Following Platt into the castle, Merlin immediately sensed something unusual in its decor. The slightly yellowed walls were adorned with vivid frescoes, though many were faded and damaged, none entirely clear.
"This castle seems quite old?" Merlin asked.
Platt nodded. "Yes, it's very ancient. Even the oldest residents of the territory can't say when it was built. They only know it's over five hundred years old, perhaps much older. The baron had it restored upon moving in, but the decorations in this hall have been preserved as they were."
Merlin nodded. Castles in this world were often built to last centuries. Perhaps this one had been constructed by a noble family long ago.
"Where's my father?" Merlin asked, glancing around but only seeing a few servants.
A glint appeared in Platt's eyes as he replied in a low voice, "Due to recent bandit activity around the territory, the baron has been out patrolling the area. He'll likely return this evening."
Though his father was absent, the castle was in the capable hands of a steward—a strikingly beautiful woman. Platt handed Merlin over to her before leaving the castle for his rounds.
The steward, a woman of about thirty with a full figure and bold red lips, regarded Merlin with interest.
"Master Merlin, you must be weary from your journey. I've prepared hot water for you in your room."
She led him to a spacious room, where a large bath filled with steaming water awaited him.
"Please, Master Merlin."
At some point, the steward had quietly closed the door and moved beside the bath, clearly intending to assist with his bathing.
Since coming to this world, Merlin had held himself back. Now, in a new place, faced with such a captivating woman, he felt his heart quicken.
With a splash, Merlin shed his clothes and jumped into the bath. The steward smiled alluringly, her hands moving gently over his body as she helped him bathe.
Merlin closed his eyes, letting his tension melt away, but when she whispered in his ear, "Master Merlin, you've certainly inherited the baron's physique," he opened his eyes, suddenly alert.
"What did you say? You served my father?" he asked, a hint of coldness in his voice.
The steward laughed softly. "Of course. Every time the baron visits the territory, I am the one to serve him."
As she spoke, she straightened, subtly accentuating her figure with pride.
Merlin's expression turned odd. Though the steward sat atop him in a suggestive pose, his desire waned, replaced by an uneasy chill.
He had come to understand that nobility often indulged in debauchery, and it wasn't uncommon for a beautiful servant to serve both father and son. But accepting it was another matter.
"Leave. I don't need your services," Merlin said icily, dismissing the surprised steward.
As he soaked in the warm water, Merlin felt the day's fatigue melt away, yet the desire stirred by the steward left him unsettled. To calm himself, he closed his eyes, leaned back, and resumed his meditation.
Meditation required a state of quiet focus, and soon, Merlin's mind was at peace, oblivious to his surroundings as he sank deeper into his mental exercise.
*"Ooooo…"*
At some point, Merlin heard a faint, eerie sound resembling a baby's wail.
*Swoosh.*
Startled, Merlin opened his eyes, shivering from the chill. Checking the bath, he realized the water had turned cold; he'd been meditating for nearly two hours.
"What was that sound?"
He stepped out of the bath, dressed quickly, and listened closely. The wailing grew clearer, sending a chill down his spine.
He left his room and went downstairs, where he encountered Platt on his rounds.
"Uncle Platt, what was that sound? It sounded like a child crying," Merlin asked quietly, noticing the guards with Platt seemed unfazed by the noise, as if accustomed to it.
In the pitch-dark surroundings outside, Platt stepped forward and replied, "Master Merlin, it's nothing. Just the sound of the wind. Strange winds often blow near the castle, creating these eerie sounds. It's not a child crying."
"Oh? Such an odd phenomenon? Uncle Platt, could you show me?"
Curiosity piqued, Merlin wanted to see the source of the unsettling sound.
Platt hesitated, frowning, but after considering the fact that the spot was close to the castle, he nodded. He called for a candelabrum with five lit candles to light their way and led Merlin toward the source of the strange wind.