Upon hearing his father's question, Merlin remained composed and replied, "It would be a lie to say I don't have feelings for Charlotte, Father. However, I think we should postpone it for now. My engagement ceremony with Luna was held only four months ago. If I suddenly become engaged to Charlotte as well, it would draw criticism from both the nobility and the public."

His engagement party with Luna four months ago had already made him the target of resentment among young nobles throughout the kingdom—let alone if he suddenly became engaged to Charlotte as well.

Perhaps one day, while walking casually through another city, an arrow would suddenly pierce his head.

After all, the two of them had become the belles of the young nobles, especially after gaining their powers two years ago.

Their reputations had skyrocketed in a short period of time.

"I understand." Ardhis nodded calmly. "It's fine. His Majesty did urge me to arrange your engagement to the princess, but he cannot force me. After all, you are by my side—the child of the prophecy."

Feeling his gaze, Merlin grew embarrassed. His status as the child of the prophecy had been made public six months ago.

Both nobles and commoners knew of it, which sometimes made things quite difficult for him.

The people's enthusiasm was often excessive, making it hard for him to even leave the city.

Fortunately, the people of Droswen were relatively calm and did not get overly excited.

Otherwise, the front gate of the Clay family mansion would surely be crowded with people every day just to catch a glimpse of him.

"Oh, there's something I want to ask you, Merlin." Ardhis's expression suddenly darkened. "About your sister… Is there any news?"

His daughter had not returned for the past two years. As a father, he was naturally worried.

Moreover, his wife's health had deteriorated due to her anxiety over Catrine's condition.

"Regarding Catrine, she should still be fine. Trust me—the illusion master won't kill or harm her. I'm sure that, sooner or later, that girl will return."

He didn't know how strong Catrine was now. However, based on his estimation, her strength was not far from the Fifth Spirit Core, or perhaps even the Fourth.

In any case, the girl was far more talented than him.

Ardhis simply nodded without saying anything. Although he had heard the same answer from Merlin many times before, he still believed him.

…

A few days later…

"Maya, come here," Merlin called.

Maya, who was cleaning the living room, was startled. With a curious expression, she approached him.

"Do you need something, Young Master?"

Merlin reached into his pocket and took out a small black bottle containing a potion.

"Do you remember my promise from a few days ago? This is a cure for the symptoms caused by your bloodline. Take it."

Maya was taken aback. She stared at the potion in a daze before quickly accepting it.

"Thank you, Young Master," she said, her eyes welling with tears.

She didn't mind the symptoms of her bloodline.

As long as Merlin stayed by her side and was willing to suppress them, that was more than enough for her.

She never expected Merlin to truly keep his promise, and the realization made her so happy that she couldn't hold back her tears.

"You're welcome. I'll be glad if you recover soon," Merlin replied with a gentle smile.

Well, the price was indeed high—100,000 system points. His total, which had been 240,000, was now reduced to 140,000.

However, he didn't mind. Maya was his, and the stronger she became, the more beneficial it would be for him.

"Now, get back to work. I want to welcome Luna first."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door.

Maya watched his back, then lowered her gaze to the potion in her hand.

With a determined expression, she whispered, 'Don't worry, Young Master. I will become strong and useful to you.'

Meanwhile, Merlin descended the stairs of the entrance hall and waited calmly.

By his calculations, Luna should arrive today. Not long after, he spotted a horse-drawn carriage in the distance.

A faint smile formed on his face as he muttered, "She's finally here. I wonder how strong that heroine is now…"

Suddenly, a system notification echoed in his mind.

"[Ding! Side mission triggered! Head to Saint Freya Academy with Luna Tharot! Reward: 60,000 system points and 4x Pandora's Boxes!]"

Merlin was slightly surprised by the system's sudden mission.

He read it for a moment before smiling.

"This mission is really easy. Thank you for your kindness, System!" Merlin said as he gave a thumbs-up with his right hand.

Coincidentally, in two days he would be leaving for Saint Freya Academy. Luna, having received the same privilege, was also scheduled to depart on the same day.

So even without the system's mission, he and Luna would still be leaving together.

In other words, the mission was nothing more than free points.

"[Hehehe! You're welcome, Master. Seeing you happy makes me happy too,]" the system replied proudly.

Merlin simply smiled and shook his head.

Soon after, the horse-drawn carriage carrying Luna came to a stop right in front of him.

The door opened, and Luna stepped out gracefully.

Merlin stared at her, unable to hide his momentary daze.

It had been four months since they last met, and Luna looked even more beautiful than before.

Her pink hair was tied up in a braided bun.

She was noticeably taller than she had been two years ago, and her exquisitely beautiful face radiated a captivating charm.

She wore a white dress adorned with elegant blue patterns, her waist so slender it looked as though it could be encircled with one hand.

When Luna saw Merlin waiting to greet her, the coldness on her face instantly melted into joy.

"Merlin!" she called as she ran toward him.

Merlin smiled and opened his arms.

They embraced, as if releasing long-suppressed longing.

Luna wriggled affectionately, inhaled Merlin's familiar, comforting scent, then asked softly, "How are you, Merlin? Did you miss me?"

Merlin stroked her head and replied, "Of course I missed you. Every night, I dreamed of you and hoped to see you again."

He deliberately put on a sad, depressed expression, making Luna giggle.

"You still like to lie and deceive me, humph!"

She snorted and pinched his waist.

"Ouch!" Merlin pretended to cry out in pain.

They looked at each other and laughed together.

After she was satisfied, Luna loosened her embrace, then immediately wrapped herself around his right arm.

"Well then, let's go inside!"

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