"Merlin, I have a request."

Gutt, who looked weary, said with some hesitation.

"Oh? You want me to spare the Dougland clan?

Of course, Merlin had already guessed Gutt's meaning. A trading family was not that important to Merlin. Moreover, the Dougland clan had a lot of influence in trade. Since they were able to contribute so much to the Church, they could provide the same support to the Kingdom of Blackmoon.

Hence, he nodded and said, "I'll ask His Majesty King Bhutto XXVII to bestow you the title of Marquis from the Kingdom of Blackmoon. I believe that with this Marquis title, your clan's status would be secured in the Kingdom of Blackmoon!"

Gutt was very touched. Marquis was one level above the title of Count bestowed to him by the Holy Light Empire. Moreover, with Merlin's word, surely no one would dare to bring up the Dougland clan's past.

After all, based on Gutt's savviness, he had already guessed, from the words and actions of the other Spell Casters, the extent of his former good friend Merlin's achievements.

"Thank you, Merlin. The only burden I have left is the welfare of my descendants. With your word, I'm rest assured. However, I think you should visit an old friend."

"Old friend? Do you mean Anson?"

Merlin recalled the red-haired youth from his memories.

Gutt shook his head. "Anson is dead, killed by his oldest brother, just for the title…"

This was a matter that Gutt obviously did not want to talk about. After Anson's death, his family was also wiped out due to war. Witnessing the death of a good friend was naturally devastating for Gutt.

Merlin, on the other hand, looked serene. The Normies only had a few decades of time. If he did not return to Blackwater City at this time, and came back a few years later instead, perhaps, all the people he knew would already be dead.

"Not Anson but Lady Carise! I don't know what happened between the two of you but after you left Blackwater City, Lady Carise did not marry. In the end, she inherited the Mandy clan. Although she has never mentioned you, every time I reminisce about memories related to you, her eyes would gleam brightly…"

Listening to Gutt's explanation, Merlin began to recall in his mind, his interaction with Carise. Although he had only met her briefly a few times, she played a pivotal role in Merlin's life. It was Carise who had introduced Merlin to Old Man Etha, and with that, Merlin embarked on his Spell Caster journey.

Otherwise, Merlin would not have been exposed to any Spell Casters and spells.

However, he did not expect that after so many years, a person whom he barely remembered had been waiting long-sufferingly for him for the past few decades.

"Where is she?"

After a long pause, Merlin asked.

"At Mandy Castle in Blackwater City. She's gravely ill. I'm afraid she won't survive more than a few days…"

Gutt was about to say something but stopped. Finally, he did not say anything, and simply heaved a long sigh.

Outside the castle, little Andie was gleefully playing with the three-headed dragon as an "oversized pet". The guards watched over little Andie with a pained expression. They dared not get close to the three-headed dragon, so they could only allow little Andie to perform all sorts of "dangerous" stunts on the terrifying three-headed dragon.

Gutt was old while little Andie's life was yet to begin. This was the life cycle of the Normies…

…

Deep in the night, there was an uninvited guest outside an ancient castle. With his black robes, Merlin completely blended into the night. Without raising any alarm, he silently flew into Mandy Castle.

His Mind Power swept across the castle, and immediately identified Carise's room.

"Cough cough."

A coughing fit sounded from the room. Quickly, maidservants busied themselves, seeming to care for Lady Carise until she fell asleep, before leaving the room.

No one noticed that the door was pushed open silently. Carise, who had just fallen asleep, did not raise her head. She said with a hoarse voice, "Betty, didn't I tell you to rest? I don't need you to watch over me, I'm fine…"

Carise's face was pale, and her white hair was scattered loosely across her shoulders. Due to her disease, she looked especially fragile. This was an old person who was on her deathbed.

After waiting for a moment, it seemed like there was no movement, so Carise frowned and turned around to open her eyes. At that moment, her mind blanked out. Her mouth was wide open yet no words fell out.

This figure, she had dreamt of it many times. This time, it also seemed like a dream.

"Carise!"

However, unlike her previous dreams, this person spoke. Even though his voice was quite cold, Lady Carise was visibly excited.

"You… You're Merlin?"

At this time, Carise finally realized that this was not a dream. The only thing was, seeing Merlin's appearance made her feel slightly disoriented.

"I'm back. I just went to Gutt's and heard about you…"

That was all Merlin said. He could feel that Carise was in a terrible situation. Her life force was draining so severely that she should be dead by now. It seemed that she was surviving on sheer will.

Carise continued to stare at Merlin. A surge of strength seemed to gush out of her body and supported her to sit up on the bed. Merlin helped Carise gently. After a moment, she smiled. "I already knew back then, when you became Mr. Etha's disciple, you would become extraordinary. Back then, Mr. Etha was a Spell Caster, and because of him, you also became a Spell Caster, right?"

Merlin nodded and said, "That's right, without Teacher Etha, I wouldn't become a Spell Caster. Perhaps, like Gutt, my life would be over just like that."

"There's nothing wrong with living just a short life. For me, being able to see you at the very end is fulfilling enough. Gutt also had a good life…"

Carise chattered with Merlin for a long time, and seemed like she had a lot to tell him. They spoke of many interesting things that had happened over the years.

The night grew late. A sweet smile appeared on Carise's face. Her breath became weaker as she stretched out a withered hand and held Merlin gently. Her rough skin was no longer as tender as it was in her youth.

"Hoo…"

A cold breeze blew in from outside the window and ruffled Merlin's hair. He did not feel cold but there was an unspeakable feeling in his heart.

Carise's hand drooped down. There was no more life force in her body. Just a moment ago, she had unknowingly passed away. Nevertheless, she looked completely peaceful right before she died.

The lifespans of Normies were as short as candlelight – just a few decades long. However, living a peaceful life was highly desired by most people. Perhaps, one day, Old Wilson and Charise would also pass away with a smile on their faces.

At this moment, Merlin's heart seemed to grow lonelier. It was the type of loneliness that only a Spell Caster would feel, and it was eating away at his heart. The initial excitement of returning to Blackwater City had faded away completely. All that was left was an indescribable sense of loneliness. It felt as if this world no longer contained anything he held dear.

Blackwater City was where he had started his journey. Perhaps, it would also mark the end of his involvement in this world!

Merlin gently covered Carise with a quilt, and exited Mandy Castle as silently as he came. No one knew he was ever there. A strong wind was blowing outside the castle. The faint candlelight glow from inside the castle cast shadows of the trees outside.

"Rustle."

A breeze blew against a big tree. Merlin walked alone on the dark road outside the castle. The faint candlelight gradually stopped illuminating the road, and Merlin disappeared into the darkness.

Suddenly, Merlin halted his steps. With a calm tone, he spoke, "Since you're here, why bother hiding? Come on out!"

In the dark, silent night, Merlin's voice was carried by the wind and rang out all around him…