[Merlin finally set out on his journey... Please send some recommendation votes flying my way, everyone, and let Old Moon feel a little more of your enthusiasm!]
Outside Shirley's room, Merlin, Old Wilson, Madam Big Bosom, Macy, and the others waited anxiously.
Old Wilson stepped forward and said softly to Merlin, "Merlin, don't worry. Shirley will be fine."
Merlin nodded, but not a trace of the tension in his heart had eased.
Whoosh.
Suddenly, a figure rushed in from outside. It was Bening, clad in armor and covered in the dust of travel.
"Lord Baron, how is my sister?"
The moment Bening saw Merlin, he hurriedly asked.
"Shirley is fine. Did you come back from the city guard?"
Merlin frowned. Although Bening had matured somewhat compared to before, he still could not shake off some of the bad habits he had developed as a prince.
Merlin had arranged for him to join Count Sailin's city guard as a small squad captain, but Bening often caused trouble, so Merlin disliked him greatly.
Bening was somewhat afraid of Merlin as well and quickly explained, "I only came back after explaining the situation to the commander."
"Enough. Wait here."
Merlin could not be bothered to deal with Bening any longer and spoke flatly. He then turned his gaze back to Shirley's room, from which her pained moans continually drifted out.
Several hours later, a loud baby's cry rang out from inside the room. Merlin's spirits immediately lifted, and he hurried to the door, his heart stirring with excitement.
Creak.
The door opened, and two older maidservants emerged. One of them held a newborn baby in her arms.
"Congratulations, Lord Baron. Lady Shirley has given birth to a daughter."
Merlin hurried forward and took the baby from the maidservant's arms. For a moment, an