As the leader of the Black Clan, Zaky's closeness to the Blue Clan became a major concern, drawing widespread attention and provoking his father's anger.
The Black Clan bore grudges due to an ancient treaty that disadvantaged them, preventing any attacks on the Blue Clan. The Western Kingdom's greatest ambition was to defeat the Eastern Kingdom, its eternal rival. However, Zaky's actions during the tournament, especially his evident closeness to Merlin—a member of the Blue Clan unaware of the enmity between their clans—ignited widespread disapproval.
Zaky quietly endured the harsh slap from his father. He understood his father's tough love and discipline. As the sole heir to the Western King, Zaky's public indiscretions, particularly embracing someone from the rival clan, were unacceptable and brought severe consequences.
"Reflect on your actions. I forbid you from getting close to the Blue Clan again. If you defy me, I will eliminate the woman you've been associating with," his father warned coldly before walking away.
Zaky realized the seriousness of the threat. He didn't want Merlin to be harmed because of him. Reluctantly, he resolved to follow his father's orders, even if it meant suppressing his feelings.
"Azuma was right. I can't defy my father. I must distance myself from Merlin. I don't want her to be endangered because of me. Maybe I'm destined to remain a villain since evil is in my blood," Zaky reflected bitterly.
That night, unable to sleep, Zaky sneaked out to see Merlin. Yet, upon reaching the rooftops, he realized he didn't know her room's location. Feeling frustrated, he drank himself into a stupor, hoping to quiet his turmoil.
Lucy, Merlin's feline companion, observed Zaky from the shadows. Displeased with his recklessness, she muttered to herself, "If he brings harm to my master, I'll kill his father before he can lay a hand on her."
Drunk and mumbling to the oblivious Lucy, Zaky slurred, "You're Merlin's cat, right? You probably hate me too. My father has forbidden me from being near her. He even threatened to kill her... I can't do this anymore."
Unimpressed, Lucy thought to herself, "Good. The farther he stays from her, the better."
Once Zaky passed out, Lucy dragged him into a random empty room, unwilling to leave him sprawled on the roof near Merlin's quarters.
The next morning, as sunlight streamed through her window, Merlin stretched and winced at the stiffness in her body. "Ugh, do they not have softer beds in this era?" she grumbled.
After getting ready, Merlin opened her door, surprised to find Lucy lounging outside. "Oh my, Lucy! What are you doing here?"
"Watching over you, obviously. Unlike you, I don't laze around all day," Lucy retorted smugly.
Merlin sighed at Lucy's arrogance. "Fine, you win. Let's go eat—oh wait. Zaky! Let's invite him for breakfast."
Lucy immediately protested, "Forget Zaky. His father's forbidden him from seeing you. The old man even threatened your life."
Merlin froze, stunned by the revelation. "What? So now I'm all alone?" she said, disheartened.
Lucy shrugged nonchalantly. "It's for the best. If you value your life, you'll steer clear of him."
Merlin nodded reluctantly but added, "Fine, but I don't have money for breakfast. Let's go to the forest; I'll catch some fish."
With Lucy perched on her shoulder, Merlin headed to the forest. Along the way, she noticed people whispering and avoiding her. It was clear news of Zaky's punishment had spread, making Merlin feel isolated.
Determined to adapt, Merlin trudged on, unaware that her journey would soon test her resolve, her friendships, and her survival skills in ways she couldn't yet imagine.