Two soldiers, holding muskets loaded with ammunition, cautiously approached the corpse of Barnett, one of them kicking the body with his foot.
Seeing no response, they crouched down to carefully examine the wizard’s corpse and signaled that it was safe.
Paul and the others finally relaxed completely.
“Quikly tend to the wounded!” Paul ordered loudly. He sent someone on horseback to race to Port Fran, instructing them to urgently send carriages and physicians from the town.
The soldiers scattered to check the injuries of their fallen comrades.
It was confirmed that 15 soldiers from the first squad had died, and the rest were severely injured, temporarily incapacitated.
The head of the guards, Victor, was incredibly lucky. He had fainted after taking a direct kick from the wizard but was still breathing, though possibly with several broken ribs.
Ladi approached Barnett’s corpse and whispered softly, “Kin? Brethren? That was just your own wishful thinking.”
The ground beneath the corpse was soaked in blood, with entrails spread out in a disgusting display.
She crouched down, carefully examining Barnett’s wounds and touched his skin.
“This feeling… yes, it’s definitely [Stone Skin]. To bring [Stone Skin] to such an extreme level is truly remarkable.”
She was secretly astonished by the immense power of the muskets, which easily penetrated such a formidable defense. The wizard had stood firm against Victor’s full-force attack, and she had seen it all too clearly.
Judging from the several large holes in Barnett’s back, some bullets had completely penetrated his body. Count Grayman had indeed created a formidable weapon.
Feeling someone approaching from behind, she stood up and turned to see Count Grayman.
Paul, with a grave expression, slowly said, “First, I thank you for saving me and my men’s lives. Without that ‘shield’ you created to buy time, we would probably have been killed by that ‘wizard.’”
Ladi’s heart tensed slightly, noticing the distinct distance in his words.
Sure enough, Paul’s tone shifted, “However, shouldn’t you explain some things to me, Scholar… Miss?”
“The Count, I…” The female advisor hesitated.
Paul waved his hand, “Never mind, this isn’t the place to talk. After we arrive at Port Fran, we’ll have a detailed discussion.”
The female advisor lowered her head, “Yes, Count.”
Over an hour later, a convoy from Port Fran arrived, transporting the wounded and the dead soldiers’ bodies back to the town in carriages.
Some, like Victor with rib injuries, had to be carried slowly to Port Fran on stretchers.
Paul issued a gag order to all the soldiers present, forbidding them to speak a word about the day’s events to outsiders, concerned about attracting the intervention of church forces due to the involvement of witches and magic.
The soldiers, carefully selected for their absolute loyalty to the Grayman family, were trusted by Paul. Even though many had guessed the advisor’s true identity, they remained silent.
Upon arriving at Port Fran, Paul exchanged formalities with the town’s mayor and others who came to greet him, then headed straight for the naval headquarters.
Only after arriving at the heavily guarded naval base did he truly relax, and then he summoned the naval commander, Austin, for a private meeting.
Once assured they were alone in the room, Paul began to speak.
“Austin, do you know what happened to me on the road? It was unbelievable! Terrifying!” Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel⟡fire.net
Austin was already aware that Paul had arrived with a large number of wounded soldiers, so he had an idea of what might have happened.
“Lord Grayman, are you unharmed? Were the assassins captured, or have they died or fled?”
“He was killed by our muskets, and his body has been brought to Port Fran.”
“Dead already? That’s unfortunate, we can’t interrogate him for any hidden accomplices. Wait, he? Just one person?”
The internal security troops were not to be underestimated; how could one person have caused so many casualties?
Paul spoke gravely, “Austin, you must not speak to anyone about what I’m about to tell you!”
“I swear on my honor, I will obey your command!”
Austin solemnly swore on his honor, knowing from their long association that Paul had little regard for divinities.
Paul then whispered, “The person who attacked us was a ‘wizard.’ He just walked up to us and killed or wounded so many.”
He then detailed the entire event.
“This is… truly astonishing!”
Though somewhat dumbfounded, the naval commander hadn’t reached the point of complete worldview collapse like Paul had earlier.
Austin had always maintained a stance of ‘better to believe than not’ regarding the legendary group of wizards, and now it was personally confirmed by Lord Grayman.
He said, “Lord Grayman, there’s no need to panic too much. According to your description, they can still be killed by muskets.”
“Yes, yes! You’re right. We must equip all soldiers with muskets. Once back at Lakeheart Town, I’ll start expanding the armory.”
“Next time we encounter such a madman, I’ll turn him into a sieve.”
Paul was still shaken; without the muskets, he would have surely perished on the road.
“So, what do you plan to do about Miss Ladi?”
From Paul’s description, this beautiful and intelligent female advisor was undoubtedly a witch. Would the Count hand her over to the Church for punishment? That would be a pity.
Paul said, “Get the advisor to come here; I have some questions for her.”
Austin stood up, “Yes, my lord. But if I may be so bold, Miss Ladi did save your life and many others. Please consider carefully.”
“Don’t worry, Austin. I, Paul Grayman, am not a man who forgets favors.”
Austin quickly returned with the female advisor.
He said, “Then, I shall take my leave.”
“Alright—ah no, Austin, stay and listen. Miss Ladi, please take a seat.”
Both seated, Paul steadied himself and asked in a calm tone, “Miss Ladi, is there anything you wish to say to me?”
Facing his gaze, the advisor replied, “Lord Grayman, as you have already surmised, I am indeed a witch, though we prefer to call ourselves magicians.”
Her cheeks slightly flushed, she added with a hint of guilt, “I apologize for hiding this identity from you. However, please be assured, I have not lied; I am indeed a scholar as well.”
“So, how do you intend to deal with me now?”