Uther, King of Knights

"This is Camelot, the capital of Britain," Merlin said, pointing at the majestic city walls ahead as he rode his horse.

"Ah, yes," Anno replied, also on horseback, taking in the legendary capital.

The city walls were a good ten meters high. In an era of relatively low productivity, constructing a building of this scale was no small feat.

Incidentally, Anno had only learned horseback riding recently.

The two left their horses at the city gates and entered Camelot. Within the city, only the king and victorious knights were permitted to ride horses.

Annor, clad in armor and built like a tank, frequently drew the curious glances of passersby. Had Merlin not been accompanying him, patrolling knights would likely have already approached to question him, especially with the longsword at Anno's hip.

Merlin, staff in hand and hat pulled low to obscure his face, spoke to Anno beside him, "King Uther has decided to march out in three days. Will you accompany me to meet the King now?"

Anno didn't hesitate: "Yes."

He now had the strength to back himself up, so there was no need to be as cautious as when he first arrived in this era.

Merlin settled Anno into a vacant residence. The dwelling was fully furnished, indicating Merlin had made arrangements in advance.

Anno remained there until evening, when he and Merlin finally met the current monarch of Britain – Uther Pendragon.

Camelot's royal palace wasn't excessively large, but its decor was exceptionally opulent.

Seated on the throne at the top of the stairs was a man around 30 years old, clad in gold and blue armor, a crown atop his head. His countenance exuded an imposing authority, and he was currently scrutinizing Anno, who stood beside Merlin.

Anno, in turn, was assessing the King.

There was no doubt that this King Uther possessed the aura of a ruler.

Merlin removed his hat and introduced Anno to King Uther: "Your Majesty, this is the aid I've brought, a human from the Non-Human Realm – Anno."

King Uther frowned. "From the Non-Human Realm? What do you mean?"

Merlin maintained his smile. "He is an orphan I took in. He has been training over in the Non-Human Realm, clearing out orcs and goblins."

King Uther nodded. "I see. Then Lord Anno's strength must be considerable." As he spoke, King Uther glanced at the longsword at Anno's hip, his meaning clear.

Anno understood that King Uther wished to test the mettle of his prospective knight. He smiled confidently. "As the King commands."

Merlin, with a smile, gestured for them to proceed.

As the court mage, his status was exceptional; he was one of only two individuals in all of Britain permitted to walk ahead of the King.

Merlin led the way. King Uther rose from his throne, his height considerably surpassing Anno's. Following Merlin, Anno walked last.

The three arrived at an open space. Several weapon racks and suits of armor stood there, clearly a place where King Uther practiced his martial arts.

As a nation that revered knights and martial prowess, Britain's King was naturally one of its strongest knights.

Merlin discreetly stepped aside, leaving the area for King Uther and Anno.

Uther retrieved a longsword from a weapon rack and stood opposite Anno.

The two bowed.

Anno drew the sword at his hip, his expression grave as he looked at Uther standing not far away. He let out a breath.

This man felt far more formidable than any orc or goblin he had faced.

He would make the first move; it was a knight's respect for his sovereign.