The Moonlight Swordsman

The carriage passed through the imposing steel gates, the sharp spikes gleaming in the moonlight as they made their way up the gentle slope towards the castle.

Aziel could feel his heart beating when it finally rumbled to a stop. The impressive castle that stood before them was like a beacon of strength and authority.

His gaze was fixed on the grand structure that seemed to reach up towards the sky.

Aizel felt a light touch on his right elbow and turned to see Vespara by his side. He kept walking when he felt another hand slip into the crook of his left elbow and turned to see Daisy by his side as well.

The three of them made their way towards the entrance of the castle. Together, they made a striking trio, the envy of all who saw them as they walked with slow, purposeful steps towards their destination.

His gaze wandered over the other nobles and high-class mages in attendance on their way through the vast castle, each dressed in their finest apparel and carrying themselves with an air of confidence and strength.

Vast corridors were filled with discussion and laughter, as was the imposing presence of the castle's guards stationed throughout.

"You said everyone would be dressed like me. They are dressed well but I feel like I am literally overdressed," He whispered slowly.

"Well, you are a highly prestigious student of mine," Vespara replied.

He snorted.

Finally, when they arrived and entered the ballroom, he noticed the gala was already in full swing.

Nobles and high-class mages were conversing and giggling, while others seemed to be warily eyeing each other. He looked around the room, studying the most notable noble families and their entourages, all of whom were dressed in finery and surrounded by a crowd of admirers.

He then spotted some familiar faces from the institute, including Hazel and Lysandra, along with other mages whose names he couldn't recall at the moment.

He continued to survey the room, but his attention was drawn to a solitary figure sitting at a table, drinking alone without a care in the world.

"Hehe, come with me, guys."

The trio made their way towards the lone person, and he noticed the curious glances of the other guests.

Vespara's reputation as the War Goddess was well known, and everyone knew about her talented student.

People were anxious to see him and see his powers for themselves. Despite the attention, the group stayed collected and moved with purpose towards the lone man.

"Don't tell me 'The King' doesn't have a queen by his side," Aizel commented when they reached towards the person.

The lone person's head turned towards them, and he rose gracefully from his seat.

He was dressed in a dark navy blue noble coat that complemented his slacks and dark brown shoes.

His silky, light green hair glistened in the strong light, and a smile slowly crept across his face as he caught sight of them.

"Sparring partner, a real king doesn't need a queen by his side.

"I can see you are enjoying yourself with two beautiful ladies."

Aizel watched as the man carefully took Vespara's hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing it respectfully. She received the gesture with a nod of her head, acknowledging his show of courtesy.

"War Goddess, it's a pleasure to meet you again. So, when are we going to fight again?"

"Hehe, I see you haven't changed, Soren. You are still too weak for me to even exert 50 percent of my power."

"Soon," he replied.

Soren then reached out to take Daisy's hand, and Aizel's demeanor shifted drastically. His expression darkened, and a look of a death stare flashed in his eyes as he grabbed the person's hand, stopping him from taking Daisy's hand.

"I see," Soren said as he pulled his hand back and gave a small nod to Daisy.

"Oh my, look at you caring about your lover in front of everyone hehe.." Vespara commented, making Daisy blush from embarrassment.

"I…"

"Why did I act like that?" he thought.

"Softie… You are finally here. I was getting bored alone," Hazel broke the chain of thoughts of his.

When he glanced around, he noticed Hazel approaching him. Her bright orange noble gown suited her hair brilliantly, and he couldn't help but notice how it emphasized her contours. However, he noticed she was alone and wondered if something was wrong.

"Where's Seraphine? Is she not here yet?" he asked.

"She said she wouldn't attend the gala."

He realized Seraphine was the king's illegitimate kid, and being around the nobles and royals might be unsettling.

"Wow, who are these two beauties with you? Come on, introduce me quick."

"Alright, on my left is Daisy, my friend. And on my right is the great 'War Goddess', Vespara Bloodmoon."

Her eyes widened in shock after hearing the introduction.

She quickly bent in respect and spoke, "It's a pleasure to meet you, War Goddess. I am a big fan of yours."

"Haha, no need for that, darling. Come join us,"

"Can I? Is it okay for me to be with you?"

"Of course, you won't mind right, Aizel?"

"I don't have any problems; come join the gang," he replied with a smile.

"Thank you; I really wish Seraphine would be here. She is going to spend her time alone in the room," Hazel said.

"I think she will feel happier staying in her room instead of coming here and listening to insults from everyone," Vespara said.

"I know I shouldn't ask but I am really curious. What happened to her mother?" Aizel asked with caution.

"She died. Her mother was once a concubine of the king.

"When she was born, the king left her mother, and the rest of the nobles and high-ranking mages treated her like a whore throughout her life.

"Somehow she was able to raise Seraphine, but her age and illness caught up with her."

"Damn, this is a real villain story; now I know why she asked Vespara to make her a student." Aizel thought.

"No one helped her mother, despite using her. Seraphine will become a problem when she grows stronger for the royals, and they already know about this."

"Then why did they let her be admitted to the institute?" Aizel asked.

"To use her, they know they are stronger than her, so they will use her just like her mother and then throw her away when she is not needed."

"I hope she kills every one hehe," Aizel muttered slowly with a cruel smile on his face.

"I would love to see that," Vespara said, joining the fray.

Daisy and Hazel exchanged a knowing look as they observed the pair scheming and acting like tyrants.