The next morning, Art (the protagonist) did the unexpected: he skipped his usual early training and headed straight to see King Uther to join him for breakfast. Naturally, the King was thrilled. However, the news absolutely freaked out Prince Arthur (Uther's biological son, also known as Artie) and Gaius, the court physician.
Sure enough, not long after Art arrived, Artie rushed in, dragging Morgana right behind him.
King Uther was genuinely surprised. What was going on? Why were all his kids suddenly lining up to have breakfast with him?
While King Uther believed he had given all his children his love, he had to admit he wasn't exactly a warm, fuzzy dad who was close with his kids. In fact, other than Art, the other two didn't particularly enjoy eating with him.
Uther felt a little helpless. As a middle-aged, old-school guy, he just couldn't bring himself to talk soft and gentle with his children.
But today, with both his son and daughter rushing to join him for breakfast, Uther had a fleeting moment where he wondered if he had forgotten his own birthday. Why else would they all show up unannounced?
In any case, Uther was delighted. What father doesn't enjoy his kids wanting to be around him?
Art wasn't surprised by Artie's arrival. That guy really cares about Merlin, he thought.
Art gave Artie a knowing smile, then looked at Morgana with a similar expression. Morgana's cheeks flushed, slightly embarrassed. It was hard to tell if it was because of her late-night 'adventures' or because Art had clearly figured out her intentions.
Seeing Morgana's look of pure happiness, King Uther was even more pleased. He asked with concern, "My dear, how are you feeling? Anything bothering you?"
Morgana gave King Uther a sweet smile. "I'm great, Dad. I'm completely fine. I feel lighter than I ever have."
"That's wonderful," Uther replied.
Then, he wasn't sure what else to say.
King Uther was a lot like Art's old man back home—the kind of person who didn't wear their emotions on their sleeve. Maybe it was a common trait among traditional, older men: they preferred to be reserved; everything was understood without words.
Perhaps this was why Uther's relationship with his children had been strained at times; the younger generation wasn't exactly used to that kind of reserved personality.
Artie, meanwhile, wasn't paying attention to anything Uther was saying. His focus was entirely on Art, terrified that he would report Merlin's activities to Uther and ruin everything. However, to his surprise, Art said absolutely nothing for the entire breakfast.
Art still hadn't spoken up after breakfast finished, and he didn't leave either, which kept Artie on edge. It wasn't until Gaius and some court officials arrived that Artie was finally able to relax a little.
Gaius's friendship with Art and King Uther was well established, and his presence offered Artie a small buffer.
King Uther was a little curious why both Art and Artie weren't heading off to their training, as they had been doing high-intensity workouts for the past month.
Art explained that training needed a good balance between work and rest. A full month of high-intensity drills required a proper day off, and since he didn't have much else going on, he decided to bring Artie to learn how to handle state affairs.
Uther was even more satisfied with this answer. He needed Artie to be more than just a great knight; he also needed to be a capable king, and dealing with governance was a crucial part of that education. Art's plan worked perfectly, killing two birds with one stone.
While King Uther was showing Artie the ropes of managing the kingdom, Gaius sought out Art.
Gaius didn't speak; he just stood there, looking intently at Art. He could tell Art had no intention of executing Merlin. If he did, he wouldn't have kept quiet about it all morning. As for thinking Art might be holding back out of consideration for Artie and himself... Gaius wasn't that arrogant. If Art truly made up his mind, not even King Uther could change it. Besides, to be frank, even if Art had executed Merlin, could Artie or Gaius truly blame him?
No way!
Art was right. What Merlin did was a capital offense.
After about three minutes, Art finally smiled and asked, "What's up, old friend? You have something you want to say to me?"
"Oh... yes. I have to thank you, Art. You saved that kid," Gaius said.
Art glanced at Gaius, a little curious. "You really care that much about him?"
Gaius didn't try to hide anything, telling the truth: "He reminds me of my younger self. Just as overly confident, just as blind. Always convinced he held the ultimate truth. Always trying to change anything he didn't like."
Art nodded, finally understanding why Gaius was so desperate to plead for Merlin.
"In that case, you have an even greater responsibility to teach him well, Gaius. I know he's special, but that's why he needs guidance even more. He's already acting like he's above everyone else. If he keeps going this way... Gaius, I like that kid, and I don't want to have to personally finish him off one day."
Gaius's face changed dramatically, and he started to protest, but Art held up a hand, silencing him. "Don't deny it, Gaius. I've been traveling for ten years and have seen countless strange things, things that would be unbelievable if I told you. So don't worry that I'll look at Merlin sideways. But honestly, old friend, Merlin has a gift, and he needs to be taught. I'm sure you've seen plenty of good intentions gone south, just like what happened here. Don't let him get so full of himself anymore."
With that, Art turned and walked away, leaving Gaius standing there, his face clouded with worry. He never imagined that the secret he had worked so hard to cover up would be discovered by Art so easily. Still, things weren't too bad.
The morning passed peacefully. As lunchtime approached, King Uther finished up most of his immediate work.
It was then that Art suddenly spoke to the King. "Oh, before you go, Your Majesty. There is something I need to report."
Artie jumped, terrified—the thing he feared most was happening! He desperately looked at Gaius, hoping for help, but Gaius shook his head, signaling him to keep quiet.
King Uther was a bit puzzled. If Art had something important to report, why wait until now?
Art noticed Uther's confusion and explained, "It's a minor thing, so I didn't want to take up your more valuable time."
Uther's doubts vanished, and he felt inexplicably pleased. Art was essentially saying that their family breakfast time and the time spent teaching governance were more important and valuable, and he didn't want to bother the King then.
What a smooth talker!
"Well, go ahead. I have a moment now."
"I want to punish a servant," Art said.
"Who? And why?" Uther asked, surprised. Art had a reputation for being good-tempered and rarely punished servants. In fact, Uther often thought Art was a little too lenient.
"Arthur's manservant, Merlin. He offended me last night when Arthur came to have dinner with Morgana. Although it was unintentional, I don't want anyone doing things that cause displeasure when I'm spending time with Morgana, so I need to set an example for everyone."
King Uther immediately frowned. Of course, he didn't think Art was wrong; Art was family, and Merlin was a servant. Even as Artie's manservant, he couldn't compare to Art. What displeased him was that Artie was so thoughtless as to not keep his own servant in line.
"How do you intend to punish him?"
"Just a whipping. Nothing too rough, nothing too easy—just right."
Artie let out a huge sigh of relief. Just a whipping? The guy wouldn't die! It was much better than having his head chopped off! So, Artie remained silent.
Gaius also breathed a sigh of relief. This was perfect: it saved Merlin's life and taught him a profound lesson.
"Then proceed as you see fit," King Uther said. He actually thought it was a bit light, but since Art had made the request, he wouldn't contradict him or cause trouble over such a minor issue.
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