Fairy Tail: The Faint Smile in Earthland

Year X785, July— Five months since Teresa's arrival in Earthland.

The sun hovered low over Magnolia, its golden light casting long shadows across the guild hall as Teresa entered. The hall's usual buzz softened the moment she stepped through the doors, her presence still commanding quiet attention despite the familiarity built over recent months.

Macao waited near the main table, a sealed scroll resting under his palm. Warren stood nearby, his brow tight with concern.

"Teresa," Macao greeted softly. "You should hear this directly."

She approached with her usual grace, her black Claymore tunic swaying lightly, silver eyes unreadable. "A request?"

"A summons," Macao corrected, sliding the scroll toward her. "From the Magic Council."

Teresa accepted the scroll, her fingers tracing the heavy wax seal bearing the Council's insignia. She broke it with a smooth flick and read silently.

Warren spoke quietly, as though reluctant to disturb the heavy air. "They want us to present the evidence you seized from the Nexus Consortium. The Council… wants an audience."

Teresa's gaze remained fixed on the parchment. "A political maneuver."

"More than that," Macao added, lowering his voice. "The Nexus ledger you recovered threatens powerful interests. Some of those names… belong to the Council itself."

She lowered the scroll. "They will not be pleased."

"No," Macao admitted. "But they can't bury it, not outright. That means they'll turn this into something else." He exchanged a glance with Warren. "They'll try to turn you into something else."

Warren nodded grimly. "The Council may attempt to bind you, Teresa."

"Control is irrelevant," Teresa replied calmly. "I remain bound only to my own choices."

"Exactly," Macao sighed, rubbing his temple. "And that makes you very dangerous to people like them."

Later that day, preparations were made quickly. The Council demanded their presence in Era within three days. Warren and Macao would represent Fairy Tail officially. Teresa would attend as the key witness.

Before they departed, Romeo approached her near the side door, voice soft.

"Teresa... are you worried?"

"No."

"Even if the Council tries something?"

She lowered her gaze slightly, her voice calm. "Anticipation is not worry."

Romeo exhaled and offered a small smile. "I know you'll handle it. But… just be careful. They don't understand you like we do."

Teresa gave the faintest nod. "I will."

The journey to Era was swift. The train hummed beneath them, cutting across the landscape toward the towering city where the Magic Council ruled.

Macao leaned forward in his seat, glancing at her. "Just remember: this isn't a battlefield."

"Every arena is a battlefield," Teresa answered softly. "Only the weapons change."

Warren smirked nervously. "She's not wrong, Master."

Macao exhaled. "I know. ... try not to slice anyone unless it's necessary."

Teresa's faint smile flickered briefly. "Understood."

Upon arrival, the air grew heavier.

The Council Tower loomed over Era like an iron spear piercing the sky, its marble walls gleaming under the afternoon sun. Armed Enforcers lined the plaza, their pristine uniforms and blank faces betraying nothing.

Teresa walked slightly behind Macao and Warren, allowing them to lead. Even here, whispers followed her — the "Silver Claymore of Fairy Tail" whose quiet dismantling of the Nexus Consortium had already spread through discreet channels far beyond Magnolia.

But in the Council's halls, reputation was both a shield and a target.

They were led into a large antechamber before the Council chamber itself. Twin doors carved with runes of containment and warding loomed ahead. Two senior attendants stood waiting.

"You will wait here until summoned," one intoned.

Macao nodded. "Understood."

The doors shut behind them, sealing them in brief isolation.

Warren paced. "They're stalling. Calculating."

"As expected," Teresa replied, unmoved.

Macao rubbed his neck. "This isn't just about Nexus anymore. This is about whether they see you as a rogue threat they need to leash."

Teresa stood motionless. "Their perception is irrelevant. The facts remain."

"I just hope facts still matter to them," Warren muttered.