The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

The next day, Kira woke up after partying late into the night.

The midday sun poured through the windows of the Hope Hut, a cozy building that doubled as both Kira's magic shop and his residence.

"Finally, a proper rest," he muttered, stretching as he sat up. "Two missions back-to-back. When's the last time I worked this hard?"

He pondered for a moment but couldn't remember. Shrugging, he continued muttering, "Must've been... yeah, never mind."

An hour later, he'd showered, eaten a leisurely meal that doubled as breakfast and lunch, and finally opened the store for business.

One of the perks of being your own boss was the freedom to work—or not work—as you pleased. Open late, close early, take days off whenever. It was the dream.

"People say a wizard should be hardworking," Kira mused as he unlocked the front door. "But who says no to living like this? Making money without leaving the house? Sounds perfect to me."

Kira's neighbors often envied his lifestyle. Even his guildmates and regular customers were familiar with his peculiar work ethic. His store's business hours averaged less than five hours a day, and yet, it thrived.

As fate would have it, a determined customer had been waiting for him since morning.

"Hey, Lucy! Natsu! Happy! Good morning!" Kira greeted cheerfully, spotting the trio outside his shop.

Lucy's face was a mix of irritation and disbelief. "Morning? Morning? It's already afternoon! You call this running a business?! I've been waiting here for hours!"

Lucy, eager to purchase a Star Spirit Key, had dressed up and arrived early, only to spend the better part of the day waiting outside the Hope Hut.

The building was as charming as its name suggested. The exterior was adorned with flowers and plants, while the interior featured shelves lined with magical goods, neatly arranged and labeled.

Kira welcomed them inside with his usual nonchalance. "Didn't anyone tell you my store's hours? Never mind, just remember for next time. It'll make things smoother for both of us."

Lucy glared at him, incredulous. "Erza said you'd be here early!"

"Well, of course! Erza's a VIP customer. If she shows up, I'll even skip breakfast to be here."

Lucy was speechless.

Kira, unbothered, pressed on. "You know, Lucy, you could become a VIP too. Spend enough, and I'll treat you with the same respect I show Erza. The experience will make you feel... special."

"That sounds awful," Lucy deadpanned.

"A shame! You don't know what you're missing," Kira quipped, unperturbed.

…

Meanwhile, Natsu and Happy had wandered off to explore the shop.

"This place is awesome!" Natsu exclaimed, picking up a random object. "Hey, Kira, what's this for?"

"That? It's a light crystal, for illumination. But it's prettier than most."

"What about this?"

"A magic crystal for recording images. The one I used for yesterday's 'presentation.'"

"And this?"

"That's a disguise mask. Wear it, and you'll look like someone else."

"Hey, Happy, check it out! I'm Lucy now!"

"Whoa! It even feels the same!"

"No it doesn't!"

Natsu's fascination only grew as he picked up more items.

"What's this?"

"A magic amplification staff. Useless to someone like you."

"And this?"

"A magic source for emergencies. Stores magic power for later use."

"This one?"

"A potion to cure negative states. Works on motion sickness—but only temporarily."

"Oh!" Kira suddenly remembered something and reached for an item on the highest shelf. "I have something perfect for you two."

He handed Happy a fishing rod. "A telescopic fishing rod! It's compact, easy to carry, and guarantees a catch in under three minutes—assuming there are fish."

"Whoa! Natsu, I want this! Buy it for me!"

"Why not just catch fish with your bare hands?"

"But..."

The two quickly descended into a lighthearted argument over whether or not to buy the fishing rod.

Lucy, meanwhile, sighed and shook her head. "They said they were here to help me, but look at them."

At that moment, Kira approached, holding a beautifully decorated box.

"Sorry for the wait, Lucy. You're here for this, right?"

Lucy's eyes widened. "Is it...?"

Kira opened the box with a flourish, revealing four Golden Star Spirit Keys nestled inside. The keys gleamed brilliantly, casting a warm golden light throughout the shop.

Even Natsu and Happy stopped arguing, drawn to the dazzling sight.

"Whoa! They're glowing!" Natsu exclaimed.

The aura of the stars filled the room, seemingly resonating with the keys on Lucy's belt.

Of course, the dazzling display was Kira's doing. The glowing light, the celestial aura—it was all an elaborate illusion he'd prepared in advance. After all, presentation mattered in sales.

"Lucy, look!" Kira said, feigning excitement. "The stars are calling to you. They want to be yours!"

The special effects worked wonders. Even someone as pragmatic as Lucy was moved by the spectacle, though she knew better than to take Kira's words at face value.

"Listen carefully," Kira continued, his voice low and dramatic. "Can't you hear them saying, 'Buy me! Buy me!'"

Natsu, predictably, believed him. "Whoa! Lucy, you've gotta buy them!"

"Yes, yes! Isn't this why you came here?" Happy added.

Kira smirked inwardly. If Lucy made the purchase, he'd make a tidy profit. And if she didn't? Well, Natsu and Happy's enthusiasm might just tip the scales.

Lucy hesitated, biting her lip as she gazed at the keys. They were exactly what she wanted—needed—but the price was sure to be steep.

Kira's grin widened as he sensed her internal struggle. "Don't worry, Lucy. If it's a question of money, we can work something out. Installments, perhaps?"

Lucy sighed, resigned. "Fine... let's talk price."

Kira's day just got a whole lot better.

"Perfect! Let's negotiate!" he said, clapping his hands together. Time to seal the deal.

As Natsu and Happy continued admiring the shop, Kira and Lucy sat down to finalize what would surely be one of the most lucrative sales in Hope Hut's history.

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