Chapter 91: The Banquet (Part 2)

The next day, Old Wilson, accompanied by several knights, traveled with Merlin to Constein Town.

Located only an hour or two from Pugas, Constein Town was bustling with activity. Merchants lined the streets, calling out energetically, and the variety of goods was abundant. It resembled a thriving small city rather than a simple town.

"Not bad at all. Count Selin has been generous, granting you such a prosperous estate. With this land, the rise of the Wilson family is just a matter of time!"

Old Wilson looked around, visibly pleased by the vibrancy of Constein Town, which surpassed his expectations.

"The Wilson family will indeed prosper, but it won't rely on land—it's strength that truly matters," Merlin murmured to himself. Constein Town's wealth had not saved the Nelson family from ruin; in the end, they had been destroyed, and the land was handed over to Merlin by Count Selin.

Merlin's entitlement to this land stemmed not only from saving Count Selin but, more importantly, from his identity as a spellcaster.

In the Black Moon Kingdom, most spellcasters joined organizations, while others were absorbed into the royal army—a force under the direct control of the kingdom's monarchy. Although each city-state held significant authority, the Black Moon Kingdom's royal army remained the supreme force, maintaining order across the thousands of city-states.

Strength was fundamental, and spellcasters wielded the greatest power. Naturally, Count Selin sought to foster Merlin's goodwill.

"The Nelson family fell because they lacked true power."

Merlin understood that the Wilson family, having come to this foreign land, depended entirely on him. As long as he remained powerful, Count Selin would continue to protect them. But if Merlin were to fall, the family's fate could mirror that of the Nelsons.

Since Merlin had no interest in managing Constein Town, he left all administrative duties to Old Wilson and returned alone to Wilson Castle.

※※※

The following morning, after a night of rain and snow, the skies began to clear. White clouds gathered, and the sun's golden light broke through, illuminating the landscape. It was a rare clear day.

"Knock, knock."

A knock on the door was followed by a maid's gentle voice. "Lord Baron, your formal attire is ready."

"Come in."

A calm voice came from within, and the young maid cautiously entered, holding a neatly folded outfit. She approached the bed, her gaze lowered, hands trembling slightly.

"This is the attire Lady Wilson sewed for you last night for the banquet, my Lord," the maid whispered, nervous even in her breathing, not daring to lift her head.

"Are you afraid of me?"

The soft voice startled the maid further. It was her first time so close to the young master of Wilson Castle—a baron, no less.

Despite hearing from other servants that the baron was gentle, she, having seen the arrogance of many nobles, felt far from reassured.

"Never mind. Leave the clothes and go."

Relieved, the maid quickly retreated from the room, leaving Merlin shaking his head with a faint smile. It wasn't just the maid; even Commander Pula, the butler, and his usually casual sister Mei Xue now treated him with a new deference.

Merlin sensed a subtle distance—one brought by his newfound status and authority.

"Not bad."

Merlin put on the formal attire. Designed by Lady Big Bust herself and crafted over several days, the outfit was impressive even by his modern standards.

A fine suit's quality depended not just on materials and style but on how it matched the wearer's presence. Standing before the mirror, Merlin saw himself looking more mature and refined. Though his physique hadn't changed, his blue eyes held a newfound depth.

Confidence, elegance, maturity—he barely recognized himself. Gone was the young man who had first arrived in this strange world. Though his appearance remained, few would connect this Merlin with the man he once was.

Heading downstairs, he saw Old Wilson, Baron Barman, Mei Xue, and others. Noticing a missing presence, he frowned and asked, "Where's Avril?"

He had barely finished his question when a movement upstairs caught his attention. Turning, he saw Avril descending, dressed elegantly and carrying herself with poise.

Back in Blackwater City, Merlin had noticed Avril's delicate features. But now, with her refined dress and makeup, she exuded a mature, captivating beauty that left Merlin momentarily speechless.

"You look beautiful today. Let's go."

He offered Avril his arm, and after a moment's hesitation, she took it, allowing him to lead her to the waiting carriage.

Without needing instruction, Moss guided the carriage toward Count Selin's castle.

Inside the carriage, Merlin sat beside Avril, who had clearly taken care to add a soft perfume for the occasion. Despite her efforts, she seemed tense, sitting still and avoiding Merlin's gaze.

"Don't be nervous. It's just a banquet," Merlin said gently, taking her hand to reassure her.

Avril's shoulders tensed briefly but soon relaxed, nodding in response. His comforting words seemed to ease her anxiety.

"Lord Baron, we've arrived at the Count's castle."

Soon after, Moss brought the carriage to a halt before the grand castle.

"Avril, we're here. Let's go."

Taking Avril's hand, Merlin helped her down. Outside the castle, numerous carriages were parked, and noble guests in formal attire engaged in quiet conversation as they entered.

"Hmm?"

Merlin paused, catching a glimpse of a familiar figure ahead, though he couldn't quite recall where he'd seen them before.

"Merlin, is something wrong?" Avril asked softly, noticing his hesitation.

"It's nothing. I might have been mistaken. Let's go inside; the banquet should be starting soon."

Shaking off the thought, Merlin led Avril into the castle.