Chapter 111: People These Days Are So Hard to Fool

Upon observing Morgan taking Galahad to confront Lancelot and hearing their exchange, Merlin sensed his opportunity had arrived.

Lancelot's strength was undoubtedly the greatest among the Knights of the Round Table.

Even though both Galahad and his own pupil had undergone training under the Shadow Queen of the Land of Shadows,

And had grown far stronger than before,

Lancelot would still not fall short of them.

Ah,

But it seemed unlikely he would become a reliable ally for Lot.

In that case, he should now become a knight destined for the future King Arthur.

As for me, it's time to put in some serious effort

To swiftly make him an asset on my side.

Come on, this time, Lot isn't here. There can't be any more mishaps.

Merlin's thoughts were too erratic, too fluid incompatible with the rationality of those bound to this planet.

When it came to his own plans, he would never change them lightly.

In this era, he simply wished to paint the picture he desired.

To write the tale of a king sculpted by his own hands.

His own life was so dull he had to do something that might pique his interest.

If he didn't, he might as well end it all, ascend to the Throne of Heroes as a spirit, and spend eternity mocking those who came before him.

He could see through everyone except Lot.

Galahad's identity was also within his observations.

The reason he had discerned Galahad's origins was that everything was part of his design.

He didn't know the future, but based on the information he had already perceived, he could deduce it.

And Lancelot's current predicament?

Exactly what he had hoped for.

Merlin mused to himself, then prepared to explain his plans to Lancelot.

But before he could speak

Lancelot's actions aligned perfectly with his expectations.

In the literal sense.

The moment Lancelot spotted Merlin, he delivered a vicious kick straight to his chest.

If it were anyone else, Lancelot wouldn't have resorted to this.

But Merlin was an exception.

No matter how one dealt with him, it was never excessive.

If Lot and Morgan were openly hostile, and Galahad harbored resentment due to their uncertain relationship

Then what about Merlin?

Smiling amiably while chatting, only to stab you in the back mid-conversation.

Utterly detestable.

"Hey, I'm here to help you. Is this how you treat me?"

Lancelot's strength was immense. With that single kick, Merlin was sent sprawling to the ground.

Rubbing his nose with a pained grin, Merlin looked up at Lancelot.

Faced with Merlin's wry smile, Lancelot didn't relent he struck again.

During his imprisonment, Galahad had repeatedly warned him:

"Do not trust a single word Merlin says."

At the very least, this was one piece of advice Lancelot was more than willing to believe.

As he lunged at Merlin, Lancelot shouted:

"Last time you 'helped' me, I got locked up for a year! If you 'help' me again, I'll probably lose the rest of my life!"

Seeing this, Merlin sighed inwardly.

Well then,

I can't just take this beating.

I'd actually die at this rate.

Merlin raised his fists and fought back barehanded.

After a few exchanges, Merlin with the advantage of Clairvoyance seized an opening and locked Lancelot's arms in place.

"I truly wasn't deceiving you back then!"

Merlin hastily explained.

"I'm not on the same side as Their Majesties Morgan and Lot!"

"Oh really? Then why is his chief knight your student?"

Lancelot shot back.

"Ah…" Merlin's expression grew even more strained.

"That… wasn't by my choice."

"Whatever. There's nothing left to discuss. I'm going solo."

Lancelot wrenched his arms free and turned to leave.

But after only a few steps, Merlin tossed a small booklet at him.

"What's this?"

Lancelot caught it and frowned.

"Locations of giants and other Phantasmal Species. If you want fame or to hone your skills, consider it my advice."

Merlin replied.

"…If this is real, then thanks, I guess."

Lancelot pocketed the booklet.

Merlin sighed. "You still don't trust me."

Lancelot fixed him with a piercing stare.

"If you really want my trust, then tell me was what Sir Galahad said true? And who is his mother?"

"About his mother… I'll only reveal that once you fully believe in me."

"Playing coy, huh? Fine. I'll verify the contents of this booklet first. If it's all accurate, then I might consider hearing you out."

With that, Lancelot strode away.

Watching him leave, Merlin wiped the cold sweat from his brow.

"Kids these days… They're nothing like the people from Uther's time. So much harder to fool."

He muttered to himself.

Now, all he could do was wait for Lancelot's response.

Meanwhile…

As a man of Chinese descent, what brought the greatest joy?

Seeing granaries filled to the brim with grain.

Lying atop a mountain of food brought unparalleled comfort.

"But this is the last time. Next, we'll have to focus on farming and dealing with Vortigern's forces."

Lot murmured to himself.

This venture had all but ruined Camelot's credibility in Francia.

But when people were starving, principles like "credibility" no longer mattered.

As long as Camelot's people survived that was enough.

Now, they had to plant crops, reclaim their lands, and take revenge on Vortigern.

Unite Britain, then see if there was a way to delay the Age of Gods' decline.

And if that failed?

Well, they'd have no choice but to turn their blades toward Francia.

Lot had often pondered

In other timelines, the strife between Morgan and Artoria had plunged Camelot into endless civil war, leaving Artoria little room to expand into Europe.

But this time?

With him the Angler here,

Morgan and Artoria's sisterly bond remained intact.

Perhaps, one day, he would wield Joyeuse and become the Father of Europe.

Charlemagne's descendants had founded France, Germany, and Italy.

And as for him?

Well, he had far more children to spare…