As the days passed, Daisy maintained her regular training sessions with Vespara, improving her abilities with the bow and wind magic as well as mastering the use of daggers for close-quarters combat.
She was still undecided about whether or not to hunt criminal mages in order to grow more quickly.
"Have you thought about it, darling?" Vespara asked.
They were sitting in a restaurant when the aroma of steaming soup floated through the air. They sat at a wooden table, surrounded by candles, and steam rose from the soup bowls in front of them.
"I am still worried; I don't think I will be able to actually kill them. What if I freeze up?"
Vespara took a spoonful of soup to her mouth, enjoying the flavor, before meeting Daisy's gaze.
"Don't worry darling, I will be there with you.
"You can't always be like this. Just imagine if someday some people tried to hurt your kids. Will you still act frozen and timid, or will you do everything you can to keep them safe?"
"I will do anything for my kids," she replied.
"Just think like that when you are going to hunt. We are not going after innocent people after all,"
"Okay, then I will try my best."
"Good darling,"
"What about the kids? Should we take them with us or will they be safe here?"
"Well, nothing will happen here with me around, but let's take them with us and drop them somewhere where they can have fun. I know an old man who is quite bored."
"Oh, okay then."
They both enjoyed their soup at the restaurant and when they were finished, they rose from their chairs and went to the inn to pick up the kids before departing.
The door creaked open as they turned the handle, and they stepped into their apartment room.
"Everyone quickly gathers your things, we are going on an adventure," Daisy said.
"Woah!"
"YESSS"
"AWESOMEE…"
The kids' excitement grew when they learned of an approaching expedition.
They dashed to their room, leaving the magical book Vespara had given them behind, and quickly packed their daily essentials and clothes.
As they emerged from their room, they lined up in the hall, eagerly anticipating their departure.
"Hehe, having kids around is fun; now I am really interested in having one of my own," Vespara commented.
"Have you met someone?" Daisy asked.
"Why do I have to meet another man when I have Aizel?" she replied while winking at her.
Daisy let out a sigh.
The group left the inn and proceeded to Vespara's potion shop. They went through the busy streets, the kids chatting excitedly about the adventure ahead.
"Did you forget something at your shop?" Daisy asked.
"No, we are going straight to the oldie's place from the shop; why travel so far?"
All of them ascended the stairs and followed Vespara to her potion-brewing chamber. When the kids entered, they were taken aback by the abundance of cauldrons, ingredients, and potions that filled the room.
They marveled at the exquisite magic circle engraved on the floor as they made their way to the corner.
"Kids, don't rush anywhere and stand still with your eyes closed, okay?" Vespara said.
The kids nodded and quickly held her and Daisy's hands quietly.
Vespara retrieved a magic crystal and channeled mana into it, causing the crystal to radiate a brilliant light that powered the magic circle.
The golden lines on the circle glimmered, and before the kids could fully grasp what was happening, everything disappeared. They suddenly found themselves standing in a dimly lit cave, shrouded in darkness.
"Come follow me, everyone; don't rush anywhere."
The darkness of the tunnel slowly faded away as they followed Vespara, revealing a lovely garden overflowing with an array of flowers.
Each flower was unique in shape and color, producing a lovely landscape reminiscent of the Waterfall Valley's grandeur. The party couldn't help but be captivated by the garden's appeal.
"Look at you! You finally found the time to meet me!"
The sudden appearance of an old man caught the group off guard as he floated towards them with his long black hair and beard swaying in the wind.
His piercing gaze swept across the group, forcing the kids to hide behind Vespara and Daisy for protection.
"Oldie, don't scare the kids; I am here to drop them off with you."
"What! What will they do here?"
"Yes, Aunt Vespara, we don't want to stay here with this dangerous person."
"Yes, we will be bored here in the cave."
"Take us with you…"
They pleaded with Vespara and Daisy not to abandon them in this foreign environment.
"Listen kids, where I am and your mommy is going is filled with dangers, and you won't be safe there, believe me. He is my master, and he is quite entertaining.
"He has a huge workshop where he creates many things with magic; you want to see that, right?"
"Yes…"
"Can he create me a toy…"
"Awesome, let's tell him to make us some cool armor…"
"Oye Vespara, you should ask me first if you can drop them before leaving just like that," Grandmaster Gogo snorted.
"It's only for a few days and besides it's not like you have anything to do,"
"Hmm… where is my grand disciple by the way?"
"He is in training,"
"And who is this beautiful lady? Pardon my manners. Myself, Grandmaster Gogo, it's a pleasure to meet you, young lady."
"My name is Daisy; it's a pleasure to meet you, Grandmaster."
"She is the lover of Aizel," Vespara said.
"Oh, interesting, then you deserve a gift from me; when you come back, I will make sure to give you something."
Daisy blushed a little; she only bowed in respect without uttering a single word.
The grandmaster moved towards them with a quick pace, his steps soundless as if he were gliding through the air. He leaned closer to Daisy and Vespara and whispered in a hushed tone so that the kids wouldn't overhear his words.
"Do you know Alexander went missing after the duel?"
"Yes, I know very well," Vespara replied.
"Did you do anything?"
"Why would I do anything? You can ask Daisy; I was with her the whole time on the day of the duel."
"You should be careful, Vespara; the time is not right. If you have any hands, be sure to clear every piece of evidence that might lead up to you.
"You still haven't found someone who will be able to back you up."
"Don't worry, oldie, I have already found the one."
"Don't tell me it's Aizel, right?"
Daisy couldn't help but wonder, as she looked across at Vespara, what type of aid she required from Aizel and what her true intentions were.
