The young girl exuded an air of youth and vitality, naturally inspiring affection from those who saw her. In contrast to her burly and fierce-looking brother, Cook, she had a sweet and delicate appearance. Standing together, they seemed unlikely to be siblings at all.
Count Selin's stern face softened upon seeing her, and he said with a smile, "Shelley, Pugas City has become somewhat unsafe lately. It's best you stay within the castle. I brought your brother, Cook, back for us to face this challenge together."
Shelley stuck out her tongue playfully, adding a touch of cuteness to her response, "Father, I understand. I'll stay in the castle as much as possible."
Cook glanced at Shelley with a slight smile, preparing to leave, but she stopped him. "Father, Brother, there's someone outside the castle who claims to be from Ravensburg and has a letter from Count Primont for you."
"From Ravensburg?" Count Selin's face brightened, and he rubbed his hands together, murmuring, "Finally, they've come. Primont must have sent someone."
He had sent a letter to Count Primont of Ravensburg days ago, hoping for help, and had been eagerly awaiting a response. Now, seeing that someone had arrived, his mood visibly lifted.
Cook, however, frowned slightly, reluctant but ultimately leaving to carry out his father's instructions.
---
"You're the one from Ravensburg?"
Cook, towering and intimidating, stared coldly at the young man before him. The man looked even younger than Cook himself. Had Count Primont really sent someone this inexperienced?
As he considered this, Cook's gaze grew harsher, and his tone more frigid.
Merlin, feeling the intense aura emanating from the man, was inwardly shaken. The man projected an intimidating, ferocious presence. Without even approaching, Merlin felt an instinctual sense of danger.
This towering figure seemed even more formidable than Old Wilson, to the point that Merlin felt a growing urge to keep his distance. The man clearly posed a significant threat.
"He's incredibly strong. He must be a mid-level Elemental Swordsman—either level four or level five!"
Thoughts raced through Merlin's mind. Unlike low-level Elemental Swordsmen, mid-level ones had reached a point where they could emit an overpowering aura.
Merlin surmised that his basic Fireball and Freezing Spells would hardly faze this towering swordsman. In fact, given the close proximity, if the man decided to attack, Merlin would be at a severe disadvantage.
"Yes, I'm from Ravensburg. My name is Wilson Merlin."
Cook showed no response to the introduction. "Come along. Father wants to see you," he said coolly, turning away.
Merlin understood now that this imposing figure was Count Selin's son. He followed Cook into the castle, maintaining a constant alertness with his mental energy. The castle had numerous hidden spaces where guards were stationed. Despite following directly behind Cook, the guards' watchful gazes never wavered, remaining fixed on Merlin.
Uncomfortable under such scrutiny, Merlin furrowed his brow but said nothing as he continued into the castle's spacious hall.
Inside, he saw the cheerful young lady from before, Shelley, and gave her a slight nod of acknowledgment. He then turned his attention to a middle-aged man standing at the hall's center.
The man was holding a letter, which he seemed to have just finished reading. He looked at Merlin with a complicated expression, almost as though he were disappointed.
Recognizing the man's identity, Merlin placed a hand over his chest and respectfully greeted him, "Honorable Count Selin, Count Primont of Ravensburg sends his regards."
Count Selin waved dismissively. "Merlin, I've read Count Primont's letter. You're not an official mage stationed at Ravensburg. Count Primont merely recommended you to settle here in Pugas. Ordinarily, that would be no issue, but with recent difficulties here…"
Merlin nodded slightly, replying, "Count Primont mentioned your troubles to me. If the matter is manageable, I am more than willing to assist you."
Count Selin's eyes lit up. "Good. After this situation is resolved, I'll ensure your family is properly settled."
"Thank you for your generosity, Count," Merlin replied. "However, as I approached the castle, I noticed that your defenses seemed on high alert. May I ask what sort of trouble has befallen you?"
Though willing to help, Merlin needed to assess the nature of the problem first. If it proved too significant for him to handle, he would have to reconsider staying in Pugas.
At his question, the room fell silent.
Cook took a step forward and asked, "Father, you've summoned me back urgently, as well as the other commanders in Pugas. Who is this troublesome individual that warrants such caution?"
Merlin was surprised that even Count Selin's son was unaware of the full situation.
Count Selin sighed, glancing at Merlin with a wry smile before explaining, "Since Merlin has asked, I'll tell you. Five years ago, I dealt with a traitor here in Pugas—a baron named Nelson. I eliminated him and his family, but his son, Merrillon, managed to escape. Now, Merrillon has returned and sent me a letter claiming that in a month, he will personally come to this castle to kill me. And now, there are only five days left until his deadline."
Merlin noted that Count Selin had glossed over certain details, but he was more interested in Merrillon's identity. For someone to openly threaten a count was bold, to say the least.
Merlin looked at Count Selin, confident that the count's resources would have uncovered any significant information about this Merrillon.