Fateful Encounters

"Say, who asked you to drink?" said the woman in a cold, penetrating voice, her footsteps heavy and firm as she approached them.

Petra, Arthur, Merlin, and Tifo looked at the woman with different expressions. Petra and Arthur held their breath, realizing that this situation might be more serious than they thought. Merlin tried to smile politely, looking for a way to ease the tension, while Tifo just remained silent, looking at the woman with undisguised fear in his eyes.

Arthur Pendragon, whom the woman referred to as Art, raised his head with a tense expression. He looked at her thoughtfully, realizing that he should probably explain the situation to her carefully.

"I invited them, Morgan," Arthur answered in a calm but firm voice, trying to maintain calm amidst the tense situation.

Morgan stared at Arthur sharply, as if searching for any lies in his words. Then, she glanced at Petra, Arthur, Merlin, and Tifo in turn, before finally saying in a calmer but still menacing voice, "Oh, my lord. Next time if you want to travel, please tell the palace people first. Do you know your role as the King of Britannia?" Morgan Le Fay, Arthur's concubine, warned Arthur gently but with hidden ferocity behind her beautiful eyes.

Morgan is a young woman with long blonde hair, coupled with a crown and a veil that covers part of her face. She was seen wearing a black dress that showed her navel and stomach.

The handsome, golden-haired young man scratched his head nervously. He knew that the situation in this bar could become even more complicated with the presence of Morgan Le Fay, his mistress. Arthur felt responsible for their arrival at this bar, and now he had to solve this problem the best way he could.

"Come on, Morgan, don't be too strict with Arthur," Petra said in a soft but firm tone, trying to ease the tension. "He is already stressed enough with such a heavy workload at such a young age. And you, Arthur, don't take too much responsibility for things that aren't your fault. The one who invited you to this bar was me, so if anyone has to be punished, let me take charge."

Petra's words made Morgan pause for a moment, her eyes sharp as she stared at Petra, trying to assess the intention behind her words. However, ultimately, she nodded in agreement.

"Okay, I'll consider it," Morgan said in a voice that was still hard, but there was a hint of gentleness in it. "But, never forget your duties and responsibilities as the King of Britannia, Arthur. You must remain alert and act wisely, even in relaxed times like these."

Then, her attention was drawn to the young woman in the middle of the men who was drunk with a cup of beer in her hand.

"Waa~" she exclaimed cheerfully, swaying slightly from the effects of the alcohol.

Merlin's actions made Morgan's eye twitch, then she pinched Merlin's cheek gently and pulled him hard to the side.

"Merlin, you've had too much to drink," Morgan scolded in a firm but caring voice. "You know how important your attitude is as a royal advisor. Don't destroy yourself with your bad habits."

While Merlin and Morgan wrestled, Arthur moved to sit next to Petra, shaking her shoulders slightly to get her attention.

"Um?"

Petra answered while shaking his head, his eyes full of joy. "Oh, my~… Don't be so stiff with me, Art. "You don't seem to be used to my character yet," he said, swinging his beer mug.

Arthur smiled in relief, feeling a little nervous in Petra's presence. "Sorry, sometimes I'm a bit clumsy in relaxed situations like this," he said in a voice that sounded a bit awkward. "But, I will try to be more relaxed."

Petra nodded, his smile widening. "No need to worry, Art. We all study together, right? The important thing is, we can have fun together without having to feel awkward."

They both laughed, feeling a little more relaxed after that conversation. The atmosphere in the bar returned to calm, filled with their warm and cheerful laughter.

After the long night ended with Morgan and Merlin getting so drunk that Tristan, one of the knights of the round table, had difficulty carrying the two drunk men.

"Sorry, Tristan, you have to bother because of me," Arthur said, sounding a little disturbed by the situation he was facing.

"It's okay, my lord. "It's my duty to serve you wholeheartedly," replied the handsome burgundy-haired man with his eyes always closed, giving a calm smile even though he also looked tired.

Tristan began to lead Morgan and Merlin back to the palace in the middle of the night, while Petra and Arthur walked outside the castle. Arthur wanted to have a conversation just between the two of them.

Petra noticed Arthur's serious expression. "Is there something you want to talk about, Art?" he asked with concern.

The two of them walked accompanied by the sparkling stars in the enchanting night sky. When they were far enough from the castle, Arthur stopped in his tracks and sat down under the starry sky, Petra standing beside him.

Arthur looked up at the night sky with a thoughtful gaze, as if searching for answers among the stars shining above him. Petra could feel the tension hanging over the young king, even in the stillness of the night.

After a while, Arthur finally decided to open his heart. "Petra, ever since I became king, I have felt a huge burden pressing on my chest. I never thought that I would be chosen as king, especially for reasons like lifting the sword Caliburn. It feels like fate is watching me, and I don't know if I will "I can fulfill everyone's hopes, including my own," he said in a voice that sounded doubtful but sincere.

Petra pondered for a moment before giving his response. "Yeah, silly reasons like fate or something. Hanging a huge responsibility on someone random isn't an option you want to choose, don't you think?" he said wisely, even though Petra's tone didn't show it.

Petra smiled when he saw Arthur who was starting to find a little humor in the tense situation. "What can I say? I just believe that we have control over our own destiny, no matter how much fate tries to influence us," he answered with a chuckle.

Arthur nodded, his eyes full of appreciation. "You always have a unique way of seeing things, Petra. And I am very grateful for your support," he said sincerely.

"Well that's how I am. Not like a stiff man like you." Petra replied. "And, what do you really want to talk about?"