The night deepened.
The night sky was adorned with stars like diamonds, shimmering with gentle light. In this era, untouched by industrial reform, the night was as pristine as an awe-inspiring tapestry.
Ian and Riddle followed Miss Morgan, traversing through a dense forest where the stone path underfoot gradually became wide and flat. The towering and ancient trees on both sides intertwined their branches and leaves. As they ventured further in, the silhouette of a grand castle emerged in the distance—a magnificent and old structure.
The spire towers pierced the clouds, with vibrant banners fluttering. It was less mysterious than the Hogwarts castle, yet it exuded a grandeur and solemnity akin to legends.
"Welcome to my home, my most esteemed teacher." Young Morgan dismounted her horse with a gallant gesture, her tone tinged with a hint of boastful pride.
She handed over her horse to the waiting servant, ignoring the servant's gaze towards Ian and the others, then made a welcoming gesture to Ian, leading the way ahead.
Perhaps it was because she had returned to a ceremonially rigid home.
The princess began to put on airs.
Her steps gained some noble grace, as if each step was meticulously calculated. Her skirt gently swayed with her movements, making a slight rustle.
"Creak~"
The door of the castle slowly opened.
Greeted by maids in luxurious uniforms, they were well-trained and respectful, unlike the outdoor servants; these maids showed little curiosity towards Ian and his companions.
In the eyes of these 'insiders' of the little princess, their owner frequently sought so-called wizards outside, but mostly encountered impostors.
Because of this.
These maids might not be familiar with other skills, but were well-practiced in digging holes for burying people. Among them, a maid secretly glanced at Ian, feeling slightly regretful for the handsome boy's looks.
"This way, don't wake my father and mother. They don't like me bringing people back." Little Morgan noticed the maid's peculiarity and gave a warning look to her maid. Immediately, as if nothing had happened, she warmly led Ian and his servant to her "territory" in the castle.
This area was located on the west side of the castle.
Offering a broad view outside where one could appreciate the entire castle yard's scenery. The lavishness inside the castle far exceeded Ian's imagination, with a spacious hall illuminated brilliantly by crystal chandeliers lighting every corner. These were genuine natural crystals, each holding a candle.
The well-adorned walls also displayed exquisite oil paintings. The figures in the paintings were lifelike; aside from not moving, the painter's technique was outstanding.
"Your home is huge; is this what nobility means?" Ian stepped silently on the thick carpet, which was soft and comfortable.
It's hard to imagine such opulence in times of low productivity.
"My father is very powerful." Little Morgan perhaps didn't know her family's future, only that her father, a Duke, held a high position on the pyramid of power in this world.
It wasn't that this young future Legendary Witch liked to show off, but through prior interactions, she knew she needed to showcase her family's value to Ian.
"Very powerful? That would indeed save me a lot of trouble." Ian chuckled, responding without concealment. He was indeed contemplating harnessing the era's power to find the Time Converter.
As for dealing with a Duke?
There were countless ways for a Legendary Wizard. However, considering Morgan's father's identity as a Duke, Ian couldn't have Riddle use Imperio on him.
Of course.
Nobles certainly knew many other nobles.
Encountering a few abusive nobles would be ideal.
"You can stay here tonight, is that okay?" Little Morgan led Ian to a room; beyond the carved wooden door lay exquisitely luxurious furniture.
A large bed sat in the room's center, able to accommodate at least twenty people, covered with soft silk bedding, with a refined lamp on the bedside.
Besides elaborate furniture, the space was evidently larger inside than outside.
Clearly marked by magic.
Little Morgan's claim of hosting wizards was evidently true.
"Of course, I'm quite satisfied with your arrangement." Ian was somewhat astonished by the room's opulence but maintained a composed and mysterious wizard image appropriate for someone well-acquainted with the world.
"I'm glad you like it. I wish you sweet dreams tonight." Little Morgan demonstrated her understanding of propriety, sensing Ian's travel fatigue, she gently bowed and left the room. She glanced back at Ian gazing out the window, then guided the somewhat worried Riddle to another room.
Watching Little Morgan leave.
Ian slowly closed the door. He neither admired the outside scenery nor indulged in the comfort of the room's large bed, but instead urgently took out his magic wand first.
"Summoning God Guardian!"
He softly chanted the spell, and a silver glow erupted from the tip of his wand, the light weaving like threads in the air. More and more silver threads intertwined, gradually forming a hazy outline. The threads continued to dance, outlining a slender waist, flowing hair, and a face he knew so well.