Internet Magic in Fairy Tail

‘Son-in-law? Again with the son-in-law?’

Compared to Jude's earlier comment about Lucy living in a different world from ordinary people, calling Nate "son-in-law" made Nate want to joke about it.

"You misunderstood. Lucy and I aren't in a romantic relationship," Nate clarified.

"Huh?"

Now it was Jude's turn to be taken aback. Had he really gotten it wrong?

Even so, knowing his daughter as well as he did, the way Lucy looked at Nate was at least more than just friendly. It didn’t seem like she saw him as just a guildmate.

"You young people—I’ll stay out of your personal matters," Jude apologized, then continued, "Today was the first time Lucy honestly expressed her thoughts to me. She’s grown up."

"Nate, please let her know that her father won’t interfere in her life anymore. This was my mistake."

'If you had communicated with her like this earlier, your relationship wouldn’t have become so strained,' Nate thought to himself. He nodded and said, "I’ll pass the message along."

"Please look after Lucy in the guild. That’s a father’s request."

"I’ll do my best..."

...

Exiting the Heartfilia estate, Nate turned right and walked up a flight of stairs to a hilltop where a statue of an angel stood. Beneath the statue was a gravestone.

[Layla Heartfilia] 

X748 - X777

"Mom… I’m sorry I haven’t visited you in so long."

Lucy stood in front of the gravestone, her emotions in turmoil. Her eyes fell on the year, 777, and a sense of confusion crept into her expression.

"777… It’s the same year Natsu and Gajeel from Phantom Lord said the dragons disappeared."

Lucy's body trembled, and a subconscious thought took hold of her.

Before running away from home, she hadn’t realized the significance of the year 777. But now, after joining Fairy Tail and meeting Nate, Natsu, and even Gajeel during a guild meeting, she began to make connections. And then… there was something ‘Voldemort’ mentioned on the Magic Net forum!

"Lucy, your father’s calling for you to join him for dinner," Nate’s voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

Lucy turned around, excitedly grabbing Nate’s arm and pointing to the numbers on the gravestone.

"Nate, look! Look closely!"

"This is my mom’s gravestone. She also died in the year 777!"

"Do you think… is it possible my mom didn’t actually die? That maybe she’s still inside me?"

Nate: "..."

He was momentarily stunned by her line of thinking. He knew exactly what had caused Layla’s death.

"Was your mom’s death on July 7, 777, too?"

"Yes! It’s the same day the dragons disappeared!"

Lucy nodded eagerly but quickly grew dejected. It was as if a cold splash of water had doused her excitement.

It wasn’t like the dragons disappearing—she had seen her mother’s body. So, it must just be a coincidence.

"But still, it’s so strange!" Lucy bit her lip in frustration. "The dragons vanished that day, and my mom died suddenly too. What really happened on that day?"

'That was the day the 'Gate' opened,' Nate thought as he reached out to gently pat Lucy’s head.

"Maybe you can ask on the Magic Net. You might find some clues," Nate suggested.

"… Yeah."

Startled by the head pat, Lucy’s body trembled slightly, and her cheeks flushed red. She quickly turned away in embarrassment.

"Let’s head back to the guild."

"Wait, I went to talk to your father earlier. He said he wanted to apologize."

"Huh? Father? Apologize?" Lucy widened her eyes in disbelief.

"You don’t believe me? He said he won’t interfere in your life anymore."

"That’s hard to believe… What did you talk to him about?"

"Business."

Nate smirked and teased, "Oh, and he wants me to be his son-in-law. Lucy, you better step it up."

"Why would I need to step up, you idiot!" Lucy’s face turned bright red, and she quickly ran back toward the mansion.

Her cute reaction made Nate chuckle inwardly.

...

That evening, Jude prepared a lavish dinner to host Nate. For the first time in a while, Lucy sat at the table to dine with her father.

However, much to her dismay, her annoying father and Nate seemed to be getting along just fine, chatting and laughing together as if Nate were Jude’s actual son, while she felt like the outsider.

Lucy glared at the two of them from across the table, feeling left out. Under the table, she slipped off her high heels and lightly kicked at Nate.

In the middle of his conversation with Jude, Nate suddenly felt something bump against him. Instinctively, he reached down and caught what turned out to be a small foot wrapped in dark stockings.

'Wow, she’s really acting up even while owing me money,' Nate thought to himself, refusing to back down. He trapped Lucy’s foot between his legs and began to tickle her sole.

"Ahh!?"

Lucy shivered as goosebumps spread across her skin and let out a yelp before hastily covering her mouth.

"What’s wrong, Lucy?" Jude asked, confused by her sudden outburst.

"N-nothing."

Lucy gritted her teeth, forcing out the words slowly as she pinched her thigh, trying to use pain to suppress the ticklish sensation.

"Still mad at your father?" Jude sighed deeply. "Lucy, I’m sorry. Since you don’t agree, I’ll cancel the marriage arrangement. I won’t interfere with your decisions anymore."

'He really did apologize,' Lucy thought, wide-eyed, her gaze shifting to Nate. Her expression asked him, 'What exactly did you talk about with my father?'

Nate understood her question, and instead of continuing the tickling, he gently rubbed her foot, responding with a silent look.

'You’ll never guess.'

Lucy was fuming inside, feeling his warm hand caressing her foot beneath the table. Her ears turned red, and her breathing grew heavier.

Right under Jude’s nose, the two continued their secret game beneath the table.

Jude, though no fool, had been unaware at first. However, it didn’t take long for him to catch on.

'And you two still claim you’re not dating?' Jude thought to himself with a helpless smile. He had no intention of breaking them apart, though. Instead, he just pretended not to notice.

...

The dinner ended in a pleasant atmosphere.

At least, Nate felt pretty satisfied. Not only had he enjoyed a great meal, but he’d also “taught” Lucy a lesson.

After the meal, Jude called Lucy into the study, likely for a father-daughter heart-to-heart to reconcile their strained relationship.

Meanwhile, Nate followed a maid to a guest room. As expected from a wealthy estate, even the guest rooms were incredibly luxurious.

"Nate-sama, we’ve prepared a hot bath for you in the room. You can bathe at any time."

The maid bowed politely at the door. "We’ll bring you fresh clothes shortly. Please, don’t worry about a thing."

"Thank you."

After politely thanking her, Nate closed the door and headed for the bath.

Just as he settled into the warm water, he received a message from Ultear.

Witch of Pain: "[Black Stockings Selfie.jpg]"

This woman knew exactly how to tempt him, cutting straight to the chase with a seductive photo that piqued his interest.

Ultear had long, slender legs, pale and smooth like jade. Clad in black stockings, her legs looked irresistibly tempting.

Nate couldn’t help but wish he could reach out and touch them.

Witch of Pain: "Today the council discussed the matter of attacking Oración Seis."

"Hmm?" Nate raised an eyebrow. It was odd to see Ultear being so serious for once. He wasn’t used to it.

Sigma Male: "I’d rather see you keep sending photos."

Witch of Pain: "[Knock on Head Emoji] Be serious!"

Who’s the one who wasn’t serious to begin with? Nate thought, speechless at her reverse psychology.

Witch of Pain: "Remember when I told you about how Eisenwald's Erigor and Lullaby were stolen?"

Witch of Pain: "It was done by Angel, one of the Oración Seis."

Witch of Pain: "The council made a huge mistake, so they’re discussing who to send to deal with the Oración Seis."

What’s that got to do with me? Nate thought, already guessing where this was headed.

Sure enough, the next message came.

Witch of Pain: "I recommended you, hehe. Say thank you to big sister~ [Laughing Emoji]"

Sigma Male: "I’m going to post your selfies on the forum!"

Witch of Pain: "!!"

Witch of Pain: "Sorry, little brother! I was just kidding! [Crying Emoji]"