The Moonlight Swordsman



"Now now, why don't you both keep calm and talk like adults instead of mocking?" Vespara quickly meddled between them.

"War Goddess saved your ass today," Zareena said.

This time, Aizel took a deep breath and ignored her.

*Tsh*

"So where was I? Training, yes. We all need to train if we don't want to embarrass ourselves in front of everyone.

"Everyone will come with me after the funeral. We will head towards our training.

"Daisy will be coming with us too.

"Why does she need to come? She can train with Vespara alone," Aizel replied. 

"Yes, but the main battle is a team battle of 5v5. There are three rounds in it. 

"Two kingdoms will face each other. The first round will be a one versus one duel. 

"The second round will be two versus two. And the final will be five versus five.

"And I can use Daisy anytime I want in that because of her mana sense. It will help us a lot."

"Hmm.." Aizel's hand moved up to massage his chin softly.

This is just like any other game tournament," He thought.

"Are there more events in the tournament?"

"Yes, there will be a potion-making, a weapon-making, an artifact-making tournament, and many other types of this." 

Zareena replied, "Even the death battle and battle royale will be held with many bets, and the Kings and Queens of the kingdoms can grant any wish." 

"Interesting," Aizel murmured.

It seems I need to take this seriously. I have to win the ingredients or the Siren Requiem legendary potion to heal Emma's voice," he thought.

"It seems you want something from the tournament like any other mage, isn't it?" Zareena asked with a sly smile.

"Yes, I want something."

"What is it?"

"It's a legendary rank potion, 'Siren Requiem."

"Why do you need that potion?"

"Why do you care?"

"Because I can easily give it to you if you want."

The moment the princess let the word fall from her lips, desire flared up within Aizel. 

"No, I will earn it myself," he replied.

"Why do you want to waste a wish like that in a tournament where you can ask for more things better than that?

"It's not like I care, but I can't see anyone wasting their wish on a stupid potion.

"Let's do it like this; I will register you for a battle of my choice where you have to win anyhow. 

"If you win that, I will give you the potion for free without expecting anything from you."

"And what if I lose?" He asked.

"Then you will have to do a favor for me. It can be anything. If I say kill Daisy, then you have to do it."

Both Daisy's and Aizel's eyes were wide open after hearing that.

"When can I give you the final answer?" He asked.

"Before the tournament, anytime you want,"

"Okay,"

"Great, now you can leave. Daisy and Vespara stay with me; we will visit somewhere."

"Oi, why are you leaving me behind?"

"Are you a girl? Go home, Aizel."

*tsh*

Aizel parted ways with the sanctuary of the princess's garden, his steps leading him away from the group towards his inn.

Meanwhile,

Vespara and Daisy followed the princess in silence, matching her movements as they made their way to a private hot spring at the garden's rear. 

After a diligent trek through the enchanting garden, Vespara and Daisy reached their destination—an idyllic spring nestled amidst a grove of trees. 

Pure, white, sparkling water that glistened with an otherworldly light was nature's gift to this holy place. Rising steam mixed with the clouds in the sky, carrying with it the subtle aroma of the nearby flowers. 

The calm scene was a sight to behold, captivating their senses and enveloping them in a sense of peace. 

"Come with me inside, you both feel much better,"

With effortless ease, the princess removed her clothes and stepped into the warm embrace of spring.

She went to the depths of the spring in search of peace and quiet. There, she laid back and let the water's soothing heat wrap around her. 

A small sigh of relief escaped from her mouth.

"Why are you still standing?"

Following the princess's lead, Daisy and Vespara shed their garments, baring their forms, before entering the inviting waters of the hot spring.

The tranquility of the spring surrounded them, wrapping their bodies in a haven of peace.

"This is so satisfying," Vespara said.

"Yes, this is much better than that lake," Daisy replied.

"Now I heard that you and the Sword Emperor fought the Blood Dragon."

"More like he played with us."

"How did he advance to Grade VIII? In which direction did he go,"

"Towards the Beast Kingdom. I don't know what that old bastard did but he was too strong.

"Even if I reach Grade VIII, I still won't be able to defeat him,"

"What about the Sword Emperor?" Zareena asked.

"He can't. He only has one desire, and that is to cut down the Theodora Kingdom. 

"He has become strong only for that."

"I know there was something that happened in the past; what was it that made him like this?" Zareena asked with interest.

"The most beautiful thing, but at the same time the cruelest thing, a person can experience is 'Love'.

"Tell me more about it."

A flicker of curiosity ignited within both Zareena and Daisy as their ears perked up upon catching the mention of the love story involving the enigmatic Sword Emperor. 

"Look at you both, prying on other lives," Vespara giggled.

"Have you fallen in love, Vespara?" Daisy asked.

"I never found someone in my life. Every man I met ran away after learning my identity.

"But now I have finally found someone, hehe...

"Don't tell me you want to gobble up your student," Zareena replied.

"What's wrong with that? I finally found someone who can match me in status and power,"

"Yes, but he is still far away from that."

"So what? I am not going anywhere, or am I?" Vespara replied while winking toward Daisy.

"But I heard Aizel loved Daisy, and she does the same," Zareena replied, glancing toward Daisy.

"Please change the topic, you were going to tell us about the Sword Emperor story," Daisy replied hurriedly.

"Where should I start?"