"Merlin, if my father asks about the prophecy, can you pretend you don't know? Like I said earlier, I'm not actually allowed to tell you the truth."

Charlotte lowered her head and rubbed her palms together gently.

Although she knew her father loved her, breaking the rules would surely get her punished. It might not be severe, but she still didn't want to face any consequences.

That was because Merlin was here. If she got locked in her room for a week, wouldn't she lose the chance to be with him later?

"I understand. Don't worry about it," Merlin said, showing that he didn't mind at all.

It wasn't a big deal. Moreover, he was grateful to Charlotte for telling him something so important early on.

Thanks to that, he wouldn't be too surprised or nervous when he heard it from the king later.

"Phew." Charlotte let out a small sigh as she rubbed her small chest. "Thank you, Merlin. I owe you one."

"You're welcome. No need to owe me anything. Later, if you have time, just take me around the capital. Incidentally, I'm really curious to explore it."

The capital was twice the size of Droswen—maybe even bigger. The city was neatly organized, and he really wanted to explore every alley.

Maybe he would meet side characters or even find treasure. It sounded far-fetched, but it wasn't impossible.

After all, the main character, Abel, had lived in the capital for quite a long time—more than a year. And during that period, he had a lot of luck.

"Explore the capital?" Charlotte's eyes sparkled. "That's a great idea! Let's explore it later!"

She herself had never gone to the capital alone because her father forbade it.

But later, with Merlin around, she didn't think her father would continue to forbid it.

Merlin just smiled and gave a slight nod.

"[Ding! The affection of heroine Charlotte Solayne increased by 3 points. Current affection: 78 points.]"

Seeing the system panel, Merlin was a little surprised and glanced at Charlotte with a meaningful look.

The two continued walking until they finally arrived in front of the throne room gate.

Once they had permission, Charlotte led Merlin inside.

Merlin observed his surroundings with admiration.

'It's huge,' he muttered.

The throne room was spacious, with six pillars on the right side and six on the left.

Four large windows were set into the left wall, allowing sunlight to enter the room.

Each pillar looked large and magnificent. Ancient carvings adorned the ceiling, creating a classic impression that amazed anyone who entered.

His gaze then locked onto the figure sitting on the throne.

He was a man in his forties, but he still looked young, like someone in his early thirties.

He had short golden hair, with a thin beard and mustache on his face.

'Vargan Solayne,' Merlin muttered as he took a deep breath.

He was one of the most powerful figures in the world.

And if he was not mistaken, that man had also awakened a guardian spirit called "Golden Winged Angel," which was at five stars.

'System, scan his status,' he muttered.

[Status]

Name: Vargan Solayne

Age: 45 years old

Identity: Holy King of the Holy Kingdom of Aldoria

Talent: S

Guardian Spirit: Golden Winged Angel (★★★★★)

Rank: First Spirit Core

Bloodline: Blood of the Dragon of Light [70%] (Gold)

Favorability: 50

As Merlin read the status, his heart beat faster.

Although he knew the man in front of him was extremely powerful, the status still amazed him.

It was not lower than his master Linda's—no, it was even more impressive.

"System, what does 'seventy percent bloodline' mean?"

"[Vargan Solayne has the blood of the light dragon, Master. It is related to the founder of the kingdom, Arthus Solayne. Seventy percent represents the level of purity,]" the system explained briefly.

"So that's how it is..." Merlin gave a brief nod. Without realizing it, he glanced at Charlotte, wondering if she also possessed a bloodline like her father.

As far as he remembered, Charlotte did not. It was not recorded in her databook.

But who could guarantee that the information in the databook was completely accurate?

After all, once he entered the world of books, everything began to move in an unknown direction.

After stopping a few meters from the stairs leading to the throne, Charlotte bowed respectfully.

"I have brought Merlin Clay, son of the Clay family, to see you, Father," she said softly.

"Good. Thank you for your efforts, Charlotte."

Vargan's gaze then shifted to Merlin, observing him from head to toe.

"So, you are Merlin Clay, huh? You're indeed quite handsome, kid. Ardhis wasn't lying to me," he said with a slight smile.

Merlin quickly placed his left hand on his chest and bowed his head.

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty," he replied respectfully.

Being praised by someone as powerful as Vargan was extraordinary. Even Merlin felt happy about it.

"By the way, do you know why I called you here?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. It's to help you gain insight into the city's layout, right?" Merlin blinked innocently.

Of course, that was the reason he had believed at first. But after hearing the truth from Charlotte earlier, he could only mock Vargan in his heart.

The man really had an excellent excuse to summon him to the palace without raising his parents' suspicion.

"You're not wrong," Vargan said casually, leaning back in his throne. "But there's actually something else. I hope you'll listen."

Merlin's expression turned curious and confused, as if he didn't understand why Vargan was saying this.

Charlotte, standing beside him, quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Merlin's performance was so convincing that she almost doubted herself, silently thinking, "Did I really tell him the truth?"

"Please tell me, Your Majesty," Merlin said, clasping his hands and meeting Vargan's gaze.

"Merlin Clay, I've summoned you for something far more serious. You may not know this, but the royal palace holds a prophecy—a prophecy that will decide the fate of the world."

The atmosphere immediately tightened, and Merlin swallowed hard, as if he were suddenly overcome with tension.

"The prophecy states that this world will be struck by a storm of destruction. Every living creature—strong and weak alike—will perish. And all of this is caused by the evil god Vorgath, who was sealed away long ago by a mysterious man," Vargan continued, his tone grave. "By now, you should understand just how terrifying the future could be, right?"

Merlin nodded stiffly. "I understand, Your Majesty."

"Good." Vargan smiled faintly. "To prevent this destruction, I ordered the palace mages to search for a solution with all their might. But even after a year since the prophecy appeared, no answer was found. I lived in constant anxiety—day and night—until, a few months ago, the prophecy finally began to unfold."

He looked at Merlin with a mixture of seriousness and admiration. "This world can be saved by someone, and that someone is you, Merlin Clay."

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