❖ THE KING HAS ARRIVED ❖ (I/Open)

My own direction, born to be the best at what I do,
I'ma make it through, stompin' like a soldier in my big black boots
Nessa Cordelia Lux

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Downtime.

Always one of the more enjoyable points in the Secretary's day at the Fairy Tail guild, a wholesome change of pace, after a long grinding shift. Menial hours of answering calls, responding to correspondence and working out the budget certainly did its job in filling the woman with fatigue. Thus it was always nice to wind down with some cool juice and a humble meal to satiate her basic needs before heading home to continue packing. The Starlight Maiden had finally taken the step towards adulthood, having recently used her accumulation of jewels to put a down payment on her own house. The time was coming that she would soon leave her family abode and settle into her own private space. She was just having some final paperwork handled by her solicitor before she finally got her hands on the place, something she waited for with great anticipation for several reasons.

At present she was leaned against the bar, conversing with the staff about the day, it was somewhat busy in the guild. Albeit somewhat quieter than it used to be, her progression into Ace meant she had certainly witnessed the guild's transformation over time. The people who used to frequent its doors were hardly around anymore, where Aven was these days she never knew. Even her and Arcadia barely hung out anymore, and what with the loss of Sorano, Markus and Mythal. Fairy Tail just seemed a little emptier to the Starlight Maiden. But on the plus side, Mythal was doing well in the Rune Knight, she was proud of her friend and the place he'd progressed to. Not to mention the development of him and Serilda, a coupling Nessa was highly fond of. Then there was Markus, her love, who despite his distance was hers now. The very thought of the next chance she would get to see him warmed her.

At her feet, a grey Exceed was staring out of the window, his eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at their latest visitor. Nessa glanced down at the cat, following his gaze curiously, she spotted the blonde, her violet irises lighting up with curiosity. Excusing herself from her conversation, she pushed off of the bar and made her way to the entrance of the guild. Pushing open the door, she would peek her head around the frame of the door, taking in the sight of the man who waited there. He was probably one of the prettiest men she'd ever laid eyes on, and her eye for fashion quickly took in the labels she recognised from high-end fashion magazines. Wearing a brilliant smile, she greeted him. "Hello there, did you want to come inside? She asked, hoping that she was looking at a potential new recruit to welcome into their Fairy Tail familia.

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My own direction, born to be the best at what I do,
I'ma make it through, stompin' like a soldier in my big black boots
Nessa Cordelia Lux

---

Nessa's violet eyes lit up as he greeted her, her beaming smile filled with her Fiorian welcome. The blonde man spoke in a pleasant manner, his voice laced with the hint of an accent although she wasn't quite able to depict from where it stemmed. She wondered what kind of land he came from, already curious about the possibilities of learning about a land she had yet to travel through, to hear of it's culture. Nessa pressed her palm against the door, opening it a little wider for him. "Why yes it is, please come in," She answered eagerly, moving to lead him inside so they could step out of the cold. "Have you travelled far? Are you in need of food or drink? If so I can have the kitchen whip something up for you." She informed the visitor, her natural desire to make everyone feel welcome coming present just at the arrival of the man.

"I am Nessa, by the way, I'm one of the Ace's here at the guild," She told him offhandedly, her own words causing her to glance around to see if their were any other aces around, perhaps having stepped out of their offices for a moment, she hadn't seem them for a while after all. She didn't spot either of the other girls, but she did spot her recently-promoted guild master, Mura. Pleased to see him as always, she offered the man a small wave of greeting, before returning her attention to their guest.

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My own direction, born to be the best at what I do,
I'ma make it through, stompin' like a soldier in my big black boots
Nessa Cordelia Lux

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As the man politely denied her offer of food or drink she would nod, following which she would close the door behind him. The coolness of the outdoors shut off once more, allowing the warmth of the guildhall to envelop her once more. She turned, moving forward to join him, "Well then, a chat you shall have. Come, let's sit and you can ask me whatever you like!" She told him perkily, moving toward a table, she would scoop up her juice drink off the counter, sliding into her seat in one swift graceful movement. She would twist slightly to glance at Mura once more, "Mura!" She called to the brown-haired fellow, "We have a guest who is curious about Fairy Tail, Would you mind joining us?" She asked before turning her gaze back to the blonde.

"Mura is Fairy Tail's guild master, kind of like our boss I guess, although we are more like family here as opposed to just co-workers." She informed him, it was still strange to introduce the man in such as such. She felt like only moments had passed since they were both aces under the leadership and guidance of Sorano. But now Sorano was gone, and it was taking some adjusting. Although she couldn't think of anyone more worthy of replacing her in the role of managing the guild. She had decided that for this reason, it was worth bringing him into the conversion, figuring that Mura, who had been around the guild for significantly longer than Nessa would be privy to more information should the visitor be curious about its history.

As he complimented the guild, Nessa would tilt her head at him, offering him a humble expression of gratitude. The gullible Starlight Maiden took in every one of his words and wholly believed them in the way they'd been presented. "Wow, Stunning, really? That's so kind of you to say. I mean, it's certainly neat, and we do keep things organised here as best as we can anyway. I personally think it could do with a little redecorating," She said glancing around the room, if she had the time she wouldn't have minded going around with a paintbrush and some new furniture, "Perhaps give it a little bit more of a homely feel, maybe some updated decor to give it a more vibrant aesthetic." She remarked casually, before returning to look at the man. Realising whilst she knew why the visitor was here, she didn't know who he was. With a warm smile, she would take a step to change this predicament, "So, what shall I call you?"

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My own direction, born to be the best at what I do,
I'ma make it through, stompin' like a soldier in my big black boots
Nessa Cordelia Lux

Nessa would shoot Mura a small smile as he agreed to join them, taking a sip of her juice as he would join them. She swallowed the tangy liquid, chuckling at his jukebox comment. "Mmm, agreed. Vintage chic and old jams to shake to, Fairy Tail is nothing if not privy to a party." She remarked in an amused tone, briefly reflecting over all the good times she had endured during her time with the guild. Memories of dancing, laughing and geniune good times sifting through her mind. One of the things she loved about the guild, and one of the reasons she was so loyal to it. Although she had to admit it seemed be less frequent these days, more so because of her own busy schedule. Sometimes she missed the old days, hanging out with Aven and Arcadia, with no real responsibilities luring over her silver-head.

Nessa turned her attention to Louie as he answered her question, telling them of his name and his personal experiences. Nessa leaned forward, propping her elbows onto the table, she would look up at the blonde man as she rested her chin against her fingers. "A traveller huh? How exciting, It's been too long since I've taken a little escape somewhere interesting! Where are you from if you don't mind me asking?" She asked in an earnest tone, intrigued by the mystique behind the man's words. Maybe a little holiday would be good for her, a little reprieve from all the stress she'd endured recently. She pondered over the idea, wondering idly how Markus would feel about venturing out as a couple and doing a little world exploration.

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My own direction, born to be the best at what I do,
I'ma make it through, stompin' like a soldier in my big black boots
Nessa Cordelia Lux

Nessa propped her chin onto the palm of her hands, her violet eyes focused on the newcomer as he told them about his homeland. Her free hand idly stirring the remaining contents of her juices with a thin stream of starlight, the soft sound of liquid and ice clinking against the glass. Listening as he explained that he what from a far-off country named Napedia, which was a name she was unfamiliar with. Her focus on Louie, preventing her from noticing Arcadia's presence and the curious magical growth of her vegetables. Which seem to be enlarging themselves randomly to comical preportions.

"Oh I'm sure it's more impressive than you think. I'd love to see it one day!" She replied to the blonde male sat across from her in genuine intrigue. Adding Napedia to her long list of places to explore once she had the time, after all now that she had a steady income, a little world-travel was certainly on the Starlight Maiden agenda. Once she actually found the time to do so. The silver-haired girl made a mental note to review the job-listings later and see if there was any work in that country, then at least she might be able to kill two birds with one stone.

"So are you well-versed in magic Louie? It's not absolutely necessary from our members, but it definitely can help with jobs and such." She added, curious about whether the traveller was a mage and if so what type of magic he used. She thoroughly enjoyed meeting people with different magic types and seeing what they were capable of.

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Between the dull-witted Nessa and the beyond-ugly Mura, Louie could feel his mind numbing over like waves crashing against sandy beaches. It was almost intolerable, but like a legendary warrior, he braved through their boring queries. Everyone seemed so inquisitive and interested in Napedia except Louie, even though his homeland was one of the first things he would boast about if anyone ever challenged his status. A funny observation, indeed.

Louie sympathetically scratched the nape of his neck, the friendly and sheepish look still plastering his visage. "I'm afraid that I got the short end of the stick when it comes to using magic. But should there come a time where I do end up taking a job, I'm sure I can make it work. But..." he chuckled, "what are jobs, exactly?"

It was a sincere question, coming from Louie, as he was still very ignorant to Fiore and its concepts. From face value alone, it sounded... like a job. But Louie wasn't of such diminishing status that he had to resort to being under someone or servicing others! In fact, it was insulting to even suggest or contemplate the thought! He didn't come to this country to serve others in any capacity, after all, and he wouldn't start now. There were alternatives, and if push came to shove, he could always head back to Napedia to get situated. But before Louie could get too invested in his private tirade, someone who he hadn't noticed before suddenly approached him.

...Jail bait...? Is this child even allowed to be here? Isn't it illegal to let children play in a dump...? Louie thought to himself, his crimson eyes encaptured with genuine bewilderment. In fact, he was so confused by the little girl's appearance that it hadn't crossed his mind to make any other first impressions of her like he would have done normally. Her apparent age entangled his thoughts so deeply that he didn't notice anything else. What? Wait a minute! he thought to himself again, shocked. It wasn't that her age captivated him so much that he couldn't notice her flaws, but there weren't any flaws to notice! Between the two beasts he was seated next to, this child looked surprisingly presentable. Maybe it was their similar hair colors and textures that made him feel so liberal with her? Her eyes were a rather gross color, but aside from that...

"Thanks, boo." Louie smiled at her as he replied in a similar manner, and yet his eyes weren't smiling at all. They were cold and deadpan, but not because he was upset. Instead, he was still quizzical about her presentability and couldn't afford to express his thoughts on his complexion, so instead, he had a fixed unemotional gaze. It was almost comical. "I designed them myself. Quite fantastic, aren't they?"

Louie would be lying if he said he hadn't enjoyed the compliment. It was his work, after all, and he enjoyed praise in any capacity. Between the mutt of a boss, dull-witted woman, and the jailbait, it was the child that seemed to be in the blonde's greatest favor. In fact, he enjoyed the compliment so much that his expression almost looked triumphant and his cheeks mildly flushed. Of course, to these three, the expression probably meant nothing as they had no insight on what he was thinking, but he couldn't help but love his horn being tooted! Even pigs know style when they see it!

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My own direction, born to be the best at what I do,
I'ma make it through, stompin' like a soldier in my big black boots
Nessa Cordelia Lux

His answer to her own question had been somewhat vague, suggesting either that he didn't have magic or he didn't have much to work with. She had recently reunited with a Percy Dagger who had chosen to join the guild despite his lack of magic, hoping that it would give him the means or knowledge to acquire it. It was from this understanding that Nessa chose not to push the subject, instead focusing on answering his question.

"Well, you see Louie, we take requests from our clients to fulfil certain tasks and in reward, they pay us a fee for doing so. This can be anything from fighting off a local monster pestering a village, to getting a cat out of a tree. Sometimes they are of course, greater in scale, generally the rule of thumb is the more strenuous or dangerous the job is the more it pays. But you can only do jobs that are suitable to your rank, although once you're S rank you're free to do all ranked jobs." She explained to him, hoping her explaining was thorough enough to give him a clear understanding. Although she was mildly confounded over the fact he didn't know what jobs were. It was a fairly generic term, she could only assume that perhaps it fell under a different term in his country.  

Hearing Arcadia's voice from behind her, Nessa turned in her seat and watched as they girl strode over to them with her plate of food that was surprisingly large. Having missed Mura's little magic trick, Nessa eyed the food in slight awe knowing she could never eat such a large portion. She smiled at Arca greeted her, throwing her a small wave as she listened to her greet Louie with what a very 'Arcadia-styled' compliment. To which the man answered agreeably, at lease from Nessa's perspective.

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"Is that so? That's very informative, Nessa! Merci!" said Louie, smiling kindly at the woman before him. He began to chuckle quietly, "S-rank, huh? Aha... I wonder what rank I'd be? Pretty low, right? Haha!"

When Nessa brought up the mention of ranking among sorcerers, Louie couldn't help but feel challenged. The smile on his face was chipper and hard, the blonde being keen on making sure his bitterness and sourness didn't show. So S-rank is the highest rank, is it? Maybe for these pieces of filth, anything is strong to them. I'll soar even higher than them, but first— Louie looked at his hands, spite swirling in his crimson eyes, —I'll need my mana. Once I have that...

Louie clenched his fist and sighed through his nostrils. He'd rather die than do work for other people—especially for the trash of this country of all places! Why would he sully these hands of his, crafted from a Goddess of beauty herself, with the work of commoners? The very fact that the pigs around him were breathing his air was testament enough of his benevolence and tolerance! But when the jailbait responded to him, she said something that piqued his interest. Suddenly, Louie's face lit up.

Selling his designs? Connections with corporate entities? Not only were her looks mediocre at best, but she also had exactly what he came here for! Some pigs yield bacon after all! After Louie heard this, his mood skyrocketed like a steep mountain. The offer was like Christmas, and he couldn't help but contemplate what he would do after this atrocious meeting was over. Even though the jailbait had wandered away from their table, the blonde knew he could approach her again now that he was intending to join their guild.

Suddenly, Louie became far more chipper than before. "I don't know if I'll be able to do the things you mages can do, but I can reassure you that might talents, although lying elsewhere, can benefit your guild. In fact, I'm positive!" he clasped his hands together, his delicate fingers intertwining.

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My own direction, born to be the best at what I do,
I'ma make it through, stompin' like a soldier in my big black boots
Nessa Cordelia Lux

Nessa brought her drink back to her lips, taking another few sips of her juice. Shaking her head at Louie's comment, "Oh I'm sure you're a higher than you think. Besides, we have a ton of strong mages here than can help train you up if you so choose." She would offer politely, she herself had gotten pretty used to training others at this point. Since the local school had reached out to them asking them to provide training for the more juvenile students. Nessa had taken the position herself, and she was quiet enjoying it. Even with the constant jibes and inappropriate comments from Tyler and the more boisterous students.

As the second Mura appeared with the box, Nessa watched idly as he opened it, listening to the guild master, who at this point was confirming that he was happy to let Louie join. As Mura asked her, she nodded vigorously, "Oh I'm definitely okay with it. I have no doubt that you'll be a great addition to the team." She said with a smile, not mentioning that fact that if he did turn out to be as sketchy as the last member that went against the guilds wishes. She would probably be the one whooping his butt, and whilst she wasn't one for bragging, she knew enough about her magic to know she didn't have to consider herself 'weak' anymore. But this didn't need to be mentioned, she didn't want to scare him off after all.

Nessa scowled as Mura messed with Arcadia again, enlarging her food once more. For a moment, she gave a little sternness in her tone. "Mura, stop that. You're going to give her indigestion." She told him firmly, concerned by the excess amounts of food growing on her bestie's plate. "You know, I volunteer at a Soup Kitchen sometimes for the homeless, if you want to flaunt that magic so much then I guess you won't mind joining me next week." She remarked challengingly at her superior, a teasing grin creeping onto her face. "I don't know if this particular magic will help when scrubbing pots though." She added playfully.

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So this was Fairy Tail, huh? Some subpar woman, a big-footed mammal, and a little girl with a cute aesthetic? He had already set the bar pretty low for them, so it was a little disappointing when they still fell short of such a small hurdle Louie had set for them. At least he's getting useful connections through this exchange.

"You all are too kind," said Louie, smiling as he stared at the box that was brought in for Mura... by Mura. It was a little ominous to see all of this magic after coming from a country where it was a rare sight. It's not like he hadn't seen magic before, but it was used so casually here that it felt like a culture shock. He then spoke about all of that whole heart-of-gold nonsense—loyalty, an open mind, and all of that other bullshit that people would always preach about. Maybe there was a point where Louie believed that people could have those qualities, but he quickly learned through experience that hungry dogs were never loyal. No one was. The moment an opportunity rose up that benefitted them more, they'd leave you in a heartbeat. Besides, he didn't need this insect of all things to be the one assessing his qualifications for a guild as trivial and mediocre as this one. If they were lucky, maybe someone would tear this building to pieces so that they'd have an excuse to build something remotely acceptable. "The atmosphere here is refreshing, and so are all of you. I won't let you down!

Louie didn't know these people and didn't care to know unless they were explicitly meant to aid him like that Arcadia girl. His presence here was one constructed out of a need for business and connections, and unless these pigs could provide that for him, they were useless to him. He wasn't sure what exactly brought all these people together, but none of it mattered. He had specific goals and he was driven to achieve them, with or without the assistance of Fairy Tail.

"This is the—ehm—the part where I get painted, oui?"

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