The Moonlight Swordsman



Aizel, Daisy, and Isabella found themselves in a study hall that was quiet and peaceful. The walls of the room were lined with tall bookcases that held a wide range of books and stories waiting to be read. A soft light came in through stained-glass windows and gave the scene a soft glow.

Aizel noticed a woman at a nearby table as they were standing in the sacred area. 

Her presence gave off a sense of calm, and the light green hair that fell down her shoulders caught the light in a soft way.

"Master," Isabella bowed.

"I was waiting for you young man," She said.

"Thank you for helping this child when no one helped her."

"I did what I felt was right," Aizel replied.

"Even I thank you for taking care of her. I hope she will be happy here instead of that cursed place," he further added.

"Of course, she will be. That is also the reason I wanted to meet you.

"You see this child passed a cruel test recently just so that I will help her to bring her mother here. 

"And.. she wants to even help you,"

"Help me?" Aizel glanced towards Isabella who simply averted her eyes from his gaze.

"She wants you to leave that kingdom and settle down here,"

Aizel eyes widen for a second and stare at Isabella once again.

See, I told you. She doesn't have any bad intentions.

[Yes Master]

"I am happy to know that Isabella," Aizel said.

"I just want to return the favor... t-that's all," Isabella replied.

The Master giggle at her reply.

"Even I don't want to live in that Kingdom but I can't do anything for now.

"Maybe in the future,"

"What about now? You are already here. Even your king can't do anything now," The master said.

"What about the rest of the guys that are in Felgura? Can you bring them over here?"

"Sorry, I can't do that. I can only allow that blind girl as she is also here in my presence. You have to forget about the rest of them for now,"

"Then I will gladly decline your offer,"

The Master stares at Aizel for a second after hearing that reply.

"You will put others in front of your own safety and peaceful life? You can become far more powerful easily here. 

"You will have infinite knowledge and opportunities here. You want to give up on them just for the sake of some kids and some women?"

"You can win the heart of any lady with that look and you can have as many children as you want."

"Will you still decline my offer?"

A smile appeared on Aizel's face as he reply, "I don't have to think about it again. Nothing can change my decision."

Hearing that made the master smile and nod in acknowledgment. 

"You are really different from many other mages. Isabella has made a fine friend like you. 

"In the future whenever you want to consider joining us along with everyone, let Isabella know. I will offer my assistance."

"Can't you do it now? Like teleporting them directly here?" Aizel asked.

"We can't use Arcane Magic Circuit for that without permission from the other kingdom. It will be treated as invading the kingdom and can start the war. 

"Our Kingdom doesn't start a conflict with anyone."

"Well then, I will consider it in the future then,"

The Master nodded.

"You girl... Are you blind from birth or have you had any accidents?"

"I am blind by birth, my lady," Daisy replied.

"You can heal her eyes with the fairy dust potion. Even if it's only an Epic Grade potion but it is the rarest potion. Only selected mages know how to brew that potion.

"And you have to catch a fairy to make that potion. That can only be found in the Beast Kingdom.

Aizel and Daisy listened carefully to every word that the master was saying.

"The fairies are their pride. They don't let anyone even see them. Capturing a fairy from there will make you a common enemy for the whole Kingdom."

"So there is no other way? Will that potion won't be available in the tournament? I can't ask that as a reward?" Aizel asked hurriedly.

"I am sorry child. Even if someone has that no one will acknowledge openly. Only one person will be able to help you but you won't like her condition."

"Who is that?"

"The Queen of Theodora,"

"I can guess, she wants me to join her kingdom, right?"

"Just let the tournament start. You will know once when she will lay her eyes on you. 

"Your kingdom is surely going to have a real rough time from now on and it will be all because of you,"

Aizel eyes widen in shock. His mind started to race what this queen actually want. Does she know anything about him and his real identity? Or she knows that he has the power of imagination.

"Don't worry for now. Just go and try to win the battles that you will participate in. You can't do anything if you die."

Aizel took a deep breath and nodded.

Leaving the captivating presence of the woman in the study hall, Aizel, Isabella, and Daisy ventured forth through the library's winding corridors. 

"I am sorry Aizel. I will find some other way to help," Isabella said.

"Why are you even sorry? I was really happy to know you wanted to help me. 

"Don't worry about me. You should first focus to bring your mother here. 

"She is your real family,"

Isabella nodded.

*****

In the study hall,

The Master was sitting quietly and drinking her tea when suddenly someone arrived behind her out of thin air.

"Master, do you really want to help that kid?"

"I have already promised Isabella now."

"But you know it won't be that easy. The King of Felgura has already named him the next War God,"

"The Queen of Theodora will make every effort now just to have him.

"Who can say after seeing all that, the beast kingdom might get involves too."

"Why are you so afraid? Did you forget who we are? We are the Zulivans.

"We have what no other kingdom has. We have Zephyrus Zulivan."