Count Merlin returned to his independent Small Castle with aged steps, his heart heavy and faintly bewildered.
The last time he had left the power center of the Red Keep, he had been slandered by rumors, yet he had still been able to calmly hand power over to Grand Duke Kunsitan. This time, however, the Shadowflame Dragon had personally ordered the Elder Council disbanded and supported Russell's rise to power.
For Count Merlin, this undoubtedly meant that his political life had ended at this very moment, with no possibility of recovery.
Dragons were gods!
The will of gods could not be shaken!
"Master, you're back. Young Master Russell has arrived and is waiting for you," the butler came forward to welcome Count Merlin and reported softly.
"Russell is here?" Count Merlin's eyes lit up, but he quickly frowned, then relaxed again. His expression shifted several times in an instant before he finally nodded calmly. "Where is he?"
"In the rear garden, admiring the flowers."
"Mm." Count Merlin started walking.
The butler followed behind him. "Master, would you like to change first?"
Under normal circumstances, even if guests had arrived, Count Merlin would first change clothes, wash his face, and tidy up his appearance before receiving them.
But this time, Count Merlin merely waved his hand. "You may leave."
"Yes, Master." The butler bowed, then turned and withdrew.
Count Merlin walked alone toward the rear garden. Since it was a Small Castle, the garden was not large, but it was filled with flowers in every vivid color.
Amid the flowers, Russell's figure appeared tall and straight. Even from a distance, Count Merlin could still sense the powerful aura constantly radiating from him. That aura made him feel as though he were facing the Shadowflame Dragon.
No.
More precisely, it felt more