As the days went by, Erza trained diligently under Jellal's watchful eye. He pushed her to her limits, and though she often stumbled and fell, she refused to give up. Every bruise and ache was a reminder of her purpose, and she found strength in the thought of preventing war and protecting her loved ones.

Jellal was relentless, but he also recognized her determination. He began to respect her resolve, even if he still had his suspicions about her true identity. Each day, he would challenge her with new techniques, and she would practice tirelessly, determined to prove herself.

One afternoon, after a particularly grueling training session, Jellal sat beside her as she caught her breath.

"You've improved," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Your stance is better, and your movements are becoming more fluid. But you still need to work on your speed."

Erza nodded, grateful for the praise but aware of the long road ahead.

"Thank you, Jellal. I know I have a long way to go, but I won't stop until I can hold my own."

He looked at her thoughtfully, as if weighing his next words carefully.

"Why are you so determined to reach the Magnolia Nation? What do you hope to achieve?"

Erza hesitated, unsure of how much she could reveal without risking her cover.

"I want to help prevent war. I believe that if we can communicate and understand each other, we can find a way to coexist peacefully."

Jellal studied her for a moment, his expression softening.

"That's a noble goal. But do you really think you can change the minds of those in power? They often see war as the only solution."

"I have to try," Erza replied, her voice steady. "If I don't, countless lives will be lost. I can't let that happen."

Jellal nodded, seemingly impressed by her conviction.

"You're braver than most men I've met. But bravery alone won't be enough. You'll need strategy, allies, and a way to get your message across."

"I know," Erza said, determination burning in her chest. "That's why I need to reach the Magnolia Nation. If I can get the leaders of all realms to listen, maybe we can find a way to avoid another war."

As they spoke, Wendy and Romeo played nearby, their laughter a welcome sound amidst the tension of their journey. Erza watched them, her heart swelling with a mix of hope and sadness. Children should never have to grow up in times of war. They deserve the chance to laugh and play, to explore the world with innocent curiosity, and to know days filled with safety rather than fear. Childhood should be a time of wonder and gentle discovery, not one overshadowed by violence, loss, and the burdens of survival.  Erza prayed that her mission would succeed, so that those two children, and many others like them, might be granted that simple, precious privilege.

"I know," Jellal said quietly. "I feel it too."

"Feel what?" Ezra asked.

"The need to protect the innocent... and to keep them that way." Jellal's voice softened. "I've been trying to do that for my brother since the day he was born, and for Wendy ever since I was assigned to guard her."

"And do you enjoy it?"

"Enjoy it?" Jellal gave a faint, almost surprised breath of laughter. "It's the only reason I have for living. The only thing that gives my life meaning."

"Really? There's nothing else? Not even a wife?"

"I never intended to marry," he replied. "Not when so many people already depend on me. It wouldn't be fair to a wife, or to any children we might have."

"But you're so young, strong, and handsome. Surely you must have had options."

"Options, yes," Jellal admitted, "but none that truly captured my heart. If I were ever to marry, she would have to be as courageous, as selfless, and as devoted to her family as I try to be. And it wouldn't be right of me to ask that much of any woman."

But Erza was deeply moved by his answer. He wasn't searching for beauty, intellect, noble breeding, wealth, or status—the qualities so many men of the empire demanded of women. All he truly desired was a woman with a good heart.

"What about you?" Jellal asked. "Do you ever think of marriage?"

"As a duty?" she replied. In the empire, that was what marriage so often was.

"No. As a choice. As something that could make you happy."

"Oh..."

It was strange. No one had ever asked her that before—not even her mother. Irene had been so determined to raise Erza to avoid the trap of an arranged marriage that she had never stopped to wonder whether her daughter might one day desire a marriage born of love.

She shook her head. "I don't know. I've never really thought about it. But even if I did want to marry... I doubt anyone would have me."

Jellal looked at her for a moment, then a teasing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Well, that's probably because no woman wants a husband who's prettier than she is," he said lightly. "And I know this may sound odd, but for a man... you're awfully pretty."

Ezra blinked, caught off guard by the remark.

Jellal had meant it only as a joke. But as he looked at "him" more closely, he realized the remark was not entirely untrue. This young "man" truly was pretty. His features were surprisingly delicate, almost refined. Jellal told himself it must be because of his youth, but even Romeo had never looked so soft in the face. Nor had he possessed such striking hazel eyes, clear and watchful, like those of a crane.

Erza quickly averted her gaze, after all, eyes could betray a person far more easily than words. Jellal shook his head, chastising himself for indulging in something so foolish as admiring the appearance of a young man.

"I think I'll go hunt a meal for us tonight," Jellal said.

"Good," Ezra replied. "I'll gather the firewood."

Erza gathered the wood and set to work building a fire. By the time the flames were crackling and steady, Jellal returned, dragging a boar he had hunted. She watched as he expertly skinned and cleaned it, the blood staining his hands and forearms.

He glanced at her.

"Would you mind cooking the meat? I need to clean up first."

"Of course," she replied, turning her attention to the fire.

He shrugged off his shirt and waded into the river, washing his hands, arms, and chest. Erza couldn't help but notice—he had a very impressive physique. A well-toned stomach, muscular arms, a firm chest, a strong back. Erza was so distracted she nearly dropped the meat into the fire.

"Get a hold of yourself, Erza," she scolded silently. "You're acting as if you've never seen a man before."

"You've got some drool on your chin," Wendy teased.

Erza shot her an irritated glare. "Shouldn't you be washing up for dinner?"

Wendy only grinned. "You like him, don't you?"

"Don't be absurd!" Erza snapped.

"I bet he would like you too," Wendy said with a mischievous smile. "If he knew you were a woman, I mean."

Erza's glare sharpened. "Wendy..."

"What?" the girl replied innocently. "I'm just saying."

"Say another word and you'll be eating scraps for dinner tonight."

Wendy giggled and skipped away toward the river to wash.

"What has you all giggly?" Romeo asked.

"Oh, nothing," Wendy replied lightly. "I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Your brother. He's quite handsome."

Romeo frowned. "What do you mean handsome?"

"Just that," she said with a small shrug. "He's handsome, kind, honest... a little on the stuffy side, maybe—but loyal. He'd make a good husband for someone, don't you think?"

Romeo blinked, suddenly flustered.

"What's that supposed to mean? You're not actually thinking of marrying him one day instead of me, are you? I mean—uh—not that I care!"

"Eww! No!" Wendy said, wrinkling her nose. "He's nineteen. I'm not even fourteen yet!"

"Then why are you talking about him like he's husband material?" Romeo demanded.

"That's none of your business."

"You can't like him like that," Romeo insisted. "He's boring, dull, and never does anything fun. He's completely wrong for you."

"I just told you I don't like him that way," Wendy said, crossing her arms. "And even if I did—which I don't—why are you getting so upset about it?"

"I'm not."

Wendy tilted her head, studying him. "Are you jealous?"

"Of course not!" Romeo snapped. "That would mean I want to marry you. And I don't! We're only engaged because our parents arranged it. I don't like you like that at all, so why would I be jealous?"

"Okay... but you're acting weird," Wendy said, narrowing her eyes at him.

"I am not!" Romeo shot back. "You're the one acting weird!"

"No, you are!" Wendy shot back.

"No, you are!" Romeo retorted.

"No, you are!"

"No, you are!"

"Knock it off!" Jellal snapped.

The two children immediately fell silent.

"Now both of you sit down," Jellal said firmly. "And not another word until dinner, or I'll hang you from a tree by your hair."

Romeo dropped onto a log at once, grumbling under his breath. Wendy followed, though the corners of her mouth still twitched with annoyance.