Chapter 579

"The destruction of Ishgaria might be the least of it."

"If it gets serious, the entire world will collapse, and everyone will die."

"Including the people of the Alabaster Empire, none will be spared."

Dayan Valley Dongshilang's face had turned icy, and only then did this statement truly strike Makarov.

Makarov, who had been sitting at the table all along, finally stood up.

He clenched his fists tightly and raised his head with a grave countenance.

"Kids, this battle might cost you your lives, and it might end in failure."

"But our goal doesn't even consider failure—do you understand?"

Makarov raised his right hand high, forming their own signature gesture.

"Oh!"

Everyone's voices grew unusually loud, all responding to Makarov's words.

Not a single person chose to retreat, and no one would choose to avoid battle.

They had only one path: to fight, to protect the world they lived in, to protect the continent they called home.

Most of all, to protect the comrades beside them—never retreat.

"Three days from now, we will open the gate to the Las Noches Palace."

"Outside the Fiore Royal Capital—we'll meet you there, Master Makarov."

Dayan Valley Dongshilang stood up, and beside him, Matsumoto Rangiku immediately rose as well.

Compared to his previous arrogant indifference in earlier meetings, Dongshilang now showed a hint of respect in his expression.

"Of course, three days from now, I will bring Fairy Tail's strongest forces to the Fiore Royal Capital."

Makarov nodded heavily, a look of resolve flashing in his eyes.

For him, there was no need for further decision or reply—after answering, Dayan Valley Dongshilang and Matsumoto Rangiku's figures vanished from within the Fairy Tail Society.

They were already accustomed to these shinigami's mysterious comings and goings, and didn't dwell on it.

"Master, what are you doing?"

Erza watched as Makarov jumped down from the table, her face filled with confusion.

"Go notify Gildarts, and that disobedient brat."

"For this battle, we must send our guild's strongest mage."

"We can't let those outsiders laugh at our guild—you're no exception."

"Show them your true strength inside the Las Noches Palace—do you understand?"

Makarov turned around, his words naturally carrying an inspiring tone.

Everyone's blood seemed to ignite instantly, shouting back at Makarov in unison.

On another side, in one of Ishgaria's small towns.

Lin Cheng had stepped out of his room, where outside already lingered a mesmerizing aroma.

It was hard to imagine that Eclair, who normally never washed a single bowl, had started cooking.

"What wind blew today? Eclair is cooking?"

Lin Cheng's face showed confusion as he looked toward the bustling figure in the kitchen.

His lips slowly curled upward.

"Lin Cheng! I'll tell you—Eclair went to the market very early this morning."

"She picked out many things you love to eat."

Mengmeng ran over from nearby, grabbed Lin Cheng's clothes, and exclaimed excitedly.

As if she were the one cooking tonight, yet at the same time, Lin Cheng's eyes showed surprise.

· ·······Requesting flowers····· ·····

Normally, it was nearly impossible to see Eclair even wake up early.

"Wash your hands and come eat, Lin Cheng."

Eclair placed a steaming bowl of soup on the stone table in the courtyard.

The faint, elusive smile on her face made Lin Cheng pause—he hadn't expected Eclair to suddenly seem like a different person.

"What's wrong with you today? Do you have a fever?"

"Why did you suddenly wake up early and go out to cook...?"

Lin Cheng frowned in confusion and reached out to feel Eclair's forehead.

... 0

When he found her temperature normal, he glanced at Mengmeng—but seeing Mengmeng shake her head—

he turned back to Eclair.

Eclair's face suddenly flushed red, the color spreading all the way to her earlobes.

"That... the neighbor's aunt said..."

"A proper wife shouldn't sleep in... she should be responsible for cooking..."

Eclair's voice grew quieter, until it was barely a whisper.

But Lin Cheng's hearing was sharp—he heard every word clearly.

His face immediately broke into a smile, reaching out to take the steaming bowl from Eclair's hands.

He gently placed it on the stone table, a soft smile spreading across his face.

"Then if that's the case, after eating, I should be the one washing the dishes."

"After all, in a normal family, washing dishes should really be the husband's job."

As Eclair turned to head back toward the kitchen.

Lin Cheng's words made her freeze in place.