Chapter 71: The Plan (Part 1)
Merlin and his group followed Count Primont's knights through Ravensburg and arrived at a small town. The town was modest, populated entirely by military personnel and stocked with war supplies. It served as a logistics hub to support Ravensburg Fortress.
For Merlin, this was his first real glimpse of the so-called heretical, barbaric, and fearsome Black Moon Kingdom. Old Wilson wore a solemn expression, saying little, but Merlin sensed a complex mix of emotions in his father's gaze.
After all, Old Wilson had once fought in the brutal "Slaughterhouse" campaign, where he battled the heretics of the Black Moon Kingdom for years. Now, setting foot on this "heretical" land, it was natural for him to feel some ambivalence.
Unlike Old Wilson, others like May Snow, Lady Fullbust, and Avril seemed intrigued rather than uneasy, peering out from the carriage with curiosity.
Upon reaching the town, Count Primont's knights dispersed. After traveling a bit further, they arrived at a white castle, where only a hundred personal guards remained with the count.
"Commander Bain, please escort Merlin's family to a place to rest," Count Primont said, gesturing toward Merlin. "Master Merlin, welcome to my castle. Please come inside."
Old Wilson spoke up, his voice low, "Merlin, are you sure you'll be safe?"
"Father, this is the Black Moon Kingdom, a sanctuary for spellcasters. Don't worry; I'll be fine. You should rest. I'll discuss the next steps with you when I return."
After reassuring his father, Merlin followed Count Primont into the castle.
Inside, the castle was heavily guarded by knights with a formidable air. Merlin's mental senses detected several powerful knights covertly observing his every move. However, he found it odd that he didn't sense the presence of any other spellcasters. Old Wilson had mentioned that military fortresses in the Black Moon Kingdom often stationed spellcasters, yet Merlin hadn't sensed a single one since entering the count's castle.
Following Count Primont into the main hall, Merlin felt the warmth emanating from a large fireplace, filling the hall with a cozy atmosphere.
Count Primont removed his heavy armor and relaxed into a wooden chair, gesturing for Merlin to sit. "Master Merlin, please make yourself comfortable."
After Merlin took his seat, maids served a small cup of thick broth, with black leaves and what looked like fish scales floating on the surface, emitting a savory aroma.
"Master Merlin, try some of Ravensburg's icefish soup," Count Primont said with a smile, taking a hearty sip and savoring it with obvious enjoyment.
Curious, Merlin took a sip. The icefish soup was initially sour, but it left a lingering sweetness on his tongue, and as the warmth spread through his body, he felt a soothing sensation.
"It's excellent," Merlin said, savoring the unique flavor.
After finishing his soup, Count Primont, feeling the warmth spread through him, asked casually, "Master Merlin, your journey to Ravensburg must have been arduous. What are your plans now?"
"My plans?" Merlin thought for a moment before replying, "First, I need to settle down here, then I'll consider my next steps."
In a foreign land, establishing a stable foundation was the top priority.
Count Primont's eyes gleamed with interest. He lowered his voice and spoke earnestly, "Master Merlin, you must be a free spellcaster. Why not join us here in Ravensburg? With your family's strong elemental swordsmen, you would be a great asset. I can assure you that your family would live well here."
"To join the military? My apologies, Count Primont. We've only just escaped the Kingdom of Light after a harrowing ordeal. For now, neither I nor my family wishes to join the army," Merlin replied, declining without hesitation.
Old Wilson would likely never agree to serve in the Black Moon Kingdom's army, given his past. Moreover, Merlin aspired to advance as a spellcaster in the Black Moon Kingdom, and joining the military would only restrict his growth.
The Kingdom of Light was unstable, and should war break out, Ravensburg would be on the front line, facing immediate danger. Merlin had no intention of binding himself to the military in such a precarious situation.
"That is truly unfortunate…" Count Primont shrugged, feigning disappointment.
Just then, a maid hurried into the hall and whispered, "Count, the lady asks that you return to your chambers. She says it's urgent."
"What's happened?" Count Primont frowned, glancing upstairs before turning to Merlin. "Master Merlin, please make yourself at home. I'll be back shortly."
He headed upstairs to a room where his wife, a well-rounded woman, was pacing anxiously, glancing toward the door with a worried expression.
"What's going on?" Count Primont asked as he entered, noticing his wife's anxious demeanor.
The countess hesitated, then handed him a letter. "It's a letter from my brother, Count Selin. You should read it."
"Count Selin? What happened?" The count took the letter, scanning it with growing concern. His brows furrowed, his face darkening, and a trace of anger appeared on his face.