'What? Seventy points of affection? System, you're not mistaken, are you?' Merlin exclaimed inwardly in horror.

Seventy points of affection wasn't particularly high, but he and Charlotte had only just met. So this should have been impossible.

"[Mistaken? How could I be mistaken, Master.]" The system rolled its eyes. "[What I showed you is a fact. The heroine Charlotte's affection is indeed seventy points.]"

Merlin fell silent, not knowing how to react.

Then the system continued, "[There must be a reason behind it. If you want to know, why don't you just ask her.]"

Upon hearing that suggestion, Merlin sneered. 'Ask her why her affection is seventy? Isn't that the same as doing something stupid?'

Affection points were an indicator of someone's feelings toward him.

Naturally, those people wouldn't be aware of it. Only he could see it.

Ignoring the system, Merlin calmed himself and looked at the expanse of flowers before asking, "By the way, Charlotte. You said earlier that you like to relax in this garden. Don't you have any other activities?"

"Of course I do. I only relax here when I have free time." Charlotte giggled. "Oh, right, I almost forgot. How was your journey? Why were you a day late?"

According to the schedule, Merlin should have arrived yesterday. She had been eagerly waiting for him, but he was a day late.

"About that..." Merlin smiled shyly and began explaining his reason.

Charlotte listened carefully and finally understood.

"So that's how it was. Well, I can understand. Traveling for seven days without a break must have been boring—even I would feel that way." She let out a small sigh.

Then, with an adorable smile, she continued, "But it's okay. The most important thing is that you arrived safely at the palace."

Seeing her innocent smile, Merlin's heart beat faster.

It had to be admitted, Charlotte was beautiful and pure—like spotless white cloth.

Imagining Charlotte falling into Abel's hands in the novel made Merlin feel a slight tightness in his chest.

But fortunately, that wouldn't happen. Now that he was here, he would make sure Charlotte was his.

"Charlotte, I want to ask something. Has the royal palace established cooperation with a boy named Abel?"

"Abel? Who is that?" Charlotte tilted her head and blinked her innocent eyes.

Merlin fell silent and narrowed his eyes.

'So James was right, huh? The palace still hasn't contacted Abel. This really doesn't make sense,' he muttered softly.

Abel was the child in the prophecy who would save the world. The royal family's failure to find him could have massive consequences—not just for the kingdom, but for the entire world.

Calming himself, his expression turned serious. "Charlotte, there's something I need to tell you. It's about the future of this world."

Because Charlotte's affection points were at seventy, he didn't hesitate to speak.

He was confident she wouldn't tell the king. Even if she did, it wouldn't affect him.

"Please tell me, Merlin," Charlotte said, her expression serious as well.

Merlin immediately shared information about Abel with him, though he revealed only a few basic details rather than everything.

After ten minutes, he stopped and looked at Charlotte with hopeful eyes.

"Do you understand?"

Charlotte nodded slowly. "I understand. So, in short, Abel is the child in the prophecy, right?"

Merlin wiggled his legs and replied, "Yes, that's the short version. Has the royal family officially made the prophecy?"

Based on the novel's timeline, it should have happened a year ago. Yet, Merlin hadn't heard any news about it until now.

There were two possibilities—the royal family had completed it but kept it secret, or they hadn't done it at all.

"The royal family has done it, Merlin," Charlotte admitted honestly. "But…"

She lifted her head and looked deeply into Merlin's eyes.

"The results of the prophecy are out. And do you know who it names?"

Under her intense gaze, Merlin felt uneasy. When he heard her question, a cold dread crept over him, like insects crawling along his back.

His breath grew shallow, and his heart pounded wildly.

"Is it…?" Before he could finish, Charlotte gave a small smile and a subtle nod.

"Yes, it's you, Merlin Clay. You are the child in that prophecy."

"Impossible!" Merlin exclaimed in horror, standing and stepping back. "Me? This makes no sense at all!"

Fear twisted his expression as he shook his head, refusing to accept the truth.

The child in the prophecy was supposed to be Abel, not him.

Although he harbored intense hatred for Abel, knowing he would destroy him in the future, Merlin couldn't deny that Abel's existence was essential for the world's safety.

But now Charlotte was saying that he, not Abel, was the figure in the prophecy. Everything felt so absurd that his head ached.

Charlotte was about to speak again, but Merlin suddenly raised his right hand.

"Charlotte—no, Princess, could you leave me alone for a moment? I need to calm myself first."

Charlotte had no objection. In fact, the situation was indeed complicated.

Her father had warned her not to tell Merlin Clay the news personally.

Yet she had disobeyed him, and now Merlin was reacting like this.

Without another word, Charlotte stood and walked away.

She paused briefly and said, "When you're ready, come out front. I'll be waiting for you there."

Then her figure gradually receded into the distance.

Merlin sank back into his seat, took a deep breath, and growled, "System, explain to me—why am I the child in the prophecy?"

There was no response, as if the system had died.

"System, I know you're there. Don't pretend otherwise, or I won't communicate with you again," he threatened.

"[Ahem! I'm here, Master,]" the system replied weakly.

Merlin sighed deeply, leaned back, and said coldly, "Now, explain it to me. I want to hear everything."

"[Master, why are you being so foolish? Don't you realize the changes you made have completely destroyed the storyline?]" The system sounded exasperated. "[From the moment you chose to alter your destiny, you've taken a different path. You should know the future is always complicated and unpredictable—just like now.]"

"[Because of your interference and my assistance with your wishes, everything ended up like this. So if anyone's to blame, it's you.]"

Merlin gasped, unable to find words. The system's mention of destiny and the future instantly reminded him that these were the two most mysterious things of all.

According to the original storyline, Merlin Clay should still be alive, trapped under the Blood Viroth curse, and embroiled in conflict with Catrine and his family.

Becoming Linda's student—and awakening the guardian spirit Lyserra?

No, both of those were impossible. Even in the novel, Linda should never have been the one to help him or Catrine awaken their guardian spirits.

"[And do you remember when the will of this world turned its gaze toward you? Actually, I suspected this might happen. Master, you've unknowingly taken Abel's place,]" the system continued casually.

Merlin fell silent once more, lowering his head. After five minutes of calming himself, he regained his composure and asked, "Do you think I can refuse it, System?"

"[Refuse it? Of course you can. But remember, every action carries serious consequences.]"

"Consequences, huh?" Merlin repeated, a helpless smile tugging at his lips.

The consequences were clear—this world would be destroyed, and everyone he loved would die.

Did he want that to happen? Of course not.

There was no way he would let his father, mother, Catrine, Margaret, Linda, Luna, or anyone else die just like that.

Even if it meant sacrificing himself, he would do it without hesitation.

"Alright, System." Merlin closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. "I'll accept it."

"[Good! That's the master I know!]" The system praised him enthusiastically.

Merlin merely smiled, saying nothing.

"Then let's go meet Charlotte," he said as he slowly stood.

He walked toward Charlotte, who was already waiting for him.

"Are you feeling calm now?" Charlotte asked, her tone tinged with guilt.

Merlin nodded slightly. "Yes. Thank you for giving me space to clear my mind, Charlotte."

He bowed his head toward her, and Charlotte was startled, quickly straightening him.

"Don't bow like that, Merlin. On the contrary, I'm the one who should be thanking you."

"Eh?" Merlin gasped. "You should be the one thanking me? What do you mean?"

Charlotte scratched her right cheek. "I shouldn't have told you the truth about being the child in the prophecy. But I did. And you didn't blame me for it. So… I'm grateful, and I also feel guilty."

She sighed softly, a troubled expression crossing her face. After all, what she'd done just now was the same as breaking her father's rules.

She could only hope Merlin wouldn't mention it in the throne room later—or she would surely be scolded.

"Oh, I understand." Merlin smiled casually. "It's okay. It's not your fault."

Charlotte's sadness melted away, replaced by happiness.

"Thank you, Merlin," she whispered softly.

"[Ding! The affection of heroine Charlotte Solayne has increased by 5 points. Current affection: 75 points.]"

"All right, let's go. Father is waiting for you."

Without waiting for Merlin's response, Charlotte took his right hand and led him toward the throne room.

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