Theodora Kingdom,
A figure walked down the hall with a blank expression, her flaming red hair falling in a waterfall-like motion in time with her determined stride.
Her glowing skin glistened in the sunlight, drawing attention to her beautiful hourglass shape.
She opened the door to the chamber and stepped inside without hesitation. Within its four walls, a picture played out before her eyes: a slew of naked men lay all around the room, while a stunningly gorgeous woman lounged on a couch and drank heavily.
"Mother, I have something to report."
*Tsk*
"Not a single one can satisfy me; what do you have? It must be really boring." The woman replied to her.
"It's about Larisa. She...she is dead.
"One of my guards from my clan finally found her in one of the caves of the Felgura Kingdom," she replied.
"Hmm...dying on the enemy's land. Why did she even go there in the first place? Okay, I heard you; now you can leave."
"But mother..
"LEAVE.... It'e her fault, and even yours. If you love her so much, you should have taken better care of her."
A trace of doubt flashed over her face as her mother's remarks reached her ears. She bit her lower lip as she struggled to make sense of the conflicting feelings she was having. She didn't say anything in return, just turned and left the room quickly.
"I need to find some better men,"
The woman on the couch sighed.
*****
The trio found themselves back to Rayla's house in the heart of the camp, their footsteps echoing through the familiar surroundings.
As Aizel skillfully prepared a mouthwatering meal, her hands moved like dancers over the kitchen counter.
Rayla sat on the kitchen counter, her eyes riveted on the dish Aizel was preparing out of both curiosity and eagerness.
"So do you have a plan or something?" She asked.
"Umm... the followers and the seafolk people can be handled by your guys. Then we are left with three cursed magi. We have to first separate the trio, and then we will fight them.
"We don't want your help in killing them," Aizel replied.
"That would be easy to do then. When are they returning?"
"A day after tomorrow,"
Meanwhile, I will watch my Lord fight from far away. If I sense his life is in danger, I will rescue him no matter what." Rayla thought.
"You know, I thought about the thing that you said to me yesterday," Aizel said.
"Oh, and what is it?" Rayla asked.
"There are also good people in this world. You are right; no matter how cruel or evil this world is, there will always be good in it.
"I found many people here who I love as my family, and they love me back if I am not wrong."
Rayla nodded with a smile.
"It's good you think like that. Don't forget about this, or you will only dig yourself deeper into the darkness," she replied.
Aizel nodded.
He finished up the dishes as the delicious smells of supper filled the house.
A visual and tasting delight was laid out on the table.
Aizel, Rayla, and Jeffrey all sat down, and the three of them dove into the meal, enjoying every mouthful.
"You can really cook."
"I have learned while living alone," Aizel replied.
"Can we spar today and tomorrow too?" He asked.
"Sure, I would have asked anyway if you hadn't," Rayla replied.
Leaving the table, their appetites satisfied, the trio made their way back to the mountainous cliff.
Aizel's resolve was strong as he looked forward to continuing his battle with Rayla. His senses were honed with each exchange as their weapons clanged and their bodies moved in a dance of battle.
Each attack, parry, and block exposed a new strategy. Aizel honed his skills and tested his limits in the heat of battle, learning invaluable lessons from his strong opponent.
Despite the intensity of their conflict, Aizel was impressed with Rayla's cool demeanor.
Her calm demeanor and unwavering trust in her own abilities resonated with him.
Her excellent swordsmanship was on full display as she deftly deflected blow after blow from her opponents, exposing the tiniest openings in their attacks.
Aizel couldn't help but marvel at her mastery, recognizing the depth of her skill and the artistry she possessed.
Aizel and Rayla finished their vigorous sparring session as the sun began to set, and they headed back home.
However, just as nightfall started to cast its shadows, Rayla's voice resonated with a suggestion that piqued Aizel's curiosity, drawing his attention like a moth to a flame.
"A hot spring—what are we waiting for then?" he said.
"Come follow me; it will relax your body a lot."
Rayla took the lead while Aizel and Jeffrey followed her through the forest's thick underbrush and moss, which cushioned their steps.
The deeper they went into the forest, the more Aizel's senses tingled with anticipation.
And there, nestled amidst the emerald embrace of the jungle, they discovered the hidden gem they had been seeking—a natural hot spring.
The moonlight glinting through the leaves of the trees above casts a magical glow on the hot water below.
"This is incredible," Aizel murmured.
"Come join me."
In the heart of the secluded jungle, Rayla shed her formidable warrior attire, revealing the graceful curves of her naked form.
She dove headfirst into the hot spring water without hesitating for a second. As the steam rose around her, it cast a ghostly glow that highlighted her stunning form.
"You go there and sleep," Aizel said to Jeffrey.
[Poor guy]
Aizel shed his garments one by one until his bare skin was exposed to the gentle breeze that rustled through the lush foliage.
He entered the hot spring with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity and felt the water wrap its soothing arms around his body.
As he dived deeper, he felt the tingling sensations all over his body and the stress of the day's battle begin to go away.
The steam whirled around him, mixing with the diffuse light of the moon shining through the treetops.
"This feeling...."
"I know, I always come here to rest," Rayla replied.
Rayla appeared by Aizel's side, seemingly out of thin air, and sent chills up and down Aizel's spine. The steamy cloak of the hot springs enveloped her body, emphasizing its natural curves.
Too close, too close."
[fufu, hot springs, and a beautiful lady by your side. This is a well-settled moment for you, Master]
