Though it wasn't the kind of "evil knight" Lancelot had expected to encounter, a criminal was still a criminal, and one who stood right before him certainly shouldn't be let off the hook.
Especially when the crime in question was something as heinous as freeloading.
That alone was enough to ensure Lancelot wouldn't let this slide.
He saw the white-haired man charging toward him and immediately stuck out his foot, aiming squarely for his path.
Trip you right up.
THUD.
Merlin fell flat on his face.
And just like that, he was surrounded.
The moment his pursuers saw Merlin caught, they showed no mercy.
"Freeloader, huh?"
"You dare skip out on payment at a brothel "
"Beat him up!"
A storm of fists and kicks descended upon Merlin as the mob vented their fury.
At first, Lancelot watched with amusement. After all, he'd pieced together the situation.
Brothels while he'd never visited one himself were establishments he understood well.
And to visit one without paying?
This white-haired bastard…
What a scumbag.
Though he'd been in a sour mood earlier, seeing this freeloader get his due was oddly satisfying.
But after a while, something felt off.
This guy… wasn't actually getting hurt at all.
Just who is he?
Lancelot's mind raced with suspicion.
By then, the brothel's enforcers decided they'd had enough. After a few final curses, they left.
After all, this white-haired idiot had only indulged in some cheap thrills his tab wasn't even that large. Actually beating him to death would've been excessive.
Lately, Lot and Morgan had been very strict about maintaining order in Camelot. Killing someone over this would've caused unnecessary trouble.
Once the crowd dispersed, Merlin stood up grinning as if nothing had happened.
Brushing the dust off his robes, he shot Lancelot a look of exaggerated grievance.
"If you hadn't tripped me, I'd have gotten away clean."
Lancelot, now wary of Merlin's clearly supernatural resilience, chose his words carefully.
"I believe any knight with a sense of justice would've done the same in my position."
Merlin chuckled. "Ah, but payday hasn't come yet! If they hadn't caught me, I'd have settled the debt next time."
"…Who are you?"
That carefree smile only deepened Lancelot's suspicion. This was no ordinary man.
Merlin clasped his hands behind his back and announced, "Why, I am Camelot's Royal Court Mage Merlin."
Lancelot's breath hitched.
Royal Court Mage Merlin?!
"…Has Camelot's economy gotten that bad? Even the court mage has to wait for payday? And you're skipping out on brothel tabs?"
He rubbed his chin, utterly bewildered.
Merlin blinked.
"I expected you to be more shocked by my title."
Then, with a laugh, he added, "Oh, my financial woes have nothing to do with Her Majesty Morgan. I simply… spend too much. Sigh. I even begged her for a raise, citing my years of loyal service, but she refused."
"…"
Lancelot was at a loss for words.
Just how shameless are the people of Britain?
This man spent his days lounging in brothels and had the audacity to demand a raise from his superiors?
What kind of pushover ruler would agree to that?
Knowing Lot and Morgan, neither struck him as the indulgent type.
Merlin's hopes were doomed from the start.
Then, Merlin's eyes gleamed as he studied Lancelot.
"Sir Lancelot, what are your plans now? Will you slink back to France in defeat?"
"Of course not!" Lancelot snapped reflexively.
"I'll carve my name into the legends of Britain itself!"
"Oh? And how do you plan to do that? Fame isn't something you earn in a single stroke."
Lancelot squared his shoulders. "My swordsmanship speaks for itself. Even if I'm unknown now, my skill will make me known."
Merlin's smile turned sly.
"Opportunity, dear knight. Beyond skill, one needs opportunity."
His voice dripped with temptation.
"…Can you provide that?"
Merlin said nothing, his silence itself an answer.
But Lancelot understood.
He could.
The offer was tempting but Lancelot didn't accept immediately.
After being fooled by nobles and exposed by Lot, he'd learned caution.
"I won't leave Camelot yet, Court Mage. I'll give you my answer later."
With that, he walked away.
Merlin stroked his chin as he watched Lancelot go.
"My, my. The young Lancelot isn't so easily fooled anymore."
Though the sword in the stone had ultimately crowned Morgan as king, Merlin's ambitions hadn't dimmed in the slightest.
Even if Artoria hadn't taken the throne, he wouldn't stop building his own faction.
If he could sway Lancelot to his side, he'd have a powerful piece ready for the future.
Yes…
Lancelot's strength was immense.
Losing such an asset would be a colossal waste.
He couldn't let Artoria lose this warrior.
Meanwhile, Artoria
"Hmph. A knight shouldn't be picky about food… but even Camelot's street fare can't compare to our army's mess hall."
She frowned at the snack in her hand.
As the saying went: Hardship to luxury is easy; luxury to hardship is hard.
Artoria's palate had been spoiled.
"I really miss those private meals from Their Majesties Morgan and Lot…"
She longed for another mission just so she could earn another feast as a reward.