Chapter 31: Territory I

Merlin sat in Moss’ carriage, laying down on his side slightly and going along with the bumps of the carriage. He was unmoving; Merlin was currently meditating. This type of Mind Meditation Method did not require any stringent conditions to be met; it could be cultivated whenever and wherever.

Right then, Merlin wanted to construct the second Spell Model in his Awareness as soon as he could. To do that, it was necessary for him to strengthen his Mind Power, and so far, the only way to increase his Mind Power was to meditate.

“Master Merlin, we’ve arrived.”

Moss’ voice sounded out softly. Following which, Merlin opened his eyes and pushed the curtains of the carriage aside before jumping down.

This was already the third successive day that Merlin had attended etiquette class. During these past three days, Gia’s disappearance had already begun to arouse the suspicions of some people.

Therefore, Merlin had to pay even closer attention to the reactions of the people there.

He had just walked into the room on the second floor when he saw the little fatty Gutt. He was sitting in front of an organ with his two fat hands on the keys, currently performing a piece.

Although Merlin did not understand music that much, even he could not stomach the music played by Gutt. This was not music at all, it was a racket.

How could all ten of little fatty’s fingers that were full of meat like thick firewood sticks be suitable to play music?

They had a music class today. There were some other people in the room who just could not stand the torturous sounds Gutt was making. Thus, with angry roars, they chased Gutt off the organ.

The little fatty Gutt did not mind at all. After seeing Merlin come in, he came over to Merlin’s side cheerfully. With one hand on Merlin’s shoulder, he said casually, “Merlin, you’ve been so punctual these past few days arriving here, hehe, this isn’t your style. Could it be that you’re waiting for Gia?”

Little fatty Gutt had a mischievous grin on his face and even made eyes at Merlin.

Merlin was already used to Gutt’s jokes, so he did not mind. Instead, he asked in a low voice, “Right. Gutt, you’re well-informed, so do you know why Teacher Gia hasn’t been coming these few days?”

Gutt shook his head. “I don’t know. Gia’s identity is mysterious, and she was hired on a temporary basis as well. No one even knows where she lives, so don’t even talk about knowing of any news about her. I heard that there’s already a candidate as the new history teacher and they’ll be coming to class tomorrow, hehe, perhaps she’ll be even more charming and touching than Gia!”

Merlin did not contribute any further to the conversation, but there was a slight sigh of relief in his heart. Gia had been sent by the Kingdom of Blackmoon, so naturally, her identity had to be kept a secret. It would not have been discovered by anyone.

In that case, however, she had disappeared and no one was able to investigate and discover the real reason why. This was extremely fortunate for Merlin. By the time the new history teacher took office, who would still remember Gia?

“Merlin, you be careful around Tirath recently. Ever since he failed at inviting Gia to the dance for his birthday, he’s never come here again. He’s been shifty and mysterious lately, don’t know what he’s up to.”

Gutt advised Merlin out of kindness.

“I’ll take note.”

Merlin nodded, but he did not mind it much in his ear. Right now, he was most concerned about his Mind Power and when he would attain the level at which he could construct the second Spell Model.

***

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After returning to Wilson Castle, Merlin was just about ready to go back to his room and meditate. Nowadays, other than eating and sleeping, practically all of his time was spent on meditation and increasing his Mind Power.

Awareness was still necessary for meditation, which was why the effect of meditation would not take place in the unconscious state he would be in after he fell asleep. Meditation had to happen in an indistinct, seemingly real yet unreal state for his Mind Power to grow gradually.

Therefore, Merlin could not meditate when he was sleeping. Otherwise, he would use all eight hours of sleep to meditate so that his Mind Power would grow faster.

Nevertheless, it was at this moment that the butler came up to him. He said to Merlin, in a soft voice, “Master Merlin, there are two City Defense Troop knights outside. They say that they’ve come to look for the baron on the orders of the castellan.”

“Knights from the City Defense Troop?”

Merlin frowned. He did not feel favorable towards the knights from the City Defense Troop now. The last time they came, they had taken him away and sent him to the Guardian Swordsman of the church for interrogation. He had even faced the extremely dangerous Wizard Jason. He had been lucky that Wizard Jason had not discovered anything out of the ordinary, allowing him to escape danger.

“Let them all in.”

Merlin spoke coldly. Although he felt dissatisfied with these knights from the City Defense Troop, they had still been sent by the castellan so he could not choose not to see them. After all, in Blackwater City, the most powerful person was still the castellan.

Very soon, two tall and big knights wearing silver light armors came into the hall. After the butler introduced Merlin to them, they gave a small bow as a form of salutations before speaking in a respectful manner, “Master Merlin, we’re here on the honorable castellan’s orders. We’ve come to inform Baron Wilson to come to the Castellan’s Mansion after three days for a meeting with all the aristocrats in Blackwater City to join forces in dealing with the issue of the bandits.”

It turned out to be the problem of facing the bandits. Merlin had also heard about how great numbers of bandits had suddenly appeared around Blackwater City and continuously attacked some small towns surrounding the city. Even with the City Defense Troops mobilized, they had not been able to eliminate those bandits. In addition, Old Wilson seemed to also have encountered some small gangs of bandits on his trip to collect taxes on his territory this time. He had even sent General Prat back to despatch some heavy armored knights.

The appearance of the bandits could already be considered a certain threat to Blackwater City, which was why the castellan had not hesitated to mobilize all the aristocrats of Blackwater City. He wanted to unite in fighting against those bandits.

“Alright, I know, I’ll definitely inform father as soon as I can.”

Merlin beckoned with his hand, getting the butler to send the two City Defense Troop knights out.

In just a short while, the butler had sent the two knights out before coming back into the hall. He spoke to Merlin, “Master Merlin, I’ll immediately send someone to inform the baron.”

However, Merlin waved his hand and said calmly, “That’s unnecessary, I’ll personally go to the territory this time and inform father.”

“Master Merlin, the area around Blackwater City isn’t safe now.”

The butler advised him against the idea hurriedly. He did not wish for Merlin to encounter bandits on the way there and suffer an untimely death.

“We can despatch more knights as escorts. Even though there are no more of father’s heavy armored knights in the castle, if we send a few dozen more of the other knights to go with me, nothing bad will happen. Alright, that settles the matter. I’ll set off early tomorrow.”

Merlin spoke in an unquestionable tone of voice. He was so determined because, in actual fact, he merely wished to take this opportunity and have a look outside of Blackwater City. Ever since he had arrived in this world, Merlin had not been to anywhere other than Blackwater City.

This was such a good opportunity. How could he miss it?

“Master, I’ll go and make preparations now.”

Seeing that he was unable to dissuade Merlin, the butler could only go downstairs and make preparations. After all, Merlin’s safety was very important. Even without the might of the heavy armored knights, the power of Merlin’s convoy must not be weak. It would take some time just to pick and choose the knights who would be part of the convoy.