"Oh my, coming so early is truly unexpected."
Standing at King Uther's door, Lot and Morgan saw Merlin walking toward them from the other end of the corridor. Spotting the two, he teased them with a grin, his eyes full of mischief.
Who in the world wakes up early the morning after their wedding?
Normally, people wouldn't get out of bed until the sun was high in the sky.
If not for having to meet someone, they'd probably stay in bed until evening, only getting up when they were too hungry to bear it.
So for Lot and Morgan to visit King Uther this early in the morning—now that was truly surprising.
Seeing his teasing expression, Morgan felt extremely embarrassed.
As expected, her father hadn't been wrong. This Merlin truly was an irredeemable scoundrel.
Morgan instinctively glanced at Lot, curious about his reaction.
If he felt humiliated by this teasing, what would he do?
If he said something reckless, she'd have to find a way to smooth things over.
There was no denying that that was the best way to deepen affection. When comparing Lot and Merlin, of course Morgan wouldn't hesitate to side with Lot.
"King Uther has business with me, so I came to pay my respects immediately after the wedding. Court Mage Merlin, does His Majesty have time to see us now?"
Lot's expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly.
Seeing his composed demeanor, Morgan grew curious.
[Merlin feels nothing at all. If I hadn't already sensed it in my heart, I wouldn't have known. I must say, his act is truly convincing.]
[If this era were to seek out its greatest actor, it would undoubtedly be Merlin. He himself feels nothing, yet he can mimic the exact expressions he should display. One must admit, his grasp of human psychology is terrifyingly masterful.]
Huh? What was Lot saying?
Was all of this just an act?
Did Merlin truly feel no emotions at all?
Hearing Lot's words, Morgan was somewhat shocked.
If this Merlin truly lacked emotions, then in some ways, he was far more frightening than anyone else.
[Morgan's tragedy is, to some extent, inseparable from Merlin. After all, he was the most crucial figure in ensuring King Arthur's rise to the throne.]
"King Arthur's rise? Who is King Arthur? Is she my sister?"
Morgan slightly furrowed her brows, lost in thought.
I'll have to keep an eye out. If I ever meet this 'Arthur,' I must see for myself what power she has to replace me as the ruler of Camelot.
This era's Britain shall be mine to command.
Whether it's this Merlin before me or that sister of mine hiding somewhere, they will all become my subjects in the end.
Still, I wonder how I should go about prying more information from this horndog Lot about where my sister is.
What does this horndog like?
He's into some… peculiar tastes.
Does that mean I'll have to agree to those… positions?
Ugh, that's too embarrassing!
Recalling the positions Lot had fantasized about in his excitement last night, Morgan's face flushed with shame.
Then, she violently shook her head, forcing those thoughts away.
"Of course he does." Merlin nodded lightly.
Watching Morgan's expression, he couldn't understand why she had suddenly shaken her head like that.
But it didn't concern him.
"He has been awaiting your arrival, King Lot."
"Then I shall go see His Majesty King Uther now."
Lot quickly addressed Merlin.
"Very well!"
With an inviting gesture, Merlin led Morgan and Lot into King Uther's bedchambers.
...
King Uther had been waiting for Morgan and Lot in his chambers.
Seeing the handsome and beautiful pair enter, his gaze instinctively settled on Morgan.
It filled him with both joy and sorrow.
Joy, because his daughter had married an excellent man.
Handsome, noble in lineage, and—most importantly—from the way he interacted with Morgan, his personality seemed commendable as well.
If his daughter Morgan could find happiness, of course he would be pleased.
Though this had been a political marriage, he had never wished for his daughter to live in misery. Now, it seemed this arrangement had satisfied everyone involved.
That was good.
Knowing his own physical condition, King Uther felt that even if he were to pass, there would still be someone to take good care of Morgan.
Yet his sorrow came from the uncertainty of his next decision.
Who should inherit the throne of Camelot?
The supernatural power in his bloodline had likely faded with his generation. Neither Morgan nor Artoria had inherited it, so what mattered more for them were leadership and governance.
Artoria was being raised by Sir Ector and taught by Merlin—she would undoubtedly be exceptional. On the other hand, Morgan's proposals were also effective, and Lot was no less capable.
Choosing between the two…
This was difficult!
And so, King Uther couldn't help but sigh.
Having outstanding children was a blessing, but when all of them were outstanding, it became a headache.
Unfortunately, a kingdom wasn't like family property—it couldn't simply be divided.
Thankfully, his body could still hold on for some time, and with Morgan here, he could now attempt things he had once deemed impossible.
This would also be a good opportunity to observe both Morgan and Artoria, to determine who was more suited to be king.
Thinking this, he turned to Morgan and asked:
"Morgan, now that we've met, can you elaborate on the agricultural incentive plan you proposed through Merlin? Rewarding farmers with official titles to boost their enthusiasm is indeed an excellent idea. Come, tell me—do you have any further additions?"
Hearing this, Morgan remained unfazed, but Lot's eyes widened in shock.
Wait, what's going on?
How does Morgan know about such policies?
Who taught her these ideas?
Lot couldn't help but stare at Morgan.
Seeing his astonishment, Morgan grinned triumphantly.
Even without reading his mind, she knew exactly what he was thinking.
She blinked and mouthed back at him with her eyes:
Lot, these are all things you told me!