Ember of the Starry Sky

Two weeks had passed since Yukari's ascent to the rank of S-Class mage. Life in the guild had returned to its usual rowdy rhythm, but Yukari's newfound status had brought her endless congratulations and, of course, another excuse for the guild to throw a massive party. The revelry had spilled into the next day, with Gildarts challenging Cana and Makarov to drinking contests while Yukari basked in the cheers of her guildmates.

Since then, Yukari had undertaken her first S-Class mission alongside Hinote, earning a staggering 5 million jewels. With her newfound wealth, Yukari couldn't help but joke about being a "small-time rich woman," a comment that had earned a snort from Hinote and a playful shove from Mirajane.

Now, she was embarking on her second mission as an S-Class mage. This time, under the joint orders of Makarov and Hinote, she'd chosen something less dangerous but still challenging a bodyguard assignment in the Kingdom of Velestia. The mission, worth 2 million jewels, involved protecting Princess Amélie during a royal ball. The task seemed straightforward enough: keep the princess safe, deal with any potential threats, and look professional doing it.

Yukari had insisted on bringing Mirajane along, as she'd promised, and now they found themselves on a train heading toward Velestia.

The train rocked gently as it sped through lush countryside, the afternoon sun bathing the world outside in golden light. Inside the compartment, Yukari was lounging in her seat, one leg crossed over the other, while Mirajane sat across from her, arms folded and staring out the window.

"So," Yukari began, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips, "ready to guard a princess? Maybe she'll fall for your charm."

Mirajane scoffed, turning to look at Yukari with a raised eyebrow. "If anyone's going to get swooned over, it'll be you," she replied, her tone dry.

Yukari chuckled. "I am pretty amazing," she said, leaning back with an exaggerated sigh.

Mirajane rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Just don't embarrass us in front of the royal family."

Yukari grinned, but before she could respond, the train whistle blew, signaling their arrival.

The city of Velestia was a dazzling blend of old-world charm and regal grandeur. The streets were lined with cobblestone paths, and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze. At the heart of the city stood the royal palace, an imposing structure of white marble with golden spires that gleamed in the sunlight.

Upon their arrival at the palace gates, Yukari and Mirajane were met with skeptical gazes from the guards and, eventually, the king and queen themselves.

"Are these… children?" the queen asked, her brows furrowed in disbelief.

"We're S-Class mages from Fairy Tail," Yukari said confidently, stepping forward with her guild emblem proudly displayed. "We've been hired to protect Princess Amélie."

The queen exchanged a doubtful look with the king, but before they could voice their concerns, a lively voice interrupted.

"You're my bodyguards?"

Yukari and Mirajane turned to see Princess Amélie descending the grand staircase. She was their age, with flowing auburn hair, bright green eyes, and an air of youthful exuberance that clashed with the stiff formality of the palace.

"Yes," Yukari replied, bowing slightly. "We're here to make sure you're safe during the ball."

Amélie beamed and hurried over, her excitement evident. "This is amazing! I've always wanted to meet mages from Fairy Tail!" She grabbed Yukari's hands, her eyes sparkling. "Will you tell me all about your adventures?"

Yukari blinked, slightly taken aback by the princess's enthusiasm. "Uh, sure. But maybe later?"

"Of course," Amélie said, still holding onto Yukari's hand. "Come on! I'll show you around the palace!"

The impromptu tour began with Amélie eagerly pulling Yukari along, her hand never leaving Yukari's. Mirajane followed a few steps behind, her expression neutral, though her grip on the strap of her bag tightened slightly.

"This is the grand ballroom," Amélie said, gesturing to an expansive room with glittering chandeliers and polished floors. "And over here is the royal garden—it's my favorite place."

Yukari nodded along, smiling at the princess's enthusiasm. She couldn't help but find Amélie endearing, even if the constant hand-holding felt a little strange. "It's a beautiful place," she said honestly.

Amélie beamed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Thank you! I'm glad you think so."

As they moved through the palace, Mirajane remained mostly quiet, her eyes narrowing slightly whenever Amélie leaned a little too close to Yukari or laughed a little too loudly at her jokes. But when Yukari glanced back at her, Mirajane's expression was carefully composed, and she said nothing.

By the time the tour ended, it was nearing evening, and the palace staff began preparing for the ball. Yukari, Mirajane, and Amélie returned to the princess's quarters, where attendants were bustling about with dresses, jewelry, and other finery.

"I'm so glad you're here," Amélie said, turning to Yukari with a bright smile. "I feel so much safer knowing you're looking out for me."

"It's our job," Yukari replied with a small grin.

As Amélie's attendants whisked her away to prepare for the evening, Yukari leaned against the wall with a sigh. Mirajane stood nearby, arms crossed.

"You've made a friend," Mirajane said, her tone neutral.

"She's nice," Yukari replied, not noticing the slight edge in Mirajane's voice.

Mirajane hummed in response, glancing toward the door where Amélie had disappeared. For a moment, her lips pressed into a thin line, but then she shook her head, as if brushing off whatever thought had crossed her mind.