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

Rhodes returned to the counter alive.

Mira greeted him with a playful smile. "So, how was it? Erza's hug?"

Rhodes rubbed his forehead, still feeling the dull ache. "Solid as a rock."

"I can't tell whether you misspoke or just stated the obvious," Mira giggled, covering her mouth as amusement sparkled in her eyes.

"Why does she always wear armor?" Rhodes muttered, rubbing the sore spot. If Erza hadn't been wearing armor just now, it might have been embarrassing, but at least he wouldn't have a splitting headache.

"Erza has been like that since she was a child. Other than when she bathes or sleeps, she rarely takes it off," Mira said as she leisurely wiped the counter.

Then, as if lost in thought, she added softly, "Maybe it's because she feels uneasy."

"Someone that strong can feel uneasy?"

Rhodes found it hard to believe. He always thought he was the most anxious one in the guild. Until he learned proper magic, he didn't even have the confidence to leave Magnolia.

"This kind of thing isn't about strength. It's about the heart," Mira said quietly, wrapping her right hand around her left arm. For the first time, her usual brightness dimmed, replaced by a look of quiet sorrow.

"Many of our Fairy Tail comrades carry heavy burdens—pain, trauma, hardships," she continued.