POV: Artoria Pendragon
Castle Camelot's Halls
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The halls of Camelot stretched endlessly, gleaming under the soft glow of enchanted lighting, a mix of timeless medieval majesty and modern innovation. Stained glass windows, lined with golden trim, towered along the corridors, depicting scenes of knights, dragons, and kings long past, but between them, large transparent panes allowed an unobstructed view of the city below.
Mordred and (Prototype) Merlin followed behind Goddess Artoria, their footsteps echoing faintly off the immaculate marble floors as they walked toward the throne room. Though I kept a composed air, I wasn't blind to the way the two had slowed their pace, eyes glued to the view beyond the windows.
Mordred, clad in her usual crimson armor, let out a low whistle. "...Damn."
Merlin, smiling with amused curiosity, placed a delicate hand against the window. "Now this is a surprise."
Below them, Camelot—this new Camelot—was alive. The streets bustled with citizens modern in attire, children played near artificial streams that ran through the city, and all around, technology blended seamlessly with magic.
The city's buildings gleamed with white stone and golden accents, yet roads were paved with perfectly smooth material that reflected the sunlight like polished marble. Aqueducts ran through sections of the city, water flowing in crystal-clear streams, and at the center, massive energy pylons—designed in elegant medieval spires—hummed faintly, distributing power to the entire kingdom.
Mordred stopped in her tracks, her crimson and silver armor catching the torchlight as she openly gawked at the sight.
"Okay, what the actual hell," Mordred blurted out, pressing her face against the glass. "Since when did Camelot have streetlights?!"
Merlin, ever the observer, tapped a finger to her lips, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "Oh my, it seems our dear King has a technological flair in her kingdom-building. I must say, I rather adore the aesthetic choice—it's like something out of a dream."
I, walking ahead with Rhongomyniad in hand, sighed, not even slightly surprised at their reactions. "It is a kingdom built to endure," I explained. "If Camelot is to be a true sanctuary for humanity, it must evolve with time. Rhongomyniad created it with modern infrastructure so that my people may thrive."
Mordred turned toward her, pointing aggressively out the window. "Yeah, okay, but—what the hell is that?!"
I followed her gaze, only to see what Mordred was gawking at—an automated rail system, sleek carriages running smoothly above the streets, gliding on rails of glowing energy.
"...That is public transportation," I replied simply my face not breaking its composure.
Mordred threw her hands in the air. "Public trans—Camelot has public transport?! I was expecting cobblestone roads and horses! Not a damn railway system!"
I sighed, my expression somewhere between pride and exhaustion. "That is because expense was not a factor. Rhongomyniad simply built what was required."
Mordred blinked, turning back to Artoria. "Wait, hold up. You didn't plan this?"
I shook my head. "Not… entirely. I envisioned a functional kingdom, a sanctuary for those who seek peace. But the finer details? That was Rhongomyniad's will."
Mordred threw her hands in the air. "So the lance is the one with the city-planning skills? Great. Guess that means I should start asking my sword for tax advice."
Merlin hummed playfully. "Perhaps. Maybe Clarent harbors secret financial expertise?"
Mordred huffed. "If it does, then it's been holding out on me."
I sighed through my nose, rubbing her temple. I had forgotten how chaotic these two could be together.
Merlin snickered, walking past Mordred and glancing at Artoria with an impish smirk. "You know, my dear King, this does pose a rather pressing question."
I sighed again. "And that is?"
Merlin gestured grandly around them. "You now rule over an entire city—one that has electricity, infrastructure, and dare I say, capitalism. So... how exactly do you intend to govern it? Money, housing, food—what is your grand economic plan for Camelot?"
I paused, contemplating for a moment. "...I will summon Servants suited to such tasks."
Mordred squinted. "Wait, you're just gonna summon accountants and bureaucrats?"
I nodded. "If it is necessary."
Merlin burst out laughing, holding a hand over her mouth in a poor attempt to suppress it. "I must say, Artoria, the thought of legendary heroes becoming tax officials is delightful."
Mordred snorted. "Yeah, just imagine—Lancelot as a damn finance minister."
I rubbed my temples. "I was referring to those like Gareth or Bedivere to help manage affairs. And perhaps summoning a Servant skilled in economy would be ideal."
I glanced at Mordred. "Would you prefer I do it all myself?"
"No. But I was kinda hoping you'd at least suffer a little," Mordred admitted, snickering.
Merlin chuckled. "How cruel."
Mordred grinned, clearly not done yet. "So, how much are you gonna charge people to live in Camelot? This is a legendary kingdom, right? Gotta be expensive as hell."
I ignored them and continued. "Housing will be affordable, but not free."
Mordred frowned. "Wait. So it's not free? I mean, this is Camelot, shouldn't people be paying top dollar just to live here?"
I shook my head. "I do not want only the rich to be able to live here."
Merlin nodded approvingly. "A balanced approach. Smart."
Mordred blinked, taken slightly off guard. "Huh. Didn't think you'd say that."
I tilted my head. "Why?"
Mordred scratched the back of her head. "I dunno. I figured you'd either say it was free or that you'd just build houses out of thin air."
I gave a small smile, glancing out the window at the city below. "I could. But a home should be earned. It should feel deserved. That is what makes it valuable."
Mordred crossed her arms, nodding. "Huh. I kinda like that, actually."
Merlin leaned in, her grin positively mischievous. "Oh? Does our rebellious little knight suddenly care about economic philosophy?"
Mordred scowled. "Shut up, Merlin."
Merlin merely laughed, twirling a strand of silver hair between her fingers. "Still, my dear King, you'll have to establish a proper method of acquiring resources."
I nodded, already having considered this. "The land surrounding Camelot is fertile. We will cultivate farms. As for trade, Britain's government will likely attempt to intervene—but I will ensure that Camelot functions as an independent state or maybe we can work something else out with them."
Mordred whistled. "Damn. So you're making New Camelot its own nation?"
I gripped Rhongomyniad tighter. "If necessary, yes."
Mordred groaned. "Fine, fine, but what about food? You've got, like, a whole city full of mouths to feed. You need food now, they can't wait for food to be grown."
Artoria tapped Rhongomyniad against the floor, and faint golden sparks flickered around it. "Rhongomyniad can generate food, water, and resources, but I do not want my people to rely on that indefinitely. We must build farms, trade routes, and an economy."
Merlin smiled knowingly. "Ah, so you're not just a brute with a holy weapon. How responsible of you."
I shot her a look. "Merlin."
Mordred snickered. "Hey, she's not wrong."
I exhaled slowly. "This is why I want you involved, Mordred."
Mordred blinked, caught off guard. "...Me?"
I nodded. "One day, you will be the ruler of Camelot. You must understand how to govern."
Mordred's smirk faltered slightly. She looked away, rubbing the back of her head. "Tch. Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to learn."
I smiled softly. "Good."
- - - - - -
As they reached the throne room doors, i slowed my steps.
I turned to Mordred and lifted Rhongomyniad, its holy radiance illuminating the hall. The sacred lance, the very foundation of her divinity, hummed with restrained power.
"...There is something I must say."
Mordred raised an eyebrow. "What?"
My grip on the lance tightened. "This is the weapon that… ended your life."
Mordred's cocky demeanor faltered slightly. She glanced at the lance, then back at Artoria.
I inhaled deeply, changing my grip slightly on the sacred lance. "...I am sorry for striking you down with Rhongomyniad."
Mordred blinked.
Then she snorted. "That's what you're apologizing for? I tried to kill you too, you know."
I nodded. "Yes. But I never wished for your death. And in the end, I failed you—not just as a King, but as—" I hesitated. "—as a parent."
I exhaled. "I—" I hesitated. Apologies were never easy. "I am… sorry."
Mordred was silent for a moment. Then, she shrugged. "Meh. Doesn't matter anymore."
My brows furrowed slightly. "It does."
Mordred sighed, rubbing the back of her head. "Look, old man—"
"I am not a man."
"—Fine, old lady—" Mordred smirked as I groaned. "—I get it. You feel guilty. But you don't gotta go all sentimental on me. I knew what I was doing back then. We fought, I lost, end of story."
I studied her for a moment before nodding. "...Even still. I wanted you to hear it from me."
Mordred rolled her eyes but grinned, reaching out and lightly punching my shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't go soft on me, alright? We've got a kingdom to run.
I allowed herself a small smile. "...Yes. We do."
Mordred grinned. "But I mean, yeah, it sucked. But it's not like I'm holding a grudge or anything. We both died, we both came back—big deal." She jabbed a thumb toward her chest. "Besides, I still get to annoy the hell outta you, so I consider this a win."
I stared for a moment before releasing a soft chuckle. Of course this would be Mordred's reaction.
Merlin clapped her hands together, sighing dramatically. "Ah, such beautiful father-son bonding reconciliation. I could weep."
Mordred glared. "I swear to God, Merlin—"
Merlin smirked. "Language, dear boy."
"I will throw you off this balcony."
I shook my head, amused despite herself. "Enough, you two."
Merlin clapped her hands together, a soft smile on her face. "Shall we now entertain ourselves with whatever Fury has come to pester us about?"
I nodded my head, expression turning to my usual apathetic one. "Let us proceed."
I turned back toward the massive golden doors of the throne room, exhaling deeply.
Beyond those doors, Nick Fury awaited.
And knowing him, this was going to be another headache.
But for now, just for a moment, I allowed myself to appreciate the chaotic yet genuine company of the two standing beside me.
Camelot was no longer just mine to bear alone.
It belonged to them, all of them.
And that, at least, was comforting.
With a final glance at Mordred and Merlin, I stepped forward.
The doors to the throne room opened.
And the future of Camelot awaited.
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Heya Guy's! Sorry for this chapter coming out so late once again. I am now working on my chapter again and apologize for taking so long with releasing it. It's been a difficult time but your comments and reviews have pushed me to keep updating this story. Can't wait to write more.
Question: Who do you want to see the most in this story?