Chester Town,

At Rosewell Castle...

Leah paced restlessly inside the Rosewell castle's vast hall, her forehead wrinkled in anxiety and stress.

Her grandfather had been absent for quite some time, and she had no idea where he could have gone or what had happened to him.

Despite her efforts to obtain information, she had received no news or leads, leaving her frustrated and worried.

"Where is Uncle, Mother?"

"He has gone to Strykewood town to get control of their lands and everything that once belonged to the Gilles family," Yelena replied, as she was doing some paperwork on her table.

"Aren't you worried about grandfather?"

"He might have gone somewhere to relieve his stress; he has a habit of doing it."

"But he didn't inform us and went right after the duel."

"Don't worry about him, Leah; you should worry about ruling more lands and finding a way to make Aizel yours before it is too late."

"But grandfather told me to stay away from him for now; he said it was not the right time."

"You are smart, Leah; I am sure you can find some way, right?"

"Yes mother,"

*****

As Vespara and Daisy left Grandmaster Gogo's cave, the children remained with him to learn more about magic. It was time for the two women to depart on their next mission, and the children were in capable hands with the wise and experienced Grandmaster.

"Are you sure they will be alright?" Daisy asked.

"Don't worry, oldie tends to act like that but instead he will be very happy now. I am sure he is going to take it straight toward his workshop. The kids will love him."

"Why does he live here alone so far away in the cave?"

"There are some things, darling, you should never know, and you shouldn't talk about this to anyone. Remember it."

Daisy nodded in understanding.

"So where are we heading then?"

"There's a small town near Mountaindale that is famous for the black market, bounties, and sort.

"'Darkholm' is the place's name, and you can find many criminal mages hiding there.

"It is ruled by the Kingsley family."

The rhythmic clip-clop of their rented horses' hooves echoed through the forest as Vespara and Daisy rode toward their destination. They had left Mountaindale Village and were now heading east towards Darkholm.

Both donned deeply hooded robes, following Vespara's advice to conceal their identities and speak minimally upon arrival in town.

It was a long journey, taking half a day to finally reach their destination.

As they entered the town, Daisy couldn't help but notice the lively atmosphere with people bustling around, laughing, and chatting.

The streets were illuminated by antique street lamps, giving off a pleasant orange glow over the houses and shops.

She walked behind Vespara, her head down, trying not to be noticed in the crowded town.

They eventually arrived at an old, decayed building with several cracks.

*Knock*

*Knock**Knock*

*Knock*

*Knock**Knock**Knock*

Vespara knocked on the door with a specific pattern, and they waited in silence for a response.

*creakkkk*

The door creaked open, revealing an old lady who peeked out curiously to see who had knocked.

Vespara pulled her hood down, revealing her face to the old lady, who looked at her for a moment before opening the door to let them in.

"He is there at his usual place," The old lady spoke in a grumpy voice.

Vespara nodded and headed towards an underground room, Daisy following closely.

As they descended the stairs, Daisy observed small bulbs on the ceiling illuminating the underground place.

They soon arrived at a room with a desk, many boards, and an old man with only one eye fixedly staring at them.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"I am training this little young lady, need some information, you know what I mean right?" Vespara replied.

Daisy caught the old man's glance, but he quickly turned his attention back to Vespara.

"I don't have anything for a Grade I mage,"

"Who said we are looking toward Grade I criminals? Give us some Grade II."

"Are you training or sending her for her demise?"

"Of course, I am training, this is how I train," Vespara said with a giggle.

"There is one task, but it might be too dangerous for this little flower to handle,"

"What is it?"

"Killing a Grade II noble mage,"

Daisy's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe that she was being asked to hunt a Grade II mage, let alone a noble.

"This.." she glanced at Vespara.

"If you are worrying about the status, then there is no problem. The request had been passed down through the royal family. You won't have any problems with that.

"But killing the noble will be a problem for you; first, there is hardly any evidence where he is hiding, let alone killing him."

"Who is he, and what did he do?" Vespara asked.

"He sold information about the upcoming tournament to the beast kingdom,

"His name is Daniel Damaris, the youngest son of the Damaris family."

historical

"What an idiot!" Vespara sighed.

Vespara's hand moved slowly towards her chin, her face serious in thought. Her gaze scanned the room as she considered the risks and advantages of the elderly man's mission.

Finally, after a long minute, she appeared to have reached a decision.

"What's the reward?"

"5000 gold coins, found dead. 10000 gold coins if you bring him back alive."

"No magic crystals?"

"No,"

"Deal then,"

Daisy's gaze fixed on Vespara as the latter made eye contact and subtly winked.

As they walked out of the building, Daisy finally spoke, "That's a Grade II Vespara; I don't think I can kill him, and how are we going to find him?"

"Believe in yourself, darling. I am sure you can do it, and I think we can find some hints to his whereabouts.

"For that, we have to head to Alcoberg town."

"Isn't that town famous for its varieties of drinks and flavors and where Aizel was sent to do his mission?"

"Yes! We can enjoy some drinks together hehe.."