July 7th, X777.
Kingdom of Fiore, Capital Palace.
Descartes and Layla paid a joint visit to the reigning King and used the collected twelve Golden Zodiac Gate keys to open the Eclipse Gate. In this life, with the keys complete, there was naturally no need for Layla to fill the gap using her own life force as the price.
At the exact moment the Eclipse Gate opened, five shooting stars shot out from within. However, Descartes was well-prepared; he used Spatial-Make Magic in advance to create a "Circular Space" in the direction the gate opened, forcibly detaining these five shooting stars.
Afterward, Anna, the ancestor of the Heartfilia lineage, stepped out from the Eclipse Gate and explained the circumstances to everyone present. After the matter concluded, Descartes, Layla, and Anna took the five children, bid farewell to the King, and returned to Magnolia.
For the return trip, the group traveled by Magical Train. After decades of development, the Magical Train has become a transportation tool covering over 70% of Fiore's territory and cities. Among the dense, crisscrossing tracks, there is a set of routes known as "Ultra-High-Speed Routes" that use "Ultra-High-Speed Magical Trains" with faster speeds and fewer stops. The route connecting the capital, Crocus, and Magnolia is the busiest among all "Ultra-High-Speed Routes."
The trains running on this route are also the fastest and most stable Magical Trains in the Kingdom of Fiore. A journey that originally took several days now only requires a short 3 hours. Thus, when Descartes, Layla, and Anna returned from the Royal Capital to the guild by train overnight, the five little brats had not yet woken up from their deep slumber.
After settling the children in their rooms, the three came to the drawing room, where Layla served hot tea and snacks for hospitality. Once seated, Anna expressed her gratitude to Layla and Descartes once more.
"Truly, thank you both so much!"
"If you hadn't stepped in, I might be out on the streets right now looking everywhere for these children..."
"You're very welcome; it's only what we should do."
The couple accepted her thanks and inquired about her subsequent plans: "And what about you, Ancestor Anna? What do you intend to do next?"
"No need to be so formal, just call me Anna."
On the way to Magnolia, Anna had learned from Layla and Descartes that the current era was already over four hundred years away from her original time. To come here all alone—to say her heart felt no worry, fear, or loneliness would be mere bravado. Fortunately, the children were all safe and sound, and she had powerful allies in this era; the matter of "Dragon Slaying" in the future was not entirely without hope.
"Things must be taken step by step. Although the children carry the expectations of everyone who wants to eliminate Acnologia, living a good life is also very important! Moreover, they are still small; there is only one thing I currently need to do, and that is to stay by their side and take good care of them!"
"So... although this is quite forward, for the sake of the children, I must speak up."
"I heard you mention earlier that there is a school specifically for educating wizards in Magnolia. I wonder if I could ask you both for help in letting these children enroll there?"
Meeting someone for only a few hours and then asking them to arrange for children to study at the highest-level private magic academy in the kingdom, while also arranging a job for oneself—to put it plainly, it was indeed quite abrupt and forward. However... throughout history, when one has connections, things are easily handled. Currently, the biggest director of the "Fairy Academy" is Descartes, and Anna is Layla's relative, so handling this small matter was naturally no problem.
"Of course, no problem!"
"This is the best arrangement for the children!"
Descartes agreed immediately, and a look of delight appeared on Layla's face as well.
"The 'Fairy Academy' is also the best magic school in the Kingdom of Fiore. I believe the children will surely receive the best education there."
"And Fairy Tail is a warm and harmonious big family. Everyone is very kind, and there are many children in the guild. I'm sure they will get along happily."
Hearing this, Anna finally felt at ease, her gaze toward Descartes and Layla filled with gratitude: "Thank you so much!!"
Layla then asked: "We've discussed the children's arrangements, but what about yourself, Miss Anna?"
"Well..."
Anna thought for a few seconds, her cheeks flushing slightly: "Since the children will be living here, I naturally want to stay in this city too!"
"If I may, could I request one more thing from you both—to help introduce me to a job?"
"Mm... in terms of taking care of children, I'm quite skilled."
Hearing this, both the husband and wife's eyes lit up simultaneously.
"That's wonderful!"
"I was just worrying that there are too many children in the guild and they're difficult to discipline."
"If Miss Anna is willing to stay at 'Fairy Tail,' then that would be for the best!"
Descartes had a sudden inspiration and clapped his hands: "Oh, right! I'll just arrange for Miss Anna to go directly into the 'Fairy Academy' to teach!"
Anna was momentarily stunned: "Ah... is... is that appropriate? The 'Fairy Academy' is a school for teaching magic, right? But my strength is quite ordinary, with nothing impressive to show..."
Descartes waved his hand with a laugh: "It doesn't matter. You can serve as the teacher for 'Lower Grade Mathematics' and 'Ancient Literature'!"
"Especially the latter—in this era, there shouldn't be any teacher more familiar with ancient script than you."
And wasn't that the truth? Who could understand ancient texts better than an ancient person?
Following Descartes' reminder, Anna realized something she had almost overlooked. The script she had taught Natsu, Gajeel, Wendy, and the others was all the ancient script of four hundred years ago. After four centuries of evolution, the script of this era had undergone significant changes. If left unaddressed, Natsu and the others would likely have a very difficult time integrating into this era for a long time to come.
"If you both believe I am suitable, then I am willing to give it a try!"
...
The next morning, in the guild lounge.
Sunlight passed through the glass window and spilled into the room, hitting the pure white cotton quilt. Feeling the warmth on his body, Natsu, who had the most fiery temperament, was the first to feel the heat and slowly opened his eyes.
"Mm..."
"Where is this?"
"Why does my head feel so dizzy?"
"Where is Igneel?"
"And who are these people..."
Just then, Anna pushed open the room door and walked in.
"Did you sleep well, Natsu?"
"Who... are you?"
Natsu rubbed his sleepy eyes but simply couldn't remember the identity of the person in front of him; he only felt that the scent on her was very familiar and warm.
Seeing this, Anna quickly came to Natsu's side and gently stroked his forehead.
"It seems the memories are a bit muddled..."
"It's okay. I will tell you everything shortly!"