At the same time, Merlin observed the admiration and worship in the eyes of the young knight towards Lott and Morgan. This kind of devotion was evident, and Merlin sighed quietly to himself. He knew that changing the character of his disciple would take time. It seemed that a solitary adventure might be necessary to reshape her perspective and prepare her to reclaim her role as the king of Camelot.
Altria, sensing that her teacher was lost in troubling thoughts, hoped he wouldn't dwell on them too long. With a quiet plea in her heart, she addressed Merlin, "Teacher, it's getting late, and it's time for dinner in the cafeteria. Shouldn't you head there?"
Merlin's expression froze upon hearing her words. It seemed his disciple was now urging him to leave. "Is this what filial piety looks like?" he thought, glancing over at the young Gawain standing nearby. Though the gender of the knight had changed slightly, her strength remained unaltered. Merlin considered speaking to her, but just then, little Gawain took a few steps back, saying earnestly, "My parents told me that if you meet someone in a white robe with white hair, you should never talk to them or you might get abducted."
Merlin's face darkened at the young knight's words. Meanwhile, laughter from Lott and Morgan caught his attention. He turned to see them looking at him with amusement. Merlin, maintaining a calm demeanour, addressed Lott, "Ah, Your Majesty Lott, I've come to collect my salary. Is it time for payment?"
Inside, Merlin was cursing Lott's audacity. Lott, seemingly unfazed, replied, "Not for the time being." He approached Merlin and patted him on the shoulder. "We're currently facing a severe famine in Camelot. During these difficult times, we need to pull together. Therefore, I will announce to the officials that future incomes will be tied to the work done. Since you've been rather idle lately, there will be no salary for now."
Merlin, with his thick skin, wasn't perturbed by Lott's refusal. He knew Camelot's grain production had decreased, but that didn't justify withholding his payment. The noble families' wealth had been redistributed, and the officials' salaries had been increased, leaving nothing for him. He wondered if he was being unfairly treated.
Regardless, Merlin decided not to argue. "I understand the country's difficulties, so I will take my leave," he said and turned to go. As he was about to exit, he noticed the Blame Valius at Lott's waist, and his eyes widened with realization.
Lott, noticing Merlin's gaze, decided to act deliberately. After Merlin left, Lott turned to Morgan and said, "In the future, let's instruct the palace guards not to allow Merlin entry."
Morgan agreed, "I support that decision."
Altria, who had been silent, finally spoke, "But, Teacher Merlin is my teacher. Isn't it a bit harsh to discuss this in front of me?"
Lott suddenly seemed to remember Altria's presence. "Oh, I forgot you were here. Go ahead and eat first; we'll continue our discussion," he said.
Altria, unsure of how to react, didn't have time to process before Morgan's attention shifted to little Gawain, who was clutching a large sword. "What are you doing with that sword?" Morgan asked curiously.
Little Gawain, blushing and trying to hide, hesitated. But Altria was straightforward in her response. "Your Majesty Morgan, Gawain wishes to learn martial arts and swordsmanship."
Morgan and Lott exchanged surprised glances. "You want to learn swordsmanship at such a young age?" Morgan asked, astonished.
Little Gawain nodded earnestly. "Yes, I want to learn swordsmanship to help my father."
Lott's face softened with paternal pride. Morgan then asked gently, "So, is there no mother?"
"Of course, I have a mother too," Little Gawain replied, eager to please.
Morgan smiled, relieved. "That's good. However, your father and I can handle the current issues in Britain. For now, your main focus should be to enjoy your childhood and play."
Lott, silently thinking, mused about how Morgan's words implied a different meaning. Morgan's sharp glance made him feel unjustly accused.
Little Gawain was resistant, saying, "I don't want to just play. I feel I can do more."
Morgan picked up Little Gawain and said, "When you're older, you can take on more responsibilities. For now, enjoy your play and practice swordsmanship."
Morgan's tone left no room for argument. As she carried Little Gawain, she turned to Altria, "Altria, you should head to the cafeteria now. I wasn't lying about it being open."
Realizing the time, Altria hurriedly said, "Your Majesty Morgan, I'll go now," and dashed toward the cafeteria.
Watching Altria's swift departure, Lott thought to himself, "At that speed, she probably won't be hungry even in high school."
Morgan, puzzled by the term "high school," remembered it was one of Lott's new words.
As Altria left, Lott and Morgan settled down with Little Gawain. Morgan teased the child while Lott lay back, contemplating their next steps.
Lott's thoughts were focused on urgent matters: "Intensive farming and fishing are essential, even if the results are minimal. We must show resilience despite the gods' intentions to make our race disappear."
Morgan listened, understanding the gravity of their situation. "We must find a peaceful way to secure food. Our survival depends on acquiring a large amount of grain to weather this crisis."
Lott considered more drastic measures but dismissed them. "Gambling with the national fortune to attack Navotegung for their food is too risky. If we lose, Camelot would be in danger."
Morgan felt a sense of relief. She knew how dangerous such an idea could be. If Lott had truly considered it, she would have been very concerned.
They both agreed that finding a peaceful solution was paramount for their survival.