Lucien genuinely hadn't known. If he had, he would never have ignored them on purpose. Silas, Edric, and Marcus all lowered their heads in shame, feeling just as guilty. None of them had known there were such "rules" to follow. Corvin glanced at Lucien and the others, then looked back at Malrik beside him. Something about the moment felt off, though he couldn't quite tell what it was. He could only mimic the others, lowering his head and muttering softly, "Sorry, Emma." "That's enough." Emma rubbed her temples; what a chaotic way to start the morning. She turned to Lucien. "I don't blame any of you, and Lucien, you don't have to feel guilty. Let me say this again—there's no such rule in this house. I just want everyone here to be happy and at ease. I want this place to feel warm, and I hope you'll all stay united." At that, she looked at Malrik standing next to Corvin. "Malrik, if you want to stay here, you'll need to follow Lucien's lead. Whatever you plan to do, ask him first."This one's a real manipulative piece of work. Merlin hadn't expected Emma to value Lucien so highly. No wonder, among all the suitors, only the second prince had managed to bond with her first. He surely is something else… With his eyes reddened, Merlin looked up at her, pretending to be meek. "I'm sorry, Ms. Tibarn. I didn't know. From now on, no matter what I do, I'll make sure to consult Prince Lucien first. I'll never put you in a difficult position again." Then he turned to Lucien. "Please guide me, Your Highness. I only hope you won't find me troublesome." Lucien met his gaze flatly, as if he hadn't taken the earlier scene to heart at all. His tone was even and kind. "Since you're one of Emma's suitors now, you can come to me for anything. And if you ever need help, just ask." Silas chuckled softly the next second and squeezed Emma's hand. "Emy, I'm getting a little hungry. How about you? Shall we get some breakfast?" Edric immediately stepped forward. "Emma, I've already mastered the dumpling recipe you taught me last time. Let me make some for you."Emma smiled. "Let Corvin help you. Make a bigger batch so everyone can eat together." Corvin nodded quickly. "I can make dumplings! I'll help Edric." He then happily followed Edric downstairs. Once they were gone, Silas—standing just outside Emma's line of sight—glanced sidelong at Malrik with a faint, mocking smile. So this is the great heir of the Enchanter Clan? What a disappointment. I thought he might actually be a worthy rival, but… this is it? As Corvin and Edric busied themselves with breakfast, Emma turned to Lucien. "Didn't you say you wanted to give me that warship model yesterday? Let's go get it from your study. "Silas, Aria gave me a few pink fish yesterday—could you feed them for me? Marcus, go back to your room and rest. And Malrik, your wounds haven't fully healed yet, so return to your room and take it easy. I'll call you all when breakfast is ready." With that, Emma took Lucien's hand and led him away. Watching her disappear into the room with Lucien, Merlin bit down hard, jealousy twisting inside him. Then he turned toward Marcus and Silas. "If I remember right, Commander Hamblin, you're of equal rank with Prince Lucien, aren't you? I didn't expect you to willingly fall beneath him. And this Wolf Clan prince—same Rank Eleven—yet you follow his lead too." Marcus leaned against the wall, then straightened lazily, giving the Enchanter before him a long, unimpressed look. "Wacko," he drawled, before slowly turning and heading downstairs. Merlin's face darkened. You're the wacko! A complete wacko! Since Marcus ignored him, Merlin turned back to Silas. "Commander Hamblin, would you be interested in making a deal?" Someone like Silas—born a prodigy, Lucien's equal in the military—surely wouldn't be content living under another man's shadow. Silas quirked a brow, a cold sneer flickering in his mind, though his expression stayed composed. "That depends on what you're offering—and whether I like it." Merlin stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I can help you become Ms. Tibarn's mate quickly. Prince Lucien's already claimed the first bond. Losing to him is one thing—but Corvin, Edric, and that half-dead wolf Marcus? Surely you don't want to end up behind them too." "And how exactly would you do that?" Silas asked. Merlin pulled a small green vial from his storage band. "This is the Enchanter Clan's exclusive potion—the Enchanter's Draught. If Ms. Tibarn inhales even a little of it, she won't be able to stop herself from wanting to bond with you." Silas' eyes narrowed dangerously. "You're suggesting I poison Emy?" "You're mistaken, Commander," Merlin said smoothly. "It's called a toxin, yes, but it's not real poison. It merely heightens a female's desire—completely harmless to her body."