In the morning...

"Today is Catrine's birthday?" Merlin was stunned.

The spoon in his right hand froze midair as he stared at Livia and Ardhis in shock and confusion.

"Yes, today's her birthday," Ardhis replied with a small nod. He pierced a piece of meat with his fork and ate it before continuing, "I can see why you forgot. Over the past two years, you've gone through a big change, so I don't blame you."

Merlin's efforts over the past twelve days had softened Ardhis's heart. He no longer saw the boy as the same person he used to be.

What's more, ever since his son awakened the dragon guardian spirit, his affection only deepened. He guarded him with everything he had—for if the kingdom discovered this, it would put him in grave danger.

"Don't worry. You still have time to think about the gift. Tonight, we'll celebrate. What do you think?" Livia smiled warmly as she picked up a lamb drumstick and placed it on his plate.

"That's a great idea! Then I'll go downtown to buy her a present. Is that okay, Father?" Merlin's eyes shone with hope, as though Ardhis's refusal would shatter him.

"Of course. But I'll have James accompany you. Even if the city is safe, an adult should still watch over you," Ardhis said with gentle concern.

James was his personal coachman, but not merely that. The old man was also his most trusted right hand. Entrusting Merlin to him was the only way Ardhis felt completely at ease.

Upon hearing that, Merlin didn't refuse. He wasn't some arrogant boy who thought the world was his playground. If he had a privilege, why not make use of it?

After a brief exchange, they continued their breakfast. For some reason, Catrine didn't show up that morning, which made Merlin a little uneasy. But after his mother and father reassured him, his worries faded, and he eventually left the dining room.

Watching her son's back as he left, Livia smiled, then turned to her husband with gentle eyes.

"I feel you've changed a lot toward him. Are you finally at peace with it?"

"Of course I am," Ardhis replied bluntly. "I only have one son, and he is my hope. The Clay family's future rests on his shoulders. But these past two years, his behavior completely shattered my expectations. It hurt more than I can say…"

Parents don't hate their children—unless they're insane or broken in some way.

Ardhis's love for Merlin was immense, but it often backfired. The boy disappointed him again and again, until the weight of it all became unbearable.

Although Merlin was still a child, Ardhis wasn't the kind of father who loved blindly. Heirs of noble families were taught discipline and manners from an early age.

They were born with great responsibility—something that set them apart from ordinary families without status.

In truth, Ardhis could still be considered kind. In other noble families, especially if there were other sons, Merlin might have been cast out and no longer recognized as part of the bloodline.

Sensing her husband's sincerity, Livia gently clasped his right hand to calm him. "It's all right. Things have changed now. Our son has become more mature and dependable."

Ardhis nodded slowly, returning her grip.

"You're right, dear."

His gaze lingered on Merlin's departing figure, and a faint smile touched his lips.

"That boy has truly changed…"

***

"Young Master, please come in. The carriage is ready."

In the entrance hall of the mansion, a middle-aged man greeted Merlin with a gentle smile.

He was tall, with a thin mustache above his lips. His short, slicked-back black hair gave him a neat and refined appearance, though streaks of gray betrayed his age.

Although his eyes remained closed, Merlin could feel the kindness and warmth radiating from him.

This was James, his father's personal coachman. But behind his courteous demeanor lay someone far more formidable.

James wasn't just a coachman—he was also Ardhis's personal bodyguard. Naturally, that meant he was capable of far more than driving.

"Status," he whispered.

[Status]

Name: James

Age: 59

Identity: Personal Bodyguard of Viscount Clay

Talent: B

Guardian Spirit: Fire Furry Dog (★★★)

Rank: Third Spirit Core

Bloodline: –

Favorability: 70

As Merlin read the status panel, his breath caught.

'What an amazing status,' he murmured in awe.

The Third Spirit Core wasn't the strongest, but it was still rare and impressive. Only people of high standing could afford subordinates of that level.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he gave a small nod. "Thank you, Uncle James. Let's get going."

James simply smiled and climbed into the carriage. With a gentle tug on the reins, the two horses in front moved forward, carrying the carriage slowly away from the Clay family mansion.

***

The city of Droswen was a prosperous place, just a hundred kilometers from the imperial capital. It was relatively developed and densely populated.

Its trade routes were always bustling, filled with merchants from across the country.

Towering walls surrounded the city, protecting it from potential enemy attacks. It was said those walls were built from materials of exceptional quality, making them impossible to penetrate—even with cannons.

"Whoa! So this is Droswen? It's amazing!" Merlin peered out the window with sparkling eyes.

On the streets, people walked by with smiles on their faces. Children ran around happily, filling the air with liveliness.

Merchants selling fruit, meat, vegetables, and other goods crowded the roadside stalls, shouting loudly to catch the attention of shoppers.

"Piu!"

Suddenly, a protesting sound came from beside his seat. Startled, Merlin turned to his right and saw Lyserra looking at him with sad eyes.

"I'm sorry, Lyserra. I got too carried away and forgot about you," he said softly, lifting her up and showing her the view outside. "How is it? Beautiful, isn't it? Do you like it?"

Lyserra's eyes widened in wonder, and a flash of longing flickered in her red eyes.

"Piu! Piu! Piu!" Her cheerful voice rang out, bringing a warm smile to Merlin's face.

"Unfortunately, you can't come out in your current form. Otherwise, it would put us both in danger," Merlin said with a small sigh.

Lyserra's expression turned sad, and her two little ears drooped.

Merlin stayed silent for a moment before asking, "System, do you have any potions that can disguise the odor, form, and aura of a guardian spirit?"

"[There is, Master. It's a disposable perfume, priced at 1,000 PS. Do you want to buy it?]"

"Of course. Purchase it right away," Merlin replied firmly.

A thousand system points was no small amount, but it wasn't enough for him to be stingy. After all, Lyserra was his guardian spirit. How could he be stingy with her?

"[Ding! Appearance-changing perfume purchased! 1,000 system points deducted!]"

The moment the notification sounded, a blue light flashed before him, and a small bottle of perfume materialized out of thin air.

Merlin quickly picked it up and sprayed it on Lyserra.

The little dragon tilted her head in confusion, but before she could react, her body began to glow brightly.

"Piu!" She cried out in panic, but Merlin gently calmed her down.

A few seconds later, the light faded—revealing Lyserra's completely changed form.

"Meow?"

Merlin: "..."

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