Chapter 44: Crisis at the Wilson Castle (Part 1)

In the city lord's mansion, Lord Augedin, Baron Vengrit, and the white-robed Mage Jason sat together in discussion.

"Mage Jason, all six of the other nobles in Blackwater City, except for Wilson, have arrived. Shall we act now?" Augedin asked calmly.

Mage Jason glanced at Augedin and Vengrit, waving his hand slightly. "Why the rush? I may as well tell you now—those so-called bandits who've been harassing Blackwater City's outskirts are actually agents of the Church. With their interference, the knights of these nobles have been drawn out to guard their territories. So, what force could they possibly muster within Blackwater City now?"

"Therefore, we should give them one last chance. If they willingly return to the Light's embrace, they can still be faithful followers of the Light God. Lord Augedin, now it's your turn to play your part."

Augedin's expression shifted slightly. Although he had suspected something unusual about the bandits surrounding Blackwater City, Mage Jason's confirmation that they were, in fact, Church agents took him aback.

It was clear now that the Church had orchestrated this all along.

"Rest assured, Mage Jason," Augedin replied, "I'll explain the situation to them. But as for Wilson…"

At the mention of Wilson, Mage Jason glanced at Baron Vengrit, a cold smile forming on his lips. "Baron Vengrit, I know about your feud with Wilson. Here's your chance to settle that grudge once and for all. Wilson should already be dead, and his lands are in ruins. So, the Wilson Castle doesn't need to exist any longer. This matter is yours to handle. I'll assign two Guardian Swordsmen to assist you—go and eradicate every last member of the Wilson family!"

Vengrit's face contorted with a twisted joy. His expression turned ferocious as he said, "You have my word, Mage Jason. Soon, there won't be a single Wilson left in Blackwater City."

With that, Vengrit left in a hurry, his heart filled with a dark thrill. He had loathed Wilson for years, and now that an opportunity to eliminate him had finally come, he wasn't about to let it slip by.

"Tilarpha," Vengrit ordered, "take my knights along with the two Guardian Swordsmen sent by Mage Jason. Destroy the Wilson Castle. I don't want to see a single Wilson breathing in Blackwater City after this."

"Heh, don't worry, Father," Tilarpha sneered, "no one will escape from Wilson Castle! It's a shame that runt, Merlin, went to Wilson's territory. Otherwise, I'd have the pleasure of killing him myself!"

Vengrit gave a grim chuckle. "Merlin's fate is sealed; he'll likely die along with Wilson out there. Enough talk—go now. Once this matter is settled, the Vengrit family will enter its most glorious era!"

Without further delay, Tilarpha gathered a force of two hundred knights and left the city lord's mansion with imposing might.

---

Outside the Wilson Castle, two guards leaned wearily by the gate, engaged in idle conversation.

Suddenly, a luxurious carriage drawn by four horses raced toward the castle with unusual urgency.

The guards quickly straightened up, recognizing the carriage—it belonged to young Master Goot, Merlin's friend.

Soon, the grand carriage pulled up in front of the castle, and a portly figure hurried out. The two guards approached him, respectfully saying, "Young Master Goot, if you're here to see Master Merlin, I'm afraid he left two days ago for the baron's territory."

"He went to the territory?"

Goot frowned, his expression tense. "Take me to see Miss Mae."

The guards, aware of Goot's close friendship with Merlin, didn't stop him and led him into the castle.

Mae was having breakfast when she heard footsteps and looked up to see Goot. Her expression soured, as she didn't have a high opinion of Merlin's friends, Goot and Anson, considering them bad influences.

Goot, however, paid no attention to her reaction. He hurried over to Mae, his voice urgent. "Mae, you need to leave Wilson Castle immediately. The best option is to leave the city and head to Baron Wilson's territory to join Merlin."

"What's going on, Goot? What's happened?" Mae set down her spoon and rose to face him.

Seeing Mae's reluctance, Goot realized that unless he explained, she wouldn't simply leave. So, in a strained tone, he said, "Something big has happened. The Light Church launched an assault and has taken control of key cities like Glen and Rutt. They aim to seize the kingdom's rule!"

"My family has businesses across the kingdom, so we received news early. Blackwater City is one of their targets; even the city gates were closed this morning."

"Your family, the Wilsons, is in great danger. Baron Wilson has strong loyalty to the crown, so the Church will not spare him. I also learned that Lord Augedin and the Vengrit family have sided with the Church. Given the Wilsons' feud with the Vengrits, they won't hesitate to strike at the Wilson Castle."

Breathless and red-faced, Goot conveyed all the information he had received.

Mae's face turned pale as she stepped forward, her voice shaking. "Goot, what about my father and Merlin? Are they safe?"

Goot took a deep breath and shook his head slightly. "I have no news about Baron Wilson or Merlin. The city gates are closed, and no one is allowed in or out. I rushed over as soon as I heard. Right now, your safety is most important. Even if you can't leave the city, you can't stay here in Wilson Castle."

Goot paused, biting his lip, as if struggling with a difficult decision. Finally, he raised his head and said resolutely, "You can only take five people. We need to leave Wilson Castle now. My carriage is outside, and I'll take you somewhere safe. Once things calm down in Blackwater City, I'll try to get you out of the city."

It was clear that Goot was risking a lot to help. A single misstep, and he too could be caught up in the turmoil.

Mae glanced at the steward, deferring to him in this dire situation.

The steward looked at the flushed Goot and then bowed deeply. "Thank you, Young Master Goot, for your courageous assistance. The Wilson family will remember your kindness. Miss Mae, Goot is right; we must leave the castle immediately."

Goot nodded, "Good, then make haste. I'll wait for you in the carriage."

As he turned to head back to the carriage, a large force of mounted knights suddenly arrived, charging toward the Wilson Castle.

"Oh no, it's Tilarpha. We're trapped... There's no escape for me now."

Goot's face went ashen, and fear filled his eyes.