Round Table

"There's really no need to trouble Uncle Anno," Kay said with a confident smile. "It's only a war between small countries. I can sweep through them with fifty knights and a thousand infantrymen."

Arthur glanced at his sworn brother and thought for a moment. "You're right. Then you'll lead the expedition. This is our first war supporting a vassal state since we unified Britain. Do your best to make a good impression."

"No problem." He paused, then added, "I'll take the opportunity to see whether that Princess Guinevere is pretty, and whether she's worthy of you."

Arthur's face turned faintly red, then quickly returned to its usual serious expression. "Let's set the matter of marriage aside for now, and we can put the supplies aside as well. This expedition is primarily to show Britain's benevolence. The only reward is another vassal state. Kay, I hope you understand that."

The topic came to an end. After they had discussed a few other matters, King Arthur brought something up.

"Everyone, I have an idea." King Arthur's not particularly tall frame was nestled into the sofa. "I think these meetings are still too slow."

Merlin, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them with a smile. "Then, my king, what do you have in mind?"

Arthur nodded. "If we had a table where all my knights could sit around in a circle, and everyone could speak without being constrained by rank, surely our meetings would be much more efficient."

Anno was deep in thought. He, the king, and Merlin had already discussed this idea beforehand.

Lamorak frowned. "But then, Your Majesty's authority would not be apparent."

Agravain also spoke up. "I actually think this is a very good idea. As for the king's authority, I think we can address that this way."

Everyone turned to look at Agravain.

Agravain took a deep breath. "First, only knights recognized by the king may take their seats at this table." As he spoke, he glanced at Merlin.

Merlin waved his hand with a smile. "I'm more of a royal tutor and a mage. You needn't concern yourselves with me."

King Arthur nodded in approval.

Agravain continued, "At this table, one person proposes a motion, and everyone else only needs to say 'in favor,' 'opposed,' or 'abstain.'"

Lancelot exclaimed in admiration, "That would certainly make meetings much more efficient. A motion could pass if most of the knights supported it, while a majority opposed to it would mean we'd have to consider another course. Sir Agravain, I admire your thinking."

Agravain didn't let the praise go to his head. He simply nodded to Lancelot.

Pindo, the man who seemed to fade into the background, also offered his opinion. "But wouldn't that still fail to show the king's authority?"

Agravain raised a finger. "Of course. The most important point, to preserve the king's authority, is that the king can veto any motion, regardless of how many votes it receives."

At those words, everyone fell silent.

At last, King Arthur clapped his hands with a smile. "Sir Agravain, you truly live up to Sir Anno's assessment of you. Few in Britain can match your meticulousness."

While everyone mingled and discussed matters amid laughter and cheerful conversation, Anno gazed blankly around the room.

Looking at the warm, harmonious scene, he let a faint smile touch his lips.

Merlin sighed with a smile.

The most legendary thing of this era was finally about to be born.

The Round Table—with its concept of "a place where heroes gather."