The Moonlight Swordsman

"Well, long time no see, Aizel,"

Everyone turned when a voice called out from behind them to reveal a blonde woman with hair that fell to her shoulders and covered one of her eyes.

She was dressed in stunning white noble attire, adorned with intricate embroidery and sparkling jewelry. Daisy and Aizel's expressions shifted abruptly upon seeing her face.

"Are you not happy to see me again? Don't tell me you are still upset with the things that happened in the past."

"The only reason you can speak right now is because we are at the royal gala.

"I swear I would have made that face my punching bag if you had met me elsewhere," Aizel replied, trying to remain calm.

"Aww, don't be so mean to me." She moved swiftly towards Soren, wrapped her hands around his waist, and then spoke, "Soren, tell Aizel not to be so mean to me; it hurts."

Soren, who was silently drinking the alcohol, looked at her for a second before saying, "Who are you?"

A soft chuckle rippled among them after hearing his response.

"I see you have made some friends, Aizel.

"It's nice to meet you, 'War Goddess,' I hope I can have a private talk in the upcoming days."

"Sure darling,"

The woman turned around and silently left their company.

"MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE"

The sound of the headmaster and Crestfall family head boomed throughout the room, capturing everyone's attention.

"Behave well, here arrive the royals."

Everyone's attention was drawn to the steps that led to the ballroom, which was adorned with luxurious carpet.

Aizel's gaze was drawn to the group descending the staircase, their beautiful movements enthralling the audience.

His eyes shifted to the left, and he noticed a man with flowing silver hair that cascaded down like a waterfall. He was dressed elegantly in white noble attire, which complimented his sharp eyes and graceful movements that exuded authority.

Then he noticed a woman in a black gown making her way down the stairs. Her hair was as dark as her gown, and she moved with grace and confidence.

Her stunning dress had a slit that revealed her attractive legs as she descended the stairs.

Aizel's gaze was drawn to the last person as she followed the duo down the stairway.

The woman's hair was the same as Seraphine's, and even her facial features seemed to match, as she was clad in a beautiful white gown. It was as if Seraphine had a doppelganger, or perhaps it was the other way around.

The attendees in the ballroom promptly dropped their heads in respect as the royals descended the steps.

The royals gracefully made their way through the crowd, except for one individual who remained standing upright.

Aizel observed that everyone was bowing their heads in respect, including Vespara, except for that idiot.

Soren sat calmly, drinking his alcohol without a care in the world.

The princess approached him quietly, her face expressionless as Soren turned his gaze to her.

"You still haven't changed much since the last time," she said.

"Hmm... the same applies to you. You are still weak." He replied.

As she turned to leave, a smile slowly spread across her face, and she began to walk away. However, she suddenly stopped in front of Aizel, her eyes locked on his.

"You all follow me, Miss Vespara, you too, please."

Aizel exchanged a nod with Vespara, and then the group followed the princess to a round table tucked away in a corner.

The table was set apart from the other guests, allowing them some privacy.

"Now first, your name is Daisy, right?" the princess spoke.

Daisy acknowledged the princess's presence with a subtle nod of respect as she looked at her.

"I noticed your mana-sensing skill is excellent. I bet no one can have better sensing capability except for Miss Vespara."

The words left everyone in shock and disbelief; their eyes widened with surprise.

"I hope, I can Have a chat with you Miss Veapara alone,"

"Sure princess," She replied.

For a moment, the princess and Vespara stood up and walk in the corner.

"Train her, Miss Vespara. I want her to join my team for the tournament. I want her as a scout in some matches."

"But princess.."

"NO BUTS,

"If you want, even my father will agree to that, Miss Vespara. You know how serious he is about the tournament, right?"

Vespara sighed.

They returned and sat with everyone again, and the princess's attention landed on Aizel.

"Now coming to you, Aizel, my father highly regards you. He even wants to make you the next War God of the kingdom.

"I totally disagree with him on that. You are still weak, and I think you will be only a nuisance in the tournament.

"What do you mean?"

"You can't be considered in the top 5 strongest in the institute; how can I include you in my team?"

"But if my father thinks you have the capability, then prove me wrong. I want you to clear the Fangspire mountain alone without anyone's help."

Aizel looked at the princess with a stern frown on his face.

He paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and finally agreed to her proposal. "I will do it," he said firmly,

"But I will keep whatever I find on those mountains."

"Sure, you can have whatever you get from there. No matter how valuable it is. It's my promise to you.

"I hope you won't disappoint me. Then, I will take my leave, enjoy the gala, everyone."

The princess rose from her seat and walked away from the group, leaving the others to exchange stares.

"Is she really serious about not wanting me on her team?" Aizel asked.

"Of course she is. That's how she is. If she wants something she will have it.

"If she decides something then that's what happened. Even sometimes king has to bow before her decision,

"Giving you a chance is already a miracle from her side, if she wanted then even with my help you won't have been able to participate in the tournament,"