Merlin and Luna walked side by side toward the library.

Luna's expression showed both fear and curiosity.

"Hey…" she called out hesitantly. "If that really is the Grail of Time, what should we do?"

Merlin thought for a moment before replying casually, "If it really is the real Grail, then we have to tell your parents. After all, it's your family heirloom."

Luna sighed in relief and nodded slightly. It would be a lie to say she wasn't afraid that Merlin might do something unexpected, like run away with it.

It might sound exaggerated, but the possibility was still there. The Grail was an immensely powerful mystical artifact.

If the powerful figures on this continent knew of its existence, they would surely fight to obtain it.

"[Ding! The affection of the heroine Luna Tharot has increased by 3 points! Current affection: 40 points (30)]"

Merlin's eyebrows twitched slightly when he saw the notification panel, but he didn't bother asking the system why her affection had increased.

When they arrived at the library, Merlin quietly closed the door, startling Luna.

"What are you doing?" she asked warily.

Merlin looked at her calmly and said, "To make sure no one comes in while we're checking it. If Tina or another servant saw us, it could be dangerous, don't you think?"

"Dangerous?" Luna repeated, confused.

"Think about it this way," Merlin said as he stepped forward and turned on the library lights. "The Grail is an incredibly valuable artifact—its worth is beyond measure. People could lose their minds once they learn of its existence, even the servants in this mansion. You understand what I mean, right?"

The human mind is deep and unpredictable. Those who seem good are not always truly good.

Sometimes, they're the very ones who hurt the people who trust them the most.

Merlin couldn't be sure whether the servants truly worked here or were actually spies sent to uncover the Tharot family's Grail of Time.

If the worst happened, things would become difficult for him and Luna.

After all, Frederin and James were not home, and without them, there would be no protection if danger struck.

Luna thought over his words and realized they made sense.

"You're right, Merlin. I'm sorry for doubting you," she said with a shy look.

This time, Merlin didn't scold her or speak harshly. During their walk to the library, he had begun to feel that he might have been too hard on Luna.

No matter what might happen in the future, none of it has happened yet.

So, he decided to soften his attitude a little.

Luna was surprised by his casual expression. If this had happened before, Merlin would've worn a cold look, as if she'd just insulted his family.

"Could he be interested in me? Or… in love?"

The thought crossed her mind, and before she knew it, a faint smile appeared on her face.

"What are you thinking about?" Merlin's flat voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Don't daydream—show me where it is."

Luna rolled her eyes and brushed the thought aside, then led him to the bookshelf at the far end.

The Tharot family library was enormous, spanning two floors. The first floor alone had over fifty bookshelves.

For a family of three, it was definitely large.

They reached the shelf at the far end, which looked neglected. Unlike the other shelves that were still well-kept, this one appeared worn and shabby.

The frame was wooden, but many parts were rotting—some even broken.

"Is that the book you mean?" Merlin asked, pointing at a dull, dust-covered book in the corner of the shelf.

"Mm!" Luna nodded slightly. "That's the lever. Just pull it, and the room will appear."

Merlin stepped closer and tugged the book.

Drrk!

The right side of the bookshelf suddenly trembled. Moments later, an invisible door slid open, revealing a dark passage with stairs leading downward.

Merlin immediately went on guard.

'It actually exists,' he muttered, narrowing his eyes.

At first, he had been a little skeptical of Luna's words, but after seeing it himself, all his doubts vanished.

"When you went in earlier, did you only see the Golden Grail, or were there any monsters or traps?"

It was hard to believe that the Grail of Time had been placed there without any kind of guardian or obstacle by whoever found it in the past.

"I don't know," Luna replied, shaking her head. "I only went halfway down the stairs and peeked inside. I saw a Golden Grail there, and then I immediately ran to your room."

She had been too frightened to take a closer look. For some reason, her instincts told her that if she went any further, she might die.

"In that case, stay behind me. I'll go in first," Merlin said firmly.

If anything happened to Luna, he wouldn't be able to explain it to Frederin and Iris later.

The relationship between their families could also be ruined—and that would bring trouble to both him and his family.

Luna was about to protest but held back when she saw Merlin's indifferent expression.

"All right, I'll stay behind."

Merlin gave a small nod, glanced at the room, and stepped inside.

He began descending the stairs slowly. They were made of marble, sturdy and safe to walk on.

Even so, there was a thick layer of dust on the surface, so he had to move carefully to avoid slipping.

"The floor's quite slippery. Hold on to me."

Merlin reached his hand back. Luna gulped, unsure whether to take it or not.

But she quickly reminded herself that it was only for safety—nothing more.

"[Ding! The affection of the heroine Luna has increased by 2 points! Current affection: 42 points (30)]"

The two of them descended slowly, and soon, a foul stench from below assaulted their noses.

Merlin quickly held his breath, while Luna covered her nose with her left arm.

"This room stinks! I almost threw up from the smell," she complained irritably.

Merlin just chuckled without answering. As they continued down the stairs, the wall on their left gradually disappeared.

Before them lay a dark room, dimly lit by several torches burning at intervals.

But it wasn't the torchlight that caught Merlin's attention—it was the golden grail resting on a blue wooden table.

The Grail was quite large, about fifty centimeters tall, with ancient white patterns engraved all over its surface.

Just by looking at it, Merlin could tell—it was definitely the real Grail.

"That's the Grail!" Luna exclaimed, pointing at it. "I'm not sure if it's real or fake. What do you think, Merlin?"

"I don't know either," he lied. "We need to take a closer look. Only then can I tell if it's genuine."

Luna nodded, trusting his words. But as they moved further down, the hair on the back of Merlin's neck suddenly stood up.

"Watch out—danger!"

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