Merlin walked into Arthur's chambers, holding Arthur's dinner. Arthur and Gwen were sitting at the table, talking to each other, but looked up when Merlin entered. Arthur's face broke into a grin. "Ah, Merlin- just the man we wanted to see. Come on, sit down," he said, indicating a chair next to him. Merlin walked over, put the food on the table, and sat down.
"Now, Merlin," said Arthur, his voice muffled by the piece of chicken in his mouth, "Gwen and I were just discussing how to tell the people of Camelot about our new policy on magic."
"We thought you'd like some input too, seeing as you're the main reason we're doing this," added Gwen.
"Oh," said Merlin. "Well...I think maybe you should try to change the law first, and tell people about that."
"The problem with that is that the nobles wouldn't support it," said Arthur.
"Well, what if we didn't entirely legalize it?" asked Gwen. "Like, we could just make it illegal to perform harmful magic."
"That could work," said Merlin slowly. "Honestly- most of the executions of magic-users are done on people who were only trying to heal someone, or help crops grow. If
you let people perform small magics like those, it would take away a lot of resentment against you."
"Gwen, that's a brilliant idea," said Arthur. "I'll have a council meeting tomorrow and tell the nobles about this change."
"Thank you, Arthur," said Merlin. "This- you have no idea how much this means to me, that you're accepting magic."
Arthur paused, lost for words, then nodded and clasped Merlin's arm. When he released it, he said, "There's also one more thing we wanted to discuss- making you the official Court Sorcerer."
Merlin shook his head. "Maybe later, but not now."
"Why not now?" asked Gwen.
"Because if it's a public announcement, people will know," said Merlin. "And that knowledge might reach ears that I don't want it to reach, like- Morgana. Right now, I'd rather just have the freedom to work out of people's notice."
"Very well, then," said Arthur. "You can just pretend that your only role is being my manservant. However, I expect you to do all you can to keep Gwen and I safe."
"I already do, Sire," said Merlin. He paused, then said, "I need to go talk to someone now. If you'll excuse me?"
"Of course," replied Arthur. Merlin got up and left.