Chapter 47: Because it’s Merlin

Merlin tried his best to explain to Arthur.

He wanted Arthur to understand what kind of monster the creature named Sajyou Manaka truly was.

So what if she was human?

Merlin believed Arthur was a wise monarch who could discern which was more trustworthy — the body or the essence.

"No need to say more, Flower Magician. I understand everything you said. There's no better way to describe it than 'possessing the power of gods in a human body.' Just like gods, they love everyone equally, so they love no one. Humans cannot grasp the feelings of gods, so divine love is meaningless. It's the same principle." Arthur interrupted Merlin with a frown, his face serious.

In truth, he was uneasy.

He really hadn't expected to attract so many... how to put it... problem children.

That's right—in his eyes, whether it was Artoria, Morgan, or the current Manaka, each one was a problem child in need of guidance.

That was all.

As for what Merlin said about Manaka's inhuman nature?

Who cared about that?

Wasn't it far better to have a girl who was gentle, considerate, pretty, and most importantly, cooked delicious food by your side?

Besides—

"But I don't think Manaka is a terrible person. Whether human or not, to me she means one thing only. She is Manaka—Sajyou Manaka—a girl who shares my burdens. That's enough."

"Aren't you... surprised?" Merlin blinked, dryly. This was not the reaction he'd expected.

No, no, no—maybe he was too surprised to show it. From the start, Merlin didn't know how his king would react when shocked. Yes, it was just a delay caused by shock. Once Arthur fully understood, surely he'd take both Manaka and Merlin seriously again!

Merlin was stubbornly hopeful.

"Let me explain again, my king. The existence of Sajyou Manaka was destined the moment she was born—"

"Shut up! Mr. Flower Magician, please don't continue lowering my opinion of you. Manaka is Camelot's magic consultant and my assistant. No one knows that better than me. Whatever others say, it doesn't matter to me. She is important!"

Arthur looked utterly solemn.

Without Manaka, he would revert to his old ways—being harassed by some shameless incubus while drowning in a workload ten times heavier than now.

Therefore, Manaka's existence was more important to Arthur than Morgan's.

Without Manaka, he'd die of overwork. Bastard!

"If she is not human, I will make her human. If she hates humans, I will make her love Camelot. If she is in danger, I will save her at all costs. This was fated the moment I took her hand. If the world no longer needs her, then I will hold her hand again."

Because, honestly, no one else was as convenient as her.

Watching Arthur—excited and brave, solemn and confident—speaking words warmer than a confession, Merlin was momentarily stunned.

Huh? Huh, huh, huh! This isn't how we agreed.

Where did the script go wrong?

It's not fair! Why can Manaka be loved deeply while I'm despised and hated?!

Merlin felt a swirl of bitter emotions, unable to reason with it.

The only good news? The crushing pressure weighing on him vanished as Arthur finished speaking.

Merlin even seemed to see a playful girl with short golden hair saying thanks for her help.

"······"

Merlin wanted to kill the couple with a single sword.

He never expected that, even from thousands of miles apart, he could still be force-fed dog food.

(British swear word)! Stop feeding it! The dog's choking!

"Then, my king, may I ask one last question? Since you don't mind my inhuman identity, why do you reject my loyalty?" Merlin's smile wavered, forced.

For the first time, he realized how bitter human emotions could be.

"Because you're Merlin."

Instant answer.

That's it. Instant.

What about Merlin? Should Merlin die? Does Merlin have no human rights?

Okay, it's confirmed. What Arthur hates is not my inhuman identity, but me—Merlin.

Being treated this way made Merlin want to vomit blood.

Seeing Merlin's uncomfortable expression, Arthur realized he'd slipped and quickly softened his tone:

"Don't misunderstand. I affirm your ability. You are the greatest magician—not only in the history of these British Isles, but possibly the greatest magician the world has ever known. You're so powerful that if you can't control yourself, it could cause terrible harm—not just to me, but to everyone."

Everyone is good at saying polite words. You say different things to different people. It's the most basic skill of speech.

Whether it's effective depends on the individual.

I believe Merlin—the wise Merlin—saw straight through this and should have just walked away.

However, Arthur, familiar with human nature, clearly didn't fully understand non-humans.

He had no idea how deeply the blunt answer just delivered had wounded Merlin.

Merlin was already doing well not to shut down completely.

Question: When someone has tried every possible way to reach their goal, failing countless times and close to giving up on themselves, then suddenly their enemy offers what they want with a smile—will they accept it?

If they do, dignity, pride, hatred, persistence—all get thrown aside.

The answer was obvious.

He would.

What else could a person who has given up on themselves do?

"...In other words, it's because big brother is so powerful that even King Arthur doubts his ability to control him. Yeah, I deserve it. Merlin, oh Merlin, in front of your handsome face and greatest magic, even King Arthur's glory pales."

Saying this, Merlin shot Arthur a provocative grin, defending the last shred of his dignity.

An obvious provocation, even a 21st-century elementary student could tell.

So? Will Arthur be fooled?

Of course.

What else could he say? "How dare you compare yourself to me, you piece of trash?" and push Merlin away?

Who knows, Merlin might get so upset he'd draw his sword and stab himself.

Also, Merlin, please wipe your tears, okay?

"Ah, that's it. You're so powerful, Merlin."

Arthur put on a kingly air, using the same tone he often used to insult Lancelot.

He ordered impatiently, "Alright, you've asked enough questions. Now, go to sleep. I still have work to do. Any official who disturbs the king's work will be beheaded, no matter the era. What do you think, Lord Merlin?"

"Okay, Your Majesty~"