Chapter 50: The Price of Power and the Cost of Fear
The area had once shown traces of scattered footprints, but after a few rainfalls in recent days, the specific shapes were no longer discernible.
"Guild Master, you mentioned investigating the beast rampage earlier—any results?"
"Absolutely nothing. Since that incident, there hasn't been a single trace," Makarov replied, glancing at Rhodes. "But I do have a guess now."
"Uh... I do too." Rhodes looked guilty, lowering his voice, "If it turns out the beast rampage was caused by my magic going haywire, how much would I have to compensate?"
Seeing Rhodes' worried expression, the Guild Master chuckled:
"No need to compensate at all. This area is unclaimed land—there's no way we'd pay fines to the king over such a trivial matter."
Rhodes breathed a sigh of relief, almost facing another financial crisis.
They continued deeper into the forest until they arrived at Porlyusica's residence—a treehouse.
Rhodes looked up at the bright red apples hanging from the surrounding trees, then down at the bag of apples he was holding in his left hand. He suddenly felt a little redundant.
"Guild Master..." Rhodes forced a sheepish smile, "Why didn't you say anything earlier?"
"Hahaha... So you can show this expression too—how amusing!" Makarov laughed with a mischievous grin, looking like an old child.