With a sorrowful heart from his failure, Aizel walked back to Felgura City. His exhaustive investigation of the cave had turned up nothing but emptiness. Because Larisa's corpse wasn't there, it seemed possible that her remains had been stolen.

[Let them come, master; we will slash them one by one]

"That's not what I am worrying about. I hope they won't find anything when I will be in the Central Kingdom.

"They might pull something. Daisy is going to be there with us. I don't want her to get hurt because of me."

[Then we need to get stronger]

"Yes, that's the plan.

"Even that sword emperor's words still ring in my mind.

"Why did I become a mage? Well, at that time, I just wanted to use magic as soon as possible.

"What is my motivation to become stronger? What are my resolve and desire?

"I want to heal my core, unlock my past memories, and find my mother.

"That's all I have to do. Is it enough to get me going, or am I still lacking?

"What do you think, Sekki?" Aizel asked.

[I have looked at your memories from the other world. There were a lot of people in those books and pictures who had different resolves and desires]

[Maybe you should look at them and compare yourself with them]

"Woah, great job, Sekki."

[Fufu]

Aizel arrived at his humble inn under the cover of darkness, its welcoming lights beckoning him inside. Important events, including the prince's funeral and ceremony, were scheduled for tomorrow.

And after that, there was the group training with the princess.

Aizel walked into the room and saw a vibrant conversation taking place. His friends Vespara, Daisy, Shelly, and the kids were all gathered around a lavishly set table, enjoying a substantial meal.

"So did you find what you were looking for pretty boy," Vespara asked.

"Naa, I think her corpse is already stolen," Aizel replied.

He grabbed a chair and sat down.

"Who could have even stolen a corpse?" Shelly asked.

"You don't know darling, there are a lot of people who will not even leave the corpse.

"Especially if it's a woman's corpse," Vespara replied.

Both Daisy and Aizel didn't show any emotion in response to Vespara's remark.

However, Shelly's expression changed to one of complete surprise. In that instant, the words of Alora's previous warnings about the brutal reality of this world began to make sense to her.

"What are the chances that the people from the Theodora Kingdom have found out about her and taken the corpse with them," Aizel asked.

"Then you will find it out when you reach the Central Kingdom for the tournament," Vespara replied.

Aizel sighed.

After a delicious meal together, Vespara said goodbye to them and headed back to her potion shop.

Aizel went to bed early so he could have a good night's sleep before a busy day.

On the other hand, Shelly and Daisy were overcome by boredom and ended up having a lengthy chat throughout the night.

The Next Day...

Aizel and Vespara were standing in the middle of the large field that was part of the Felgura Castle grounds.

The royal family's elite magicians, prominent guests, and noble families under the leadership of their heads were all present.

The Queen stood beside the princess, her countenance drained of vitality, bearing the weight of an unseen burden.

Everyone there wore white ceremonial clothes emblazoned with their family crests to show their loyalty and history.

Aizel's attire consisted of pristine white mage robes embellished with the emblem that represented Vespara's identity: a striking emblem of a death skull, embodying her unique essence and prowess.

The king still didn't even come to his son's funeral. What a fucking bastard!" Aizel thought.

[Can't wait to cut his head]

The mournful ceremony began, and one by one, everyone present came forward to express their deepest sympathies to the Queen and the Princess.

They approached the royal figures, including Aizel and Vespara, and spoke in somber tones to convey their condolences.

Following the somber exchanges, attention shifted to the remnants salvaged from the ravaged Euphoria town.

As a final tribute to a valued member of the royal family, the prince's remains were meticulously deposited in a beautiful and dignified resting place, buried deep within the soil.

One by one, as the ceremony concluded, guests began to leave, their emotions reflecting the gravity of the event.

In the middle of the dispersing crowd, Vespara subtly conveyed to Aizel that they should hang around for a little longer.

As the final sounds of departing feet faded, Vespara escorted Aizel to a hidden meeting chamber beneath the castle walls. Aizel entered and saw the mysterious Sword Emperor and the princess standing there, waiting for him.

"Is it true?" The princess asked Aizel.

"What?"

"That you killed Larisa Theodora,"

historical

This hag," Aizel cursed in his mind, as he glanced towards Vespara, who just smiled back at him.

"Yaa, she abducted me when I was ill. She was only a Grade I mage, so I was able to kill her and escape from there," Aizel replied.

"Do you have her corpse?"

"No,"

"Then how can you say it was the princess of the Theodora Kingdom, 'War Goddes,?" The princess questioned as she walked towards Vespara.

"Don't you have an artifact that reveals whether a person is lying or not? Why don't you check on him?"

Hmm..."

The princess summoned the dark orb's once more, feeling its ghostly light encircle her fragile palm as she clutched it tightly.

"Place your hand on the orb and release your magic core energy. Then answer my questions," Zareena said.

I hope she won't ask anything else other than this problem, "Aizel thought.

[We will kill her then]

Shut up,"

Aizel extended his hand cautiously, his fingers trembling slightly as they made contact with the cool surface of the black orb and released his mental energy.

"The lady who kidnapped you, was her name Larisa?"

"Yes, she said her name was Larisa," Aizel replied.

"Did she have red hair?"

"Yes,"

"Did you kill her?"

"Yes,"

The orb continued to show no signs of life, proving that Aizel was telling the truth.

"Are you only a dual-core mage?"

Aizel quickly pulled back his hand, a look of uneasiness crossing his face. The princess watched his reply with a sneaky grin on her lips, clearly pleased with herself.