"Let's set some clear rules for this engagement."

Upon hearing that, Luna was visibly surprised. She looked at Merlin in confusion and asked hesitantly, "What do you mean?"

Merlin folded his hands behind his back and replied calmly, "You said you didn't agree to this engagement, right? I feel the same way. But you should know, this engagement involves both our families. It's impossible for either of us to break it off unilaterally."

"Besides, we're just children in their eyes. Isn't that right, Luna Tharot?"

Merlin's gaze was cold and indifferent, devoid of any emotion.

Feeling his gaze, Luna shivered and unconsciously took a step back. However, she quickly composed herself, thought over his words, and nodded slowly.

"You're… right," she said softly. "So, you want us to pretend to be in a relationship in front of them?"

"Bingo." Merlin smiled with satisfaction. "You're smarter than I thought. Yeah, we'll pretend to agree and act as close as they expect. Then, four years from now, we'll cancel the engagement. As for how… leave that to me."

Next year, he would enter the academy as a student.

According to his memories, the Academy Arc would begin then. But now, he could no longer rely on them completely.

The plot had already changed—even the main character had yet to appear in the royal family.

It wasn't impossible that Abel had completely disappeared from the storyline. If that were true, then this world was definitely different from what he knew.

Therefore, he had to strengthen himself as much as possible—until he no longer needed to worry about the collapse of the plot.

Luna was annoyed by his first words, but she quickly brushed them aside and agreed to his suggestion without hesitation.

"I understand. Tell me—what kind of boundaries do you want to set?" she asked coldly, folding her arms across her chest.

Merlin glanced around, then stepped forward.

"Let's not talk about it here. We'll discuss it on the way."

Luna pursed her lips in dissatisfaction but said nothing and followed him.

"First," Merlin began, glancing at her, "we're going to act like two people who agree to this betrothal. Don't show any resistance or stubbornness toward our parents. Don't worry—it's only in front of them, nothing more."

Luna found the first condition reasonable and didn't object.

"Secondly," Merlin continued, "the news of our engagement will spread sooner or later. My father even said the party will be held within the next month. I want you to act the same way in front of outsiders as well."

This time, Luna didn't immediately agree.

She had many friends, and most of them knew how much she hated this engagement.

If she suddenly acted the opposite, wouldn't that make her a laughingstock?

"I object," she said firmly, staring at Merlin. "My friends know I hate this engagement. If I do that, they—"

Before she could finish, Merlin's gaze turned cold as he cut her off. "What do I care about your friends?"

His words left Luna frozen on the spot.

Before she could react, Merlin continued, "That's your problem, not mine. Do you think you're the only one with friends? Just because you're the daughter of Duke Tharot doesn't mean you're some star in everyone's eyes—at least, not in mine."

His tone was sharp, filled with restrained anger. The emotions he'd been holding back finally burst out.

He knew he shouldn't have spoken that way, but fear, caution, and anxiety about the future kept his mind in turmoil.

He understood the future had changed—so had his fate. But it would be a lie to say he wasn't afraid.

And one of the causes of his death stood right before him—Luna Tharot.

Truth be told, if not for the system's restrictions and the Clay family's future, he might have killed Luna right then.

For him, certainty was far more valuable than gambling on something uncertain—especially when it involved his own life.

Luna froze in terror as a sudden wave of killing intent emanated from him. All her life, she had lived safely within the mansion, protected by the Tharot family.

This was the first time she had ever felt a threat that made her hair stand on end.

"Ugh…"

Suddenly, a sharp pain struck her head. Her vision blurred, and even Merlin's figure began to fade.

Before she could understand what was happening, darkness consumed her sight, and her body slowly collapsed backward.

Fortunately, Merlin reacted quickly and caught her in time.

"What happened? Why did she faint?" He muttered in surprise.

He placed a hand on her forehead and felt a burning heat.

"Fever? Wait…" His eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me it's because of yesterday?"

Yesterday, when he had saved Luna, the sky had been cloudy, and light rain had begun to fall.

Not long after he returned to the inn, the drizzle turned into a heavy downpour.

At the time, he hadn't given her another thought. But now, seeing her with a fever, it was clear she had been caught in the rain.

"Haa…" Merlin let out a long sigh. "How troublesome."

***

"M-mmm…"

Luna's eyelids trembled before slowly opening. The first thing she saw was the familiar ceiling of her room.

"What happened? Why am I in my room?" She muttered in confusion.

Before she could move, a wave of dizziness hit her. Her body felt weak, and a deep pain throbbed through her flesh and bones.

Boom!

Thunder rumbled outside, making her flinch. She turned her head slightly and saw heavy rain pouring down beyond the window.

As confusion clouded her thoughts, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from the hallway.

The door opened, revealing Merlin, who entered carrying a small basin of warm water.

"Oh? You're awake already? That's faster than I expected." Merlin looked a bit surprised, then gave a small nod and walked toward her.

Luna could only stare at him in bewilderment. Remembering his cold gaze earlier, she was too afraid to ask anything.

"I know you're confused," Merlin said as he set the basin on the nightstand.

He took the cloth from her forehead, dipped it into the warm water, wrung it out gently, and placed it back.

"You suddenly fainted," he continued calmly. "I brought you back to your room with the help of your maid, Tina. Your parents were worried, but the doctor said it's just a mild fever. A few days of rest—two or three at most—and you'll be fine."

He paused for a moment, then said flatly, "By the way, your mother asked me to take care of you. So don't get the wrong idea."

Luna blinked in disbelief. She hadn't expected to come down with a fever.

Of course, she knew the cause—the rain from yesterday.

While she was lost in thought, Merlin carried the basin of warm water to the table near the sofa.

Then he sat down, picked up a book from the table, and began to read.

Luna lay still, unsure how to respond.

"What are you doing?" she asked irritably.

Merlin glanced at her and replied, "Taking care of you, obviously. Just sleep. Don't worry, I'm keeping watch."

Luna: "…"

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