Chapter 56: Is This Something King Leodegrance Is Qualified To Interfere With?
Merlin had initially thought that after his trip to the south caused such significant issues, Noah would no longer assign him any important tasks.
However, after being summoned by Noah, he was immediately given a new mission—to find Excalibur.
This task alone wouldn't have been too troublesome for Merlin. After all, he already knew the sword's location—it was the very blade he had prepared for King Arthur, the protagonist of the legend he had crafted. All he needed to do was pretend to search for it, biding his time until the moment was right to reveal its whereabouts.
But Noah proved utterly unreasonable.
Not only did he assign Merlin the task of locating Excalibur, but he also burdened him with the duty of finding Rhongomyniad that sustained the surface world. On top of these two quests, Noah ordered him to embark on a diplomatic mission to the Northern Six Territories.
Before Merlin could even voice his refusal, Noah cut him off with a single phrase—"The capable bear more burdens."
He followed it up with another—"There's no other choice. I've only recently become king and lack sufficient personnel, so I must trouble you, Lord Merlin."
With a dozen more such remarks, Noah systematically blocked every possible escape route, as if he had anticipated every excuse Merlin might offer...
Left with no alternative, Merlin could only sigh in resignation and accept the reality that he would now have to undertake this journey to the Northern Six Territories while juggling a mountain of responsibilities.
Once Merlin agreed, Noah dropped the "capable bear more burdens" rhetoric.
To Merlin's astonishment, he discovered that Noah had already prepared everything for his departure—he was to be sent off that very night.
This left Merlin twitching at the corners of his eyes in frustration.
But he was no fool. After a moment's reflection, he realized that Morgan was likely returning soon, and Noah was likely trying to prevent him from crossing paths with her.
Once he understood the reason and saw the faintly apologetic smile lingering on Noah's face, Merlin found it even harder to protest.
So be it.
Even if he couldn't observe the situation within Camelot Castle directly, he could still foresee the outcome of events. A long journey wasn't the end of the world.
Though forced into this situation, Merlin was not one to suffer in silence without leaving a parting shot.
After accepting his duties, he casually brought up another matter with Noah:
"Your Majesty, I've noticed that King Leodegrance seems to be making secret preparations. From what I gather, he intends to marry his daughter, Guinevere, to you..."
Merlin mentioned it only as a formality, then excused himself on the grounds of pressing official business.
In his mind, this piece of information alone would be enough to trouble Noah.
But in reality...
Noah showed not even a flicker of disturbance upon hearing Merlin's news.
Noah was indeed unskilled in political machinations.
Normally, if events diverged from his plans, he would either consult with Mary and Morgan or reorganize his strategy based on new intelligence, keeping himself busy for a time.
But this matter required no such deliberation.
Thus, Noah remained entirely unfazed.
Merlin had already left, but Artoria, who had been standing behind Noah all along, seemed hesitant to speak.
Though Noah couldn't see her expression, he noticed her unusual behavior. Normally, Artoria would have gone to guard the door by now, yet today she remained standing there motionless. While organizing official documents, Noah casually inquired, "Is there something troubling you?"
Hearing Noah's sudden question, Artoria hesitated briefly before finally speaking. "No... I was just curious whether you would accept King Leodegrance's marriage proposal."
Though she said this, Artoria actually believed Noah would likely accept. After all, agreeing would mean bringing King Leodegrance into their alliance. Moreover, they had previously met Princess Guinevere, who was indeed exceptionally beautiful. Thus, it seemed there was no reason for Noah to refuse.
Artoria didn't understand why this matter bothered her so much. Yet even though the outcome seemed obvious, it troubled her deeply, causing even the usually upright strand of hair on her head to droop like a dejected puppy.
Noah paused his quill upon hearing Artoria's words but quickly resumed his work. "There's nothing to be curious about here. The outcome should be obvious, shouldn't it?"
His tone remained calm. Artoria bowed her head slightly lower, but Noah's next words completely contradicted her expectations. "I wonder who gave King Leodegrance the audacity to let a mere member of the Twelve Lords meddle in my personal affairs as king."
"Who becomes my queen is none of his concern. If he and the other eleven lords could set aside their petty schemes, Britain would be much better off."
"Trying to position himself as my elder before formal negotiations—I wonder which so-called wise advisor gave him that idea. King Leodegrance truly found himself a troublesome ghost."
Hearing this, even the previously downcast Artoria couldn't help but chuckle softly.
It was then that Noah turned to face Artoria. His eyes met hers with unusual seriousness. "As for my queen, I've long decided who it will be—and it's not Guinevere. This is my decision as king, and no one can change it."
Noah didn't specify who he had chosen, but under his gaze, Artoria seemed to understand the answer. She blushed slightly, her eyes avoiding his. Though not yet a king herself, besides being a knight, she was still a young woman. Noah's words were too overwhelming for someone her age.
Thus, Artoria quickly changed the subject. "Then... if you refuse King Leodegrance, aren't you worried he might interfere with our agreement regarding the Southern Six Territories?"
Changing the subject was genuine, but her concern was real too. However, Noah remained calm precisely because what worried Artoria wasn't actually a problem.
"Don't worry. If he had any shame, he shouldn't even have brought up the marriage proposal, let alone cause trouble."
As for King Leodegrance having no shame...
Then we'll just replace him!
Under the protection of the Age of Gods, Britain has nurtured so many people.
While few are willing to be soldiers sent to die on the front lines during battles, there are plenty who'd gladly become one of Britain's twelve lords.
After Morgan eliminated the nobles of the Southern Six Territories, Noah became the people's choice in the south.
Not to mention Vortigern is one of us.
King Leodegrance...
If he's smart, he'll enjoy wealth and honor.
If he's foolish... he'll just be a clown!