A Wizard’s Secret

The guards in the hall withdrew, leaving just Count Stanwin, Merlin, and Count Altadin’s daughter, Baratha. The atmosphere was solemn.

“Count Stanwin, these people had come after the Leicester clan’s greatest secret – the Bead of Infamy! The noble progenitor of our Leicester clan was a full-shifting Host with powerful capabilities. Back then, he had accompanied the royal family in establishing the Holy Dragon Empire. Moreover, he was dubbed with the highest title of duke. It’s a shame that in so many years, no one else in the clan had an exceptional almighty beast bloodline. As for some ancestors who’d chosen parasitism, they had failed and died. Therefore, our title dwindled bit by bit, becoming the current countship.

“As for the Bead of Infamy – back when our progenitor was powerful, he purposefully gathered some almighty beasts’ wills from various dangerous places. Some of these almighty beasts’ wills are terrifying, which became an inherited treasure in our Leicester clan. However, the later generations did not succeed in parasitism. Even if they did, they soon died, overwhelmed by the almighty beast’s will. As for myself, I didn’t have the courage to become a Host. By now, my Leicester clan suffers from a lack of heirs – I only have my daughter, Baratha. The Bead of Infamy is now in Mungus’ sight. I believe he’ll send more people to seize it. I’m far from being able to save this Bead of Infamy. Therefore, Count Stanwin, I have a request.”

With that, Count Altadin looked toward Merlin meaningfully.

Count Stanwin had already guessed where Count Altadin was going, and he glanced at Merlin too.

“Leon, would you be willing to marry Baratha? Earlier, I’ve seen that you’re a Host, and your almighty beast’s will must be a Two-headed Pterolycus. Although this almighty beast isn’t too shabby, it’s ultimately a low-tier almighty beast with limited potential. Our Leicester clan’s Bead of Infamy has even sealed in a high-tier almighty beast’s will, which had parasitized our ancestors once. Naturally, its potential far exceeds the Two-headed Pterolycus. If you’re willing to marry Baratha, I’ll pass on the Bead of Infamy to you, and you may select any almighty beast’s will within the Bead of Infamy to parasitize you as you wish. Provided that, in the future, one of the children born by you and Baratha will become the heir of my Leicester clan.”

Indeed, Count Altadin had intended for Baratha to see Merlin for herself. Furthermore, after Merlin had exposed his strength and his identity as a Host, Count Altadin was even more pleased with Merlin.

A treasure like the Bead of Infamy was an incredible temptation for a Host, nearly irresistible. Merlin knew that it would be difficult to look for more powerful almighty beasts’ wills in other places. Otherwise, if an almighty beast’s will was so easily found, then the full-shifter General Mungus would not have his heart set on the Bead of Infamy.

“Any thoughts, Count Stanwin?”

Count Altadin then immediately took out a black, opaque bead that did not look special. Nonetheless, Merlin could detect bursts of astonishing, berserk wills, which must be the almighty beasts’ wills sealed within.

These almighty beasts’ wills could be sealed, many of which were mid-tier or even high-tier almighty beasts’ wills. That progenitor of Count Altadin’s clan was truly impressive. He must have far surpassed most full-shifters.

Still, Count Stanwin cast his gaze at Merlin, asking softly, “Leon, what do you think?”

Merlin was indeed tempted about the Bead of Infamy. After all, it was challenging for him to locate other, more formidable almighty beasts’ wills, just as it was challenging to search for other Nourishment Pond formulas.

Although Curator Heroult seemed enigmatic, he must have plenty of almighty beasts’ wills. Heroult had even promised that if Merlin followed him to Holy Dragon City, he would give Merlin a mid-tier almighty beast’s will to parasitize Merlin.

Nevertheless, even the almighty beasts’ wills that Heroult possessed might not measure up to the almighty beasts’ wills sealed within this Bead of Infamy.

However, Merlin thought about Lady Reese, the fiancée he was engaged to as soon as he came to the Almighty Beast World.

“Count Altadin, I already have a fiancée.”

Merlin only spoke after a long moment. On one side, Baratha’s face stiffened slightly as she wrung her dainty hands, appearing rather nervous.

Count Stanwin knitted his brow. He was not too concerned about Reese. Among the aristocrats, having a few women were not a big deal. Although Merlin and Reese had gotten engaged before the aristocrats of Boulder City, the city had fallen to the enemy by now. Count Stanwin had lost his territory, with Reese following them to Holy Dragon City.

“Haha, Count Stanwin had mentioned this to me long before. Leon, I know that you have a fiancée but as an aristocrat, what are a few more wives? Moreover, Baratha won’t take issue with this.”

Count Altadin felt that Merlin’s fiancée was no great obstacle.

Merlin appeared rather hesitant. In his previous life, he did not share much affection with two women. Now, in the Almighty Beast World, he had to go through the same scenario.

“Leon, I’ll personally talk to Lady Reese. She won’t mind.”

Count Stanwin spoke at last. He was very pleased with Baratha, but he was even happier that Count Altadin was willing to hand over the Bead of Infamy. This was an inherited treasure of the Leicester clan, which was very precious. Even the full-shifter General Mungus would stop at nothing to get this bead.

If Leon could obtain this Bead of Infamy, this would undoubtedly be an immense help for Leon’s parasitism.

Seeing that Merlin was still bewildered and uncertain, Count Stanwin said immediately, “Alright, Leon. We’ll do this then!”

Marriage between aristocrats was sometimes this simple. Count Altadin needed someone powerful to support the entire Leicester clan while Count Stanwin needed the backing of a reliable ally in Holy Dragon City. Only then could he establish himself.

Everyone got what they wanted. As for Merlin, he would benefit as well. In the eyes of aristocrats, feelings were not worth a mention, as long as one remained loyal to one’s clan.

As if to express his sincerity, and also because he seemed fond of Merlin, Count Altadin gave the Bead of Infamy to Merlin in a precursory manner.

“Let’s pick a good day for Leon and Baratha to get married. I’ll give this Bead of Infamy to Leon first. Still, I hope that before you’re married, Leon, you won’t switch your almighty beast’s will.”

Altadin’s expression was rather somber. Though he did not choose parasitism, the Leicester clan’s progenitor was a formidable full-shifting Host. Thus, he had an unparalleled understanding of parasitism.

He knew about the dangers that plagued a Host. One might die at any moment. In particular, changing to host a different almighty beast’s will was a matter of both risk and luck. If Merlin got married first, he could still leave behind an heir.

To aristocrats, the lineage of their bloodline was always the most important aspect. All other matters could be set aside first.