Chapter 26: A Memory of Betrayal
“You should know that this Moon Jade is the solidified moonlight of the Goddess Princess from ancient times. Thousands of years ago, a young Moon Elf Miss secretly brought it to the human world.”
Aineya’s voice was low as she spoke placidly, gently raising her silver pupils.
“Twenty years ago, the fallen ones of the Dark Moon imprisoned and defiled the power of the Silver Moon, giving birth to a new ‘Moon God.’ However, this does not mean that the Goddess has been replaced by Him.”
“In your hand, this jade stone formed by the condensation of ancient moonlight is, if I’m not mistaken, the key to Princess Elusia’s whereabouts.”
Ig lowered his head, looking at the moonlight in his hand. He could understand what Aineya meant.
Perhaps the current God of the Dark Moon was a different aspect born from the influence of the Abyss after the Silver Moon Goddess was imprisoned, whom the Dark Elves regarded as their new god.
Aineya’s mention of the Silver Moon Goddess’s whereabouts did not refer to the Goddess’s physical location, but rather to the place where the Dark Moon had not yet been tainted, the place of “Elusia.”
The key to the Goddess’s whereabouts…
“However, that Dark Elf also recognized it,” Ig said, raising his head.
“You are correct.”
Aineya nodded, her slender, fair fingers gently clasped together. “Actually, it’s not just you. Zolgueya… before he brought the Dark Moon, as the Grand Priest of the Silver Moon Temple, also held a trace of the Goddess’s moonlight.”
“If I’m not mistaken, to thoroughly defile the moonlight and make the so-called ‘Dark Moon Goddess’ a true and complete deity, they will surely want to snatch this key from your hand.”
After a brief silence, Ig said, “Lorintha and Senior Gavin did not arrive yesterday, is it also for this reason?”
“You’ve guessed it?”
Aineya was slightly taken aback, then quickly nodded, stating concisely, “I inquired this morning. Lorintha and Senior Gavin went to a nearby city stronghold, but as soon as they arrived, they were attacked by Dark Elves.”
“According to the information received, although the Dark Night Elves’ attack was particularly fierce, they did not have much preparation, it seemed like an impulsive action.”
“Miss Aineya means that these Dark Night Elves are after this Moon Jade?”
Ig pondered and said. Their separation from Lorintha and the others was an impromptu decision; the Dark Night Elves might have thought he had gone with them to that fortress.
“Even so, in such a short time, even in the elves’ territory, knowing Lorintha’s movements so clearly, was someone betraying them?”
“Perhaps there are still traitors among the elves, even more than one. They hold high positions but serve the Dark Night Elves.”
The Silver Moon Elf’s words made Ig raise his gaze. A faint smile lingered on the young girl’s face, but her silver pupils held a hint of sorrow.
Sensing Ig’s gaze, she extended a slender hand to brush away a falling strand of hair, shaking her head and chuckling softly, “You’ve seen me at my worst. It’s just that I’m reminded of some past events.”
What Aineya was undoubtedly referring to was how, as a Silver Moon priestess, she had witnessed the betrayal of the Silver Moon Goddess. However, this was not the first time she had mentioned it, and it was entirely imaginable how deeply it had scarred her heart.
Since returning to the elven lands, this usually silent elven girl had become even more withdrawn, and one could clearly feel her inner sadness.
If she were just an ordinary priestess girl, she would not have to go to such lengths.
Not to mention that Aineya also knew that Zolgueya, the Grand Priest of the Dark Night Elves, also possessed the “Dark Moon Key.”
Ig had a vague feeling that Aineya, who had fled the Aer Continent far away, served Shiel as a maid, and yet returned to the elven lands with them at this time, had a deeper identity.
However, since Aineya did not speak of it, Ig did not press further.
“Veer heard Sister Xiao Yan say. Is Sister Aineya’s surname ‘Morning Moon’?” A delicate and tender voice suddenly rang out.
Verafia’s two small hands clasped Ig’s arm, poking her tender little face out. Her beautiful gold eyes blinked from between long eyelashes. Her gold eyes reflected the Silver Moon Elf, refracting gorgeous colors in the subtle morning light.
Ig was taken aback for a moment, remembering that the Silver Moon Elf had once mentioned her surname to them.
The silver-haired elf girl slightly lowered her face, then chuckled and nodded, “You are correct. ‘Morning Moon,’ that was also the surname of the Grand Priest, Zolgueya.”
This was actually something Aineya had mentioned before. But Ig hadn’t paid much attention then… However, hearing the elven girl mention it again, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander.
However, at this moment, the Silver Moon Elf seemed much more relaxed, a subtle smile appearing on her exquisite face, “But, no matter what, this is just my own speculation.”
“Whether there are traitors among the elves, or what the Dark Night Elves desire, or waiting for Miss Lorintha and the others to return… By the way, Ig, are you planning to buy clothes for Miss Verafia? Perhaps I can help a little.”
…
The entire elven town under the morning light was tranquil and beautiful. The faint scent of osmanthus filled the air, and the girl’s clear, bell-like laughter echoed from time to time.
In fact, Ig found that he wasn’t very good at handling children. It was Aineya who easily made the little girl, Verafia, exceptionally happy.
—Perhaps, a long time ago, as the head maid, Aineya also took care of Shiel when she was still a little girl. Such experience wouldn’t be easily forgotten.
Gazing at the silver-haired elf and Verafia’s small figures, Ig’s lips curved in a subtle smile.
His sleeve was lightly tugged, and the Sword Spirit girl leaned closer. Her soft golden hair cascaded behind her. She blinked her eyes and softly asked, “Master, are you still thinking about what Miss Aineya just said?”
“It’s not that,” Ig chuckled and shook his head.
Previously, regarding Aineya’s “key” related to the Moon God, and the traitors hidden among the elves, Ig had been a little concerned at first.
However, on second thought, he only had a superficial understanding of the elves, and relied almost entirely on Aineya and Ainsel for explanations. Even if he thought until his head ached, he wouldn’t gain much.
“Still, while this Young Lady is still such a well-behaved child, I should spend more time with my daughter. Yes, today I brought her out for some shopping.”
Ig said to the Sword Spirit girl with a smile. Rather than worrying about such an unresolvable problem, it was better to accompany this Young Lady more.
