It must just be a coincidence.
Lot said my sister would become Camelot's king—not my brother.
Maybe this boy just resembles our family a little.
Morgan glanced at Lot, silently urging him to explain.
For now, she could only follow his lead.
If he refused to speak, she had no way to force him.
Could these two have been arranged by Lot beforehand?
She quickly dismissed the thought.
Lot didn't seem the type for such schemes.
Not that he lacked the ability—he just lacked the interest.
If he were that ambitious, he'd have conquered far more than just Orkney by now.
Admittedly, talent-wise, this horndog might surpass even my father, King Uther.
He's still a step below me.
As Morgan mused, Artoria spoke up nervously:
"Your Majesties, King Lot and Lady Morgan… Is there something you needed from me and my brother Kay?"
Please don't say it's about the food!
Those ingredients looked expensive.
If we have to pay it back, my family can't afford it.
My foster father, Sir Ector, is a poor low-ranking noble. If I'm held responsible, I might have to stay here as a servant.
And if meals keep costing money… I could end up a servant for life!
But I… I wanted to be a knight.
"Nothing urgent. We were just taking a stroll." Morgan smiled, squeezing Lot's hand. "Might I ask about your family?"
Despite the inexplicable hostility she felt toward this boy, the urge to recruit him grew stronger.
Artoria gazed at Morgan's regal grace with awe.
"My foster father is Sir Ector."
"And your birth father?"
Morgan didn't press further. Studying them both, she made her offer:
"Would you consider serving under me? If you agree, King Lot will knight you both personally."
Kay, Artoria, and even Lot stiffened in shock.
This… wasn't what any of them expected.
[Morgan recruiting Artoria… I don't even know how to react.]
Morgan caught the thought and shot Lot a look.
What's with that reaction?
Such intense exasperation… How odd.
And why single out "Artoria"?
Is there something special about him?
Well, no matter—I'm recruiting him anyway.
Meanwhile, after the initial surprise, joy flooded Kay and Artoria.
Kay knew he'd become a knight eventually, but this was an incredible opportunity. As for Artoria, currently just a squire, knighthood wasn't guaranteed. An immediate promotion?
"We… would need to consult our father first," Kay said after a pause. "But if he agrees, we pledge our lives to your service, Lady Morgan."
His calm, dignified reply impressed both Lot and Morgan.
This one's not just skilled—he's steady-minded too.
No wonder Kay becomes a key Round Table member. His composure is exceptional.
He'd be reliable for administrative work.
Wait—why am I already planning to employ them?!
Morgan's dragging me into her schemes!
"We await your decision eagerly," Morgan said.
After Kay and Artoria left to find Sir Ector, Morgan turned to Lot.
"Well? If they join us, they'll be invaluable assets when we claim Camelot's throne, won't they?"
Come on, horndog—praise me!
"Absolutely. Their loyalty would be a tremendous advantage."
Lot's agreement was sincere, though his wording felt slightly off to Morgan.
Giddy, Morgan tilted her head. "Lot, let's review Orkney's administrative documents next."
"Of course. We'll handle them together."
[Heh, finally I can delegate paperwork. More time to laze around!]
Morgan heard it loud and clear.
I appreciate the trust, but—
Must you be this lazy?!
Lot, get your act together!
She glared at him, eyes sparkling with indignation.
Kay and Artoria didn't dawdle. After parting with Lot and Morgan, they hurried to find Sir Ector—
—only to run into someone else first.
The old swindler himself.
"Oh? In quite the rush, aren't you?"
Merlin eyed them curiously.
He'd been monitoring Artoria, but after Lot's appearance, his surveillance had… gaps.
Now, he needed intel.
"Teacher! Lady Morgan offered to make me her knight!"
Even Merlin, who had no emotions in his heart, felt his mouth twitch at this moment.