For several years now, Merlin, under the direction of King Uther, had been spreading the idea of the prophesied king, preparing for the selection of a ruler through the Sword in the Stone. Uther even frequently announced that he had no son and that any Celt, if they met the qualifications, could become king.
But those words were just to deceive the foolish. Morgan, for one, never believed them, nor did she ever think of attempting to draw the sword and humiliate herself. Gawain and Agravain, too, were well aware that Artoria was destined to be the chosen king.
Why else would they have the Saint of Britain, Kaelar, personally tutor her?
Only the highest king could deserve Kaelar's guidance.
Eventually, Gawain and Agravain stayed behind, and under Uther's increasingly displeased gaze, they knelt on one knee, swearing their loyalty to Artoria, the future king.
Whether this loyalty was genuine or not, Uther was aware, and so was Artoria.
But a true ruler's greatest strength is the ability to use people well.
Artoria only needed a single glance at Kaelar, and nothing more was said. The silent understanding between them had long been established.
She knew that this was no longer Kaelar's test or journey but the true beginning of her touching the highest reins of power in Britain.
She was beginning to see the world through the eyes of a king.
There are many kinds of rulers. Some delegate everything to wise ministers and can still become hegemons. But if Artoria wanted to be an emperor, the ability to discern and decide was essential.
Duke Huan of Qi had dominated the Spring and Autumn period, able to sway even the Zhou King's decisions. But after Guan Zhong's death, he revealed his true nature, heeding treacherous advisors and leading his once-mighty kingdom into chaos.
Using capable people well to let them fully showcase their talents might place a ruler at an average level, like Liu Bei's son, Liu Shan.
Using the mediocre and discovering hidden qualities within them, giving them platforms to show their potential, demonstrates a ruler's insight, like Liu Che.
But to use those who offer no immediate benefit or even pose a threat or harbor animosity—utilizing them correctly and turning weaknesses into strengths—is the mark of a sage ruler, like Liu Bang.
For an emperor, no one is unusable. The inability to use them only reflects one's own limits.
Thus, after some brief interactions with Gawain and Agravain, Artoria assigned them specific roles.
Agravain, with his cold and unfeeling nature, was perfect to take over the duties of the law-keeper, enforcing Maple Ridge's laws.
As for Gawain, who was arrogant and frivolous, Artoria decided his temper needed refining before he could be put to direct use. She tasked him with overseeing the "Forging Swords into Plows" project, with the Scribe Councillor coordinating manpower, the Treasury Councillor calculating expenditures, and the Law Councillor—Agravain—supervising the process.
They would each serve as checks on one another, and unless all four conspired together, any attempt to manipulate or defraud would face opposition from every side.
If Gawain were to slack off, it would implicate Agravain, and Agravain's rigid nature meant he would never cover for Gawain's mistakes.
Kaelar did not advise Artoria directly; he merely observed, smiling internally. Lily, you've truly grasped the art of using people and maintaining balance.
The "Forging Swords into Plows" policy was something Kaelar had initiated years earlier, after subduing thousands of Anglo-Saxons and confiscating their weapons.
With so many blades, Kaelar had initially thought to forge them all into farming tools.
But with over seventy thousand weapons, the volume was overwhelming. Maple Ridge's limited number of blacksmiths couldn't keep up with the demand, so the plan could only be implemented gradually as the region developed.
This, however, highlighted a pressing issue: Maple Ridge's industries were too narrow, requiring more infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the populace.
As Artoria wielded the unprecedented Celtic technique of balance, putting Morgan's sons to work, Uther had stopped watching, his gaze shifting from one of envy and regret to one of satisfaction.
He no longer observed but instead turned his attention to Kaelar, speaking with uncharacteristic humility. "Sir Kaelar, Saint of Britain…"
"I wonder if you might have time to speak with an old man nearing his end?"
"It would be my honor, King Uther."
Kaelar did not refuse Uther's request, leading the king to his office, where Uther politely declined Ector's offer to accompany him.
Uther's health was poor, and even this short walk left him breathless, clearly indicating he didn't have long left. Once they were seated, Kaelar looked at him seriously, curious about what insights this ruler of Britain, who had reigned for decades, might share.
They stared at each other for a moment before Uther suddenly said, "My daughters… aren't they wonderful?"
"…"
Kaelar nearly choked on his breath, eyes widening in disbelief. "What? Excuse me? King Uther, did I just hear something that sounded like a rare dialect of the Celtic language?"
"I mean… both Morgan and Lily—they are truly remarkable, are they not?"
Uther pulled out a handkerchief, tiredly wiping the sweat from his brow. He sighed. "I've always known of Morgan's obsession with the throne. She is, after all, the true ruler of Britain. I, her father, am nothing but a usurper who stole my daughter's crown."
"Morgan's desire for the throne far surpasses her desire for life," Uther said, exhaling a long, weary breath. "I don't have the heart to truly end her life, nor the will to return the throne to her."
With a wry smile, he continued, "Arthur called me a cold, political creature, yet when it comes to Morgan, I suppose there is some fatherly affection in me. At least… I find myself unable to kill her without hesitation."
"Kaelar, as you can see, I am nothing more than a mundane king. I am not rigid, and in truth, I am weak."
His eyes softened as he looked at Kaelar. "The matter of Morgan... will have to be resolved by you and Arthur."
Because she was born with the essence of a savior fairy, Morgan carried the inherent status of a ruler. This also meant that her desire for the throne was deeply rooted. It was a part of her very being, and denying it would be like rejecting her existence.
"…"
Kaelar, ever the clouded chef of the moon, was unaware of this underlying truth. Now, he couldn't help but reflect on the many times he had urged Morgan to relinquish the throne. She had never lashed out at him for it, instead showing a patience that now made him feel a deep sense of guilt.
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