The Moonlight Swordsman

Chapter 197 The Traitor

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Felgura Castle,

There was a flurry of activity in the Royal Great Hall as the heads of the major noble families, including Vespara and the Sword Emperor, assembled for an urgent meeting.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, with a palpable sense of gravity weighing on the room.

"Not that everyone is here, I am issuing everyone for a serious task, and I won't take any mistakes from any of you.

"Sword Emperor and War Goddess, you will be the main spear to deal the traitor the main blow," the Queen addressed the meeting.

"Traitor…"

"Which one…"

"Why are we not focusing on that bastard David…"

A wave of raised voices echoed through the hall as the nobles expressed their concerns and opinions.

The Queen, seated at the head of the room, felt a subtle shift in her demeanor. Her previously serene expression tightened, and her eyebrows twitched ever so slightly.

"Shut up, you idiots; it's the traitor Blood Dragon Mage,"

"Vespara's sources have recently found out its hiding spot; do you still need to blabber now?"

As the name echoed through the room, a profound silence descended.

Shock and fear washed over the faces of those present, freezing their expressions in a state of grim seriousness.

Everyone in the room fell silent as they processed the significance of the name.

"You all don't have to fight him; you just have to create a barrier around the area where the Sword Emperor and Vespara will fight that traitor.

"You must make sure that bastard doesn't escape."

"Where are the others?" The sword emperor asked.

"They have all gone with the King to the Central Kingdom. It's only you and Vespara,"

The sword emperor nodded.

"Where is Eudora's family?" The queen asked, noticing one less family head.

"They are with the Prince, my queen, heading to their town for something...

"Umm, how do I say this... It's like the prince has agreed to go and see their dance entertainment establishment." Elric Crestfall replied.

"Tsk. Why does he want to go there? He could have called everyone in the palace for it, never mind leave.

"Go now and focus on the task."

The nobles respectfully bowed towards the queen and began to leave the royal grand hall.

However, their departure was interrupted by the arrival of the princess. She called out to Vespara, requesting her to stay behind.

"What was the commotion that happened in Darkholm, Vespara?" The queen asked first.

"My queen, Aizel and Isabella headed there to save some kids that once belonged to the Redmont family.

"There they found out that the kids were already dead and were treated badly."

"Hmm... That Aizel really let out everything; you know how many members of the Kingsley family he killed? What should I say to them, Vespara?"

"I am sorry, my queen. but please don't revoke his involvement in the Interkingdom Tournament. I promise you will not regret it."

"No one is taking him out of the team, Vespara." Suddenly, Zareena spoke.

"He has already completed the task successfully, which I assigned. He has proven his worth and met my father's expectations for him. You can go now and focus on your upcoming task; I will handle the rest."

"Sure, my princess." Vespara bowed deeply to the queen and the princess as a sign of her utmost respect for them.

She then turned and walked out of the palace, away from the royal family.

"Why do you have to butt in, Zareena?"

"It's father's order, or would you like to go against his wishes, my mother?"

*tsk*

The queen gracefully departed, leaving the princess standing alone in the royal grand hall.

Zareena sighed and left.

At Redmont Mansion...

"I am leaving the family forever, Father," Isabella said.

She stood in the vast hall, where the candles cast a soft glow, and all eyes were on her. Her father, Raigun Redmont, looked at her with a stone-like expression that reflected his genuine feelings.

"So, you are going to leave your blood family behind for just some maid's kids?"

"Yes Father, for you all, they were just maid's kids, but for me, they were everything."

"Okay, you may leave, but before leaving, give away everything that was given to you, along with your staff."

Isabella nodded solemnly as she slowly removed objects from her ring. There was meaning in everything she brought back from her trip.

The final thing she revealed was a wooden staff, which she immediately grasped with both hands. The familiar weight and the link it carried to her magical talents were immediately apparent to her.

With unwavering resolve, she walked away, her final steps guiding her back to her room.

Inside her room,

The only sound was Isabella's approaching footsteps as she made her way to her private quarters. She was thinking deeply, so she failed to see the woman who had entered the room.

"Are you sure nothing will change your mind, Isabella?"

Isabella hurriedly spun around when a woman's voice suddenly echoed across the room. When she spotted her mom, she made a beeline for her and dove into a bear hug.

"I am sorry Mother, but I can't live here with them,"

"I know my child. But where will you go alone?"

"I will head towards the Central Kingdom to learn more about magic there."

"Make sure to talk to me every day, then." With a touch full of tenderness and love, Isabella's mother stroked her daughter's hair. She brushed her fingers through the silky strands, calming Isabella's racing thoughts.

Isabella's heart skipped a beat as the crystal ball in her ring vibrated with an unusual intensity. She carefully extracted it from her ring, her brows furrowing in curiosity and anticipation. The voice that resonated from the magical device sent a jolt of surprise through her.

"Hello Isabella, it's me, Aizel," the voice echoed with a familiar tone. "Meet me at the Pearl Inn in my room before you go somewhere."

"Isn't that the same young man you told me about?"

"Yes, mother,"

"It seems you finally found another friend."

"I don't know about that mother,"