[ At that, Merlin's lips upturn into a small smile.

He's not surprised that Lobelia has managed to catch on. Their fields of magic are dissimilar, but all across the board, people who 'create' fields of magic are quick thinkers. ]

Yep, I definitely know that for certain. [ Confirming that indeed he does know about the fine line. Good presumption for the other to make. ] You'd also be right that I could have the means to retaliate. But people need to be alive, and there are other things that are kinda a pain....

[ Dramatic sigh! But he shakes it off, looking a bit proud as he continues speaking. ]

Though, as you might guess, resurrection of those who have died isn't quite easy to do, and not exactly my realm of expertise, even if pulling souls to the garden is something I've done before. A 'companion' of mine managed to save one person who had 'died' and it took a lot out of him. Not to mention, it's ideal if the bodies are nearby.

Luckily, just as your souls are present here, I've more or less ensured I've been stealing back the bodies they've been collecting.

[ So the implication is that he's hoping to achieve the impossible. As it is, there's really no guarantee to that, though. ]