Opening the heavy bag, the golden brilliance under the torch dazzled the eyes.
1,000 Haines minted gold coins and three 3,000 gold coin promissory notes, accepted by the four major banks, a total of 10,000 gold, which was a considerable sum. Haines gold coins were widely used in the markets due to their exquisite craftsmanship and abundant supply, more commonly used than Torrey coins and Mafa coins. In the current destitute situation, this was a substantial fund that could be put to good use.
Charlie looked around the pitch-black surroundings and said, "Bryson, let's go on! Let's try to reach the castle as soon as possible."
Bryson naturally understood Charlie's implication. At the moment, the two of them had not escaped the danger, but it was even more dangerous than encountering the werewolves, as they had expended all their energy and supplies in the previous battle.
Hopefully, their opponents had not set up a second ambush. Of course, Charlie also did not believe that his father had not made any arrangements at all. If that were the case, he might as well just kill him directly instead of punishing him by sending him to Williamson Castle! So, there might be a very complex game involved, but as a pawn on the chessboard, Charlie had no right to know.
Lying on the hard and cold wagon, Charlie's heart was surging, and he found it difficult to calm down.
Today, "Charlie" was like a rotten salted fish, abandoned by the Paivil family, despised by the citizens of Haines City, hated by all, and in a sorry state. The one who ultimately bore the consequences was himself.
At the age of fifteen, he had no money, no physical strength, no knowledge, no friends, and was utterly worthless. Even more disheartening was that the profound knowledge from Earth that Jueran had brought did not seem to have any practical use, and he was truly at a dead end.
However, today he had felt the power of magic and discovered his own talent. He realized that this might be his only chance to turn things around! He must seize this opportunity!
The wagon shook and swayed on the muddy road, and Charlie lay on the hard wooden bed, feeling sore and stiff all over, especially in his lumbar spine, which caused a painful yet addictive self-flagellating sensation.
Perhaps due to exhaustion, Charlie, with his mind full of thoughts, fell into a deep sleep.
After an unknown period of time, the shaking of the wagon gradually subsided, and the sound of the wheels suggested they had reached a paved road.
Charlie raised his wrist and, through the dim light in the wagon, saw the numbers on the magic clock – 6:27.
Hmm! He had slept for less than twenty minutes, but his energy had recovered a little.
Charlie pulled back the curtain, and a damp, light breeze hit his face, carrying the unique scent of decaying leaves from the forest. Peering through the lush branches of the banyan trees, the landscape opened up ahead.
A castle nestled in the depths of the forest came into view. Through the faint light of the torches on the castle walls, he could see the gray walls covered in vines, guarding a Gothic-style castle, with soaring spires reaching up to the clouds, exuding a mysterious and terrifying aura. Shrouded in darkness, it appeared lonely and dilapidated, with a unique and captivating character.
Charlie rested his hand on the window sill and asked the old butler, "Bryson, is this really the place where my mother grew up?"
"Yes, young master." Bryson furrowed his brow, the deep wrinkles on his forehead like knife cuts, hiding many unspeakable stories. He narrowed his eyes and said, "This estate is the private property of the family. The master does not like this place, as he finds it too dark and lonely, with an atmosphere of despair. So, since marrying the mistress, he has rarely returned here."
Charlie nodded, "I can feel a similar vibe. I never imagined that my mother spent her childhood in this place. It's truly unbelievable!"
"That's why the mistress has a unique melancholic aura, graceful and unconventional, which captivated the master deeply," Bryson said mysteriously. "Putting aside the Paivil surname, the Williamsons were once a great and glorious ancient family in the Millennium Empire, not much different from the Paivils. The only difference is that we have fallen into obscurity."
"Bryson, can you tell me your story? Why didn't I know that you are a wizard?"
Bryson smiled, "The old servant doesn't have any particularly remarkable experiences. I grew up in the Williamson family. My father was also the family's butler. At the age of 28, I took over his position and was granted the Williamson surname by the clan leader, so I can be considered a true Williamson!
After receiving the title, as a reward, the master taught me magic. Unfortunately, I have limited talent and could only learn a few rudiments, not much use. The scrolls we used today were the master's creations from his magic practice. They can protect the young master, which is quite valuable."
Despite his words, there was a hint of regret on his face. Each scroll used by Charlie bore the name "Linda," not only for their value but also for their commemorative significance.
No wonder an old servant had such magical prowess. Looking back on the previous battle, if it had not been for those well-timed 'Nature Summons,' the situation would have collapsed. It can be said that Bryson was the hidden key to the battle. His performance was not eye-catching, not because he lacked the ability to control the entire situation, but because he chose to stay in the shadows, giving the stage to his young master, as a way to provide him with a trial.
Charlie said self-deprecatingly, "Charlie Williamson, not a bad name."
Since the Paivil family had abandoned him, he might as well reclaim his mother's surname.
Bryson smiled, "The young master is the last heir of the Williamsons. It's just a matter of time before you restore the family's former glory."
Charlie responded with a smile.
Afterwards, Bryson's brow slightly furrowed, and he said, "Young master, although this castle originally belonged to the Williamsons, after the master's death, all the Williamson relatives have gone. The master inherited it and now it is his personal property.
The soil and climate of Williamson Castle are somewhat special. The master has leased it to a famous wizard in Haines, Roen Schneider, who is a member of the Haines Magic Association of the Millennium Empire. Even the master doesn't dare to offend him easily, so the young master must be cautious, as our situation is not exactly favorable."
Charlie silently nodded, sneering, "Even the mother's mansion can be leased out. Does the duke have nothing else to do? Is he that short of money?"
Bryson explained, "It shouldn't be for the money. In fact, he only leased the areas outside the master's courtyard. The master's courtyard has always been under my care, keeping it as it was when she left. Although Roen is arrogant in daily life, he doesn't dare to desecrate the forbidden area set by the master, which is written into the lease."
It was reasonable enough, but Charlie still felt uncomfortable. However, from another perspective, the fact that a great wizard could interact with an imperial duke on equal terms showed the high status of wizards in the Millennium Empire.
Charlie asked, "Bryson, I want to learn magic. Can you teach me?"
"Young master, it would be my pleasure to serve you." Bryson agreed, but then hesitated, saying, "However, learning magic does require studying under a renowned master. I am only an entry-level wizard, and the gap in experience and knowledge compared to a great wizard is vast. If the young master can win over Master Roen, that would be the right path, and you may have a chance to return to the Paivil family."
"Hmph! I'm not interested!" Charlie said angrily. But regardless of whether he wanted to go back, he certainly needed to think about his own future. If the hidden manipulator kept targeting him, they wouldn't stop just because he had left the Paivils. Unless he could expose the culprit!
After some thought, Charlie asked, "Besides needing to be careful with Mr. Roen, is there anything else I should pay special attention to?"
"There is another person to watch out for, the castle steward appointed by the master, Griffin. This man has a very small mind and is difficult to get along with. It's best not to provoke him, or your life here may become very unpleasant.
He controls all the necessary living supplies for us. In the castle, he is the supreme steward, and I am also under his control. Of course, in the mistress's ancestral home, I can take charge, and Griffin doesn't dare to trespass on that territory.
Other than these two people, you should also be wary of certain areas that cannot be entered casually. There will usually be warning signs, and I will draw a map of the restricted areas for the young master."
Charlie nodded silently.
Then, Bryson stopped the carriage, opened the door, and bowed, gesturing an invitation.
Charlie jumped out of the wagon and asked, "Bryson, why are there no other Williamsons in the castle? Where did they all go?"
Bryson sighed lightly, "That's something I don't understand either. About ten years ago, there were still many Williamson clan members in the castle. Then a major incident occurred, and the clan members all left, never to return.
At that time, I was of low status and had no right to know the truth. Five years later, the old master, your grandfather, passed away, and the entire family was left with just me and a group of outsiders. Later, these servants either left or died, and now I'm the only one left."
Caring for a dead mansion all alone, that must have been a very lonely existence!
Charlie nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle Bryson. You've worked hard."
The wrinkles blossomed, and Bryson's aged face turned into a flower as he said, "Young master, you must be exhausted from the long journey today. Let me take you to rest. Tomorrow will be a new beginning!"
Today, perhaps Charlie had lost many things, but he had also gained wisdom and maturity. Being removed from the glitz and bustle might not be a bad thing after all. And it turned out he was not completely without anything, as he had inherited the Williamson surname, and he still had Uncle Bryson.
Charlie did not know Griffin yet, but he would soon realize what kind of person Griffin was.