"By the way, will the engagement with the Tharot family really happen?"

Upon hearing that, Ardhis stopped chewing for a few seconds before continuing.

"The engagement... I haven't decided yet," he replied after swallowing his food and letting out a long sigh.

There was an agreement between the Clay and Tharot families. The Tharot family was a duke family, a high-ranking noble house.

Compared to the Clays, the Tharots clearly stood on a higher social level.

The agreement stipulated that the next generations of both families would be betrothed.

It had originally been made by Ardhis' father and the parents of Fredrin Tharot, the current head of the Tharot family.

Since both fathers had sons, the arrangement was passed down to their children.

As it happened, the Clay family had Merlin and the Tharot family had Luna, so the agreement from the past naturally remained in effect.

To be honest, Ardhis was strongly against the engagement. The Clay and Tharot families were three ranks apart—Count, Marquis, and then Duke.

Although both were noble families, their classes were different, which could easily harm the relationship between their children later on.

Of course, Ardhis would never humble himself, not even before Fredrin Tharot.

He had his pride, but this issue had become a lingering dilemma. So, he decided to wait for his son's advice first.

Livia fell silent at that. Her expression revealed a complexity she could not hide.

She was well aware of her husband's predicament, and truthfully, she did not want Merlin engaged to Luna Tharot.

It wasn't that she disliked the girl, but she felt the two were from different worlds. Besides, she had already promised her son to Catrine.

The little girl had been under her care since infancy, so she knew her very well. Moreover, Catrine loved Merlin deeply.

Though both were still young, it was not a serious issue.

Meanwhile, Catrine, who had overheard the conversation, was stunned.

She lifted her head, eyes wide, staring at her parents in surprise.

"Father, Mother, what were you just talking about? Big brother… has a fiancée? Since when? Why didn't I know?" She asked in a panicked voice.

She had no idea such a huge secret had been kept from her.

Ardhis, anticipating her reaction, hurried to reassure her. "Don't panic, my dear. It's not what you think."

"Not what I think?" Catrine repeated doubtfully. "Then what does it mean?"

Ardhis picked up his glass, took a small sip, and then said, "This matter is a bit complicated, but I'll explain it to you."

He went on to explain everything. Catrine was no longer the innocent little girl who knew nothing—at nine years old, her mind was already beginning to mature.

Fifteen minutes passed before Ardhis finally stopped and let out a long sigh.

"It's like this, my dear. This is an agreement made by my father—or rather, your grandfather. There's really nothing I can do about it," he said, his tone tinged with helplessness.

If he were to break off the engagement unilaterally, the Tharot family would surely take it as an insult, and hostility between the two families would be inevitable.

Moreover, his relationship with Fredrin was actually quite good, and he didn't want to ruin it.

Catrine fell silent, biting her lower lip. She understood her father's predicament but still felt sad and frustrated.

Not at her parents—but at herself.

Had she been as strong as Linda, perhaps she could have prevented the engagement between her brother and the Tharot daughter.

But reality struck hard. She was too weak and powerless to do anything.

"But don't worry just yet," Ardhis' voice came again. "We'll wait for Merlin's advice. That boy is incredibly intelligent—I'm sure he'll have some ideas about this."

Catrine simply nodded without saying another word. She continued her breakfast, though it somehow felt bland.

Noticing her daughter's mood, Livia felt a pang of worry. But as Ardhis had said, there was nothing they could do for now.

The only option was to wait for their son's arrival.

They continued their meal, each lost in their own thoughts.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded from the dining room door. They naturally turned and saw Merlin entering.

At the sight of him, Catrine's expression brightened for a moment—but it quickly faded. She returned to her indifferent demeanor, continuing her meal as if he weren't there.

Merlin noticed her reaction and felt puzzled.

'What's going on? Why does Catrine seem upset with me?' He wondered silently.

As far as he could remember, he hadn't done anything to offend her. So why was she angry?

Lost in thought, he walked over and was greeted by his parents.

"Just woke up? Didn't I tell Maya to wake you? What happened?" Livia asked, her tone tinged with annoyance.

"Ahem!" Merlin coughed, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Mother. It's not that Maya didn't wake me, but there was a big incident earlier. I can't explain it now, but I'll tell you later."

The matter of Maya's awakening had to be discussed seriously with his parents.

After all, it was almost impossible—but it had happened. Merlin needed a plausible explanation ready for their questions later.

Despite her suspicions, Livia did not press further.

"Sit down and eat first. We have something important to discuss—it concerns your future."

Merlin was taken aback by her words. He frowned, trying to guess what his mother meant.

Still, without asking further, he nodded obediently and walked over to Catrine, sitting down beside her.

"Did you have a good breakfast?" Merlin asked casually.

To his surprise, Catrine didn't answer. She only shot him a quick glance and snorted softly.

Merlin felt confused but didn't mind. He quietly continued his breakfast.

Halfway through his meal, his mother spoke up.

"Merlin, you're getting older, and we'd like to ask your opinion on something."

Merlin paused and nodded slowly.

"Of course, Mother. Please tell me."

"Your engagement to the girl from the Tharot family is about to take place. They've requested a meeting between the two families within a week. What do you think?"

"Ahem!" Merlin immediately choked and hurriedly gulped down his drink.

Ardhis chuckled and shook his head. "Careful, kid. If you choke to death, I can't help you."

Livia stared at him intently, and Ardhis was instantly left speechless.

Merlin wiped his lips with a napkin and asked in a panic, "Mother, are you serious? Has the Tharot family really decided to make this engagement official?"

The word "betrothal" sent an inexplicable shiver down his spine. The real Merlin Clay was about to become the lapdog of one of the heroines—Luna Tharot.

That girl was cold, cruel, and unsettling. In the novel, she manipulated the real Merlin Clay, playing tricks on him while secretly scheming with the main character.

She was cunning and… utterly repulsive.

"Yes," Livia replied. "The Tharot family wants to formalize the betrothal between you and their daughter. So tell me, how do you feel about it?"

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