Nighttime...

In his room, Merlin lay staring at the ceiling.

"System, what do you think... Can I save the Kingdom of Avernia?"

"[Of course you can, Master,]" the system replied casually. "[Even Abel in the story was able to do it. Why can't you?]"

That answer gave Merlin some relief. However, it wasn't the war that troubled him—it was one man, the key figure behind the Kingdom of Avernia's downfall in history: the Third King, Gabriel Solayne.

That man was terrifyingly powerful. If his guess was right, Gabriel had already reached the Second Spirit Core level—or perhaps even the First.

No wonder the Kingdom of Avernia eventually fell and was completely subdued.

Aside from the military defeat, Gabriel himself was the one who orchestrated and played a major role in that downfall.

"In the upcoming war, Gabriel will definitely intervene. Do you have a solution for that, system?"

"[Solution?]" The system sounded surprised before clearing its throat. "[Ahem! About that... you'll have to figure it out yourself, Master. I can't help you with this one.]"

Merlin was silent for a moment, then chuckled softly. He didn't blame the system.

After all, defeating Gabriel was impossible—at least with his current strength.

While Merlin was still talking to the system, a knock suddenly came from the door.

Knock!

"Merlin, it's me, Luna. Are you still awake? If so, can I come in?"

Merlin was taken aback. He immediately sat up and replied, "Sure, Luna. Come in, the door isn't locked."

The door slowly opened, revealing Luna's graceful yet adorable figure emerging from behind it.

She wore a silver nightgown that gently accentuated her developing figure.

Of course, Merlin didn't have any improper thoughts. He was just a normal guy who preferred mature women like Linda.

To him, Luna was nothing more than a flower that hadn't fully bloomed yet.

Unfortunately, Luna didn't see it that way. Feeling his gaze on her, her cheeks instantly flushed with embarrassment.

In the past, she would never have dared to wear anything even slightly revealing in front of others.

But for some reason, tonight she wanted to—especially in front of her fiancé.

"So, what brings you here?" Merlin asked bluntly.

Luna snapped out of her embarrassment, stepped inside, closed the door, and walked closer.

"I just talked with the queen about a few things," she said softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "She's really curious about the future, and I told her a bit about it. I'm just wondering... was that okay?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "That's it? You came here just for that?"

Luna puffed her cheeks. "You're underestimating it, humph! I'm just worried that what I said might change history!"

"Pfft!" Merlin chuckled. "What are you talking about? Haven't I told you this world is just an illusion? History has already happened, and the real world we live in is the result of it. This world is just a flashback. Even if we change it, it won't affect the real one."

He began to suspect that Luna was either pretending or hiding her true worries about something.

Luna fell silent, her expression complicated.

Seeing this, Merlin sighed softly and said, "Just tell me what's bothering you. We're engaged, right? Shouldn't we share our worries with each other?"

The moment those words left his mouth, Merlin froze. He wanted to slap himself.

He was the one who had told Luna that their engagement was just a formality—nothing serious.

Yet what he had just said completely contradicted that.

"[Pfft! Well, I knew you'd be embarrassed, Master. Tsk! Who told you to make a vow like that?]" The system's mocking voice echoed in his head.

The corner of Merlin's lips twitched. 'Shut up, damn system.'

Meanwhile, Luna seemed momentarily dazed. His words had clearly stirred something inside her.

A faint smile appeared on her face as she looked at him softly and whispered, "Yes... we are engaged."

"[Ding! The affection of the hero Luna Tharot has increased by 3 points! Current affection: 88 points (25)]"

Merlin: "..."

He wanted to check if the system had made a mistake—but he knew it was pointless.

"All right..." Merlin sighed deeply. "Tell me—what's your reason for coming here?"

Luna's expression turned serious. "I just spoke with my ancestor about the King of Aldoria, Gabriel Solayne. It's said that he reached the First Spirit Core level two days ago. The upcoming battle will be difficult—even with our knowledge of the future."

Upon hearing that, Merlin froze.

"The First Spirit Core, you say?" His heart began to pound.

"Yes." Luna nodded slowly. "Do you think... We can win against him?"

This time, Merlin fell completely silent. A First Spirit Core from the bloodline of King Arthur Solayne was no ordinary opponent.

Even Linda, his master, might struggle if she faced Gabriel head-on.

"This is a serious matter that must be discussed with Her Majesty," Merlin said in a calm, steady tone. "For now, I don't have a solution. But don't worry—just trust me."

Luna didn't doubt his words. Since the first day they had arrived in this era, Merlin had always shown her things that amazed her.

She had learned much from him, and because of that, she had grown—not only in knowledge but also in heart.

***

Four days passed quickly. During that time, Merlin and Luna gradually grew accustomed to life in the royal palace.

At first, the soldiers and ministers were puzzled by Crystal's decision to release the two of them—and even more so by her allowing them to live in the palace as members of the royal family.

After all, the two had previously been suspected as spies, and many people still remembered that.

To dispel their doubts, Crystal immediately clarified that Luna was not a spy but the niece of a distant relative.

Meanwhile, Merlin was her fiancé, whom she also regarded as a nephew.

To prove it, Crystal demonstrated the bloodline synchronization with Luna in front of everyone.

The result shocked everyone, especially the two princes—Altarus Tharot and Dariel Tharot.

They had never imagined having a cousin who wasn't recorded anywhere in their family line.

Still, Crystal's actions were highly effective.

Those who had initially doubted or questioned her decision gradually began to accept Merlin and Luna's presence.

Meanwhile, the war between the armies of Aldoria and Avernia had officially begun.

The battles were brutal, and each day new reports of casualties arrived in the throne room.

Strategy meetings were held daily to discuss every possible outcome the war might bring.

Merlin and Luna always attended, though they never took part in the discussions.

To the ministers and high-ranking officials present, they were merely children.

However, at night, Merlin and Luna would visit Crystal's study to offer valuable insights and advice.

Crystal felt deeply supported and grew more confident that they could win the war.

Unfortunately, that sense of hope didn't last long.

Gabriel Solayne, the king himself, finally stepped onto the battlefield—and his arrival completely changed the course of the war.

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