After going through that strange event in my bedroom, thanks to Merlin's magecraft, my father and I were teleported to Uther's castle where we were walking down the hallway leading to the throne room, currently being escorted by two guards and Merlin herself.

It has not even been an hour since I woke up and I'm already tired...

"So, how long are you going to keep sulking, Kay?" Ector asked me, glancing at me from the corner of his eyes while I just shook my head, keeping my face as straight as possible.

"I'm not."

"Is that so?" I could tell from his tone that he didn't believe me at all. "Anyway, I don't think I need to remind you of this, but don't do anything or speak unless asked. The last thing we want is for you to make a fool of yourself in front of the king."

"I know."

Although I have memories of being taught medieval etiquettes by Ector, I'm not really sure if I'll be able to act properly, so I'm a bit anxious. I suppose I should just imitate what Ector will be doing and keep quiet. That aside, we passed many knights on the way... It's as if they're preparing themselves for a battle. Well, it gives me the chance to take a glimpse at their swords so... don't mind me copying them.

As we passed the guards standing or patrolling around, I glanced at their swords at their hips, copying them and I tried to fight back a smile from appearing on my face each time I felt my collection increasing.

Alright, everything is going well for now.

"Oh, it looks like you cheered up a bit. Did something good happen?" I blinked in surprise when I heard Merlin speak up before I glanced at her, seeing her walk closer to me as she leaned a bit to my side, a wide smile on my face.

I'm pretty sure I didn't relax my expression, keeping my best poker face so how... Oh, now that I think about it, I remember the male Merlin being something akin to an emotion eater, eating those of others in order to use them for himself since he doesn't have any or something like that.

Does that mean that she's the same? If it's the case, then she's a literal lie detector. Damn, she sure is troublesome. I should go check on the catalog if there's a defense that can protect me from this…

"That's a secret."

"A secret, huh? Hearing this just makes me more and more curious about it. Hey, why don't you tell me?"

"Sorry, but you seem to have loose lips and be the type to gossip around, so I don't really trust you with them."

"That's quite mean of you to say that. And to think that we were close, especially since we slept together last night." I felt my eyes twitch when I heard her words.

Is she for real? I know that the male Merlin is a huge troll, but she seems to be on a different level... I fear for my future if she's going to continue observing me, as she told me this morning.

"Sorry, but we're not. You might be one of my father's companions but it doesn't mean we're friends or anything. This morning was literally our first meeting, with you crawling into my bed while I was asleep so I apologize in advance for having a rather bad first impression about you." Especially with the fact that you're keeping an eye on me and your overall personality, I have all the reasons for wanting to be away from you.

"How cold of you. Then would you have preferred I crawled in while you were awake?" Merlin said as she walked behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders while I frowned.

"That's not the problem." I tried to push her hands away, but they stayed firm on my shoulders, not letting go of them. "Are you always that... straightforward with people you just encountered, especially with children my age? I never pegged a court mage like you to have that kind of taste."

"Not really, only with those who really pick up my interest. Also..." She said as she leaned her face close to my ears, making me shiver. "You're not really an ordinary child, are you?"

My blood froze in an instant the moment I heard the words she whispered in my ears, making me stop in my tracks. I glanced behind me to see the succubus looking at me with the same wide smile she wore this morning, as if she knew perfectly what she was talking about.

Just how much does she know about me...

"As expected, you're really a pain in the ass."

"Ufufu. Don't worry, I have no intention of divulging your secret to others. If you wish, we could make a geas right here and now. I'm sure that it would provide you with some peace of mind."

"Yeah, I really need some immediately."

"Enough pleasantry, you two. We nearly reached the throne room." I heard Ector say, prompting me to look forward to see him look at us with a stern gaze, making me realize that we were standing a few feet away from two huge doors.

So, behind it is where Uther Pendragon, the current strongest king in the country, is... I'm getting butterflies in my stomach. Alright, let's calm down. Just follow the old man's actions and keep quiet, and then, everything will be alright.

"The court mage, Lady Merlin, has returned with Sir Ector and his companion!" One of our escorts screamed as the huge doors opened in front of my eyes before we were led inside. Then, just as I saw Ector stop in his tracks and knelt down, I did the same and closed my eyes, trying to calm my nerves.

"Raise your heads." Hearing a gruff and imposing voice, I looked up to see a bearded blond-haired old man with green eyes, sitting on a large and embellished throne with a sheathed sword by his side, which I copied as soon as I laid my eyes upon it.

He reminds me of Proto-Arthur...

I then took a quick glance at my surroundings to see that we weren't the only people around, some regal looking folks were also present.

They don't seem to be warriors. Politicians or ministers, I guess...

"It has been a while since we've last seen, Ector."

"Yes, my lord. It is great to see that you are healthy."

"The same can be said to you, old friend." Uther said, letting out a small smile which was shared by Ector before he sent his gaze my way, staring at me for a moment as if assessing me. "This must be your son, I can say that he took you in appearance. He reminds me of you when we were kids. Boy, state your name."

"My name is Kay, your lordship. It is a great honor to be in your presence."

"You look like you have a good head on your shoulders, which is rare for children of your age."

"I don't deserve such praise. It should be directed to my father, Ector, since I was raised up under his care and teaching."

"Like it should be. It looks like you've raised your son well, my friend. However, why is he with you? I thought I ordered Merlin to bring only you here." Uther said as he kept his eyes on me, and the one who answered his question was Merlin who was standing a few feets from us.

"Ah, my king, it would be my doing."

"And I suppose you must have a reason for this, Merlin."

"Of course, my lord." Merlin said, bowing her head before sending me a glance and I felt a shiver down my spine when I saw her smile, slowly growing wider on her face. "I remember you saying that you had some worries about the future, especially your heir's, so I thought of relieving some of them by introducing you to this child as he will become one of his greatest allies, but also one of the mightiest knights this world would ever know."

As soon as she said that, a looming silence engulfed the throne room as every person present slowly registered her words before murmurs broke out between them, while I could only shake in place, wanting to bolt right out of the castle.

Damn her, did she really have to say that?! Can somebody put some tape on her mouth, so she can stop opening it, spouting nonsense or giving me trouble! That's bad... I can feel Uther and the old man's intense eyes being upon me. Now, I'm starting to regret coming here...

"I know that I have little doubt in your words, considering the accuracy of your prophecies, but is it true?"

"Very much, my lord. I know that this child will mark his existence in the world alongside your heir in the near future. Perhaps a little demonstration would be enough for you to believe my claim."

A demonstration? What is she...

Then, all of a sudden, the huge doors behind us opened violently as a knight entered the room, running to where we were before shouting as he knelt on his knee.

"My lord! We received reports that one of our fortresses is currently being approached by a large group of Saxons and are requesting reinforcements!"

"They're already attacking!" "What should we do?" "We can't send our army, it will lower this city's defense."

As the ministers and politicians started to speak up between each other, debating over their next course of actions, I was staring at the smiling mage who simply looked at Uther who returned the gaze, as if having some mental conversation going on between the two of them.

"So this is what you meant by demonstration... Ector, tell me, have you already trained your son in combat?"

What? Don't tell me...

"Yes, I have."

"And how good is he?"

"I don't want to be biased, but I believe that Kay is as strong as a newly knighted soldier, if not more. That boy possesses immense talent when it comes to swordsmanship and I think that it will only take him a few years, maybe even months, for him to surpass me when I was at my prime."

"Oh, really? Well then, don't mind me for taking your words at face value. Merlin, I want you to take both Ector and Kay to the fortress and lend your help in repelling the Saxons!"

Can I go back in time so I can stop myself from asking Ector to accompany him?

I clenched my fist, feeling overwhelmed by the current situation, before I glanced at the infuriating succubus who simply waved my way when she noticed my gaze, still sporting her damned smile on her face.

I want to punch her... I want to pound her so bad!!