The Moonlight Swordsman



Aizel's adventurous spirit led him to explore the culinary delights of Zulivan City, and there was one renowned dish that captured his attention: the legendary Red Mass of Goat. 

Just hearing about this delicious dish made him start to look forward to it. With a variety of appetizing sides, it promised to be a medley of tastes that would dance on his tongue.

Both Daisy and Ashlyn also ordered the same dish.

As time passed, the air in the restaurant was filled with a delicious smell that made Aizel, Daisy, and Ashlyn hungry even more.

The server walked up to their table with a tray full of three big plates. With precision and care, he set them down before the eager trio, the dishes arranged in an enticing display.

As Aizel's eyes fell on the dish, a thin cloud of steam rose and swirled in a beautiful dance.

His mouth watered at the sight of the dish's star attraction: a thick piece of soft goat meat doused in a crimson curry that tantalized his taste buds even before he took his first bite.

Aizel held the knife and fork, which were made of shiny silver. He delicately sliced through the tender meat, revealing its juicy interior. 

The meat hovered before his lips, tempting and inviting. As he guided it into his mouth, the flavors erupted, a symphony of savors dancing upon his tongue.

The tender meat melted in his mouth, releasing its delicious flavor, while the bright spices made his taste buds tingle with their perfect mix.

With a fluid move, Aizel used the shiny spoon in front of him to scoop up a perfect mix of fragrant rice and rich, fragrant curry. 

The grains of rice clung together, perfectly cooked and infused with the essence of spices.

As he lifted the teaspoon to his mouth, an enticing aroma flooded his senses.

When he took his first bite, his taste buds tingled with pleasure as the smooth curry coated the rice and gave it a taste of its own. The mix of herbs and spices danced on his tongue, bringing together heat and depth in a perfect way.

"This is perfect."

"I know, I always eat at least 3-4 plates every time when I come here," Ashlyn replied, stuffing her mouth with curry and rice.

The trio savored each mouthful of their delectable meal. Ashlyn, on the other hand, had an insatiable hunger. She ate plate after plate with gusto.

With satisfied appetites and grateful hearts, they concluded their dining experience. 

With grace and generosity, Ashlyn paid the bill and made sure they were fairly compensated for their time in the restaurant.

After leaving the place, the three of them were ready to go and look for something else for now. 

"What should we do now?" Aizel asked.

"Even I don't have any idea. I don't need anything for myself, and for the kids, we will buy it after the tournament in free time," Daisy said.

"There are weapons shops, herbs shops, potions shops, clothes, grimoriums and so man...

"Wait... did you say grimorium?"

"Yes,"

  "Are you saying I can buy Grimorium here without any problem?" Aizel asked again.

"You can even rent it for a day,"

Aizel eyes widened after hearing that.

[Master, I think this kingdom is really good for us in the future]

[Even hag told us that there aren't any conflicts or people showing off their status here and there]

Yes, everyone here just strives to become a reputable mage and their thirst for knowledge is more. Even the most powerful mage on Xelgar resides here,"

[But how can we do it? The king has eyes on you and wants you to become his War God]

We will think about it later. I don't think we are strong enough right now even with Vespara's help."

"So do you want to check out Grimorium?" Ashlyn asked.

Aizel nodded.

*****

"Isabella,"

"Yes, Master,"

"Your Man has arrived. He is heading towards the library right now.

"I must say, he is quite gorgeous. I have never seen someone like him before. It seems the Queen of Theordora is definitely going to go mad now."

"You mean Master...

"Yes, she can even make a move just to have him and start an all-out war. She is one crazy bitch,"

"Go bring him here. We should try to give our offer and convince him. Now is the time is right,"

Isabella nodded and left.

*****

As the trio crossed the threshold into the grand library, Aizel's eyes widened in awe. 

The vast expanse of knowledge unfolded before them, with mages scattered throughout, their noses buried deep in books of all shapes and sizes. 

The atmosphere reminded him of the old libraries from Earth, which were the places of knowledge and learning.

They navigated through the labyrinthine aisles, their steps hushed upon the polished marble floor.

Aizel's curiosity led them purposefully towards the section devoted to Grimorium.

"So you are finally here, Aizel,"

Suddenly a noise made him stop and he turned to see a familiar girl.

"Seeing you smiling like this, I assume you are enjoying your life here," Aizel replied.

Isabella quickly walked forward and gave a hug to Aizel.

Aizel let her embrace him but didn't move his hands to hug her back and stood their like a statue.

"Hey Daisy, how are you," Isabella moved and hugged Daisy.

"I am fine, what about you Isabella? I hope we can spend some time together,"

"Of course. Now you both are here, after the tournament, I will take you to many interesting places which I am sure you both will love it,"

"By the way, my master wants to meet you. Can you follow me for a second?" She asked.

"No, we won't. I can't allow that for now," Ashlyn said.

"We will meet your master, let's go,"

"Did you hear what I said just now?" Ashlyn said as she glared at Aizel.

"And I said yes, We will go and meet her master. If you have any problem you can leave, you know." Aizel replied.

"I can't leave and I won't let you meet,"

"Then I wish you good luck finding someone who can help you with your weapon," Aizel replied with a sly smile.

"Fine,"

"Let's go, Isabella,"

"Huh... Okay,"

I didn't know it will be that easy." Isabella thought.

[Master, why are you meeting her master? What if they have some kind of plan]

Don't worry. I can't feel anything from just like I don't feel any disgust from Daisy, kids, Vespara and Shelly."

I think she doesn't want anything bad for me. I believe she is different from others. I hope I am true or it will only hurt me more,"

The memories from Darkholm resurfaced again. He remembers how cruel it was for Isabella to witness that. He can't even imagine what will happen if he experiences the same thing.

Just thinking about that made his blood boil again and Kingsley's family mage's faces suddenly resurfaced. 

[They should pray that they won't face us in the tournament]