From the beginning, the test was to find out Merlin's real strength. After seeing that Merlin was a strong person comparable to a full-shifter, she put aside her smile and said with a solemn expression, "Count Leon, what do you think about the current situation of the Holy Dragon Empire?"

If it were someone else asking, Merlin would have said that the Holy Dragon Empire was dying and would soon fall apart. However, since it was the Princess Royal who still held actual power, Merlin did not have to beat about the bush and bluntly said, "The current situation of the Holy Dragon Empire isn't very good but if the royal family is willing to work hard, it won't be difficult to set things right and reorganize the empire."

"Oh? Count Leon has such confidence in the royal family?"

The Princess Royal smile vaguely but did not seem to mind.

Merlin also smiled and said, "Your Highness seems to have forgotten where I came from."

The Princess Royal smiled. "I almost forgot. Count Leon is the Deputy Team Leader of Phantom's Combat Team, right?"

Merlin knew that he could not hide his identity from the Princess Royal, so he readily admitted it with a nod. "Yes, thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I'm currently the Deputy Team Leader of Phantom's Combat Team!"

"How rare. Count Leon is still so young but you're already the Deputy Team Leader of Phantom's Combat Team. If possible, there's even a chance to compete for the position of Minister."

The Princess Royal's charming, beautiful eyes blinked at Merlin. She truly was an alluring woman who could charm people to their deaths.

However, this alluring woman could not move Merlin's heart. He said coldly, "I've never considered the position of Minister. Alright, the reason why the Princess Royal called me today isn't just to say all this nonsense, right?"

Merlin naturally knew that the words earlier were also a test.

"Very well. Since Count Leon wants to be blunt, then I'll tell you. I want Count Leon to become mine, and help me control a portion of the power in Phantom."

"Hm? What does the Princess Royal mean? Phantom has always been loyal to the royal family. As Your Highness is a Princess Royal from the royal family, Your Highness can naturally use Phantom. Why do you need the help of a mere Deputy Team Leader like me?"

Merlin knew the seriousness of the matter. It seemed as if he had been accidentally involved in a whirlpool of the royal family. If he did not pay attention, the whirlpool would shatter him to pieces.

The Princess Royal's beautiful eyes fluttered and said kindly, "Count Leon isn't unaware of this. Although I command part of the imperial guard, my power is still very weak. Compared with His Highness the second prince, it's insignificant. Phantom is the most powerful force of the royal family and whoever holds Phantom will hold the greatest power in the royal family. However, Phantom is only loyal to my father. I believe the Count already knows this."

Merlin understood. This whirlpool was indeed very large and would destroy him if he was careless. That was because it involved the king of the Holy Dragon Empire as well as the second prince, who held the most power.

However, Phantom, the sharpest sword in the royal family's hands, only belonged in the king's hands. Neither the second prince nor the influential Princess Royal could get their hands on Phantom.

Therefore, they were thinking about their methods. Perhaps besides the Princess Royal, even the second prince had taken a fancy to Merlin. The Princess Royal just happened to have taken the first step.

Countless thoughts flashed in Merlin's head. This was a huge whirlpool but it was also an opportunity. Merlin had never been afraid of any trouble. Only when he was in trouble would he gain many benefits.

"Why me and not Hert or that mysterious Minister? Compared with those two, I'm too insignificant."

Merlin asked in confusion.

"It's very simple. Those two are my father's men and are only loyal to my father. Unless Father dies… However, you're different. You just appeared and can be enticed by us. It's as simple as that. Moreover, Father wouldn't care about a Deputy Team Leader who's only as strong as a low-tier full-shifter. Even if he knows, he'll think that it's no big deal."

Merlin came to a realization. The Princess Royal took the first step ahead of the second prince and grasped the most important part of Phantom's forces.

"Tell me, what benefits do I get?"

Although it was very dangerous to take part in it, Merlin was already involved. It was impossible for the second prince to think that nothing happened between Merlin and the royal family. Ever since he met the Princess Royal, he was already involved in this huge whirlpool.

"Benefits? Let me see, do I count as one? If you become mine, you can ask for me."

The Princess Royal blinked, revealing an alluring attitude. Merlin did not believe that the Princess Royal would use this method.

Seeing the expressionless Merlin, the Princess Royal pouted. "Alright, how boring. I didn't think there'll be a time where my charm failed. I'm a little skeptical. Are you a man? I know what you need the most. You'll find it difficult to reject my proposal. If you promise to help me control a portion of Phantom, when it's over, I'll allow you to see our royal family's greatest secret – the Sacred Lion Beast! How about that? In Phantom, you'll have to accumulate five thousand contribution points for this. You may not be able to accumulate so much in your entire lifetime."

"Hiss."

Merlin sucked in a breath. Seeing the Sacred Lion Beast was a proposal that Merlin could not refuse. Merlin's gaze burned as he stared at the Princess Royal. He did not think that the Princess Royal had this right.

"Can Your Highness take me to the place where the Sacred Lion Beast is? After all, it's the core of the royal family. I'm afraid even ordinary princes and princesses aren't eligible to enter."

Merlin did not act rashly and said calmly.

"Of course. Only the most excellent princes and princesses can see the Sacred Lion Beast but I naturally have my ways to bring you there. All you need to do is agree. By the way, even if you don't agree, I don't believe the second prince would naively think that you didn't side with me."

The Princess Royal said cunningly.

Merlin closed his eyes and felt that the advantages still outweighed the disadvantages. As long as he could see the Sacred Lion Beast with his eyes and get into close contact, it would be worth the cost.

"Alright, I'll agree. However, what counts as gaining the support of a portion of people in Phantom?"

"It's very simple. You'll perform your duties well as a Deputy Team Leader and gain more subordinates. It's enough if they're loyal to you. As long as you support me, that's equivalent to their loyalty in me as well. I have high hopes for you, Count Leon. Don't let me down."

"That simple?"

Merlin always felt that things were not what they seem to be. After all, the Princess Royal would not believe Merlin for no reason as this had been their very first encounter.

"It's as simple as that. If you don't believe me, then next time when I think the time is right, I'll bring you to the Sacred Lion Beast first. Then, you'll know that I'm not lying to you."

Merlin considered for a moment. There was nothing wrong with that, so he nodded in agreement.

"Very good. Count Leon, I heard that you're a Host, so here are some Nourishment Pond formulae and materials enough for ten portions worth. I'll give them to you first. I'll have to give you some benefits during our first meeting. Otherwise, how would you truly put in the effort to help me?"

Merlin looked at the Princess Royal. She seemed like a little girl who would not grow up. However, to be able to stand out from many princes and princesses and hold actual power, she was not a child.

Therefore, Merlin accepted the materials. He needed some Nourishment Pond materials to push himself to the peak of his fourth-form.

"Princess Royal, if there's nothing else, then I'll take my leave."

The Princess Royal waved her hand, and Merlin turned and left.

Seeing Merlin's disappearing back, a meaningful smile appeared between the corners of the Princess Royal's mouth as she murmured, "Interesting. I'm afraid this chess piece won't be completely at my mercy. However, when he sees the Sacred Lion Beast, it'll be beyond his control…"

The smile on the corners of the Princess Royal's mouth twisted faintly.

...

Back in the manor, after Merlin had dinner, he went to the basement alone.

Looking back at what happened in the royal family today, especially the Princess Royal, Merlin felt that something was off about her. Perhaps her "plot" was too childish, which was why she had completely trusted him.

If it were Merlin, he would not do things that way. In that case, the other party must have some follow-up measures of her own which would be unveiled during their next meeting.

"The next time we meet will be when she takes me to the Sacred Lion Beast. No matter what she does, my goal will be achieved when I see the Sacred Lion Beast!"

Merlin was not afraid of the Princess Royal. Even if she had that full-shifter spider, there would be no problem if he wanted to escape.

However, the most important thing now was to upgrade himself to the peak of the fourth-form. Only in this way would Merlin be qualified in various complicated situations. Whether it was in the Void Zone or the Almighty Beast World, strength was the only guarantee for his own safety!

"Crash."

Merlin had prepared the Nourishment Pond with the materials given by the Princess Royal. Looking at the dark green Nourishment Pond, Merlin carefully checked every material for any problems. The Princess Royal would not have tampered with the materials as it would be too obvious.

"Plop."

Since there was nothing wrong with the materials, Merlin no longer hesitated and immediately shapeshifted. His large body almost filled the entire Nourishment Pond.

"Rumble rumble."

Bubbles began to appear on the surface of the Nourishment Pond. Huge energy rapidly entered Merlin's body, constantly enhancing the level of the Blood-eye Dragon toward the peak of the fourth-form.