"Has His Majesty's condition already deteriorated to this extent?"
Merlin's expression remained unchanged as he addressed King Uther with his inquiry.
"Yes. You're asking what you already know. Though I barely survived my battle with Vortigern, the wounds I sustained were irreparable. Soon, my body will no longer endure."
King Uther stared at Merlin, his face calm as though the matter of life and death had never concerned him.
"Britain needs a king who can lead its people to victory, not one who is frail and powerless."
"Indeed, Your Majesty is not wrong in saying so."
Merlin nodded quietly.
"This island requires a great monarch capable of altering history. You, Your Majesty, are undoubtedly a worthy king but to shoulder this destiny, you are not enough."
"Hah. Merlin, you truly are a detestable man."
King Uther cursed at him.
In response to the rebuke, Merlin merely smiled, unbothered.
He was, after all, a being devoid of emotion a voyeur who took pleasure in observing humanity. No matter what others said of him, it meant nothing.
"I am only speaking the truth."
"Then, by your truth, who should rightfully claim the throne of Camelot?"
"Artoria. My answer remains Artoria."
Merlin did not hesitate.
"She will be a worthy king. Under her rule, Camelot will shine with glory. Moreover, she will ensure this island's history is reclaimed by humanity."
King Uther then asked, "Tell me, Merlin had Lot not been present, what would my fate have been? You once told me he was special, that he did not interfere with your foresight. So, what would have become of me?"
"Your Majesty would have perished in battle against Vortigern. This city of Camelot would have fallen to him, only to be reclaimed much later by Artoria."
Merlin recounted the future he had foreseen.
"Ha. Then I would have died a shameful king."
King Uther laughed mockingly at himself.
"Unlike now, where I remain a king of unbroken victories."
With that, he rose to his feet.
Approaching the castle's edge, he gazed outward from the battlements.
"Merlin, do you know how I withstood Vortigern's assault that day?"
"That… I truly do not know."
Merlin answered honestly.
"Ha! As expected. You may mimic all manner of emotions, Merlin, but in the end, you still fail to understand them."
King Uther laughed heartily, a sound that stirred an unfamiliar unease in Merlin.
What was this feeling?
Merlin realized it was not one he had fabricated it had welled up from within him.
He felt his detachment slipping.
"Your foresight is not entirely accurate, it seems." King Uther chuckled before posing another question. "Then, in your predictions, what of my daughter Morgan? What becomes of her?"
"Consumed by resentment, she would become a vengeful witch-queen. In the end, she would commit acts that bring regret to all."
"I see. Though I know not what those acts may be, I trust it is no happy ending."
King Uther's eyes swept over the white city below.
"The rest of Camelot's lands, I leave to fate. Whether by your schemes or Lot's strength, whether Morgan or Artoria claims the throne so be it. But this city before us? It stands only because of Morgan and Lot."
His gaze drifted toward the castle's treasury.
"Those two little rascals arrived today with several large carts in tow. Clearly, they intended to strip my coffers bare. A shame I'd already divided my wealth among others. The disappointment on their faces was truly priceless."
"And so, this city of Camelot if I do not leave it to Morgan, who knows how much they'd curse me in their hearts? I've no desire to endure my daughter's endless silent grievances! Remember this: no matter who becomes king, Camelot shall remain Morgan's domain."
"To Artoria, I have already done enough wrong. To Morgan, I refuse to add to that regret."
King Uther's words were final.
"Your Majesty, this decision will divide Britain."
"In your prophecies, was this city of Camelot not meant to be lost? And whoever emerges victorious will prove their path correct. If you prevail, Merlin, you may fulfill your prophecies as you see fit. But should Morgan triumph… well, I shall look forward to that outcome."
"At the very least, this way, my daughters will not hate each other to the point of bloodshed."
"And as for Vortigern I need not fear that their infighting will lead to defeat."
King Uther exhaled, then allowed a trace of regret to surface.
"A pity Lot is not my son."
"Yet fortunate that he is my son-in-law."
"Indeed, Your Majesty."
His smile remained, but it had turned bitter.
"Very well. My decree for the future stands. There is but one final matter to address."
King Uther grinned at the white-haired trickster before him.
"What else does Your Majesty require?"
Merlin seemed to already sense what was coming.
Mid-sentence, King Uther's fist collided with Merlin's cheek in a resounding strike.
"I've long wanted to wipe that all-knowing smirk off your face."
"Perhaps you foresaw this too. No matter I am satisfied."
With that, King Uther sank to the floor.
"Go. You are dismissed. My gratitude for your years of service. The road ahead for Camelot may demand even more from you. My body will not fail just yet if you have preparations to make, see to them now."
Merlin departed in silence.
Only King Uther remained.
"I, Uther Pendragon… have I been a worthy king?"
He murmured the question to the empty air.