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[FTMWDK] Chapter 61: Solidify Position
🕑 Added 2023-10-16 07:57:14 +0000 UTCNestled in the desolate countryside between winding dirt paths, the void seemed to ripple like a serene lake, and one after another, figures materialized out of thin air.
"Hmm, is this the outside world?"
A young man with purple short hair looked around as if trying to grasp something in the air.
"It's indeed quite different from Avalon. The true ether density here is much thinner."
"This is the same location we left, just unsure if time flows here the same as in Avalon..." Arkhan scanned the surroundings and then turned to Lancelot. "How are you feeling? Anything off?"
"Nah, no issues. Just need a little time to adapt." Lancelot replied with a slight smile.
"Good." Arkhan nodded. Although Lancelot could adapt perfectly to the outside environment, having grown up in Avalon, there was no way to predict if any adverse reactions might occur.
"Let's go, Arkhan. We're going to hunt down that evil white dragon now!" Lancelot declared.
The thought of the dragon, causing harm to the innocents every day, kindled an uncontrollable fire of anger within him. If he could, he'd fly to the dragon's lair right now and slay him.
"Don't rush, Lancelot." Arkhan cautioned. "Right now, we have no information on Vortigern, and charging in recklessly would be like throwing ourselves to the wolves. Besides, Vortigern commands an army of tens of thousands. Even if we managed to deal with all of his soldiers, we'd be left powerless against Vortigern himself."
Lancelot clenched his fists tightly but eventually released them.
"You're right, Arkhan. I was too impulsive."
"I understand your emotions, Lancelot." Arkhan patted the knight's shoulder, brimming with a sense of justice. "But it's not the time yet. To take down Vortigern, we need to prepare at least two things."
"What are those two things?" Not just Lancelot, but Artoria, Guinevere, and Kay, were all curious.
"One is information, and the other is military strength." Arkhan smiled, gazing into the distant north. "I've already sent my subordinate to gather information, and I trust she'll provide a satisfactory answer. So what we need to prepare next is the military aspect."
"I remember you mentioned being a king of a kingdom..." Lancelot said.
"That's correct, but my kingship hasn't been officially recognized yet. If I give orders to mobilize the troops, it might not end well." Arkhan sighed. "So what I need to do now is solidify my position, to ensure that the crown sits firmly on my head without any challenges."
"So, are you planning to return to Camelot for your coronation now, Teacher?" Artoria asked.
Arkhan squinted slightly.
"Lily, remember what I just said. I want a stable throne, unshakable authority, and unquestioned obedience with a single command. A coronation is just a formality and can't meet my requirements."
He glanced meaningfully at Merlin, who was standing nearby. "Moreover... if I were to go to Camelot, whether the coronation could proceed smoothly is still uncertain."
Merlin sighed. "Are you sure you just came out of the Land of Shadows? Why do I feel like you're more familiar with these things than Uther?"
Arkhan smiled, choosing not to answer, and thought, 'Thank my extensive reading of historical novels, texts, and TV series for that.'
The other four exchanged puzzled glances. They wondered what were these two hinting at.
Arkhan originally had no intention of explaining all this, but considering that the throne would ultimately be returned to Artoria, he wanted to ensure that his sister wouldn't be manipulated as a mere puppet ruler. So, he decided to impart some wisdom in advance.
He led the group along the path, speaking as they walked.
"Lily, do you still remember the question I once asked you? If you were to ascend to the throne, how would the nobles and officials react?"
"Yes." Artoria recalled. "Teacher said they would oppose me. But, you told me they would still pay their respects and bow before me because of Vortigern?"
"Yes, but that is the situation you would face. The situation I face is quite the opposite." Arkhan shrugged. "If I were just an ordinary person, I might not even have the chance to reach Camelot."
Artoria pondered for a moment before asking, "Is it because Teacher isn't Uther Pendragon's child?"
Arkhan turned his head slightly, a hint of surprise in his gaze. It was something Artoria wouldn't have thought of before.
Could the so-called trial of Excalibur be so miraculous as to increase her wisdom?
"You're right. Because I am not Uther Pendragon's child, those who know the truth will never acknowledge me. Their loyalty lies with him, and they will only accept his descendant as the rightful heir to the throne."
"But pulling the sword from the stone was something they all recognized in the beginning."
"That was just an excuse." Arkhan shook his head. "Never overestimate the nobility's honor, Lily. If you can't grasp it, just imagine what Merlin would do in this situation."
Artoria pondered for a moment and nodded. "I understand your point, Teacher."
"..." Merlin stayed silent and just rolled his eyes.
"So, for me, the current Camelot is a den of lions and tigers. Those people will surely challenge me during the coronation ceremony. Even if I were to actually ascend the throne, my reputation would have already taken a significant hit. That's why I can't go to Camelot yet."
"I can ask my sister to help you." Guinevere earnestly suggested.
"Guinevere, are you still sleepy? If you're not awake yet, we can let you rest a bit more."
Kay, who had finally caught up with Arkhan's train of thought, scoffed.
"Relying on Morgan? Impossible. That witch would love for something like that to happen. That way, she could rightfully take the throne. Instead of relying on her, it's better to count on those nobles to obey."
Guinevere's demeanor suddenly turned cold, but she quickly regained her composure, her gaze toward Kay carrying a subtle hint of hidden pity.
"No matter what Morgan does, the outcome won't change. The tradition of Britain is 'elder brothers come first, fathers pass on to sons'. Going against the tide comes at a price. Camelot, as it stands now, cannot bear that cost." Arkhan shook his head.
"Then... what should we do now?" Artoria looked troubled.
"Since going against the tide is not feasible, then..."
Arkhan gazed at the faint, distant outline of a town up ahead, a place called Cramond.
"We must create a favorable tide for ourselves."
