Chapter 72: The Plan (Part 2)

"I cannot agree to Count Selin's request!" Count Primont put the letter down, his tone icy, a trace of anger still evident in his expression.

The countess's face darkened slightly. "Primont, my brother is in trouble. Aren't there spellcasters stationed in Ravensburg? You're the highest commander here—couldn't you send even one of them to help him?"

Seeing his wife's frustration, Count Primont sighed and explained, "My dear, you've seen how those spellcasters are. Not one of them respects me as a count. Even though I am Ravensburg's commander, I have no authority over them. I simply can't ask for their help."

The countess suddenly stood up, her voice shaking with anger. "So, you'll just stand by and let my brother and his family perish?"

Count Primont paced back and forth, clearly troubled.

"If you won't send a spellcaster, then send a few level-four elemental swordsmen. That would be a big help to my brother," she suggested.

Count Primont shook his head again. Elemental swordsmen of level four and above were elite commanders stationed at Ravensburg for critical duties. Even as the fortress's top commander, he couldn't easily dispatch them for personal matters.

"If you won't help, I'll go stay with my brother!" the countess said in exasperation, starting to pack her things.

"Wait, let me think." Primont saw that his wife was truly angry. He knew he'd find no peace until he resolved this matter.

Suddenly, Count Primont stopped pacing, a flash of inspiration crossing his face. He looked at his wife with newfound excitement. "I have an idea—a perfect candidate to send."

The countess looked back at him, surprised, but he didn't offer further explanation. Instead, he left the room and headed downstairs.

"Master Merlin, I apologize for the wait," Count Primont said as he returned to the hall, greeting Merlin with a smile.

"By the way, since you're not interested in staying at Ravensburg, would you be open to going to another place I have in mind?" The count's enthusiasm surprised Merlin. Just moments ago, he had been insistent on Merlin joining Ravensburg's ranks.

"What place?" Merlin asked politely, hiding his curiosity.

Count Primont continued, "Pugas City! It would be an excellent place for your family to settle. The lord there, Count Selin, is my wife's brother. I'll write a letter of introduction for you. With that, you'll find it much easier to establish your family in Pugas City without any trouble."

Merlin rose to his feet and gave a slight bow. "I'm deeply grateful for your help, Count."

Primont smiled but hesitated before adding, "However, Count Selin seems to be facing some troubles of his own. He requested that I send some assistance, but given my responsibilities here at Ravensburg, I'm unable to spare anyone."

Count Primont's gaze turned toward Merlin.

After a moment's thought, Merlin nodded. In a foreign land like the Black Moon Kingdom, one couldn't expect to have everything handed over. Demonstrating his value could make a substantial difference.

"If it's not too grave a problem, I'd be willing to help," Merlin offered.

"Excellent! I'll write the letter for you now. Once you arrive in Pugas City, go straight to Count Selin."

Count Primont's relief was evident. With Merlin's agreement, he could finally put the matter to rest.

※※※

Merlin returned to the quarters Count Primont had arranged for Old Wilson and the others. As soon as he arrived, Old Wilson called him over, gathering with Baron Barman to discuss their next steps.

"Merlin, this isn't a place we should linger. Where should we go next?" Old Wilson asked, his tone serious. Baron Barman looked at Merlin expectantly, recognizing his leadership in guiding the group thus far.

After organizing his thoughts, Merlin replied, "Father, Baron Barman, the Black Moon Kingdom is an unfamiliar land, so our top priority is finding a stable place to settle."

Both nodded in agreement, prompting Merlin to continue. "Ravensburg is a military fortress, so the only way to establish ourselves here would be to join the army. Count Primont invited us to do so, but I declined."

"Staying here is unwise. We need somewhere to settle down properly. Thankfully, Count Primont suggested we go to Pugas City, where his brother-in-law, Count Selin, is in charge. It seems Count Selin needs assistance, and in the absence of other options, Count Primont has asked me to go."

After weighing the situation, Merlin concluded, "If the issue isn't too severe, then Pugas City could be our best option. With Count Primont's connection, Count Selin is likely to support us, which would give us a secure place to settle."

Old Wilson and Baron Barman both smiled in relief, visibly more at ease with the plan.

"Good. We'll follow your suggestion, Merlin, and set off for Pugas City tomorrow," Old Wilson said, nodding in agreement. Merlin, exhausted from the day's events, finally had a chance to rest.

Alone in his room, Merlin checked the spell models for Fireball and Freezing Spell in his mind. Both were stable, with mana steadily accumulating, though his mental strength had not noticeably increased in the short term.

For now, Merlin had reached a bottleneck. He couldn't progress without new spells, and his mental strength wasn't yet sufficient to support a third spell model.

His only immediate option for improving his strength was to practice the three mysterious engravings he had acquired from Keane.

Reaching into his ring, Merlin withdrew the three engravings. If he could fully master the stances depicted on each, combined with the stance he'd already learned, his physical prowess might rival that of a level-four elemental swordsman.

A level-four elemental swordsman would see a significant boost in every aspect of their physical abilities, marking the threshold of a mid-level elemental swordsman.

"Let's give it a try," Merlin murmured.

He selected one of the engravings, concentrating intently. Slowly, a new set of stances emerged vividly before him…