Chapter 140

Not everyone maintains a good relationship with Makarov.

Among them, Celestial Spirit Serene, the top of the Ten Saint Mages, and Heiberyn, the second-ranked among the Ten Saint Mages, did not respond to Makarov's call.

Clearly, the explanation offered by Makarov's side was dismissed as nonsense.

"Didn't Serene and Mr. Heiberyn respond?"

"Then again, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I'd find it utterly unbelievable too."

After hearing the Bobu President's account, Makarov gave a helpless smile and said, "There's nothing we can do—having Mr. Ulfheim and Uncle Volodシンken come is already good enough."

"Uncle Volodシンken?"

"President, is your uncle the fourth-ranked among the Ten Saint Mages, Volodシンken?!"

As Makarov spoke, Erza and the others nearby cast curious glances toward him.

You must realize that Makarov is already over eighty years old; if he has an uncle, that uncle must be over a hundred, perhaps even over a hundred and ten.

Over a hundred and ten years old—even in the magical world of Fairy Tail—is an extremely rare and precious longevity.

Moreover, no one had ever heard before that Makarov had an uncle.

Now it seems Makarov's uncle might be quite powerful.

"Ah, yes."

"Volodシンken, the fourth-ranked among the Ten Saint Mages, is my uncle."

Makarov smiled slightly at Erza and the others' curious, gossiping glances and said, "Also, Volodシンken is one of the five founders of Fairy Tail."

Makarov rarely spoke of these matters to others.

The older members of Fairy Tail have retired or left; now Makarov is the oldest and highest-ranking member, and since he never speaks of it, no one else would know.

Most people believe Fairy Tail is so rowdy and the Magic Council turns a blind eye simply because Makarov's friend Agima is a council member.

The Magic Council has never truly punished Fairy Tail severely, all because of Agima's position on the council.

In truth, that is indeed part of the reason—but only a very small part.

Agima is merely one of nine council members; what truly makes the Magic Council repeatedly tolerate Fairy Tail is Volodシンken, the fourth-ranked among the Ten Saint Mages and one of Fairy Tail's founders.

"Founder!"

Erza and the others promptly voiced their exclamations of astonishment.

No matter the situation, titles like "founder" or "originator" always command respect.

But if those present knew that Volodシンken was also the disciple of Zeref, the legendary progenitor of Dark Mages, they'd be far more astonished than they are now.

"Yes, that's right."

"Because of some requests from Uncle Volodシンken, I never told you about the older generation."

Makarov smiled and said, "But since we're about to meet, a little explanation won't hurt."

"Oh no, oh no."

"I'm going to be late."

On a path still some distance from the Bobu President's villa.

A little girl in a blue-and-yellow floral dress ran anxiously, muttering "Oh no" over and over.

She is Wendy Marvell, the Sky Dragon Slayer currently affiliated with the Cat's Tail Mage Society.

Due to some minor personal reasons, Wendy had missed the agreed meeting time and was now sprinting full speed toward the Bobu President's villa.

Just as Wendy focused entirely on rushing forward, a man wearing a spiral-patterned mask stood beside the path nearby, as if waiting long for her, and greeted the panting Wendy.

This clearly odd man was Lin Cheng—who, having nothing to do in the Rain Village, had gone out for a stroll, happened upon Wendy rushing late, and decided to make his presence known.

"Why are you in such a hurry? Where are you going?"

Lin Cheng smiled at the panting Wendy and said, "Miss."

"Ah!"

"H-hello."

Startled by Lin Cheng's sudden greeting, Wendy was taken aback—though he wore no Akatsuki uniform, he still hadn't removed his mask.

Wendy, looking at the strange man, replied honestly: "I'm heading to join the joint force to suppress Akatsuki."

"I'm running because I'm almost late, so I hurried a bit… um…"

"Hey, Wendy!"

"You don't need to be so honest with someone who looks obviously suspicious."

"My strength's mostly recovered—let's keep going."

Before Wendy could say more, a white cat leapt out of her arms, eyeing Lin Cheng with sharp caution—it was Charle, Wendy's lifelong companion.

Compared to Wendy's pure and kind nature, Charle was far more aware of danger.

Having carried Wendy for a long time in flight, she was exhausted and rested briefly in Wendy's arms, while Wendy continued running during her rest.

Unexpectedly, after just a short rest, she encountered a man wearing a strange mask—suspicious from every angle.