Chapter 231: What is Rhodes’s last name?
Rhodes gently guided Wendy and Carla back to the witness stand at the frog official's prompting. Happy tried to approach Carla again, only to be promptly rebuffed.
Natsu and Erza quickly checked on Wendy, concerned whether she'd been treated poorly by the Council officials. Before they could fully catch up, a sharp rap from the Speaker's gavel demanded silence.
"This inquiry session will now begin!"
"On the evening of March 15th, the demon Carniber emerged near a valley on Fiore's northern coast and was subsequently defeated by wizards on the same night. According to our investigation, the involved individuals were: Erza Scarlet, Natsu Dragneel, Wendy Marvell, and Rhodes..."
At the mention of Rhodes' name, everyone instinctively glanced his way, noticing he only had a first name with no known surname.
Usually, even orphans found surnames through institutions or self-selection. Having only a single name like Rhodes was rare and unusual. Erza, who deeply valued her surname 'Scarlet,' was particularly aware of this. It was a painful reminder of her complicated past and the person who had given her that name—Jellal.
Unable to suppress her curiosity, Erza whispered discreetly, "Rhodes, do you truly have no surname?"
"Actually, I don't really have a surname," Rhodes clarified casually.
"Huh? So you're just... Rhodes?" Happy tilted his head.
"Yeah, just Rhodes. I never had a family name," he explained lightly. "Some people used to call me by different nicknames though."
"Like what?" Natsu asked curiously.