Blackstone Island was already at the tail end of autumn. The days grew shorter, and the nights lengthened.
Often, one wouldn't notice the passage of time until the sun set and twilight enveloped all.
For the impoverished commoners, the shortened daylight didn't reduce their workload, forcing them to manage their time even more tightly.
However, at this moment, it was still just the afternoon. There was still some time before night fell, so there was no need for panic.
On Palm Street, in the courtyard of a two-story villa, a black carriage slowly came to a halt.
Arthur put away his whip, got out of the coach, and went to the back to help Renee with the groceries they had just bought.
Although Renee could handle it by herself, Arthur felt somewhat guilty not helping.
Moreover, although their master treated him and Renee the same on the surface, in reality, Renee held a clearly higher position than him. He had to go through her for any expenses...
Although she was just a maid, Renee was more like a stewardess.
"Sister," Demi, hearing the carriage, ran out from the house, thumping along, and got ahead of Arthur to pick up a big bag of vegetables.
"Demi, have you finished learning your letters today?" Renee asked, handing some of the vegetables to Arthur and carrying her own share as they walked.
"I've learned them all; Demi is very smart!" Demi proudly lifted the bag.
Renee smiled and freed one hand to pat her head.
Arthur walked silently behind them.
His expression was blank.
Yet, if one looked closely, they might notice his once sculpture-like numb complexion from hardships had softened, not as gloomy as before.
Approaching the door, for some reason, Arthur felt a sudden impulse, paused momentarily, and glanced around the courtyard behind him.
His eyes saw the neatly kept lawn and several fruit trees heavy with fruit, though few flowers were blooming, enough to bring back memories of spring.
Daily sights, constantly seen, no longer felt fresh and made it hard to notice the changes.
But there would always be a moment when one would suddenly realize...
Everything had changed...
Clang.
The door was pushed open by Renee.
Startled, Arthur snapped back to reality, turned his head, and continued silently following them inside.
He didn't know how to describe his mood,
but he did what he often did—silently praised the great master Colin in his heart!
... At the same time, he selfishly made a small wish,
hoping life could continue this way and that he could always be the master's coachman...
After entering the house, it wasn't long before...
"Master," Renee slightly paused, greeting the handsome young man ahead with Demi.
"Master," Arthur also hurriedly greeted.
"Ah, just back from buying groceries?" Colin smiled at them, then turned to Renee, "Make dinner a bit more lavish tonight."
Then he bent over and pinched Demi's cheek before continuing towards the master bedroom.
His mood was extremely good!
For over three months... he had persevered for over three months!
During this time, he had meditated for at least fifteen hours each day and spent the rest practicing witchcraft.
Under such a fulfilling schedule, the passing of time seemed blurred; the three months felt as if only a day had passed!
If not for the increasing progress marked on the Golden Paper each day and the changing scenery in the yard... he might have thought time had remained unchanged.
But now, he could finally return to a somewhat normal routine.
Because,
just moments ago, his progress in the second Limit Breaking Circulation Meditation had finally reached 100/100!
And earlier, half a month ago, his Wizard Rank progress on the Golden Paper had already reached its limit!
The rest of the witchcraft, including Image Capturing Crystal Making, had all broken limits!
Everything was ready, just lacking advancement!
Colin climbed the stairs.
To be cautious, he planned to first go back to his bedroom and take a nap, waiting until he was fully energized and his spirits refreshed before making his attempt at advancement.
Pushing open the bedroom door, he let out a breath and cleared his mind, sitting quietly by the bed for a moment.
It didn't take long for excitement to wane and fatigue to surge up, prompting Colin to take off his coat, getting ready to lie down.
Knock knock knock.
At that moment, however, there was a sudden knock on the bedroom door.
He got up to open it, asking puzzledly,
"What is it, Renee."
"Master, there's a Guard from the Patrol Department looking for you," Renee replied.
"For what?"
"Don't know, master, he said he must speak to you in person," Renee shook her head.
Colin frowned slightly, put on his coat, and followed Renee downstairs.
In the hall, the Steel-armored Guard was already waiting quietly.
"Lord Colin."
Seeing him come downstairs, the Guard hurriedly approached and greeted him solemnly.
"Ah," Colin nodded, then asked, "What happened?"
"My lord..." The Guard looked up, glanced at Renee standing by, and hesitated.
"Master, I'll go prepare dinner," Renee tactfully left.
"Ah," Colin nodded slightly, waiting for Renee to move away before turning to the Guard and speaking sternly,
"Speak."
The Guard bowed, then straightened up and said swiftly and clearly,
"Lord, Lord Flower has ordered an urgent task!" He handed an envelope to Colin.
Colin took it, flipping it over in his hands for examination.
The envelope was a common leather paper one, brown overall with a seal stamped with a moon pattern in wax.
The seal was intact, unbroken... and a faint magical pulsation emanated from it.