Morgan: I Miss My Sister

To usurp someone's throne and then demand they come to congratulate you?

What a shameless face!

It is truly rubbing salt into the wound.

Regarding Leon's approach, Morgan expressed her deepest support.

Years ago, ever since she learned of the mission Artoria was born to fulfill, she had never held a favorable view of that cheap sister of hers.

She was clearly the rightful mistress of Britain, born to possess everything, yet it was all snatched away by the younger Artoria. The meaning of her own arrival into this world, the blood and sweat she had poured into her efforts—all of it had been negated by someone else.

Since then, Morgan knew clearly that she hated Artoria.

But before she could actually plot to seize Britain, she heard that a man named Leon had pulled the Sword in the Stone and stolen Artoria's throne.

Furthermore, she learned that this Lion King wanted to marry her!

Morgan knew her opportunity had arrived. She agreed to marry the Lion King, intending to use him to achieve her own goals and reclaim the Britain that belonged to her.

The Lion King's wisdom was not to be underestimated; after just one meeting, he had seen through the dark schemes in her heart. His power was also far beyond what she had imagined; in a single exchange, he had defeated the Vile King, whom even she had to treat with caution.

Even so, she would not abandon her dream.

Fortunately, although the Lion King was powerful, he was at the age of budding romance and had been captured by her beauty, successfully falling under her spell.

Her goal had never changed: to use Leon's power to eliminate the Red Dragon and the White Dragon.

Now that Leon intended to suppress Artoria, Morgan was in total agreement; she couldn't be happier.

She told Leon everything she knew about Artoria, and Leon did not disappoint her; the very next day, he sought out Merlin.

"Merlin, take a seat."

Watching Leon personally pour him a cup of honey water, Merlin felt a sense of unease.

When someone offers courtesy without a reason, they are either a traitor or a thief.

"My King, is there something you require of me?"

Leon smiled and said, "It is nothing major. After Morgan returned to the palace, she missed the sister she hadn't seen for years. I thought I would fulfill Morgan's wish and have Artoria come to the palace to visit her, let the sisters catch up, and incidentally, attend my coronation ceremony."

As soon as Leon said this, Merlin's expression faltered; he nearly lost his composure on the spot.

Morgan? Missing her sister?

How could you say such a blatant lie with a straight face?

Knowing the history between Morgan and Artoria all too well, Merlin felt an urge to retort the moment he heard Leon's words.

Looking at Leon's solemn expression, Merlin forced the words back down his throat.

What "Morgan misses her sister"—it was clearly because Leon himself did not trust Artoria, the original heir to the throne. He was likely afraid that once Artoria entered the royal city, she would never leave, kept under his surveillance.

And to make her attend the ceremony—it was truly cruel, a humiliation beyond measure.

However, looking at Leon, Merlin knew this was not a request, but a notification.

Given Leon's arrogant and self-centered nature, a direct refusal would likely only make things worse.

"I can bring Artoria, but you must agree to one condition."

"Speak."

"I hope you can guarantee Artoria's personal safety."

Leon pondered for a moment before agreeing: "As long as she does not oppose me, I will ensure she lives a life free of worry."

Merlin sighed and nodded helplessly. He couldn't win in a fight, and he couldn't hide from him; this was the only way.

He supposed this was to be Artoria's final fate.

Once the matter was settled, Merlin downed the honey water. Before leaving, he suddenly asked Leon: "My King, there is one thing I do not understand. Please forgive my presumption, but I believe I hid Artoria quite well; only a handful of people in the world knew of her. When you first met, how did you discern Artoria's identity?"

"Take a guess?"

Hearing this, Merlin offered a bitter smile before taking his leave.

Watching Merlin depart, Leon could hardly say he had known since his previous life.

Leon considered himself an upright and transparent person, but regarding this matter, he would never speak of it.

To anyone.

Merlin did not stall; after leaving the palace, he notified Artoria's foster father, Ector, and instructed him to send Artoria to the royal city.

With many thoughts swirling in his mind, Merlin sought out Luther, who was busy preparing for the coronation.

He wanted to probe into Leon's past.

Facing Merlin, the great magus renowned throughout the country, Luther was very respectful, as he was also a man who had struggled for the nation for many years.

But when he heard that Merlin had come to dig into Leon's background, he simply spread his hands.

"I don't know."

"Rest assured, I mean the Lion King no harm. I just feel his temperament is somewhat extreme and wanted to ask what happened in his past, so I don't accidentally provoke him one day."

Upon hearing Merlin say this, Luther also felt that Leon's current temperament was far more arrogant than it had been before he claimed the throne.

Although Leon was arrogant enough to think he was second only to Jesus before he became king, he was never as insufferable as he was now.

Could the throne really have such a profound impact on a person's character?

Or perhaps, after sweeping across Britain, he discovered he was invincible, which led to this attitude of looking down on everyone.

Hearing Merlin's words, Luther pondered for a long time before nodding and saying, "I still don't know."

He had not forgotten the political label attached to Merlin.

Strictly speaking, Merlin was a remnant of the previous dynasty. Leon was magnanimous enough to let bygones be bygones and continue to employ him, even keeping him by his side during military campaigns. How could Luther not see the meaning behind that?

Leon's wariness of Merlin was plain for all to see.

Luther had once heard his son mention the affair between Merlin and Arthur. Putting himself in Leon's shoes, if someone had usurped his throne, he would likely have grabbed a blade and fought to the death.

Yet Merlin's reaction was so indifferent, accepting it all so easily... Thinking of this, Luther became even more vigilant toward Merlin.

Seeing that Luther was still unwilling to answer, Merlin knew that continuing to press him would likely yield no results.

Even if he were to ask the brother of the Lion King, the result would likely be the same.

Sigh, there is still a barrier between us.

Merlin took his leave, his retreating figure carrying a hint of desolation.

Watching Merlin's back, Luther shouted to him, "By the way, do not forget to prepare a gift for our King's coronation ceremony. He is very much looking forward to the surprise you have in store."

Merlin's footsteps faltered, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod before departing.

This was indeed Leon's order.

As Leon prepared to officially ascend the throne, he felt that on such a day of universal celebration, it was better to share the joy than to keep it to himself. He wanted to share this happiness with his ministers so they could experience it as well.

He issued a decree requiring every minister to present a gift. The value of the gift did not matter, but it had to be sincere and exquisite.

Leon specifically pointed out that it was not just the ministers; the common people in every region were also to share in this joy. The people of each region were to act as a collective and present one gift.

At the end of this decree, Leon emphasized one final sentence, very short and very clear—

Those who disobey shall be beheaded!