"So, what exactly do you want to ask? Considering what remains of your reputation among the people, I'm willing to listen… for now."
Arthur reclined on the throne, casually holding Manaka's hand with one hand while propping his chin with the other, wearing an expression of bored disinterest.
It wasn't that he didn't want to take Merlin seriously—no one ever did—but the magician before him had never shown any seriousness. Especially since Arthur had been crowned king, Merlin had been pestering him almost nonstop—at work, at meals, and even in his dreams.
This was the state of affairs now that Manaka had settled in the castle and Merlin had momentarily calmed down.
The facts spoke for themselves: Merlin was more tenacious than a cockroach. The most obnoxious life form on earth, omnipresent and impossible to shake.
At least, that's how Arthur experienced him firsthand.
So it was no surprise Arthur bore such a bad attitude toward the man.
Objectively, Arthur's behavior was relatively polite. Didn't you notice how Kay would silently draw his sword and chop Merlin every time he showed up?
"Whatever… My king, you're really not ready to answer the question, are you?" Merlin smiled awkwardly.
He didn't understand why he was so disliked.
He had shown enthusiasm and even formally sworn loyalty to Arthur more than once. Yet no matter how he presented himself, it was useless. Since Arthur became king, he hadn't displayed open hostility but kept "helping" him in his own way. There was no reason to hate him.
Well, Merlin did mean well.
If "help" meant dragging Arthur into an incubus-filled dream while he was asleep, then sure, it was help.
When Arthur continued to remain silent, Merlin pressed on.
"My king, you've been busy lately. You've sped up assigning duties, inspected workshops run by slaves outside the city this morning, and now you're pushing officials to complete huge workloads as if you're about to leave Camelot. Am I mistaken?"
"Oh, that's right. I am leaving Camelot. I imagine that makes you somewhat happy."
"This is unfair! How can a subject wish for their king to leave the country?" Merlin threw his hands up with an exaggerated look of grievance.
By now, he had completely abandoned the idea of Artoria becoming king.
If Arthur and Artoria ever became mortal enemies, Merlin was sure it would be Artoria who perished. The gap between them was no longer something simple force or the Red Dragon Factor could fix.
Merlin even believed that without his incubus-given immortality, Arthur would have killed him already.
Even with immortality, he would be dead if Arthur had time to act.
The only reason Merlin was safe and sound in Britain was because he posed no real threat. Though he harassed Arthur relentlessly, he never became a serious obstacle.
Besides, it wasn't just Merlin—Artoria and Arthur's relationship had actually improved.
Maybe the little girl didn't realize it herself, but everyone else could see that Artoria had given up on becoming king. Though she still muttered things like, "I'm no worse than Arthur, I can do it too," that was just her competitive spirit talking.
By the way, though they were nominally siblings, they were really more like brother and sister.
"Hmph! Stop pretending to be innocent. You're probably happy about it inside."
"Really not."
At that moment, Manaka looked surprised and nervously glanced at Arthur. "The prince is leaving? Then... what about me? I'll go with you."
"Forget the fact I'm king… Never mind. Don't worry. I'm just going out to relax, just around Camelot. I'll be back shortly."
"Really?"
"Of course, I promise. I won't lie."
Manaka finally breathed a sigh of relief.
For her, no matter what the world did, or who came and went, the only person that mattered—the only person whose existence had meaning—was Arthur. That would never change.
Meanwhile, Merlin exhaled as well.
He was genuinely afraid Arthur might quit suddenly.
But then his curiosity was piqued.
"I see. You want to take a trip to relax because of the heavy workload. Can I come along? I'm very familiar with Britain and know many interesting places. With me there, I guarantee it will be the most memorable trip you've ever had."
The magician straightened his back and pitched himself.
If conditions allowed, he wanted to go out alone with Arthur.
He believed that once Arthur had time alone, it wouldn't take long before the king shed his prejudice against him.
It was time to move some things forward. Fate had already strayed from its original course, and Arthur would never stop. In that case, Merlin didn't mind stirring up a little more chaos—it might be hope for a breakthrough.
Unfortunately, he expected to be rejected. After all, he was King Arthur.
Merlin thought this with full self-awareness.
"Fine, I'll make an exception and take you with me. But don't let me down."
"Huh?"
Unexpected.
Arthur gave in far too easily.
No, he probably planned this from the morning, waiting for Merlin to ask.
"What are you talking about? How could I leave you behind in Camelot? If I'm not here, Manaka won't be in the mood to watch you, and Morgan will get fooled by you. If I don't take you, do you want to come back to a ruin?"
Just kidding—leaving a troublemaker alone at home would destroy the place.
Arthur trusted Merlin completely on this point.
He didn't want to spend time putting Camelot in order now just to face ten times the work later.
Besides, this wasn't just a simple trip. Merlin was a must.
"Okay, go back now and wait for me at the East Gate tomorrow morning."
Arthur waved dismissively.
"Hey! You really want to take me with you? Really?" Merlin's face lit up with a smile. "But there's still so much work to do. If you want, I can help."
"Just you?"
"I'm the flower magician~!"
"Fine, then call the financial officer here. Last month's taxes don't add up. Ask him if he wants to keep the job. Plenty of others want it."
"My king, please forgive me for being blunt, but Lord Geiger is right here."
"Geiger?" Arthur blinked, vaguely recalling the name. "I don't know him. I don't remember the names of dead weight and trash."
"Oh my, what a cruel king."
In the corner, a plump man clutching documents sobbed shamefully.
Am I dead weight and trash?