Chapter 53: Lot Is Also Stunned

"Things have gotten interesting."

Though this was indeed a minor setback, Merlin wasn't one to be discouraged.

Next time, he'd just do better.

If he couldn't even handle a little frustration like this, then failure would only be natural.

He was still quite confident in his victory.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to speak of Camelot's eventual division during his conversations with Uther Pendragon.

If he couldn't guarantee that Artoria would surely triumph and become the king of all territories outside Camelot, how could he have made such claims?

"Still, this is the first time I've experienced something like this. It's… a bit hard to accept."

Merlin muttered to himself.

For the first time, events had completely deviated from the trajectory he had foreseen.

Was he panicking?

Absolutely.

This was a sensation Merlin had never felt before.

And he wasn't the only one struggling to accept reality.

While still within the city walls, Lot had already heard the news someone had drawn the Sword in the Stone.

The moment he heard it, he understood immediately.

This had to be Artoria pulling the sword.

That old swindler Merlin must be feeling pretty pleased with himself right now.

Even if Merlin couldn't see him clearly, his abilities far surpassed both Lot's and Morgan's. If he knew what his enemies were planning

The next phase of the story should be Saber becoming king, that clueless King of Knights who understood nothing of human hearts.

Then she'd embark on a campaign of conquest.

And after a series of grueling battles, she'd finally be stabbed to death by her rebellious son, Mordred.

Thinking this far ahead, Lot decided there was one thing he had to do.

Find a way to comfort his wife, Morgan.

She had always wanted to be king.

But now, her plans had been thwarted.

She must be furious and resentful right now.

In the original history, after witnessing Artoria become king, Morgan had been unable to accept it eventually falling into darkness.

She spent the rest of her days making trouble for Artoria and the Knights of the Round Table.

In the end, she brought tragedy to everyone.

But now, with him here

That history would never repeat itself.

He had to make Morgan understand if she just gave her husband enough time, he'd secure her a position even more glorious than Queen of Britain.

Her talents and ambitions shouldn't be wasted on petty jealousy.

He needed to console her properly.

With this in mind, he set out to find Morgan.

Perhaps because their hearts were linked

Lot hadn't gone far before he spotted Morgan.

"Wife !"

He rushed over and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Caught off guard, Morgan stiffened for a moment

But the moment she recognized that familiar scent, she relaxed and melted into his arms.

Mm~

She adjusted herself into a comfortable position.

This horndog really does understand me.

He must know I've outmaneuvered Merlin and turned the Sword in the Stone to my advantage, so he came to celebrate with me.

Good. Very good.

A sweet smile spread across Morgan's face.

Her husband might be a horndog, but he was her horndog loyal, devoted, and utterly obsessed with her.

[Sigh… How should I even start comforting her?]

Huh?

Comfort?

Morgan's tender feelings instantly turned to bewilderment.

Horndog, what are you thinking?!

Since when do I need comforting?!

The one who needs comforting right now is Merlin!

[Don't worry, wife. I won't let you fall into darkness.]

Why the hell would I fall into darkness?!

I'm perfectly fine!

Horndog, are you misunderstanding something?!

[I know you must be upset and angry after seeing Artoria pull the Sword in the Stone and become Camelot's king.]

No, I'm not angry at all.

I'm thrilled.

You'd never guess even though it was my little sister Artoria who drew the sword, everyone believes it was me!

For now, at least

No one can use that "chosen one" nonsense to challenge my claim to Camelot's throne.

All that's left is dealing with the nobles, and I'll smoothly become Camelot's queen.

[Just hold on, wife. This is only temporary. In a few years, I'll make Merlin regret everything.]

No need to wait a few years I've already made that bastard regret it.

Husband, don't worry. A mere white-haired hack like him

You don't even need to lift a finger. I can handle him alone.

You… Just focus your talents on more important things.

Uniting Britain isn't my true goal

Creating a land where everyone can live happily?

That's what I truly want.

Isn't that what you desire too?

The beauty of this world should be shared by as many as possible.

[Let's just wait for Artoria and Vortigern to fight each other to the death. Then we'll swoop in and claim victory.]

Uh… That's not very realistic.

We'll have to face Vortigern ourselves.

But don't worry

If you've beaten him once, we can defeat him again. And again.

A young man in his late teens

Thinking he can just laze around while others do the work?

That won't fly.

As you'd say

What was it again?

Ah, right.

"You gotta stand tall!"

Just like that thing of yours always standing tall enough to scare me.

Get fired up!

My husband!

Meanwhile, Lot was still deep in thought.

[How should I even begin…]

"Morgan, you "

Lot opened his mouth, but Morgan cut him off.

"Lot, did you know? Today, I taught those scheming nobles a lesson."

Morgan grinned.

She had no intention of letting Lot "comfort" her.

His earlier thoughts were fine as internal monologues

But if he actually said them out loud, and she had to correct him?

That would just embarrass him for no reason.

And what would she gain from that?

Amusement?

Taking pleasure in her husband's embarrassment?

What kind of wife would that make her?

How utterly scummy.

Or was she trying to establish dominance in their relationship?

Don't be ridiculous.

Respect was mutual not something you trained into someone like a pet.

So before Lot could speak, Morgan preempted him.

And then

Lot was stunned.

[What the hell is this?!]

[The Sword in the Stone could only be drawn by Artoria! How could things have gone Morgan's way?!]

"What… happened?"

Lot asked urgently.

The situation had spiraled completely beyond his expectations, leaving his brain struggling to keep up.

Morgan smiled sweetly.

"It's simple. I had Artoria draw the sword. She succeeded and now, following my lead, all the nobles believe the Sword of Selection only obeyed her because I willed it."

"So now, every scheme to use that sword to undermine my rule has crumbled."

Hearing this, only one thought echoed in Lot's mind:

[You can even do that?!]

Mm-hmm. Yes, you absolutely can.

Morgan thought smugly to herself.

Humiliating her husband was something only a trashy woman would do

But watching him gape in awe at her brilliance?

Now that was satisfying.

Hehe…

She couldn't help but giggle.

Be proud, husband. Your wife is just this amazing.

Lot frowned in confusion.

"But how did you know Artoria could draw the sword?"

[Can she read my mind? But I tested it even Merlin can't use mind-reading on me. There's no way Morgan can do it now.]

He'd once sought Merlin out to test this deliberately thinking about King Arthur's future, Merlin's own fate, and even events far beyond.

If Merlin had sensed even a hint of those thoughts, he wouldn't have been able to ignore them.

But at the time, Merlin hadn't reacted at all.

Even when Lot made his expressions obvious, Merlin remained clueless.

That proved it Merlin couldn't read his mind.

"That's my little secret. I'll tell you someday."

Morgan winked mysteriously.

When would she tell him?

Preferably when she could control whether or not she heard his thoughts.

Right now, she mostly caught his mental voice when his emotions were intense.

If I could turn that off or let Lot control it then maybe.

If he knew I could hear his thoughts whenever, he'd start resisting me.

I don't want that.

For now, I'll listen until he stands tall on his own.

But in the future? I don't want to rely on this forever.

To motivate him, she leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

This secret wasn't small, though.

Even Artoria's identity had been exposed.

Lot was deeply frustrated.

But he did know Morgan wouldn't harm him.

So he could only wait patiently for her to explain someday.

Whatever. I've got my own cheats. We both have secrets no pointing fingers.

[But my days of slacking off…! Morgan's actions will only escalate her conflict with the nobles. As her husband, I can't just let her suffer. Which means… I'll have to step in and help.]

Hehe. No more lazing around for you, huh?

Morgan grinned to herself, thoroughly pleased.