Mage's Profound Truths

Chapter 33: Strange Wind

Merlin followed behind Pula and entered the castle. As soon as he stepped inside, he felt that the castle's decorative style seemed somewhat peculiar.

On the slightly yellowed walls were painted colorful murals. Some were blurry, some were mottled and worn, and almost none were clear.

"This castle seems very old?"

Merlin asked Pula.

Pula nodded and said, "That's right. This castle is indeed quite old. Even the oldest person in the territory can't say exactly when it was built. It's only known that the castle is very old—at least over five hundred years, maybe even longer! After the baron moved into this castle, he had it renovated, but the decorations in this hall were left untouched and still maintain their original appearance."

Merlin nodded. Most of the buildings in this world were quite sturdy, and many castles could last hundreds or even thousands of years. Perhaps this castle had been built by a noble centuries ago.

"By the way, where is my father?"

Merlin looked around but only saw a few servants. He did not find Old Wilson.

A glint flashed in Pula's eyes, and then he said in a low voice, "Because recently there have been large groups of bandits active around the territory, the baron has already gone out with his men to patrol the area. He probably won’t return until tonight."

Although Old Wilson wasn't present, naturally there was a steward in the castle—moreover, a very beautiful female steward. After handing Merlin over to her, Pula left the castle and went out to patrol.

The female steward had a very voluptuous figure, around thirty years old, with bright red lipstick on her lips. Her eyes constantly roamed over Merlin.

"Young Master Merlin, you must be tired after traveling all day. I've already had hot water prepared and placed in your room."

Then, the female steward led Merlin into a spacious room, where there was a large bathtub filled with steaming hot water.

"Please, Young Master Merlin."

At some point, the female steward had already closed the door and came to the side of the bathtub. It seemed she intended to assist Merlin in bathing.

Since arriving in this world, Merlin had always been repressed. Now that he was in a completely unfamiliar place and facing a beautiful woman, a fire immediately rose in his heart.

"Splash."

Merlin stripped off his clothes and jumped straight into the bathtub. The female steward smiled charmingly, her eyes full of seduction, and her soft hands began roaming all over Merlin's body.

Merlin slightly narrowed his eyes as a wave of lust quickly surged within him. He suddenly grabbed the steward’s hand and whispered with a smile, "Come in."

With a pull, Merlin directly dragged the female steward into the bathtub.

Though she was still dressed, the curves of her body were fully outlined, adding even more temptation. Her soft hands gently caressed Merlin's chest.

Thanks to his long and persistent practice of the postures from the mysterious carving—although he hadn’t trained intentionally—Merlin’s body had become strong, with tight muscles filled with explosive power.

But at this moment, Merlin had his eyes closed, enjoying the caress of the steward’s soft hands.

"Young Master Merlin truly lives up to being the baron’s son. This body is in no way inferior to the baron's!"

The female steward whispered softly into Merlin's ear, her breath fragrant like orchids.

"Hmm? What did you say? You served my father?"

Merlin suddenly opened his eyes and asked in a deep voice.

The housekeeper pursed her lips and chuckled softly, “Of course. Every time the baron comes to the territory, it’s me who serves him!”

As she spoke, the housekeeper even puffed out her ample chest, as if quite proud.

But a strange expression appeared on Merlin’s face. Although the housekeeper was straddling him in an extremely suggestive posture, he no longer felt any desire—instead, he felt a chill rising from within.

Although Merlin had come to understand that the private lives of nobles were usually quite debauched, and that beautiful maids like this one serving Old Wilson first and then him was commonplace among nobles, he still found it hard to accept.

“Leave. I don’t need you to serve me anymore.”

Merlin’s voice was icy cold, and he directly drove the dazed housekeeper out.

His whole body soaked in the warm water, the fatigue seemed to be gradually melting away. But the desire stirred up by the beautiful housekeeper had left Merlin feeling restless.

Left with no choice, Merlin closed his eyes, leaned back against the edge of the tub, and began to meditate.

Meditation required being in a subtle, half-conscious state, and soon, Merlin’s mind gradually calmed down. He seemed to forget everything around him, remaining motionless in the tub, completely immersed in his meditation.

“Wuuu... wuuu...”

No one knew how much time passed, but in his ears, Merlin seemed to hear faint wailing like that of a baby.

“Splash.”

Startled by the strange sound, Merlin quickly stood up, only to shiver all over. He looked at the water beneath him and found it had turned cold. He must have been meditating for at least two hours.

“What’s that sound?”

Merlin stepped out of the tub, got dressed, and listened closely. The sobbing sound became clearer and more chilling.

He then left the room and went downstairs, where he happened to run into Commander Pula doing his rounds.

“Uncle Pula, what was that sound just now? It sounded like a child crying.”

Merlin asked in a low voice. He noticed that the guards standing near Pula showed no reaction at all, as if they were completely used to it.

Outside the castle, it was pitch black. Pula took a couple of steps forward and said to Merlin, “Young Master Merlin, it’s nothing, really. That’s just the wind! There’s a strange wind that blows not far from the castle. The sound you heard was caused by that wind—not a child crying.”

“Oh? Such a strange place? Uncle Pula, can you take me to have a look?”

Curious, Merlin wanted to see what kind of strange wind could make such eerie sounds.

“Well, it’s really nothing... but since Young Master Merlin wants to see it, let’s go.”

Pula frowned and hesitated slightly. But since the place wasn’t far from the castle and still within its bounds, he finally agreed. He asked someone to bring a candelabrum, lit five candles, and led the way.

Merlin closely followed behind Pula.