Chapter 49: Merlin Is Dumbfounded (rewrite)
Merlin Is Dumbfounded
Altria lifted the sword from the stone high above her head, her face illuminated with a triumphant expression. She declared proudly to the assembled crowd, "I have drawn the sword from the stone!"
The scene was met with stunned silence. The venue, which had been filled with murmurs and debates, fell eerily quiet. The once-bustling crowd seemed as though they had been struck dumb, unable to comprehend the spectacle before them.
The sword that had been an emblem of destiny and legitimacy was now held aloft by an ordinary-looking knight. The sight was as incongruous as a succubus riding a unicorn, a symbol of purity.
The nobles, who had hoped to claim the sword's legacy for themselves, were particularly dismayed. They had envisioned themselves in the position of Camelot's ruler, only to see this opportunity snatched away by an unknown youth.
The crowd's discontent was palpable, and their frustration was evident. They couldn't help but wonder if they should bow to the boy who had taken the sword or challenge the situation.
What made matters even more perplexing was Altria's next move. She walked confidently towards the crowd, making her way directly to Morgan. The reaction of the nobles who recognized Morgan was one of shock. Their faces grew pale as they realized that the young knight was approaching someone of Morgan's stature.
"What is happening? Is he going to challenge Morgan?" they whispered anxiously. "Or is there something else at play?"
To their surprise, Altria knelt before Morgan and raised the sword high. "Your Royal Highness, I am honoured to present you with the sword from the stone."
Morgan gave a pleased smile, though she made no move to take the sword. She had anticipated Merlin's manipulative tactics and was wary of their consequences.
"This sword now belongs to me," Morgan said with a mysterious grin, her eyes twinkling with a hidden meaning. "Altria, follow me."
"Yes, Your Highness." Altria strapped the sword to her waist and followed Morgan, step by step.
The crowd's focus shifted away from Altria as they speculated on Morgan's involvement. Many assumed that Morgan had orchestrated the scenario to enable Altria to claim the sword. This seemed more plausible than the idea that a novice knight had succeeded where many seasoned warriors had failed.
The nobles' faces darkened. They realized that Morgan's manoeuvring might be aimed directly at them. The thought of Morgan's calculated schemes and the ominous expression she had earlier displayed left them feeling uneasy.
In a more relaxed setting, Morgan treated Altria to a feast of Orkney's renowned cuisine. The meal was a reward for Altria's successful demonstration and included a variety of delicacies such as Xiao Long Bao, Char Siu Bao, and Custard Buns.
Morgan observed Altria with a mixture of pride and affection. "Take your time. No one will snatch your food away," she said warmly.
Altria, now content and well-fed, savoured the meal with satisfaction. Morgan's indulgent tone and the comfort of the meal contrasted sharply with the earlier tension.
After enjoying her feast, Altria turned her attention back to her training. She had initially been preoccupied with the sword, but now she realized she needed to resume her swordsmanship practice. As she was about to leave, she remembered something and turned back.
"Chef, could you pack a few more buns for me?" she asked.
Meanwhile, Merlin was deep in thought, reflecting on the day's events. He pondered over the unexpected outcome and how Lott's presence in the city had affected his predictions. With the shifting dynamics and the unforeseen developments, Merlin's usual foresight was being tested in ways he hadn't anticipated.
"This is a significant turn of events. The timing was critical, and with Lott around, my ability to predict outcomes is compromised," Merlin mused silently.
As he prepared for the next steps, Merlin's mind raced through potential strategies and contingencies, knowing that the situation was far from resolved.