Chapter 76: Big Trouble (Part 2)

Earl Selin let out a deep sigh, as though burdened with endless thoughts. As the de facto ruler of Pugas City, he had inevitably made many enemies, just like Lord Wilson in his own domain, where countless adversaries had been eliminated.

But there was a difference between having enemies and seeing one grow powerful enough to pose a real threat. The fact that Merrilon dared to return after only five years, now seeking revenge, clearly meant he had gained a certain level of strength.

"I have indeed confirmed it. After Merrilon escaped, he somehow stumbled upon great fortune and eventually became a mage. Now that he feels powerful, he thinks he's above any threat and sent me a letter declaring his intent for revenge," Earl Selin explained with a hint of resignation. After all, who could have foreseen that dealing with a minor noble's betrayal would lead to such a problem?

"A mage!" Merlin's heart skipped a beat. No wonder the castle's security was so tight; it was a mage who had threatened Selin. Judging from the earl's tension, this mage must not be simple.

For now, though, the earl didn't know Merrilon's true strength. It would only become clear once he appeared.

"Father, there's no need to worry. After only five years, how powerful could Merrilon be? If he dares show up, I'll personally eliminate him," Cook stated confidently, stepping forward. As a fifth-level elemental warrior who had even killed an Ice Wolf, Cook felt no fear of any threat.

After speaking, Cook cast a glance at Merlin.

Though Merlin noticed Cook's look, he paid it no mind. His thoughts were focused on assessing Earl Selin's situation.

This truly seemed like a significant problem. After five years of silence, Merrilon, carrying the weight of a vendetta, wouldn't have returned without some level of confidence. If Merlin became involved, he'd likely face certain risks.

That said, the fortress was heavily guarded with capable warriors. Merlin sensed the presence of at least ten fourth-level elemental warriors and other seasoned fighters, along with the formidable Cook. Altogether, they made a substantial force. There was a reasonable chance they could handle Merrilon.

So, after a moment's contemplation, Merlin decided to stay and help Earl Selin. Successfully resolving this crisis could greatly benefit the Wilson and Baman families in establishing themselves in Pugas City.

"Lord Selin, I'll take my leave for now to make the necessary arrangements, and then I'll return to the castle," Merlin said.

The earl nodded, then instructed, "Cook, escort Merlin out."

But the young lady, Shelley, quickly intervened, "Father, I'll escort Master Merlin!"

Without waiting for Earl Selin's approval, she took Merlin by the arm and led him out of the castle.

After Merlin left, Earl Selin shook his head slightly and said, "It seems Pumon didn't send any stationed mages from Ravensburg. Those mages were full-fledged first-level and possibly even higher-level mages. With their assistance, we wouldn't have to worry about Merrilon at all."

Cook smirked. "Father, if we're going to take down Merrilon, we must rely on our own strength! I'll handle the arrangements. Even low-ranking mages have weaknesses. With our powerful crossbows, we can certainly eliminate him!"

"Indeed, we must rely on ourselves. Cook, make the preparations, both inside and outside the castle. Make sure everything is flawless. The moment Merrilon appears, we'll take him down without hesitation."

"Heh, don't worry, Father. I'll make Merrilon taste the depths of despair once again," Cook replied, a cold glint in his eyes.

※※※

When Merlin returned to the inn, he found it deserted except for a few guards led by Commander Pra.

"Uncle Pra, where is everyone?"

Merlin remembered that Lord Wilson had previously booked the inn for their entire group.

Pra replied calmly, "Young Master Merlin, Lord Wilson asked me to wait here for you. Shortly after you left, he discovered an abandoned castle in the city. After making inquiries, we learned it belonged to a baron who once lived here. When the baron passed away and his family declined, the castle was left empty and has been for sale. Lord Wilson figured that if the family is to settle here permanently, we'd need a suitable place to live. So, he went ahead and purchased it for twenty thousand gold coins."

"Oh? Found a place so quickly? Take me there," Merlin said with interest.

Originally, Merlin had intended to resolve Earl Selin's issue with Merrilon first before requesting a plot of land in Pugas City for the Wilson and Baman families. If Lord Wilson had already secured a place, that was even better.

Soon, Merlin followed Pra to the newly purchased castle.

The castle looked indeed as if it had been deserted for quite some time. The outer walls were mostly collapsed, and the grounds were overrun with dry, tangled weeds.

However, the family's steward and his team had already begun clearing the area, removing the grass and snow.

The castle was expansive, even larger than the Wilson family's old estate, easily accommodating two thousand people without feeling crowded. The activity of the newly arrived residents brought a welcome liveliness to the once-desolate grounds.

Merlin made his way to the main hall, where Lord Wilson and Baron Baman were busy organizing the workers, directing them upstairs and downstairs to arrange the various goods brought along from the journey.

Young ladies like Merlin's sister, Mei Xue, along with Lady Wilson and the other women, appeared overjoyed. After a long, perilous journey from Blackwater City to Pugas, they were thrilled to finally have a place to settle.

Even Lord Wilson and Baron Baman, now tirelessly overseeing the organization, seemed visibly more at ease.

"Merlin, what do you think of this castle?" Lord Wilson asked with satisfaction, glancing over at Merlin.

Merlin looked around, surveying the grand, spacious halls. Although the place was still dusty, the castle's design reflected the taste of its noble past owners, with its decor both elegant and stately.

With its numerous rooms, this castle could easily house both the Wilson and Baman families. For a new home in an unfamiliar land, they were indeed fortunate to secure such a place.

Nodding in approval, Merlin said, "Not bad at all. With a bit of cleaning and furnishing, it'll be perfect."

Lord Wilson and Baron Baman shared Merlin's sentiment, pleased with their purchase. Twenty thousand gold coins had been well spent.

Once most of the work was done, Lord Wilson and Baron Baman called Merlin upstairs to a freshly cleaned room. With a serious expression, Lord Wilson asked, "Merlin, what did you find out from Earl Selin? Is the situation dangerous?"

Both Lord Wilson and Baron Baman were eager to hear the results of Merlin's meeting with the earl. If the threat proved too severe, and Merlin couldn't assist the earl, it could complicate their plans to settle in Pugas.