171 Reunion

Three months later, Yulina and Thrud brought good news—Clarent had been successfully destroyed.

As he heard the news, Arkhan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

With the troublesome sword out of the picture, he no longer had to worry about a sudden 'rebellion against his glorious father' popping up from the shadows.

Six months later, Mordred was successfully born. As per his request, Morgan didn't intentionally conceal the child's identity, which caused quite a stir in Camelot.

However, there weren't many gossipmongers in the mix; most were just happy about the fact that 'the king finally has an heir'.

This little princess, inheriting the Power of the Island, Dragon of Despair, and Red Dragon of Albion, was adored by everyone from birth.

Artoria and Morgan, needless to say, Nidhogg practically wanted to spend every day by Mordred's side. Although Arkhan was usually busy, he made a point to visit after work each day.

Every time he saw the little one lying peacefully in the cradle, a smile would unconsciously tug at the corners of his mouth.

A year later, when Gawain and the others had accumulated enough prestige in Camelot, Arkhan decisively initiated government reforms. He cleared out the old ministers and pushed Gawain and the others up, forming a new council named the Round Table.

The former ministers were naturally disgruntled, but in front of the current King Arthur, they didn't dare voice any objections and could only leave dejectedly.

Upon Arkhan's suggestion, Ferguson also resigned from his position as the Minister of Internal Affairs and found a tranquil place to retire.

With the assistance of the Round Table, Arkhan's burden eased, allowing him to finally free up his hands to do things he hadn't had time for before.

===

Early morning, Tintagel, Ector's Estate.

"Mom, I'm heading out!"

A young boy, appearing around fourteen or fifteen, walked out of the estate with a basket on his back. He had soft, blondish short hair, well-defined handsome features, and deep black pupils that seemed to hold all the spirituality in the world, inevitably attracting attention.

"Remember to come back early, Hyden."

"Sure, Mom!"

The mother stood at the doorway, her gaze tender as she watched her son's retreating figure.

"Heave-ho, heave-ho!"

Jogging along the rural path, the young boy made his way to the town.

"Good morning, Mr. Norris, your bones are still as sturdy as ever."

"Oh? It's Hyden, coming to help with the estate shopping again? What a good kid."

"Morning, Miss Dina, the flowers you're raising are getting more beautiful, just like you."

"Hehe, you little rascal, your mouth is still so sweet. Here, this rose is for you."

"Oh, it's Uncle Jason. Your business is really booming today. Could you get me two fish, please?"

"So it's Hyden. Here you go, these two fish I caught this morning are specially for you."

The boy warmly greeted familiar faces on the street. His smile seemed to have a magical touch, refreshing everyone like a gentle breeze.

—Truly a child blessed by the Chosen King, with such a pure and clear soul, like untainted lake water.

That was people's impression of Hyden.

"Alright, fish bought, meat, vegetables, and bread too. Also, Uncle Ector's pipe, Sister Marina's sachet, Brother Cohen's ink..."

Hyden walked along the street, recalling the items he needed to buy. Suddenly, a scream reached his ears.

"Thief!"

Hyden turned and saw a lean man running towards him, a bulging bag in one hand and a dagger in the other, his expression wild.

"Get out of my way!" The robber wildly waved the dagger, and pedestrians quickly moved aside, except for Hyden, who stood still.

"Don't block the way, you damn brat!" The robber's eyes flashed with fierceness as he viciously stabbed forward.

Hyden crouched slightly, then casually delivered a straight punch from below to the robber's stomach. The latter's eyes bulged, blood spurted from his mouth, and he collapsed unconscious.

"Shoot, I hope I didn't use too much force..."

A hint of panic appeared on Hyden's face as he checked the man's breathing. He felt relieved when he sensed the breath.

"Phew, luckily he's not dead."

A woman soon rushed in, looking at the fallen robber. She sighed in relief and turned to the boy and felt grateful.

"Thank you, Hyden. If it weren't for you, this man might have escaped."

Hyden scratched his head with a shy smile on his face.

"No need to thank me. After all, I'm destined to become a hero, and this is just what heroes do!"

The crowd that had gathered laughed at his statement.

"Indeed, Hyden is so ambitious."

"If it's Hyden, he'll surely become a great hero of Britain in the future!"

"Absolutely! I believe Hyden will become a great hero!"

As noon approached and all the items were bought, Hyden set out on the road back to the estate.

Returning home, as soon as he put down the basket, a servant approached.

"Master Hyden, the lord asks you to come to the study."

"Uncle Ector?" Hyden raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Sure, I got it. I'll be right there."

Two minutes later, he arrived at Ector's study, lightly knocking on the door.

"Come in."

"Excuse me, Uncle Ector."

Hyden pushed open the door and found a man with black hair and eyes beside Ector. His features were handsome, dressed in silver armor exuding an air of elegance and nobility, as if a majestic god had descended.

"Are you Hyden?" The black-haired man asked and smiled at him.

"I am..." Hyden nodded in a daze. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Are you King Art—I mean, Arkhan...?"

"How did you know it was me?" The black-haired man—or rather, Arkhan, looked slightly surprised.

"Because..." Hyden scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, and looked down. "Since the moment I saw you, I felt a sense of familiarity."

Arkhan raised an eyebrow and chuckled. He then walked up to Hyden and gently patted the youth's tousled blond hair.

"It's been a long time, Hyden. I didn't expect you to grow up so quickly." Arkhan spoke with a reminiscence tone.

When he left Tintagel, Hyden was just around two or three years old. It was astonishing how, in just three years, his appearance transformed from a child into a graceful young man.

Heroes indeed don't follow any logic.

"Are you here to take me away?" Hyden looked at Arkhan with shining eyes.

"Yes, now that you've grown to the proper state, it's time to learn how to wield the power within you and become a true hero." Arkhan smiled. "So, are you ready?"

"Yeah!" Hyden nodded without hesitation. "I've been preparing for this moment!"

Later on, Arkhan found Hyden's mother, Joanna, and explained his purpose.

"I didn't expect this day to come so soon..." Joanna sighed softly and bowed slightly to Arkhan. "Please take care of my son, Mr. Arkhan."

"Aren't you going with him?" Arkhan raised an eyebrow.

"I did think about it once, but as I watched him grow every day, I realized that we would eventually walk different paths..." Joanna gently stroked Hyden's head, her eyes filled with warmth. "I don't want to become his burden someday. I hope he can walk his own path well."

"Mom..." Hyden looked at his mother with teary eyes.

"Hyden, listen, become a good hero and give your best to help those in need. It's your father's expectation and your mission, understand?" Joanna advised her son.

"Yeah... Don't worry, Mom! I will surely become a hero!" Hyden wiped away his tears, determined.

"Joanna, you're truly a great mother..." Ector sighed, then turned to Hyden. "Rest assured, Hyden. I'll take good care of your mother. You just focus on what you need to do."

"Thank you, Uncle Ector."

Hyden bowed deeply to Ector and spoke with deep gratitude.