Mage's Profound Truths

Chapter 32: Territory (Part Two)

Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Wilson Castle became bustling with activity. More than sixty lightly armored knights were stationed at the main gate.

"Be careful, don’t stop along the way. Head straight to Father’s territory."

Meixue warned Merlin carefully. She had already learned last night about Merlin's plan to go to the territory. At that time, the steward had already arranged everything, and even if Meixue wanted to stop it, it was too late.

Merlin nodded, then stepped into the carriage. This journey would be long, taking nearly a full day. To ensure Merlin had someone familiar with him, Moss was once again the driver.

“Moss, let’s go.”

At Merlin’s command, the carriage slowly departed from Wilson Castle under the escort of the knights.

The carriage quickly exited Blackwater City. It was Merlin’s first time outside, seeing the world beyond the city walls. So instead of meditating, he lifted the curtain and curiously observed the scenery.

The road outside the city was very bumpy, unlike the flat stone-paved roads within. Outside, it was mostly dirt mixed with gravel, loosely laid on the ground, with uneven ridges and pits. Even Moss’s skilled driving couldn’t keep the carriage steady.

Fortunately, Merlin’s body had already become strong thanks to the mysterious posture from the relief sculpture, so he could endure this level of bumpiness.

Merlin’s carriage was in the middle of the knight formation. When he lifted the curtain, he could see a young knight beside him, around sixteen or seventeen years old. Though still youthful in appearance, his hands were covered with thick calluses from years of sword training.

“What’s your name?”

Merlin asked the young knight.

The young knight quickly and respectfully replied, “Young Master Merlin, my name is Yagus.”

“Yagus, how long have you been at Wilson Castle?”

“Young Master Merlin, I was chosen by the Baron three years ago. After two years of hard training, I was finally promoted to knight.”

A trace of gratitude and pride appeared on Yagus’s face. Merlin also understood that for commoners, becoming a noble’s knight was already a great honor.

Knights of nobles could grant their families certain tax exemptions or reductions within the territory, so becoming a noble’s knight was the dream of countless commoner children.

For Yagus to become a knight at the age of sixteen or seventeen, besides hard training, he must also possess considerable talent.

“Do you have a fire attribute constitution?”

Merlin continued to ask, because he could sense that fire elements around were continuously flowing toward Yagus.

“Yes, Young Master Merlin. I possess a fire attribute constitution. If it weren’t for the Baron, I would have starved to death long ago. The Baron once said that a knight must be loyal, just, brave, and dedicated. I will follow him for my entire life, serving under his command. This is also my first mission. Young Master Merlin, don’t worry. Even if we encounter bandits, I will protect your safety.”

Yagus’s tone was solemn and very sincere. Merlin could feel that these were his true feelings.

Looking at Yagus’s sincere expression, Merlin slightly nodded, then lowered the curtain and retracted his head back into the carriage.

“Protect me?”

Merlin couldn’t help but shake his head; with his current physical condition, he could already rival the peak of a First-level Elemental Swordsman, and he was also a mysterious and powerful spellcaster—what need did he have for protection?

However, this also indirectly reflected Old Wilson's capabilities—his knights were all extremely loyal to him.

This made Merlin feel wary. Old Wilson was no ordinary man—he was shrewd and calculating. If he met him at the territory, he must keep his words to a minimum and remain cautious, lest he reveal any flaws.

Merlin soon lost interest in the scenery outside the city after only a short glance. He lay sideways in the carriage and began meditating on his mental power.

※※※

“Young Master Merlin, we’ve arrived at the territory.”

Merlin woke from his meditation, not knowing how much time had passed.

“We’ve arrived?”

Merlin opened the carriage curtain and saw that dusk had already fallen; the sky was gradually growing dark. At the end of a rugged path stood a massive castle—it was the one within Old Wilson’s territory.

The castle looked very old. Its domed towers were pointed, the bricks on the walls had turned black, and part of the wall had clearly been recently repaired.

Merlin jumped off the carriage and walked forward, surrounded by several knights who stayed alert even though they had arrived at the territory.

“Halt! Who are you?”

As they approached the castle, four guards blocked their path.

One of the knights at Merlin’s side quickly stepped forward and said, “This is Young Master Merlin. He has urgent matters to discuss with the Baron.”

“Young Master Merlin?”

The guards looked doubtful—they had never seen Merlin before, though they had heard that Baron Wilson had a son by that name.

“Young Master Merlin, please wait a moment. We’ll have Captain Pula come confirm your identity.”

The guards did not let Merlin enter the castle and instead sent someone to summon Captain Pula.

Merlin frowned—not because he was displeased at being stopped, but because the castle’s guards were being far too cautious. Had something happened recently to warrant such tight security?

“I’ll ask Pula in detail when he arrives.”

Merlin had already sensed that something might have happened in the castle recently, but everything would have to wait until Pula arrived.

After a short wait, Pula finally appeared. He strode over and shouted, “Make way! This is Young Master Merlin! All of you take a good look and remember—if he comes again, do not block his way!”

Captain Pula sternly scolded the guards, then led Merlin into the castle.

As they walked, Merlin asked, “Uncle Pula, has something happened in the territory? Why is security so tight?”

Pula hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and replied, “It’s because a large group of bandits was spotted near the territory some time ago. For safety, the whole territory is now under wartime alert with strict defenses.”

Merlin was somewhat surprised. On his way here, he hadn’t encountered a single bandit and had assumed the territory was unaffected. He hadn’t expected the situation to be so serious.