A day passed in the blink of an eye. Merlin spent it lying leisurely on the bed.

It wasn't that he didn't want to move around, but Crystal and Luna had forbidden him from going out. They worried that his body might still be harboring an unknown illness.

That day, the palace doctor tended to him, with Luna assisting as well. The girl had changed remarkably since they first met—she now smiled and laughed far more often than before.

Merlin was grateful; her transformation had a profoundly positive effect.

He was certain Frederin and Iris would be overjoyed to see their daughter smiling so freely.

In the afternoon, Merlin and Luna gathered in Crystal's workspace. The time had finally come for them to return.

Crystal regarded them both with gentle eyes, then bowed slightly.

"Merlin, Luna, thank you for everything," she said softly. "Without your help, the Kingdom of Avernia would have fallen long ago. I don't know how to repay your kindness."

The Holy Kingdom of Aldoria, mighty and powerful, had been defeated in the final battle—a miracle beyond anything Crystal had imagined.

"You're welcome, Your Majesty," Merlin replied with a smile. "We helped sincerely, so you shouldn't feel burdened."

Well… his words weren't entirely true. He had come to this era with Luna for one reason: to stop Abel from seizing the starting line.

He didn't want that person to gain the advantages and luck laid out in the novel.

"What Merlin said is completely true, Ancestor. We helped sincerely. And it's only natural for me to support my family," Luna added firmly.

Crystal lifted her head, her gaze filled with gratitude.

"By the way, Merlin," she said, "you saved us, but I haven't given you a reward yet. Tell me—what would you like as a reward?"

Merlin opened his mouth to refuse, but Luna gently pinched his waist and gave him a small nod.

Understanding her signal, Merlin swallowed his refusal and said, "Your Majesty, I'm not sure if my request is too much, but… I would like to have the Royal Scepter of the Thraot family. Would that be possible?"

An awkward smile tugged at his lips. He knew the request was somewhat unreasonable.

After all, the royal scepter was a treasure of the kingdom itself. The Thraot family's scepter was supposed to remain in the hands of those in power. Losing it could cause serious problems later.

Luna was surprised and glanced at her ancestor, silently seeking her reaction.

"The Royal Scepter?" Crystal repeated, startled.

"Yes," Merlin nodded. "But if it's impossible, I understand. Anyway—"

Before he could finish, Crystal interrupted him. "Of course it's possible, Merlin. I'll give it to you."

"Eh?" Merlin blinked in surprise. "Are you sure, Your Majesty?"

He had expected Crystal to refuse, given how sacred the object was.

"Pfft!" Crystal chuckled softly. "Why the shock? I already said I would give it to you—I'm not joking."

"But—" Merlin started to protest, but Crystal gently cut him off.

"I understand what you mean, and I thank you," she said, letting out a small, thoughtful sigh. "The Royal Scepter is important, yes, but it pales in comparison to your kindness, Merlin. So, I will give it to you."

She opened her palm, and instantly, a long golden scepter appeared.

The scepter was exquisite, with ancient carvings along its shaft.

Golden rings adorned the top, set with four crystals—red, purple, blue, and silver.

"Take it," she said, handing it to him.

Merlin held it carefully, staring at it in awe.

'So… this is the royal scepter. It's… really beautiful,' he murmured.

The scepter might not have had any magical power, but it symbolized the Thraot family and the great Kingdom of Avernia.

Luna, standing beside him, looked at it curiously.

It was her first time seeing a royal scepter up close.

She had to admit—it was extraordinary, both elegant and impressive. She still couldn't believe Crystal had given it to Merlin.

Buzz!

Suddenly, a faint white light began to glow around both Merlin and Luna.

"It seems your time is up," Crystal said quietly, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Merlin nodded slowly. "You're right, Your Majesty. It was an honor to meet you. I hope the Thraot family and the Kingdom of Avernia in this timeline remain victorious for centuries to come."

"Thank you for your prayers, Merlin. Don't worry—I will protect the Thraot family with all my strength. You can leave it to me." Crystal patted her chest as if to reassure him.

"I believe in you," Merlin replied with a nod.

Crystal then turned her gaze to Luna.

Melancholy and longing shone in both their eyes. As blood relatives, this parting was clearly very painful.

"Thank you, Luna. Please take care of the Thraot family in your world, alright?" Crystal stepped forward and gently stroked Luna's head.

Tears welled in Luna's eyes, but she nodded firmly.

"Leave it to me, Ancestor! And you too—please take care of the Thraot family in this era, okay?"

"Alright," Crystal replied.

The two hooked their pinkies together and laughed softly.

Merlin watched them with a warm smile.

The light surrounding Merlin and Luna grew brighter. They waved and spoke in unison, "Goodbye."

Whoosh!

In an instant, they turned into particles of light and vanished.

Crystal let out a deep sigh and whispered, "Goodbye, you two…"

Clack!

The door to her study suddenly opened, and her eldest son, Altarus, stepped in, a confused expression on his face.

"Sorry to disturb you, Mother."

Crystal started, then composed herself and turned to him with a gentle smile.

"What is it, my dear?"

Altarus stepped closer and asked, "Mother, I saw the throne room and other parts of the palace being decorated by so many people. Is there a festival coming up?"

The question caught Crystal off guard. She blinked before replying, "What do you mean, my dear? There's no festival… but there will be a ceremony to bestow honorary titles on Merlin and Luna."

Despite their departure, she still meant to fulfill her promise.

Suddenly…

"Merlin and… Luna? Who are they, Mother?"

Crystal froze, her eyes widening as she stared at her son in disbelief.

"Son… you're joking, right? This isn't funny! How could you not know them?" Her voice turned sharp, a chill creeping into her tone.

Altarus frowned, even more confused. "Mother, I'm serious. Who are Merlin and Luna? Are they… our relatives?"

Crystal wanted to scold him, but she forced herself to stay calm.

"Merlin and Luna… They are our saviors, dear! They…"

Her words faltered. Her heart raced as the memories of the two began slipping away, fading like chalk marks wiped from a blackboard.

"They… They both…" Crystal muttered, clutching her head. "Who… who are they?"

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