Freedom City…
David's sword slashed through the air as he rehearsed his fighting techniques in the orphanage's underground hall.
The mages and hunters surrounding him were likewise practicing their combat skills, sharpening them with each strike and skill.
They had been training nonstop.
They had the advantage of fighting against high-grade mages of noble families by disabling the mana with David's help.
However, some of these royal and noble families' mages were also competent in close combat, making them more deadly.
The Valtor and Balthazar families were particularly fearsome opponents due to their extraordinary close combat skills.
Even if the rebels managed to neutralize the surrounding mana, these noble families could still overpower them with ease.
The huge doors of the basement hall slammed open, causing everyone inside to snap their heads in the direction of the noise.
A hunter dashed up to David and whispered something into his ear.
"Hmm... as expected," David commented.
"Should we start preparing for the next phase?" The hunter asked while moving his hand towards his forehead to wipe off some sweat.
"No! Now is not the right time; we will hit them when they least expect it."
The hunter nodded quickly before turning on his heel and swiftly leaving the underground hall.
*****
Felgura City...
Vespara's attention was drawn away from her book by the sound of the potion shop door creaking open.
Daisy had been busy organizing stuff on the shelf when she noticed who had entered.
It was the royal family's official messenger.
He approached the counter, reached into his ring, and produced a letter, which he placed on the counter with great care.
He then properly bowed his head before turning and exiting the store, leaving the two women to ponder what was written in the letter.
"Let's see what the royal family has to say," Vespara spoke.
Her hand twitched slightly as she reached for the letter, magically opening the royal seal, and began to read its contents, her eyes perusing the text with attention.
She exhaled a breath of relief as she finished and returned the letter to the counter.
"So that royal gala is after four days, and we might see some spicy things." She said, flashing a sly grin at Daisy.
"But Aizel hasn't returned yet. Are we still going?" Daisy asked.
"Oh, don't worry about that, darling, our pretty boy is on his way and will reach the city by tomorrow."
"Can you sense him from that far away?" Daisy asked in surprise.
Vespara reflexively reached for her mouth, muffling a small chuckle. She chose a vague response to Daisy's query, leaving the latter guessing.
"Oh, by the way, let's close up shop. Come with me. I think it's time for you to train under me,"
"Is it really necessary?" Daisy asked.
*Tsk*
"Now I understand why Aizel seems so distant from me. Do you think I will eat you or something?"
"No, I didn't mean that. It's just that… why would you waste your time over me for nothing?"
Vespara let out a sigh.
"First: I am free, and I can do whatever I want.
Second, if I had any bad intentions toward you or the children, I wouldn't need to do things cowardly. You understand that, right?"
Daisy nodded, still remembering that scene from before when three guys misbehaved in front of her.
"Third: I have always lived alone with my potions and books; finally, I have got someone with whom I can spend some time.
"Fourth: We both love Aizel."
"Wait a minute, I don't love Aizel. There is nothing like that between us." Daisy blushed red with embarrassment as she quickly responded to Vespara's.
"Hehe, and the most important thing. Don't you want to become strong? Aizel won't be there with you and the kids all the time.
"Maybe someday you guys will face some danger where neither of us will be available. What will you do then?"
Daisy was left with a lot to think about after hearing Vespara's explanation. She understood Vespara was correct when she said Aizel and she couldn't always be there to defend her and the children.
She would be defenseless as a Grade I mage in the face of danger from formidable opponents or unknown threats they might encounter.
"Okay!" She replied.
"Good! Now follow me, darling,"
Vespara locked the potion store's door as she and Daisy left the building.
*****
The Next Day...
Aizel had finally arrived in Felgura city after a long journey.
Fortunately, he had been dumped off near a town, where he was able to simply rent a horse and ride to his destination.
When he arrived in the city, he went straight to the potion shop where he planned to meet Vespara, but it was closed.
He then went to his room at the Pearl Inn, where he discovered the kids playing and reading books.
Aizel lifted Emma up onto his shoulder and then asked, "Where is Daisy, kids?"
"She is training with Aunt Vespara," Lilly replied. She quickly came to stare at Aizel with her blue eyes.
Aizel sighed.
He gently lifted Lilly over his other shoulder, where she joined Emma, who was already perched on top first. As they relaxed into their new elevated posture, both girls giggled.
"Why is she training, and what for?"
"She didn't say anything," Lilly replied.
"Why didn't she take you guys with her?"
"Aunt Vespara told me that nothing would happen even in the room. She can sense all of us from anywhere and even protect us."
"Hmm…."
"I guess I should also head back and check on Alora. I can leave for a day or two." Aizel thought.
"I am hungry; what do you guys want to eat? Let's head to the kitchen."
*vroommm…*
Aizel walked into the kitchen, pretending to be a bike and riding the girls on his shoulders. Lilly and Emma laughed and enjoyed the playful ride.
Aizel began preparing supper for everyone, with Lilly and Emma watching and assisting him.
The entire group gathered around the table for a substantial meal. Aizel entertained them with tales from his world, reading passages from his favorite anime and literature.
The children's eyes glittered with excitement and wonder as he spoke, utterly entranced by the amazing stories.
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