The carriage continued forward at a fast pace, with the rhythmic clatter of horses' hooves sounding from outside. Though Merlin had not drawn back the curtains, he could feel the speed through the jolting of the carriage.
Suddenly, the carriage began to slow down and then came to a stop. The curtain was pulled aside, letting a gust of cold wind into the carriage.
"Father," Merlin said, a trace of curiosity on his face. It was Wilson who had drawn back the curtain.
Wilson gave a slight nod before stepping into the carriage. He still looked somewhat pale, though his overall condition had improved.
"Father, are your wounds healing well?"
Merlin looked at Wilson's abdomen, where his black armor still bore a visible cut.
"It's nothing serious—just a scratch."
Wilson paused, then looked intently at Merlin for a long moment before finally sighing. "Merlin, you've truly grown up. You're ready to bear the weight of our family. There are things you must know now."
"Go on, Father."
Merlin shifted in his seat, leaning back against the carriage.
"It's about the recent events—the Church's major plans. Do you know what they entail?"
Wilson's expression grew grave.
Merlin shook his head. He suspected that these events were serious, given Wilson's urgency in returning to Blackwater City, but he did not know the full details.
The Light Church held near-absolute authority in the Light Kingdom and was revered by all. Merlin couldn't fathom why the Church would go to such lengths to seize control of Blackwater City.
Wilson shook his head in resignation. "This matter has long been shrouded in secrecy. Over the years, I've only been able to speculate, but it appears that my suspicions are becoming reality. The Light Church doesn't entirely control the Light Kingdom; they are counterbalanced by the royal family and a number of powerful nobles. While the Church's power is considerable, it has been restrained by these forces."
He continued, "But in recent years, the Light Church has been expanding at an alarming rate, recruiting many minor nobles and dramatically increasing its military forces under the guise of divine protection."
Merlin nodded. He understood that the Church's military might was likely bolstered by the Guardian Swordsmen. Even those without Light attributes who pledged allegiance to the Church could become Church swordsmen and receive support, further augmenting the Church's influence.
"The Church's ambition is insatiable. Now that their power has reached critical mass, they are acting openly... I can't say for certain what's happening elsewhere, but it's clear that the Church's forces have the upper hand. Their goal is to overthrow the royal family and create a new kingdom ruled by the Church."
Merlin's expression shifted as he recalled similar historical instances from his previous life. The Light Church's objective was plainly to create a theocratic state where they held both spiritual and governmental control.
The Light Kingdom was on the verge of upheaval.
Wilson noted Merlin's changing expression with satisfaction, then added with a wry smile, "Merlin, the Light Kingdom is heading into chaos. We must return to Blackwater City quickly and evacuate everyone in the Wilson family."
If Wilson's theory about the Church's ambitions was correct, then the entire Light Kingdom would soon be in turmoil. The Wilson estate in Blackwater City still housed Merlin's sister, the steward, and several household members who meant a great deal to Wilson, and he was determined to rescue them.
Wilson had avoided mentioning Merlin's abilities as a spellcaster, acting as though he had forgotten, but Merlin knew this was deliberate.
At this point, however, Merlin felt it was time to clarify.
"Father, my teacher was a spellcaster from the Darkmoon Kingdom. He's dead now—killed by a mage from the Church."
In a calm voice, Merlin briefly explained the matter of Master Aethel.
"I've fought the Darkmoon Kingdom on the battlefield long enough to have encountered some of their spellcasters... They wield an unfathomable power far beyond that of ordinary people. Even the most powerful elemental swordsmen mean little to them; only the Church's mage inquisitors can match them."
Wilson paused, then smiled as he added, "So, you've become a powerful spellcaster. I'm proud of you, Merlin! The entire Wilson family will be proud."
With that, Wilson turned and stepped out of the carriage.
Merlin felt a subtle relief. Wilson had seen spellcasters on the battlefield, so he understood that they were beings of incredible strength rather than the evil heretics the Church proclaimed them to be.
Merlin opened the curtain and saw that dusk was settling in. Many of the knights were already lighting torches. Even at this pace, they wouldn't reach Blackwater City until the next morning.
After an exhausting day on the road and following the recent exertion of energy to construct his second spell model, Merlin was beginning to feel fatigued. Leaning back in the carriage, he closed his eyes for a brief rest.
He knew that tomorrow in Blackwater City would be anything but peaceful, and he would need his mana and mental strength fully restored.
---
The morning in Blackwater City was marked by falling snow, and the ground had begun to freeze over with a slick layer of ice.
The streets were quiet, and only a few people were out.
A crowd had gathered at the city gates, made up of Blackwater's peddlers and small merchants, waiting to leave for their morning business. But this morning, the gate remained closed.
"What's going on? Why aren't they opening the gates?"
"Last night, a large number of knights entered the city. Something's happening."
"When will the gates open?"
People murmured among themselves, most unaware of the reason for the delay.
"Something big is brewing in Blackwater City..."
Only a few sharp-eyed townsfolk could sense the danger and hurriedly turned back toward their homes.