"Well…"
Galahad wanted to ask Morgan why she knew so much about him how he had come here, whether he could return.
But after a moment's thought, he decided against it.
After all, Morgan had used magecraft to convey her message earlier. That meant she didn't want others to know.
"Makes sense. Since I'm from the future, there must be some hidden secret involved. Morgan wouldn't let something like this get out."
Galahad sighed inwardly.
Forget it. Morgan has more important matters to deal with right now.
My questions can wait.
Besides, once the noble rebellion is settled, I might run into that guy again.
Galahad thought of his father, whom he had encountered earlier.
His grip on his sword tightened.
I didn't get to fight nearly enough just now.
I want another round.
But given your skill and insight, you won't be fooled again so easily.
...
Meanwhile.
Lancelot had entered Camelot and begun investigating the matters Lot had mentioned.
As he walked through the city, he was struck by its overwhelming prosperity.
The people's faces were filled with smiles.
This was completely different from what the nobles had described.
Along the way, Lancelot also overheard discussions about how Morgan and Lot had supported the city's commerce, agriculture, and industry.
"So, if not for Lady Morgan providing interest-free loans, your shop would have gone under?"
Lancelot stood before a storefront, questioning the owner.
The shopkeeper nodded. "That's right. Our goods were seized by Vortigern's soldiers. Without Lady Morgan's help, we wouldn't have had the capital to restock."
Lancelot realized the shopkeeper's words matched exactly what Lot had told him.
Hmm.
Was I deceived?
As he pondered this, he failed to notice a pair of eyes watching him.
"This era has fallen into chaos. The fact that Sir Lancelot has appeared in Camelot at this time has already deviated too far from the original course. Still, I have a chance to correct it."
Merlin observed Lancelot's inquiries with a faint murmur.
He had no intention of abandoning his plans.
In Merlin's view, only by ensuring his disciple Artoria became king could the Age of Gods be prolonged.
Right now, he couldn't fully grasp Morgan and Lot's actions but he wasn't overly concerned.
Things are still within control.
With that thought, Merlin turned his gaze toward the city gates.
That should be where they return, no?
Sigh. Having to observe Morgan and the others with my own eyes is truly exhausting.
Merlin took a bite of his apple and casually glanced toward Lot's group.
Hmm. They left with four people.
Now they're back with… five?
Who's the extra one?
What ?!
Merlin's smile vanished entirely.
For the first time, genuine shock crossed his face.
Galahad?!
Why is he here?
How could he appear at this point in time?!
This makes no sense!
For a magus who prided himself on understanding everything, the greatest fear was the unexpected.
And Galahad's arrival had completely stunned Merlin.
What do I do now?
I need to adjust my plans.
...
By the time Lot and the others returned, the tension in Camelot had become palpable.
The desperate nobles, having failed in their assassination attempt, were now preparing for more drastic measures.
They had begun mobilizing their private soldiers for an outright coup.
As they entered the city, Morgan noticed the approaching troops and took Lot's hand.
"Hey, Horndog, let me tell you a joke."
"What joke?" Lot asked.
"Some people actually think they can ambush the heroes who brought them victory."
Morgan laughed softly.
Lot studied the soldiers and replied, "So they believe our victory was just luck. Well, we'll have to show them how wrong they are."
He glanced back at Kay and Artoria, who gave him reassuring nods.
Meanwhile, the streets around them gradually emptied of civilians.
In their place stood rows of armored soldiers.
Leading them was the nobleman from before.
"Lady Morgan, Lord Lot, we must ask you both to return to Orkney. Camelot is no place for you."
Morgan's expression darkened. "I am Uther's only child. How does Camelot not concern me?"
The nobleman sneered. "But you are a woman. A woman cannot be king of Camelot!"
"Why not?" Morgan countered. "If I prove myself more capable than any of you, that alone qualifies me."
[Nice one! And if I get to laze around every day afterward, even better.]
Morgan shot Lot a look.
This damn Horndog really never lets go of his lazy dreams, huh?
The nobleman scoffed. "We have no intention of letting you rule Camelot. We will find a suitable candidate to become king."
As he spoke, his gaze flicked toward Artoria behind Morgan.
If only you had agreed, things would've been so much easier.
You pulled the sword from the stone, yet have zero interest in the throne?
Unbelievable.
Morgan merely smiled.
"I have no need to explain myself to you. Whether you agree or not means nothing. After all… the dead can't voice objections."
"You !" The nobleman raised a finger at her.
"Don't point at her," Lot cut in coldly, cracking his knuckles. "Unless you want me to break it."
With a sweep of his arm, he barked an order:
"Men! Round these traitors up in one net!"