Lancelot's Point of View (Continuation for the Bonus Story)
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"What is this news about?" I asked the guard who guided me in the Round Table.
Instead of the usual six of us meeting at the board, all the elders joined the meeting. Upon Arthur's disappearance, the entire Kingdom of Camelot fell into ruins. It lost its king and the valuable weapon known as the Excalibur. If that sword went to the wrong hands, all of us would perish for eternity. And even though that sword chooses a worthy wielder, that does not mean we would stay idle about it.
Upon sliding the door open, the four greatest knights welcomed my sight.
"What is going on, Uther? You're the past King of Camelot! You should do something about it to relieve the masses' panic! We cannot afford to lose our defences because of Arthur's absence."
Sir Uther heaved out a sigh as he gave me his reply. "I know you're upset, Lancelot, but I stepped on my throne a year ago. I cannot go back to my word."
As much as I wanted to retort, the former king had a point. Once a king went down to his position, he would not return to that throne ever again. But there were special circumstances that rule could go on the drain.
However, if Sir Uther disliked the idea, there was no point in projecting my worry onto him.
"What are we going to do now?" I asked, while looking at everyone present inside the room. "Can't we do something about it? We can't let our kingdom be kingless for days, let alone weeks! That would make the neighbouring kingdom move! If they knew Arthur died, the treaty that he worked hard to achieve would all come for nought!"
Despite my words, none of us had an answer for our situation. Even the elders of this castle could not come up with a grand plan to fix things.
"Anyone? Someone!" I shouted, hoping that my words could juggle their brains.
"I could become the King of Camelot if nobody wants to take the throne!" Gawain stepped his foot forward and shouted. "I have observed King Arthur and learned so much from him!"
Gawain was the right man to lead the Kingdom of Camelot. Even Arthur recommended him countless times during our meetings in the Round Table.
However, upon looking at the reaction of the crowd, none of them gave them his support. Even the elders that served as the guest of honour in this meeting had a troubled look on their faces upon hearing Gawain's suggestion.
I was the only one who had my hand raised to the sky, allowing Gawain to sit on the throne. But the democracy of votes told me otherwise.
"We don't think Gawain is our king. Although Arthur himself told us he was a talented person, none of us wanted him to become a ruler."
"Why not?" I was the one who asked instead of Gawain.
The elders looked at each other and mumbled to themselves before giving me a reply. "Gawain is short-tempered. The treaty between kingdoms needs a king who has a calm demeanour. A king that could show constraints would be the one we want to serve."
After hearing that explanation, Gawain's eyes turned bloody red. He looked at everyone's faces, who were glaring in his direction.
"And who do you suggest becoming the next King of Camelot?" Gawain growled at the elders who spoke ill to him.
Within a few seconds, those elders gave Gawain their answer. "Lancelot. We believe he has the characteristics of a king… just like King Arthur."
Gawain and my cousin, Sir Lionel, raised exclamation marks above their heads after hearing such statements. Gawain had a sinister look on his face and glared in my direction. I stole a glimpse of Lionel's grin as he rubbed his hand.
I wanted to retort, but the elders took my spot. "Are we all content about this decision? Do we have any objections besides Sir Gawain?"
"None, elders. Thank you for appointing Sir Lancelot as the King of Camelot. The Knights of the Round Table will make use of this announcement. The news will become immediate." Much to my surprise, the knight who voiced his concerns was Sir Geraint.
People knew him as the "old man" with a carriage-load of wisdom stored inside his head. He was also the one who commanded a battalion of knights to our victory. If it were not for him, we would have died from that fight.
Everyone would heed his decisions.
"What are you thinking! I am the rightful king next to Arthur! How dare you do this to me!" Gawain shouted as he pulled out his sword.
The guards watching the scene entered the table and surrounded Gawain. I also armed myself with my blade while giving Gawain a piece of my advice.
"Stop, Gawain! You're making the situation worse!" I cried.
But Gawain never heard my calls as he pointed the edge of his blade at me. Despite siding with his suggestion, Gawain wanted to strike the sword into my heart. I, who did not know what came into his mind, blocked his attacks.
The only thing I knew about this situation was to stop Gawain. He was the strongest knight among the Round Table, next to King Arthur and his Excalibur sword.
However, before Gawain could even strike me with his bastard sword, Sir Geraint hit him on the neck. It was enough to render Gawain unconscious for a day. It was Sir Geraint's special move, after all.
"It's a good thing Gawain did not consider me as a threat. Lancelot," Geraint called my name. "Are you okay becoming the King of Camelot for the time being? Arthur would appear eventually in this world. Merlin is currently doing his research in the laboratory. He told me that within six months, Arthur would return to his throne."
I did not have any choice but to accept the offer. Among the crowds cheering for my name, the enemies I made revealed themselves in sheep's clothing.
Sir Geraint went to my side and whispered, "Be careful, Lancelot. Trust no one now that you're the King of Camelot. This old man will show you the ropes."
After I listened to his words, I met Guinevere's eyes, looking at my figure from afar.