The Sword in the Stone

We closed in on our destination while following Merlin. Artoria leaned close to me before whispering,

"Remember, you have to call me Arthur from now on!"

I scoff, "Like your manly voice wouldn't remind me anyways."

"..Oh yeah..!"

I shake my head at her shenanigans and continue walking.

We soon arrive in a large building, it seems it was made hastily as it's very barebones but nice seats and a viewing area surrounding the center not unlike an arena.

The audience parts around us as we walk through, surely they recognize Merlin.

We part and I notice all eyes are on me except a select few, most probably assumed I was the one trying to pull the stone.

I shake my head and point to Artoria on my side with my thumb and their eyes follow as well.

They seem a bit disappointed since Artoria is much smaller and feminine than myself, well she is a girl...

They don't need to know that though.

The sea of people part in front of us and Merlin begins to speak,

"Today we congregate here to witness, yet again, Arthur pull the holy sword from the stone."

Most of the nobles around us scoff at Merlin's remark.

Artoria gives me a hesitant.....look? I just nod and assure her with a light smile,

"You got this, Arthur."

I see the light in her eyes change at that moment the hesitant eyes became full of resolve, but they seemed to lose something too...

She nods at me and walks past me. I look to where she was headed and really notice it for the first time.

Sun light shines through the small clearing giving it an ethereal feel as it reflects off the beautiful golden hilted sword.

Artoria walks up slowly ascends towards the stone containing the hilt.

She stops next to it as the surrounding crowd goes silent.

Artoria slowly grips the hilt and begins to slowly pull.

CRICK

The sound of the sword being slightly pulled out excites the crowd,

"Can he do it?!"

"..."

"It's not even out completely!"

"Yeah, but no one else got this far!"

"I think he'll be able to pull it!"

"Hah, it's just a fluke!"

"..."

All the noise stops after,

CREEK

Artoria pulls the sword out in its entirety as the sun reflects off the polished blade and gleams throughout the crowd surrounding everyone in a blinding light.

Soon the light fades and everyone is there to witness the majesty of the holy sword pulled from the stone, Caliburn.

Caliburn has a grip long enough that it appears as a two-handed sword with a round pommel at the end, a huge cross-like shaped guard and a long blade with a gold colored edge.

"OOOOH!"

"He did it!"

"A new king!"

I glance over at the nobles at the higher platforms and see them teething in anger as their heads turn red.

Soon enough one of them couldn't hold it in anymore and we hear,

"I OBJECT!!"

The crowd hushes as a loud overbearing and haughty voice cuts through the clamoring.

"It's Lord Lott!"

"What's he gonna say?!"

The crowd listens on as Lott begins his speech,

"How could this boy that still reaks of his mother's milk rule over us?!"

"Does he even have any experience? Has he ever lorded over others? I say this event is a sham!!"

The crowd bushes as a few outspoken ones also decided to agree,

"Yeah!?"

"Who does he think he is?!"

I clench my fist in frustration, I mean yea—

It kinda is rigged, since Merlin is the one who enchanted the sword but Artoria shouldn't be shamed over this, especially when she has resolved herself.

I grit my teeth before yelling out,

"Hey—"

My words are caught in my throat as Artoria gives me a deadly cold glare.

???

She looks at me with indifference before looking back the yelling out,

"SILENCE!"

Her voice reverberates through out the complex as everyone silences,

"Who are you to say if I am worthy?! Are you the one who pulled the sword?!"

The arena stays in silence at her declaration as she follows up with,

"Who are you to deem me unworthy, do you know who I am?!"

"I am Arthur Pendragon son of former King Uther Pendragon, heir to the throne!"

"If I am unworthy than what of you?! I won't let my kingdom be polluted by your ambition!"

Damn, good response.

Most of the dissenters quiet down before bowing and replying,

""""WE SWEAR LOYALTY TO HIS MAJESTY!!""""

I look over at the few other dissenters as they grit their teeth then reluctantly bow their heads as well,

""We swear loyalty to his majesty!""

I can see there reluctance in their eyes and think that this won't be the end of this.

Soon, the commotion dies down as the nobles quickly begin to greet Artoria and try to make a good impression.

I walk over to her and congratulate her as well but she distances herself from me with indifference.

??

Why is she acting so strange?

The arrangements soon come underway for the new kingdom.

Because the Brittons have been broken after the fall of Rome and the death of King Uther, they have finally been able to unify.

The plans for the kingdom are underway with unification as a priority as soon the seven Anglo-Saxon countries might try to invade.

Everyone starts to discuss a name before Artoria quickly decides on a name,

The Kingdom of Camelot.

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Hey everyone this Chapter is the start of the new arc! I hope everyone will enjoy this Arc I have been working on!

Make sure to leave a review and tell me your thoughts on the new cover! You can use it as a reference for Arios' appearance.

Thanks for the support.

- RISE10