Chapter 89: The Title (Part 2)

"I'm an old man on the verge of death. What do I need with spells?"

The black-robed elder shook his head slightly, and Merlin's face showed a hint of disappointment. However, the elder then gave a faint smile and continued, "I'm practically at the end of my days. Even if I survive, there's no hope of advancing further. So, Mage Merlin, there's no need to talk of trade; my 'Earth's Guard' is yours as a gift."

Merlin was taken aback, looking at the white pages the elder handed him. They depicted several spell models—specifically, the earth spell "Earth's Guard." This was a common defensive spell among earth magic users and was the same spell Merilon had used.

However, Merilon's version of "Earth's Guard," likely learned at Abyss Fortress, was stronger and more stable than the elder's version.

The elder cautioned Merlin, "Mage Merlin, 'Earth's Guard' was something I learned in the military, and its stability isn't the best. If you want a reliable spell model, you'll need to reconstruct it carefully."

Merlin nodded, confident in the "Matrix" he possessed, which could analyze and reconstruct spell models to perfection. With the "Matrix," he could create thousands of variations of "Earth's Guard" for stability and effectiveness.

"Mage Hil, thank you for your help. I'll let you rest now."

Merlin rose, taking his leave. Led by the maid, he exited the elder's residence.

"Moss, back to the castle!"

Merlin felt quite satisfied as he held the white pages with the "Earth's Guard" spell model. His goal in visiting the elder had been achieved.

Yet, when he recalled the elder's words about spellcaster organizations, his heart sank. Merlin knew that to progress further as a spellcaster, joining an organization was his best chance.

※※※

Merlin jumped off the carriage and noticed several knights gathered outside the castle, clearly belonging to Count Selin's retinue.

After a quick glance, he didn't think much of it and walked directly into the castle. Upon entering the hall, he saw a familiar figure.

"Master Merlin, you're back. Commander Cook has been waiting for you."

The butler took Merlin's coat and hat, whispering softly.

Merlin spotted the person chatting with Old Wilson and Baron Barman—it was none other than Count Selin's son, Commander Cook.

Though Merlin had seen the knights outside, he hadn't expected Cook to come personally. Known for his pride, Cook had always been distant, especially toward Merlin and the black-robed elder.

"Commander Cook!"

"Mage Merlin!"

Cook's gaze showed a complex mix of emotions as he and Merlin exchanged greetings. Merlin asked directly, "Commander Cook, has the Count sent you on some business?"

Cook's face regained its composure, but his demeanor was more respectful, likely influenced by Merlin's battle with Merilon. After witnessing Merlin's powerful fireball spell, many had reassessed their view of him.

"Mage Merlin, my father wishes to see you."

"The Count?"

Seeing Merlin's surprise, Old Wilson burst into laughter, clearly delighted. "Ha! Merlin, go with Commander Cook. The Count is going to grant you the title of baron."

Cook must have already shared the news with Old Wilson.

"A baron?"

Merlin was a bit surprised. While he had expected some reward for saving the castle, being granted a title was an exceptional honor.

In this world, class distinctions were rigid. Whether in the Kingdom of Light or the Black Moon Kingdom, the divide between nobles and commoners was insurmountable. It was nearly impossible for a commoner to rise to nobility.

Old Wilson himself had spent twenty years fighting in the military before earning his title, highlighting the rarity of such an honor. Nobility was difficult to obtain.

Now, Merlin, who had just arrived in the Black Moon Kingdom, was being granted the title of baron. It was no wonder Old Wilson was so elated—this was a proud moment for the entire Wilson family.

Merlin nodded and, after changing into formal attire, followed Cook to the Count's castle.

"Ha, Mage Merlin! Perfect timing. I was just considering which estate to grant you."

With Merilon's threat eliminated, Count Selin seemed rejuvenated, his spirits high as he greeted Merlin warmly.

"Count!"

Merlin bowed in respect. He had no particular thoughts about land, though he knew that an estate would become the foundation for the Wilson family, a matter he couldn't take lightly.

"Mage Merlin, here's a map. Look at these estates and see which one appeals to you."

Count Selin's gesture, allowing Merlin to choose freely, showed the high regard he had for him.

Taking the map, Merlin examined it carefully and, after some deliberation, chose an estate closest to Pugas City.

The Count nodded approvingly. "Excellent choice, Mage Merlin. Constein Town is a fine estate with ample population, fertile land, and iron mines. Its tax revenue is substantial every year."

Selin's brief description highlighted the estate's value. However, Merlin noticed a peculiar smile on both the Count's and Cook's faces, as if there was something unusual about this estate.

Curious, Merlin asked, "Is there something unusual about this estate, Count?"

"Nothing problematic. It's just that the previous owner of this land was Baron Nelson."

The Count hesitated briefly before answering.

Merlin's expression sharpened. Baron Nelson was Merilon's father, executed on Count Selin's orders. Merlin hadn't expected to choose Nelson's former estate.

However, the land was ideal as the foundation for the Wilson family, and with the last member of the Nelson family, Merilon, now dead, Merlin wasn't concerned. The Nelson legacy was over, and the land would soon be part of the Wilson name.

From now on, Constein Town would belong to Wilson Merlin!