"I even made Ms. Tibarn worry about me… I… I really deserve to die!" The tone of his voice was dripping with self-pity—practically theatrical. Silas and Lucien exchanged a glance. They both knew Malrik, having purchased his warships before—some secondhand, some brand new. But all those dealings had been handled by others, and they'd only met him once or twice. They never expected him to be such a manipulative showman. "Then, why don't you just die already? Can't bear to?" Marcus spoke, his half-dead, rasping voice cutting like a blade. "With you being this useless, what's there to even miss?" Merlin's fists clenched tighter and tighter. He wanted to poison this feeble creature on the spot. "You're right," Merlin said, his voice trembling. "I do deserve to die. Since I've made it here to see Ms. Tibarn, I have no regrets. I'll die now." He struggled to stand, swaying as he staggered toward the door. D*mn it! Once he had Emma's trust completely, he'd kill this wolf first. Marcus was at Rank 11, so he wouldn't stand a chance in a straight fight. Luckily, he had some potent poison. He had expected Lucien and the others to stop him—but instead, they just stood with arms crossed, watching the drama unfold without a word. It was only Corvin, carrying a tray of water from the kitchen, who noticed Merlin staggering toward the door. He quickly set the tray down and rushed to steady him. "Malrik, your wounds aren't healed yet. Where do you think you're going? "Sit back down. If something happens to you, Emma will worry." Merlin's eyes instantly welled up when he heard that. "Ms. Tibarn would worry about me? I'm so useless. I shouldn't even be allowed near her." Pure-hearted Corvin didn't sense the act. He only saw a pitiful figure on the verge of tears. "You just saved Ms. Tibarn. How could you be useless?" He helped Merlin sit back down and handed him the water. "Here, take a sip. You need it." Upstairs, Emma changed her clothes. Lucien, checking the time, finally spoke to Merlin. "You've arrived, and Emma wants you to stay. I'll find you a room on the first floor and help you settle in for now." Merlin held the cup with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Prince Lucien. On the outer battlefield, we've worked together so often… and now we're both matched to the same huntress. I came the latest, so I'll rely on all of you from now on." Silas shot him a half-smile. "Don't worry. We're all family. We've got your back." Marcus and Edric said nothing. Only Corvin patted Merlin's shoulder cheerfully. "I'll look out for you too." Merlin smiled at him. Foolish, easily manipulated—perfect. When Emma came downstairs, she saw Lucien and the others surrounding Merlin. She approached, concern softening her features as she looked at him on the couch. "Malrik, are you alright?"They said Enchanter Clan members were mesmerizing, but Emma wasn't particularly impressed. Handsome, sure, but she didn't find him more captivating than Silas. "Ms. Tibarn…" Seeing Emma, Merlin immediately rose from the couch, every inch a picture of humility and remorse. "I'm sorry, Ms. Tibarn. Marcus was right. I really am useless. I pushed myself nonstop for half a month of travel, and I've worn myself out… and made you worry about me." Emma glanced at Marcus. He tilted his head lazily, blinking innocently under her gaze. "He admitted it himself. I didn't say anything wrong," he said. She knew Marcus treated everyone the same, so she didn't blame him. Then, she said to Merlin with a smile, "Don't mind Marcus. I know it's been a hard journey, and I won't blame you for arriving late. I'll have Lucien arrange a room for you. Go rest early. Everything else can wait until your body recovers." Merlin hesitated, looking at Emma with a glint of moisture in his eyes. "But… I want to stay with you." Not only manipulative, but he was already trying to claim Emma's attention. Truly audacious. Silas grabbed Emma's hand. "Emma, you promised me this morning—you're making it up to me tonight." He had originally planned to go to Aurelia to celebrate Amara's birthday, but had been called away for a mission. Emma had promised to accompany him after training. "That's right, I promised to spend the evening with Silas." Emma nodded firmly, looking at Merlin. "Your body isn't well yet. You don't need to stay with me. Go rest first." Lucien had already called some people over. "Emma, don't worry. I'll make sure Malrik is taken care of." He turned to the arriving subordinates. "Help Mr. Malrik Ashen to the second room on the first floor so he can rest."