Chapter 92: Reunion (Part 1)

The castle buzzed with excitement. Finely dressed noblewomen gathered in small groups, discussing which perfumes smelled best or which dress designs were the latest. Their lively chatter filled the air.

The noblemen, on the other hand, mostly gathered with familiar friends, engaging in quiet conversations.

The banquet tables in the castle were laden with fruit and wine. Fruit was sliced into pieces on trays, and maids scurried about, delivering fruit or wine to various nobles.

Count Selin was chatting cordially with a few middle-aged men. Suddenly, a knight hurried over and whispered something into the Count's ear. Count Selin clapped his hands loudly, and the room quickly fell silent as he spoke in a raised voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's banquet is in celebration of Wilson Merlin becoming a baron here in Pugas. Baron Merlin has arrived."

As he finished speaking, Merlin and Avril, led by a maid, entered the hall.

Immediately, countless eyes turned toward them. Since becoming a spellcaster, Merlin had gained an air of elegance, while Avril, naturally beautiful, commanded attention wherever she went.

Together, they drew the admiration of many nobles in the hall.

"Count Selin, this is my fiancée, Avril," Merlin said, introducing her as they approached.

Count Selin gave a slight nod, then gestured to a man beside him, dressed in a black coat. "Baron Merlin, this is Viscount Raphael."

Those standing close to the Count were no ordinary people. As a viscount, Raphael held a position just below the Count and certainly wielded real power in Pugas.

By introducing these individuals to Merlin, Count Selin was helping him establish connections within Pugas's noble circles.

"This is Viscount Sreed."

"And this is Viscount Leslie."

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Count Selin introduced five or six nobles, all viscounts, to Merlin. Merlin understood that these were some of the most influential figures in Pugas, and establishing ties with them would benefit the Wilson family.

Merlin greeted each one with a polite smile.

The viscounts were careful to show respect. Given Count Selin's formal introduction and the rumors surrounding the recent events at the Count's castle, they understood that Merlin was a powerful and mysterious spellcaster.

Though Merlin held only the rank of baron, none of the viscounts dared to treat him lightly. Instead, they eagerly expressed their goodwill, hoping to leave a positive impression on him.

Slightly overwhelmed by these social niceties, Merlin took a break, moving to the side to enjoy some fruit.

Avril, on the other hand, seemed far more at ease. Though she had been nervous earlier, she was accustomed to formal gatherings from her time in Blackwater City. Surrounded by noblewomen and young ladies, Avril answered their endless questions with a graceful smile, her occasional laughter revealing her enjoyment.

Merlin glanced around the hall, noticing the absence of the black-robed elder. Since visiting him a few days prior, Merlin had heard nothing further about him.

"Baron Merlin, are you looking for someone?"

Count Selin approached, his face flushed from wine, and took a moment to collect himself.

"Not particularly. I just didn't see Mage Hil here and was a bit concerned," Merlin replied casually.

"Mage Hil?" Count Selin shook his head, a hint of resignation in his tone. "I sent someone to invite him yesterday, but his maid said he's resting and not seeing anyone."

The black-robed elder had a rather proud and aloof personality. Despite being a wandering mage, he held himself with an air of superiority and had little patience for non-spellcasters. Even if he were in perfect health, it was doubtful he'd attend a banquet like this.

"Father, Baron Merlin!"

Commander Cook joined them, accompanied by a chubby nobleman.

The portly noble had small eyes that sparkled occasionally with a shrewd glint, giving him the appearance of a cunning merchant.

Cook gestured toward the plump nobleman and introduced him to Merlin. "Baron Merlin, this is Baron Warren. His territory, Rye River Town, is just across the river from your Constein Town."

Baron Warren removed his hat, offering a slight bow and smiling warmly. "Baron Merlin, with our territories so close, feel free to reach out if you ever need assistance. I'd be glad to help."

Understanding that Merlin was currently one of Count Selin's most favored people and his neighboring baron, Warren was eager to build a friendly relationship.

"Thank you, Baron Warren," Merlin replied, managing a polite smile. But his expression shifted when he noticed Warren's companion.

"Princess Shirris? What are you doing here?"

Merlin's surprise was evident. Standing beside Baron Warren was none other than Princess Shirris, the royal he had encountered previously. Although she had left them abruptly back then, now she stood in this foreign land, quite out of place as Baron Warren's guest.

"Oh? Shirris, you know Baron Merlin?" Warren's eyes flickered briefly with interest before he resumed his friendly expression. He turned to Merlin with a smile and said, "Baron Merlin, there's no longer a 'princess.' Soon, Shirris will be the baroness."

As he spoke, Warren wrapped an arm around Princess Shirris, a show of intimacy.

Merlin looked at Princess Shirris. She kept her head down, lips pressed tightly together, her expression pale and strained. He understood—this once-proud princess, now in a foreign land, was about to marry a mere baron. The thought likely pained her, especially in front of someone familiar from her past.

With a nod to Warren, Merlin turned and followed Count Selin, joining other nobles in the hall.