The Extra Villain: I Made a Contract With The Dragon Empress!

Merlin froze, his eating motion stopping halfway. He swallowed the taiyaki still in his mouth.

His eyes locked onto the mission panel, and in his heart, he asked, 'System, are you mistaken? Assassins aimed at Charlotte? Isn't that tantamount to suicide?'

This was the capital of the kingdom. Every corner was filled with soldiers monitoring people's movements.

Forget assassins—even a fly would be detected. Not to mention the protective magic circle surrounding the capital's walls.

Anyone who tried to sneak in would immediately trigger the alarm.

"[I'm not wrong, master. The system's mission only activates if the upcoming event truly happens. So, do you accept it?]"

Merlin didn't answer right away. Honestly, he wasn't afraid of assassins.

What annoyed him was how repetitive everything had become. First, there was Margaret's kidnapping.

Then came the assassins targeting him and Luna. Now, it was Charlotte.

Had the author run out of ideas for creating suspenseful conflicts?

"Hah…" Merlin let out a deep sigh and pressed the Yes button on the mission panel. 'If you're giving me system points for free, how could I refuse?'

He didn't even need to move to protect Charlotte. Knights disguised as civilians surrounded them, guarding both him and her.

Unless a powerful expert at the fourth or fifth stage of the spirit core made a move, it was impossible for Charlotte to be injured—let alone killed.

"Merlin, what's wrong? Why do you look so confused?" Charlotte's worried voice pulled him back to reality.

Merlin snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head.

"It's nothing. By the way, are you out of taiyaki?"

"Um!" Charlotte nodded slowly. "Both taiyaki are gone. Where should we go next?"

Merlin finished his red bean taiyaki and saved the chocolate one to eat later at the palace.

"How about a clothing store?"

"A clothing store?" Charlotte tilted her head, curiosity written on her face.

"Yes, a clothing store." Merlin repeated it as he slowly stood up. "As a princess, you've probably never bought clothes yourself, right? So let's go shopping and find something that suits you."

To avoid attracting attention, he and Charlotte wore black cloaks that concealed their appearances.

Frankly, it was annoying. Wasn't a date supposed to be something a couple enjoyed openly?

Why did they have to hide just because they were afraid of being recognized?

Charlotte seemed interested in Merlin's suggestion. With a bright smile, she stood up and tightly grasped his hand.

"Let's go shopping!"

With that, the two headed toward the largest clothing store in the capital.

As soon as they arrived, a staff member on duty greeted them.

"Welcome," the beautiful attendant said politely.

Merlin smiled and slowly lowered his hood.

"I'd like to buy clothes for my girlfriend. Could you recommend something?"

"Girlfriend? What's a girlfriend, Merlin?" Charlotte whispered curiously.

Merlin immediately remembered that this world didn't have such a concept. People here held conservative views, and most marriages were arranged between families.

"A girlfriend is—ah—a partner," Merlin replied calmly.

"A partner?" Charlotte's eyes widened.

Her body stiffened for a brief moment before she began to fidget happily. Her face turned as red as an apple as she quickly looked away.

The beautiful staff simply smiled at their adorable interaction.

"In that case, I'll take you to the section with dresses suitable for your partner, young master."

With that, she led them to the right side of the store. Merlin glanced around the interior and had to admit—it was enormous.

The floor was paved with polished marble, while the ceiling lights shimmered with brilliant crystals.

It felt more like a jewelry store than a clothing shop, similar to the ones he had seen in the city of Droswen.

"By the way, is this store affiliated with the Beethoven family?" Merlin asked without thinking.

"Oh? How did you know that, young master?" The staff looked surprised.

Merlin: "…"

He had only been guessing, yet he had somehow guessed correctly.

Still, judging by the interior, it made sense. After all, every store owned by the Beethoven family was known for its luxurious and extravagant design.

Soon, they arrived at the section for teenage girls' dresses. Many different styles were displayed.

Each dress was carefully crafted and clearly made from high-quality materials.

"If you need anything, please call for me," the staff said respectfully.

Merlin nodded slightly in response.

Once the staff left, only Merlin and Charlotte remained.

"Choose whatever you like, Charlotte," Merlin said.

Charlotte looked at the rows of dresses with admiration.

At the palace, she also owned many fine dresses, all prepared by professional designers.

She could even request specific styles whenever she wanted.

However, for some reason, seeing the rows of dresses before her made her far more excited than she ever was about the ones in her own wardrobe.

Was it because she was with someone she liked?

Merlin didn't disturb her while she was choosing. He remembered that during his date with Linda two years ago, he had done the same thing.

Linda chose for herself, while Merlin merely gave his opinions.

"Ugh… I'm so bored." Lyserra suddenly appeared in her cat form.

She rubbed her body affectionately against Merlin's chest.

Merlin stroked her head and asked, "Do you want to pick a dress too?"

"A dress?" Lyserra looked surprised. She followed his gaze and was instantly captivated by the many dresses on display.

But in the next moment, she shook her head and refused. "No, I don't need one."

With her abilities, she could create her own clothes. Moreover, dresses made by humans were far too fragile.

If she returned to her original form, any dress she wore would be torn into useless scraps.

Merlin didn't insist. To be honest, he had wanted to see Lyserra in her human form, wearing one of the beautiful dresses before him.

However, he quickly abandoned that thought after hearing her refusal.

Lyserra naturally sensed his feelings and thoughts. After all, their souls were connected.

After a moment of thought, Lyserra raised her head and said, "In that case, take me to the adult women's dress section."

"Oh!" Merlin looked surprised, then broke into a wide smile. "Have you finally changed your mind?"

Lyserra snorted and turned her face away.

"Don't talk so much. Just take me there."

Merlin chuckled softly and rubbed her head affectionately.

"All right. Thank you, Lyserra."

Lyserra didn't reply, but the corners of her mouth quietly curved upward.

"Merlin, I've found what I want to buy!"