Chapter 153 - CHAPTER 93

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Eight hours later, the storm clouds over Avalon dispersed, and the rain ceased.

Inside the ancient oak tree, Diana lay in a peaceful slumber, gently covered by Moriarty with a blanket woven from enchanted unicorn fur—a luxurious item from the system space.

The remnants of chaos still lingered inside the tree. The scent of battle, sweat, and magic clung to the air. After surveying the mess, Moriarty took out a pristine white robe from the system space, dressed himself, and stepped out into the calm night of Avalon with renewed energy.

Even Moriarty had to admit—his talents were… unique.

The thousand-year-old Elf Queen, regal and proud, had surrendered herself completely to him. Even in her dreams, her mind echoed with the experience, her body molded as if shaped by him.

Moriarty inhaled the crisp air, strolling across the damp grass. The moonlight revealed Avalon in a different hue—tranquil, almost eerily so.

"Hee hee… Look, he's out!"

A series of high-pitched giggles floated from the branches above.

A group of female elves perched on massive tree limbs peeked at him. Their cheeks were flushed, their eyes sparkled with mischief, and they whispered among themselves, stealing glances. When Moriarty turned his gaze toward them, they squealed and ducked behind the foliage—some failing to hide their Diana-like grace.

Then, one by one, curious little heads poked out from behind the bushes.

"Where's Her Lady Queen?"

"She's probably sleeping. Exhausted."

"This wizard is naughty. He must've bullied our Queen. I heard her cry out for hours. She couldn't even speak by the end!"

Moriarty arched an eyebrow. Eavesdropping, were they?

He scanned the clearing. Thankfully, only female elves remained. The males likely stormed off, unable to bear that their proud queen had been thoroughly conquered and now reflected his presence.

He considered greeting the gossiping elves—but the moment he took a step forward, they scattered like startled pixies.

"He's coming! Run!"

Laughter trailed through the woods as they vanished into the trees. Moriarty chuckled, shaking his head. Their antics reminded him of the Hogwarts students.

Dracula had terrorized Hogwarts throughout September. Now that he and Merlin had eliminated the threat, it was time for the school to return to normal.

"Oh no! Lilith and Jericho!"

Moriarty suddenly remembered.

"I should have told Diana to release them…"

In his euphoria, he had completely forgotten his companions. But, truthfully… the Elf Queen was quite a delight.

"Oi, Slytherin!"

Merlin's familiar voice rang out behind him. He patted Moriarty on the back with a sly grin.

"What's with the dreamy face?"

Moriarty raised an eyebrow.

"It's called sage mode. Wouldn't expect you to understand."

"Me? Not understand?" Merlin snorted.

"Let me remind you—I was the first wizard to ever court an Elf Queen. Don't you think I'd know?"

Moriarty blinked. That was unexpected. Merlin's cheeky grin said he wasn't joking.

"Wait a minute. The last I saw you, Vivienne was body-slamming you into the ground."

Merlin's grin softened as he turned to gaze at a dark silhouette in the distance.

"No matter her form, she's still my Vivienne."

The figure waved faintly from afar, almost beckoning.

Moriarty caught on but didn't press for details.

Instead, he changed the subject.

"So, what now? Going to open your dream magic school or keep chasing King Arthur's resurrection magic?"

Merlin's ambition had always revolved around Arthur. But perhaps now, there was a third goal: reuniting with his body.

"I'll continue the search for the resurrection spell," Merlin said.

"Arthur's return still matters most to me. But while I'm at it, I'll also hunt for the location of my true body."

The shadowy figure in the distance grew impatient, roaring lowly.

Merlin quickly added,

"Vivienne will be with me, of course. It'll be a grand journey—yes, absolutely thrilling."

"So that's the real you, eh?" Moriarty smirked.

"When I get back, I'll publish an article: 'Merlin: History's Most Whipped Husband.' I'll find Britain's best novelist to write it."

"No! Don't you dare…" Merlin laughed nervously, then turned solemn.

"On a serious note—please, don't reveal my identity."

Moriarty narrowed his eyes.

"I'm not joking. I've woven time magic into the history books, ensuring people think the 'Slytherin Merlin' isn't me. I need it to stay that way."

Moriarty didn't reply. He understood the gravity of the request.

"I know you want to ask why," Merlin continued.

"But it's better you don't know. If fate allows, I'll tell you someday. But honestly, I hope we don't meet again."

He smiled sincerely, then leapt into the air. With a roar, his form shimmered and morphed into a colossal black dragon.

Moriarty watched as the shadowy figure—Vivienne—climbed onto the dragon's back, looking entirely at ease.

"A dragon… with a passenger?"

He shook his head, amused. That had to be how Merlin handled Vivienne. Only in his true draconic form could he hope to subdue her.

Certainly not with his scrawny mortal body.

That required someone like Moriarty.

Feeling smug, Moriarty cast a glance back at the oak tree.

The night was still young. And someone was waiting.

"Miss Diana? May I come in?" he called with a grin, stepping inside to gently wake her.

"Wretched boy! Leave me alone!" Diana grumbled, her body still aching, unable to move much.

"What was that?"

A dangerous glint sparkled in Moriarty's eyes. He raised his hand and delivered a swift smack.

"Eek!"

"Miss Diana, may I come in?" he repeated in a teasing tone.

Diana fluttered her lashes and whispered,

"Yes."

"Very well."

Moriarty pounced again.

Their second encounter raged until dawn. When the morning sun warmed Moriarty's face, Diana stirred, obediently serving him.

"Release Lilith and Jericho," Moriarty ordered coldly.

"We're returning to Hogwarts."

Diana hesitated.

"Must you go so soon?"

"Know your place," Moriarty said flatly.

"This isn't my home."

Annoyed, Diana only perked up when she noticed that part of him had returned with interest.

By noon, they both appeared neat and composed—Moriarty with his usual commanding presence, and Diana as dignified as ever.

She ordered the elves to fetch Lilith and Jericho, who had been locked in guest quarters, sleeping off their magical restraints for over 20 hours.

"Moriarty!"

"Sir!"

The pair rushed toward him.

"Where's Dracula?"

"What happened to Merlin?"

"Did we win?"

"Oh! And those elves—!"

They bombarded him with questions.

Moriarty and Diana explained everything—except the oak tree episode and Merlin's relationship with Vivienne.

"I see!" Jericho gaped.

"Sir, you saved us—and Hogwarts too!"

Lilith nodded, beaming with admiration. Diana gave a polite nod, but Lilith squinted suspiciously at her. Something felt… off.

"All right, save the cheering for Hogwarts," Moriarty chuckled.

"You two must be starving. Let's get back—the castle should be safe now."

"Haha, I'm starving!" Jericho groaned, then glanced down.

"Wait—my stag!"

He yelled at the nearest elf,

"Where's my stag? Bring it back!"

Diana smirked and instructed the elves to return it.

Then, in a proud professor's voice, she announced:

"In honor of your exceptional bravery, I hereby cancel your Defense Against the Dark Arts final. I'll explain it to Headmaster Dumbledore myself."

"What?" Lilith blinked.

"You're not returning with us?"

Diana shook her head, grinning slyly.

"I have… family matters to attend to."

She tossed Moriarty a smug glance.

You told me to behave—I did. But I still won.

Lilith watched with narrowed eyes, utterly baffled.

Jericho slapped his forehead.

"Another Defense Against the Dark Arts professor gone!

It's only been a month since term started. Unbelievable!"

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