The duo had been walking through the streets for several hours without having spotted any sign of the witch. Hence, it was confirmed he had lost that vixen's trail.

Emery was annoyed at this disappointing development because it wouldn't be an easy matter to once again get a sniff of the witch's trail. Even more so, when the citizens of the capital city of one of the 7 kingdoms was included in the equation.

​​

Knowing he wouldn't get anything by staying, Emery casted [Spatial Gate] and returned back to Camelot together with Morgana.

When he stepped into Camelot, Emery went to Arthur and told him he lost track of the witch in the capital city of Norgales Kingdom, Sterlingrad.

Upon hearing Sterlingrad being included in, Gaious wonder.

"Is the witch collaborating with the Norgales Kingdom?"

Norgales Kingdom was the second ranked kingdom in terms of military might among the 7 kingdoms and the former had been known to have a deep rivalry with Arthur's homeland, Logress Kingdom.

Thus, it would be concerning to know Norgales had some kind of connection with the witch.

"I only tracked her trail and it ended at Sterlingrad, it could possibly mean anything, or nothing"

"Alright. I guess what you are saying makes sense. As a matter of fact, Merlin, two of the Norgales Kingdom's golden knights also fell victim within the last three months."

"By the witch?" Emery asked with a serious expression.

If their death was indeed caused by Meave, then they could possibly rule out the Norgales collaborating with the witch. No kingdom could stomach the death of their important figures.

"It was said to be during a battle, but we don't know for sure. What I'm trying to tell you is that the Norgales' has been fighting with the northern barbarians for so long, their commitment to the 7 kingdoms is true. Therefore, there shouldn't be a reason for them to collaborate with a witch.``

Emery nodded, but, at the moment, his thoughts were about the witch tricks and cunning; for him such a thing was possible.

Now that the track had gone cold, Arthur would have to follow up with his people in Norgales to search for the witch's whereabouts.

Next, as Emery had no plan to immediately head back yet, he decided to tell the Logress Prince about the potion he made. He showed the latter a golden vial containing [Gaia Serum - Tier 1] - the potion he used to increase the Fey sisters' spirit force.

He then asked for a little bit of blood from Arthur and started analyzing it.

[Human, male]

[Battle power 29]

[Spirit force 21]

[Element affinity: Light]

[Spirit Aptitude: C]

Looking at the letter C on Arthur's information caused Emery to take a deep breath. As an existence with the lowest aptitude among all of the Magus Academy's acolytes, having the chance to see someone with lower aptitude than him somehow cheered Emery and secretly made him gloat.

When the old magician, Gaious, asked what Emery was doing and the latter told him, the former surprisingly wanted to be tested as well. As the matter took practically no effort from him, Emery gladly helped the former in his request.

[Human, male]

[Battle power 12]

[Spirit force 62]

[Element affinity: Fire and Plant]

[Spirit Aptitude: B]

This old man Gaious certainly had better talent compared to Arthur. Unfortunately, he didn't have Emery's luck: to be enrolled in Magic Academy. Though Emery was sure the former would certainly be bullied even more severely than him.

After checking their stats, Emery decided to give them two [Gaia Serum] potions, one each.

Arthur didn't think much of what Emery gave him and immediately drank it without question, showing how much he trusted him. Meanwhile, Gaious stored the potion, as he was planning to experiment on it instead.

Emery didn't mind, nor was offended that the old magician wanted to experiment on his recipe. Who knew, the man could possibly improve on it for him.

After drinking the potion, Arthur did get the sensation of his body strengthening. Thus, as a safety precaution, Emery decided to stay in Camelot for two days, observing the former's body reaction to the potion.

Taking this chance, Arthur brought Emery and Morgana for a complete tour around the capital of Logress Kingdom, Camelot City. Though he had taken Morgana around the city a few times in the past, it was the first for Emery.

It was also at this activity that Emery realized the two were actually closer than he thought. Seeing Morgana, who usually acted distant toward others, able to joke around with Arthur seemed a little strange to him.

Two days later, Emery did another thorough examination on Arthur and checked his stats one more time. Evidently, the Logress Prince received an increase of 2 spirit force points from the potion.

Hearing the boost he received, Arthur became confident and gave the sword another try. Unfortunately, like his previous attempts, it didn't budge in the slightest.

Emery gave Arthur his last three [Gaia Serum] potions and told him to drink one bottle every week. Moreover, he instructed the latter to send him a message if he had any side effects.

Before he left though, Arthur approached him with a suspicious gait and whispered, "Merlin, you are close to the Lioness heir, Princess Gwenneth, aren't you?"

Emery was surprised and raised his eyebrows at his words. He didn't want to talk about her, but if the prince had some information, it wouldn't hurt to listen.

"We are acquaintances, yes." Emery answered in a calm voice.

"May I ask what kind of person she is? You know, as an individual, as well as a princess of your kingdom."

Emery's brows twitched slightly at Arthur's question. At first, he assumed the latter wanted to share some classified information about Gwen. Who could have thought his suspicious behavior turned out to be gossiping?

"I'm sorry, prince. I don't really know her that well. May I ask why you are asking this question?"

Arthur nodded his head at Emery's answer, as if he had expected it. He was then startled by the question. "You see, Merlin. My father has chosen her to be the best candidate for the next queen of Logress. Unfortunately, we haven't got a reply back. I am currently thinking of going there to ask myself."

"..."

Emery had known about the King and prince's plan, when he eavesdropped before. But to actually being asked directly about the matter, he was a little lost for words.

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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,