The Moonlight Swordsman

Aizel leaned in closer to Daisy, sensing she had something important to tell him.

"We have some company," Daisy warned.

Aizel's eyes darted back and forth as he searched his surroundings for potential threats.

He gathered the kids behind him in a practiced motion, making a protective barrier. He automatically summoned his sword, ready to defend himself against any threat lurking around.

Aizel's attention was drawn to the rustling of leaves and twigs. His keen eyes swept the surroundings and observed many individuals coming from the bushes. The group of seven men wore leather armor and gripped their weapons tightly as they advanced toward them.

"They don't seem strong; at least there is no mage among them," Daisy whispered.

"Should I knock them quickly?"

"No wait, let's see what they are here for; we still have kids with us; if we can solve the issue without fighting, that would be good," Daisy said while Aizel nodded.

"HEY YOU, where are you headed?" One of them shouted toward Aizel and spoke.

"To the city," Aizel said while pointing in the direction of Felgura city.

"Are they one of them?" He asked his group while they turned their heads in rejection.

"You can leave; remember things might become difficult in some months; make sure you guys don't get close to any noble." The man warned and left with his group.

Aizel, Daisy, and Alex stood motionless, watching as the group of men walked out of sight without making any ruckus.

"That was not how it was supposed to go; I was pretty sure they would try to rob us, and then I would smack their asses one by one. That's what I read in all the novels until now." Aizel thought.

"What was he talking about? Getting close to noble and all?" Aizel asked as they stored their stuff in the storage ring.

"Even I don't know; maybe there is something going on with the nobles," Alex replied.

"Yeah, well, I don't care; I don't want to get involved with any noble now," Aizel said.

"We should head to the city first to avoid any further troubles," Daisy said.

They boarded the carriage and began their journey to Felgura City, which was only a short distance away.

Aizel could feel the ground tremor beneath his feet as the carriage approached the city. The sound of pounding hooves and clanking metal got louder with each passing second until the city walls loomed in front of them.

They towered over the terrain like stone and steel giants, stretching upwards for at least fifty feet and encircling acres of land within their protective grasp.

Aizel's pulse beat faster as he marveled at the breathtaking sight before him, anxious to discover the magic and treasures hidden within the city's walls.

The carriage came to a halt beside the city's towering gates, their overwhelming presence casting a shadow over the travelers and those waiting in line to enter the city.

Aizel, Daisy, and the children bid their goodbyes to Alex before disembarking from the carriage and making their way to the long line at the city's gate.

Aizel and his group finally made it to the front of the line. His keen eyes were drawn to the guards stationed at the gate, all of whom were seasoned hunters dressed in glistening, cold leather armor and armed to the teeth.

The leader, a magician brandishing a medium-sized staff, stood at the helm, commanding respect and admiration.

"Six kids and two adults, that would be 10 silver." One of the guards spoke.

Aizel retrieved ten silver pieces and handed them to the guard as the toll for their group's entry into the city. The gate cracked open, letting them onto the busy streets beyond.

As Aizel and the kids stepped into the city, their eyes widened with amazement.

The city covered acres of land and was a sight to behold. Numerous roads diverged in front of them, each going to a different market brimming with potions, weapons, armor, clothing, and artifacts.

Hunters and magicians bustled around them, filling the air with a chorus of noises. Carriages passed past in a never-ending parade, traveling from one location to another.

"Aizel, the city is so big," Oliver spoke as his eyes sparkled.

"Yeah, I know right? Let's first find a place to stay, then we will take a tour together." Aizel said while the rest of the kids nodded.

They approached a carriage and asked to be taken to the city's best inn.

The group boarded the carriage, which began its journey to the city's eastern side. They talked amongst themselves as they traveled, marveling at the countless stores, markets, and restaurants lined their path.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt, and the group disembarked in front of a magnificent white structure that seemed more like a palace than an inn. It would be an injustice to call it such, for it was a masterpiece of architecture and elegance.

And the name of the inn was " The Pearl Inn."

As they entered the inn, they were greeted by a group of servants dressed in fine clothes far beyond their own.

Everybody wore a welcoming smile, and there was not a single sign of discontent on their faces as they welcomed the guests with open arms. It was evident that they were eager to meet their every demand.

Aizel made his way to the reception area, which was supposed to be a pure white stone counter that served as the focal point of the inn.

"Do you have two big rooms available with you?" Aizel asked.

The person looked towards Aizel and his group and spoke, "Sir, how would you like to have a specialty room of ours? It has 4 rooms in it, each with a bathroom of their own, a big dining hall, and a kitchen."

Aizel looked towards Daisy, who simply nodded.

"Okay, how much is gonna cost?"

"It will cost you around 10 gold coins per month, sir."

Aizel retrieved ten gold coins from his storage ring and paid the room rent at the counter before leading the group to their rooms.