Chapter 31: The Territory (Part 1)

Merlin lay back slightly in Moss's carriage, unmoving amidst the bumpy ride as he continued his meditation. This form of spiritual meditation didn't require strict conditions, making it possible to practice anytime, anywhere.

Currently, Merlin was eager to strengthen his mental power to construct a second spell model within his consciousness. Meditation was the only means of enhancing his mental power for now.

"We've arrived, Master Merlin," Moss's voice called softly.

Merlin opened his eyes, lifted the carriage curtain, and stepped down. For three consecutive days, Merlin had been attending etiquette classes, noting how Jia's absence had started to raise suspicions. Merlin remained particularly vigilant of everyone's reactions.

As he entered the second-floor room, he spotted Gut, the chubby boy, seated at an organ, his chubby fingers clumsily pressing the keys in a jumbled tune. Though Merlin didn't know much about music, he could tell Gut's attempt was more noise than melody, with his plump fingers hitting the keys like wooden sticks rather than musical tools.

Today was music class, and several others in the room had finally had enough of Gut's chaotic notes, loudly shouting him away from the organ.

Gut didn't seem to mind and, upon seeing Merlin, cheerfully made his way over, throwing an arm over Merlin's shoulder as he casually said, "Merlin, you've been showing up so regularly these days—doesn't quite suit your style. Waiting on Jia, perhaps?"

Gut smirked and winked mischievously at Merlin.

Used to Gut's teasing, Merlin paid him little mind and instead asked quietly, "By the way, Gut, you usually know what's going on—any idea why Ms. Jia hasn't shown up lately?"

Gut shook his head. "No clue. Jia's a mysterious one, hired only temporarily, and nobody even knows where she lives. Heard there's already a new history teacher lined up and will start tomorrow—maybe even more charming than Jia!"

Merlin didn't respond, but inwardly, he felt relieved. Since Jia had come from the Darkmoon Kingdom, her background would naturally be hidden, leaving no trace for anyone to investigate her disappearance. With a new teacher on the way, she would soon be forgotten.

"Merlin, keep an eye out for Tilafa," Gut said, concerned. "Since Jia refused his invitation to his birthday ball, he hasn't been here much, and he's been acting mysterious lately."

"I'll be careful," Merlin replied, though he was mostly focused on his mental power, wondering when he could finally sustain a second spell model.

***

Back at Wilson Castle, Merlin was preparing to return to his room for more meditation. Now, he spent almost all his time, aside from eating and sleeping, meditating to increase his mental power.

Meditation required a conscious state, meaning Merlin couldn't meditate while sleeping, as it needed a state of half-awareness for effective mental growth. If it were possible, he would gladly meditate through his sleeping hours to speed up his progress.

At that moment, the steward approached, speaking quietly, "Master Merlin, two City Guard knights are outside, here on the Lord's orders, seeking an audience with the baron."

"City Guard knights?" Merlin frowned. His recent dealings with the City Guard hadn't left him with a favorable impression; the last time they'd taken him to face questioning by the church's Guardian Swordsmen, he had narrowly escaped exposure by the intimidating Master Jason.

"Let them in," Merlin said calmly. Though he had little fondness for the City Guard knights, since they were here on the Lord's orders, he had no choice but to see them; the Lord held the highest authority in Blackwater City.

Soon, two tall knights clad in silver armor entered the hall. After the steward introduced Merlin, they offered a slight bow and respectfully said, "Master Merlin, we come on the Lord's behalf to inform Baron Wilson of an assembly at the Lord's castle in three days, where Blackwater City's nobles will meet to discuss a united effort against the bandits."

The bandits had become a known threat. Rumors had spread of a large gang harassing towns around Blackwater City. Even the City Guard had been unable to root them out. During his recent tax collection journey, old Wilson had encountered a bandit group and sent Captain Platt back to summon the heavy-armored knights.

The growing bandit threat had become serious enough that the Lord saw fit to rally Blackwater City's nobles for a coordinated response.

"Understood. I will inform my father promptly," Merlin said, waving the steward to see the knights out.

After they left, the steward returned to Merlin, saying, "I'll send someone to inform the baron right away."

Merlin waved his hand dismissively. "No need; I'll go personally to the territory and inform him."

"But Master Merlin, the roads around Blackwater City aren't safe," the steward warned, concerned that Merlin might fall victim to the bandits.

"We'll bring plenty of knights for the journey. Though our heavy-armored knights are out, other knights can accompany me. With a full escort, there'll be no issue. So, it's decided—I'll leave at dawn tomorrow."

Seeing Merlin's resolute tone, the steward relented. "I'll make the preparations immediately, sir."

Ensuring Merlin's safety would require careful selection of his escort, so the steward set about arranging the finest knights for the journey.