she relaxed. There was a sense of safety that couldn't be put into words.

Warm happily waddled beside them on the snow. It didn't seem bothered by the cold at all. In fact, it looked completely at home, occasionally hopping ahead to scout the path with its uncanny mountain instincts.

Rhodes had already sent the other summoned creatures back to conserve his magic. For now, he kept watch using only his own senses.

Thankfully, the descent went smoothly. When his mana reserves were nearly full again, Rhodes summoned the Brambleback once more to cast Red buff on Hunter and then quickly dismissed it again.

Hunter's complexion brightened immediately, a healthy glow returning to his cheeks. Meanwhile, Rhodes's own face turned noticeably pale.

"You okay?" Elfman asked, concern in his voice.

"I'm fine. Just need to rest a bit."

When his magic was running low, the cold hit harder. Rhodes was thankful he had the foresight to layer up properly.

As they approached the village, some warmth returned to Rhodes's face—and just then, the boy in his arms stirred.

"Sis... Run!" Hunter suddenly shouted as he opened his eyes.

Jenny's eyes welled up, but she forced a smile and huffed, "Idiot Hunter! It's okay now."

"Huh?" Hunter blinked around in confusion. Last thing he remembered, he was flying through the air after a Labon swipe.

Did that mean he got slapped all the way from the mountain to the village?

"We were saved by the big brothers!" Jenny explained, her voice trembling with relief.

And as soon as Hunter realized they were safe, his face crumpled—and he burst into tears.

He was scared too. He didn't even remember how he had found the courage to shove his sister out of harm's way.

"You dummy!" Jenny huffed, wiping her own eyes. "Now hurry up and say thank you!"

"Thank you… thank you, big brothers… wuhhh…"

"You're welcome," Rhodes replied with a small smile. "But—"

He paused, deciding it might be better to let their mother handle the real scolding later.

"Just, try not to wipe your snot on my coat. Winter gear's a pain to clean, right, Elfman—Elfman?"

"Huh? Oh. I'm just glad you two are okay."

Elfman's answer felt a bit off. Rhodes blinked, noting the distracted tone. "You alright? You've been spacing out."

"I'm fine. Really," Elfman muttered, walking ahead with his head lowered, carrying Jenny gently in his arms.

In truth, Hunter's actions had stirred something deep within him. That desperate push to protect his sibling—he knew that feeling. He had once thrown himself into the jaws of danger, taking on the Beast King's form with no regard for the cost, just to shield his sisters.

But unlike today, things hadn't gone well. His sacrifice back then had only led to tragedy.

This time, though, these children were lucky. And maybe, that was enough.

Jenny looked up curiously at the tall man carrying her. He had such a tough face, like a scary grown-up, but when he smiled—

"Big brother?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for protecting me," she said softly, her smile sweet and genuine.

"Brother Elf."

For a moment, the image of a familiar girl flickered in Elfman's mind. "Lisanna."

"Huh?" Jenny blinked in confusion.

"Nothing," Elfman said quickly, gently ruffling her hair with his free hand. "Just, don't do something so dangerous again. Your mom was really worried. And so was your brother."

"Okay," Jenny murmured, guilt tugging at her voice.

Elfman smiled.

At least this time, he had protected someone.

Rhodes glanced over, watching the change in Elfman's expression. His heart stirred with hope.

If that flicker he saw meant what he thought, then maybe… maybe Elfman was finally healing.

And if he was healing—then so was Mira.

But he couldn't jump to conclusions. This was just a moment, and healing wasn't simple. Still, if missions like this could help even a little, then maybe they could make a difference.

Escort missions. Rescue jobs. Healing requests.

Anything that let Elfman protect, not regret.

And maybe, in time, little by little, that lingering guilt—the one rooted in his heart because of his kindness—might finally begin to fade, healed by that same kindness.

For the first time in a long while, there was a glimmer of clarity.