Chapter 94: The Token (Part 1)

The carriage gradually came to a halt as Merlin and Avril returned to Wilson Castle.

However, upon entering the main hall, Merlin noticed that Old Wilson, Baron Barman, and a few others were gathered there, their expressions solemn and the atmosphere thick with tension.

"Father, what happened?" Merlin sensed something was wrong and asked hurriedly.

Old Wilson quickly stood up, saying to Merlin, "Something has indeed happened, and it's major news."

Without further explanation, Old Wilson and Baron Barman led the way upstairs. Merlin followed, noting their grim expressions, indicating that the situation was indeed serious.

"What's going on?"

Merlin's gaze shifted between Baron Barman and Old Wilson until finally, Baron Barman stepped forward, giving a bitter smile. "Merlin, it's truly significant. The Kingdom of Light has fallen! We only received word today, though the event took place three days ago. The Church of Light has announced the formation of the Holy Light Empire, uniting the Kingdom of Light, the Forest Kingdom, Cher Kingdom, and numerous principalities and duchies, with Ferlande crowned as the first Holy Light Emperor!"

The news was indeed shocking—a seismic shift heralding the end of an old era and the beginning of a new one.

The Holy Light Empire wasn't limited to the Kingdom of Light alone. The Church of Light's influence extended across the western nations, with the three largest kingdoms—the Kingdom of Light, Forest Kingdom, and Cher Kingdom—alongside many smaller duchies and principalities.

Now, with these territories united under the Church's control in the name of their god, the fragmented nations had been molded into a singular empire. In sheer landmass, the newly established Holy Light Empire was the largest realm since the collapse of the Morta Empire 3,600 years ago.

A somber silence filled the room. Old Wilson's expression remained serious, while Baron Barman's face reflected deep worry. Only Merlin's expression stayed unchanged as he sighed, "The Kingdom of Light's fate was sealed the moment the Church decided to act. This outcome was inevitable."

Baron Barman, who felt some attachment to the Kingdom of Light but not as deeply as Old Wilson, voiced his concern about the current political landscape, speaking in a low tone, "The establishment of the Holy Light Empire reveals the Church's ambition all too clearly. If they decide to wage war against the Dark Moon Kingdom…"

Merlin interrupted before he could finish, responding decisively, "For the next ten years at least, such a conflict is highly unlikely. The larger an empire, the greater the internal issues. So, even if the Church harbors ambitions, they'll need at least a decade to stabilize their control before they consider new wars."

Baron Barman seemed thoughtful, nodding in agreement, then turning to Old Wilson.

Old Wilson, who had been silent, finally looked up. His gaze was filled with a deep sense of nostalgia as he murmured, "What I care about now is when we can return to Blackwater City."

Old Wilson's words cast an even heavier atmosphere over the room. With Blackwater City now under the rule of the Holy Light Empire, the idea of returning seemed like an unattainable dream.

Merlin wanted to speak but ultimately held his tongue.

Only after Old Wilson and Baron Barman left the room did Merlin quietly mutter to himself, "We will have a chance to return to Blackwater City… there will be a chance…"

※※※

After meditating for some time, Merlin felt fatigued and checked his spiritual strength. His progress was minimal, meaning he'd likely need another six months before his mental capacity could support a third spell model.

As for the two spell models in his mind, they remained stable, and his mana growth was evident. Besides magic, Merlin continued to train in the postures depicted on the second mystical tablet.

Though he had been practicing the second posture for about a month, he had yet to observe any significant changes. It was unlikely he would experience a rapid enhancement like with the first posture, which had granted him a physique comparable to that of an elemental swordsman. Instead, it seemed this posture would require gradual, steady training.

As Merlin prepared to rest, a knock sounded at the door, and the butler's voice came through. "My lord, there is someone outside the castle who wishes to see you. I have brought her in."

"Who would visit this late at night?"

Merlin frowned. Since arriving in Pugas City, he had primarily interacted with Count Selin, Hil Mage, and a few nobles from the banquet. He hadn't made any close acquaintances.

However, since the butler had already brought this person to him, Merlin decided to find out who it was. He opened the door, only to see no one outside but a figure cloaked in a large, dark robe.

"Where is the butler?"

Merlin's expression hardened, wondering why the butler would bring an unknown person into the castle and then disappear.

"There's no need to look for him; the butler has left."

The mysterious figure spoke, her voice calm and cold, yet vaguely familiar to Merlin's ears.

"It's you? Princess Shirris?"

Merlin's eyes narrowed as the cloaked figure lifted her hood, revealing the beautiful face of Shirris, the princess he had encountered at the banquet.

Shirris's hair was damp with dew, suggesting she had traveled a long way. Coming at such a late hour, she likely had something urgent to discuss.

Merlin stepped aside, inviting her into the room.

Once inside, Shirris glanced around briefly, then said in a subdued tone, "I am no longer a princess. You may call me Shirris."

Merlin nodded, understanding that she was likely aware of the fall of the Kingdom of Light.

"So, tell me, Shirris. What brings you here at this hour?"

Merlin looked at her intently, his tone calm and probing.

Shirris bit her lip, gathering her thoughts before speaking solemnly. "Lord Merlin, the Kingdom of Light has fallen. My brother Benin and I are now the 'remnants of royalty,' burdened with wealth but stranded in a foreign land. Without powerful protection, neither of us has a good fate awaiting us."

Merlin studied her carefully. She was clearly aware of her and Benin's precarious position—like fattened sheep without any defenses, inviting all manner of predators.

"What reason do you have to convince me to help you?"

After a long pause, Merlin spoke meaningfully. He wasn't one to lend aid freely, but if Shirris could offer something worthwhile, he might consider helping her.