A Wizard’s Secret

The castle was bustling with noise and excitement. Beautifully-dressed madams were gathered in groups, discussing which perfume was better or which clothes were more trendy. They were chit-chatting without a moment of pause.

Meanwhile, most of the mature aristocrats had acquaintances with them. They gathered together and talked to each other at a low volume.

There were many fruits and drinks at the dining table in the castle. The fruits were cut in bite-sized pieces and placed on the plate. The maids were busy about, delivering plates of fruits or drinks to the aristocrats.

Count Selin was also speaking to a few middle-aged men in a rather friendly manner.

Suddenly, a knight came quickly to Count Selin and said something softly. Count Selin then clapped his hands loudly and the hall soon fell silent. Count Selin announced loudly, “Everyone, I’ve organized this dinner today for the sole purpose of congratulating Wilson Merlin who has recently become a baron in Prakash City. Now, Baron Merlin has arrived.”

As soon as he finished his words, Merlin and Avril strode into the hall under the guidance of the maid.

Instantaneously, numerous gazes were focused upon Merlin and Avril. Since Merlin became a Spell Caster, he always had an air of elegance about him. Meanwhile, Avril was stunning by nature; she could become the focus of the people anywhere she went.

Therefore, when Merlin and Avril strode into the hall, many aristocrats were stunned by the couple.

“Sir Count, this is my fiancée, Avril!”

Merlin brought Avril to meet Count Selin and introduced her.

Count Selin simply nodded, then pointed to a middle-aged man in a black coat beside him and introduced him, “Baron Merlin, this is Viscount Raphael!”

The people who could speak closely to Count Selin were naturally not any ordinary people. A viscount, only a title below a count, must be a person who had a strong influence in the whole Prakash City.

Count Selin introduced these people to Merlin to help him truly mingle with the aristocrats in Prakash City.

“This is Viscount Shread.”

“This is Viscount Lesley.”

…

Count Selin introduced Merlin to around six aristocrats, all viscounts. Merlin also knew that these people were the important people in Prakash City. Maintaining a friendly relationship with them would bring great benefits to the Wilson family as well.

Thus, Merlin smiled courteously back at them one by one.

These viscounts did not dare to be rude since Count Selin had properly introduced him. Moreover, about Count Selin’s incident in the castle, albeit a tight blockade was implemented, some news was still leaked to them.

Thus, even though Merlin was simply a baron, not a single viscount would dare to underestimate him. They all tried to be friendly with him so that they could leave a good impression on the strong yet mysterious Spell Caster.

Merlin was not used to such a complicated social event. After he talked to the people for a while, he walked aside and took some fruits to eat.

As compared to Merlin’s difficulty to adapt to the situation, Avril was better at these events. She was extremely nervous before but she was born in a noble’s family after all. In Blackwater City, she had participated at least a few official dinners like this.

Currently, Avril was pulled aside by some madams and ladies. As she was adored by everyone, the ladies asked her questions without a moment of pause. Sometimes, she would let out a melodious giggle. She appeared to be having fun.

Merlin squinted his eyes and scanned the hall. He did not find the black-robed old man in the crowd. After Merlin had visited the old man a few days ago, he had lost all news of the old man.

“Baron Merlin, what are you looking for?”

Count Selin seemed to have drunk a little. His face was bright red. That was why he went aside to rid himself of the alcohol effect.

“Nothing. It’s just I didn’t see Wizard Hill around. I’m a little worried, that’s all.”

Merlin simply said that.

“Wizard Hill?”

Count Selin shook his head slightly and said helplessly, “Yesterday, I sent my man to invite Wizard Hill but his maid said he’s still resting. He doesn’t want to see anyone.”

The black-robed old man was a little proud and aloof. Although he was only a roaming Wizard, Merlin had always noticed the pride in the black-robed old man. The black-robed old man had never treated non-Spell Casters with a good attitude.

Even if the old man was well, he would not join dinner like this, not to mention he was injured and recovering at the moment.

“Father, Baron Merlin.”

Commander Cook had stood beside them since some time ago. Beside him, there was an aristocrat who looked a little chubby.

This chubby aristocrat had small eyes and often sparks of light jumped across his eyes. He seemed just like those smart businessmen.

Commander Cook pointed at the chubby aristocrat and introduced him to Merlin, “Baron Merlin, this is Baron Warren. His territory is at River Lye Town, only separated with Baron Merlin’s territory, Conxion Town by a river.”

The chubby Baron Warren wore a smile all the while and he bowed slightly to Merlin, with his hat off. After that, he said with a smile, “Baron Merlin, we’re neighbors. If there’s any problem with your territory in the future and you need help, please feel free to tell me. I’ll definitely give all my might to aid you.”

Baron Warren also knew Count Selin thought highly of Merlin currently. Moreover, their territories were right beside each other so it was necessary to maintain a good relationship with Merlin.

“Thank you, Baron Warren…”

Merlin forced a smile and replied Baron Warren but when he saw the lady standing beside Baron Warren, he was stunned.

“Your Highness, why are you here?”

Merlin was surprised. The lady who stood beside Warren was, in fact, Princess Charise of the Royal Family whom he met during his journey here. Princess Charise, albeit running away quite nonplussed, still carried the pride of a princess then and finally went separate ways with Old Wilson’s group.

Little had he thought that he would meet Princess Charise again under such circumstances. No wonder Merlin had thought he saw a familiar figure outside of the castle. That must have been Princess Charise.

“Oh? Charise, you knew Baron Merlin?”

Baron Warren shot an odd look at her but soon resumed his previous expression. He smiled at Merlin. “Baron Merlin, there’s no longer any princess now. After some time, Charise will become a baroness!”

Following that, Baron Warren held Princess Charise in his arm as if he was close to her.

Merlin looked at Princess Charise and saw that she had kept her head lowered all this while, biting her lips and having a dark look. Merlin understood immediately that this princess who was of noble origin had to marry a baron after coming to a foreign country. She must have felt terrible about this and seemed very awkward especially in front of her “acquaintance”, Merlin.

Thus, Merlin simply nodded to Baron Warren. He then followed Count Selin and walked toward other aristocrats in the hall.