Empress Candidates (I)

At a military camp on the outskirts of Paris, Artorius's core members were gathered for a meeting to discuss a marriage proposal concerning King Theodoric of the Ostrogothic Kingdom.

Regarding this matter, most of the generals expressed cautious support. In Gawain's words— "Your Majesty isn't getting any younger; it's time to secure a good marriage."

"We need a good heir to ensure the prosperity of our Britain... I mean, Roman Empire, for generations to come..." said Gaheris. He almost slipped up in mentioning the rapid rise of Britain. However, since he was Artorius's relative, everyone overlooked this minor slip.

"Yeah, that's right."

"No doubt about it."

Several people expressed their agreement.

"Our current plan is still to unify all of Gaul..." Said Agravain, a candidate for the future Chancellor and Marshal of the Empire.

"After conquering all of Gaul and integrating Central Europe, the empire should take a period of rest and recuperation, accumulating strength. In such circumstances, having a friendly regime controlling Italy seems like a good choice. This marriage will also provide us with a pretext to get involved with the Ostrogoths. By that time, we could smoothly incorporate the entire Italy, Dalmatia, and Pannonia into the empire's territory without shedding a drop of blood. Theodoric is already in his forties and still lacks a male heir. So when he passes away..."

Agravain spoke with a focus on practical benefits, voicing a somewhat gloomy idea.

The Knights of the Round Table didn't know how to respond to such remarks until Agravain added:

"It's also for the well-being of the people. Isn't it great to unify Europe without war?"

"That's right."

"No doubt about it."

"I didn't expect you to have such insight. You've been well-taught by His Majesty."

The newly-promoted Knights of the Round Table, now elevated to the status of imperial ministers or high-rank officials, all nodded in agreement. It seemed like everyone was in favor of the alliance with the Ostrogoths.

As for the Germanic and Roman vassal nobles, they had no say in this matter. Each one of them stood there with an embarrassed yet polite smile, refraining from speaking.

Was everyone in favor of the alliance with the Ostrogoths?

Basically, yes.

But were there any dissenting voices?

Of course, there were.

"I refuse! His Majesty must not marry that woman!"

It was Morgan who spoke up.

"That's right! She got a point!" Mordred chimed in from behind her.

"Artorius..." Artoria, sitting on the other side, didn't say anything. She only looked at Artorius and muttered his name with a worried expression.

Because of her identity, she couldn't easily speak on this topic. Of course, if one were to ask her whether she supported it or not, she would certainly be against it.

"So, Lady Morgan..." Agravain inquired, "What is your reason for opposing?"

'Of course, it's because I want to be the empress myself!' Morgan said this in her mind, she couldn't really say it out loud. But, caught off guard by Agravain's question, she hesitated for a moment before weakly emphasizing, "That... anyway, it's just not right..."

Listening to her words, Artorius had a helpless expression, while Agravain looked at her with cold indifference.

During these past few days, aside from marching, engaging in battles, and helping in the field of magecraft, Morgan also caused constant trouble for her own benefit.

Within the Knights of the Round Table, she declared that she 'created' her children instead of conceiving them naturally.

She also explained to them that Artorius was a Pendragon in 'concept' rather than 'bloodline.'

She aimed to properly pave her way to the throne as empress and gain public acceptance.

By declaring that she 'created her children,' she distanced herself from any maternal connections with her children in the Knights of the Round Table.

The notion of being related by 'concept' rather than 'bloodline' also clarified that her relationship with Artorius was merely that of a nominal nephew and aunt. Since they had no blood ties, they weren't considered kin, which meant she could legally become his empress.

However, this approach proved to be a double-edged sword.

The theory of 'concept over bloodline' was relatively acceptable, but the idea of 'creation instead of birth' only intensified her children's dislike for her.

Especially Agravain, who always felt that Morgan was dangerous, too dark, morally unfit, and not suitable to be the empress. This infuriated her but left her powerless.

===

In fact, discussions about Artorius's life matter had already taken place before the arrival of Theodoric's envoy with the proposal of marriage.

An emperor must have an empress.

So who should be the candidate for empress?

Morgan was the most obvious and proactive. She stayed by Artorius's side whenever she had the chance, engaging in various flirtatious actions. Night after night, she endeavored to outdo others in terms of time and frequency.

As for Artorius, he didn't reject or deny Morgan's advances, partly to appease her, and of course, partly to satisfy his own lusts.

This further deluded Morgan into thinking that the throne of the empress was already within her grasp.

A pity, that was not the case.

Even if they exclude the sudden marriage proposal of the Ostrogothic princess, the most suitable empress candidate chosen within the Knights of the Round Table was not Morgan.

So, who would be the best match for His Majesty?

For such a great emperor, what kind of empress would be worthy of the title in the realm of Europe?

This was no trivial matter. It was no longer like in the past when they were in Britain, where they could pick any noble or princess-like figure.

But now was different. The empire had expanded tenfold.

And it would continue to grow.

Artorius had expanded a small territory like Camelot to become a colossal entity spanning across Europe.

For such a magnificent empire, the selection of an empress had to be carefully considered.

Privately, the Knights of the Round Table discussed that Morgan was not suitable. Then, who among them, being most beloved by Artorius and a member of the Knights of the Round Table, would be the right choice? Mordred, perhaps?

Some of the Knights of the Round Table thought Gareth would be a better choice, but she couldn't compare to Mordred in Artorius's eyes.

If they wanted to maintain and consolidate the authority of the Knights of the Round Table, the union of Artorius and Mordred seemed to be the best option.

The Romans and Germanic peoples also desired an empress to represent their interests. However, as newcomers under the new emerging regime of Britain, they didn't have as much influence as the Knights of the Round Table. Artorius wasn't particularly interested in marrying a Roman or Germanic princess at the moment. At best, he might choose a few women as concubines to reassure them.

Unless there was a second woman in this world who could match Mordred in terms of bloodline, status, ability, and emotions.

But was there such a person?

Was there such a character?

Absolutely not, right?

The House of Pendragon had only two suitable women—Morgan le Fay and Mordred. There couldn't possibly be a sudden emergence of a third one.

===

Author's Note:

In real history, Theodoric didn't ascend to the throne until the year 493. Now it's 486, so technically, he is still a prince. Let's consider this an alternate history of TYPE-MOON.

Just to clarify, Pannonia, which includes modern-day Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Austria, was indeed within the sphere of influence of the Ostrogoths during that time.