Chapter 247: Unraveling Mysteries and Hidden Intentions

At this moment, Da Vinci appeared, looking at Lott curiously. She hadn't expected Lott to be so knowledgeable about her own situation.

"Did you really think you could hide your affairs from me?" Lott asked proudly, seeing Da Vinci's surprise. He thought to himself, Before, you were always ahead because of your knowledge, but now I know all the plot details. It's my turn to have the upper hand.

Da Vinci and Ritsuka Fujimaru exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. "I see. It seems Morgan has told you everything. Your relationship must be quite strong," Da Vinci remarked, her tone almost teasing.

Lott was taken aback. "Wait, why does Morgan get the credit for this?"

Da Vinci merely chuckled in response. For her and the others, it seemed logical to attribute the massive changes in Britain to Morgan. The idea that two people who knew everything could exist in the same world at the same time was far too improbable. So naturally, they assumed that Morgan was the one responsible.

Da Vinci then turned serious, addressing Lott, "Honestly, we're still unsure if this situation is a proper 'singularity.' However, the alterations you've made are disrupting the time axis across all worlds. If your version of events continues, the future as we know it could undergo drastic changes, and we might cease to exist."

Lott nodded, understanding their perspective. "So, you see me as the enemy who must be defeated," he said calmly. "I thought you'd at least try to convince me to help guide the historical flow in your favor."

"Would you even agree to that?" Da Vinci countered, raising an eyebrow. "You, Morgan, and everyone here are living a better life than in the original history. Why would anyone willingly give that up for some abstract idea of 'correct history'?"

Lott shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "You're right. I'm not a saint."

He was resolved. If it came down to a choice between preserving the current timeline, where he and Morgan thrived or ensuring the continuation of the old history, he would choose the former without hesitation.

"I'm not here to debate morality. I just want to protect what's mine."

Ritsuka Fujimaru clenched her fist, her eyes locking with Lott's. "Fine then. We won't back down either. If we have to fight to fix this, we will."

Lott's smile widened, clearly enjoying the challenge. "If you lose, why not let the whole of Chaldea come over? Morgan and I would be happy to protect you all."

He was testing her resolve, and her unwavering gaze showed that she wouldn't be intimidated. He respected that.

The tension was broken as another voice entered the conversation, filled with a playful energy. "That's the spirit! This is the attitude you should have as the protagonist!"

Everyone turned to see Merlin, the enigmatic mage, strolling in with a casual smile, holding an apple in one hand.

"Good evening, Your Majesty Lot," Merlin greeted, offering the apple to Lott.

Lott took it, raising an eyebrow. "I knew you'd show up eventually. Couldn't resist, could you?"

Merlin chuckled, "I couldn't miss the fun, could I?" Then he turned to Ritsuka Fujimaru, "Miss Ritsuka, I look forward to working together!"

Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash instinctively took a step back. Merlin noticed and his face fell, a bit wounded.

Da Vinci, still visible through her video link, laughed. "Merlin, your reputation precedes you. We've seen what you're like in other timelines. You've helped us, yes, but we've learned not to take everything you say at face value."

Merlin's expression turned sheepish. Even across centuries, it seemed his antics had left a lasting impression. "Ah, I see. My future self didn't do me any favors, did he?"

Mordred, lying on a bed nearby, smirked. "I don't need to know the future to know you're full of it. I say we just skewer you and be done with it."

Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash, despite themselves, couldn't help but laugh. Merlin was a complex figure, and while he had done much to aid them, his methods were always suspect.

"That's not fair!" Merlin protested. "I'm here to help!"

"Sure," Ritsuka Fujimaru said dryly. "I believe you want to help, but I don't trust how you'll go about it."

Merlin sighed dramatically, looking more hurt than ever. "Why can't people trust a good-hearted mage these days?"

Lott, watching this exchange, stood up and stretched. "Well, I'll leave you all to your planning. I've got things to do."

"Wait, King Lott!" Mash called out. "What's going to happen to us? Are we your prisoners until you've conquered all of Britain?"

Lott shrugged. "Pretty much. But don't worry, I'll make sure you're treated well. You'll even get to watch the battles."

With that, he left, leaving the others to their thoughts.

Da Vinci and Merlin shared a look. "This Lott is as much of a mystery as Morgan," Da Vinci said thoughtfully.

Merlin nodded. "Indeed. I can't see through him at all."

"Wait, what?" Ritsuka Fujimaru was startled. "You can't see through him? But you're Merlin!"

Merlin gave a wry smile. "Exactly. And yet, I can't figure him out. Lott and Morgan—they're not just pieces on a board. They're players in their own right, with motivations and desires that go beyond what any of us can predict."

For a moment, everyone was silent, each lost in their own thoughts about the enigmatic King and Queen they now found themselves up against.