In a prison cell, Merlin and Luna were locked inside. Merlin's expression remained calm as always, but Luna's was the complete opposite.

The girl looked panicked and terrified, as if her whole world had collapsed.

"Merlin, we're done for," she said in a trembling voice. "We're definitely going to die soon. If I've done anything wrong, I want to apologize to you."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to him and lowered her head sadly.

Merlin: "..."

The corner of his mouth twitched, and he pinched Luna's right cheek a bit too hard.

"What are you talking about? Die? Who said we're going to die?" He chuckled softly.

Luna gasped in surprise. Her beautiful round eyes sparkled with hope.

"Do you have a way to escape?"

Merlin was incredibly intelligent, with countless ideas running through his head. She was sure he had a plan to get them out of there.

However, Merlin shook his head. "No, I don't have a way to escape."

Luna's excitement vanished instantly, replaced by sadness and despair.

"But I'm sure we'll be fine," Merlin continued casually as he released her cheek. Sitting on the slightly dirty floor, he stared ahead indifferently. "Do you still remember why we came to Dralmor?"

Luna sat beside him, thinking for a moment before replying, "To enter the royal palace, right?"

"Yes, to enter the royal palace." Merlin nodded with a satisfied smile. "And now, if you think about it... where are we?"

Luna looked around in confusion. "The... royal palace?"

"Pfft! See? We achieved our goal, didn't we?" Merlin said teasingly.

Luna was left speechless. She didn't expect Merlin to twist logic just to justify them being thrown into a prison cell.

"I'm just kidding." Merlin chuckled softly. "Honestly, I didn't expect us to get caught either. It seems that from the moment we arrived in this city, they already knew about us. If I'm not mistaken, it must've been that soldier who questioned us in front of the inn earlier."

Luna frowned. "Why are you so sure?"

"It's simple." Merlin lay down casually, resting his head on his hands. "That man had sharp eyes. He noticed something about us when most people wouldn't."

"So, I'm a hundred percent sure he's the culprit."

But actually, Merlin had another suspicion—about the man whose money he had stolen and knocked unconscious.

By his calculations, that man should've woken up by the time he and Luna left.

Most likely, the man had reported Merlin's robbery to the guards.

Considering his hypnotic power was still weak, it was natural that there'd be a flaw when he tried to erase the man's memory.

"And actually, getting ourselves thrown into prison is the fastest way to meet the royal family of Avernia," Merlin went on. "Think about it. If you and I went to the palace and asked the guards to take us to the royal family, do you think they'd agree?"

Luna thought for a moment before shaking her head slightly. "Of course not."

"Yes, you're right. They might even think we're idiots or something. I could sneak you into the palace, but there are many powerful people here. One wrong move, and we're both finished. So…"

Merlin smiled faintly. "Going to prison is actually a good choice. We'll be tried by the queen in a few hours, and at that moment, you can reveal your identity to her. Do you understand?"

"I understand!" Luna nodded eagerly.

She didn't expect Merlin to turn such a dire situation into an advantage.

Honestly, she wouldn't have even thought of that—but the boy in front of her did.

"[Ding! The affection of the heroine Luna Tharot has increased by 5 points! Current affection: 82 points (30)]"

Merlin glanced at the panel and smiled silently. The two of them then continued talking to pass the time.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the front, and a soldier appeared with a cold expression.

"Come out. Her Majesty wishes to see you," he said flatly.

He opened the cell door and stepped aside.

Merlin and Luna exchanged a brief look before walking out.

Escorted by the soldier, they climbed out of the underground prison and walked along the palace corridor until they finally stopped in front of a medium-sized door.

"Her Majesty has been waiting for you inside," the soldier said.

Merlin and Luna were confused. They had expected to be tried in the throne room.

But that wasn't the case. The door before them clearly led to an ordinary room—most likely a study.

"Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and go in!"

The soldier's loud voice echoed from behind. Merlin shot him a cold glare.

If it weren't for their situation, he would've taught that damn soldier a lesson.

Holding Luna's left hand, Merlin opened the door and stepped inside.

They were greeted by a simple yet elegant workspace.

A golden-white cabinet stood on the right side, while three neatly arranged sofas with a long table in the middle filled the center of the room.

However, what truly caught their attention wasn't the room itself—but the extraordinarily beautiful woman sitting behind the desk.

Her long silver-gray hair was tied up in an elegant bun.

Dressed in a glossy black gown, her graceful figure was clearly outlined beneath the fabric.

Her eyes shone blue like the midday sky.

When she noticed them, a gentle smile bloomed on her face.

"Welcome," she greeted warmly. "Don't just stand there. Please, have a seat."

Merlin and Luna exchanged confused glances. It was far too strange for two supposed enemy spies to be greeted so kindly by the supreme leader of this kingdom.

Merlin stepped forward and stopped right in front of her.

Neither he nor Luna sat down, still cautious—unsure of what plans this woman might have for them.

Seeing that neither of them sat, the woman sighed and said, "Go on, sit down. I have a lot to ask you. Don't worry, I'm not going to attack you or do anything bad. Otherwise, I could've easily sentenced you to death already."

Her words sounded reasonable, and Merlin finally decided to take a seat in the chair across from her.

Luna followed, sitting in the chair beside him.

The woman looked at them one by one before speaking. "My name is Crystal Tharot, Queen of the Kingdom of Avernia. I'm sure you already know who I am, right?"

A faint smile curved her lips.

Merlin studied the woman before him carefully and muttered, 'Crystal Tharot—the woman who met a tragic end in history, huh?'

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