Chapter 10: The First Knight, Artoria
Artoria's appointment was given to Merlin by Noah yesterday. Originally, Artoria should have reported to Noah first thing this morning.
But in the morning, Merlin said—"Arthur was still a squire before. Though he's quite capable, he might not adapt well to such a sudden change in status and could be somewhat nervous. Perhaps I should bring him to report later."
Noah didn't object to Merlin's suggestion and went off to handle other knights' affairs.
It wasn't until nearly noon that Noah finally met Merlin and Artoria in his study.
"Sorry for being slightly late because of me."
Merlin said this as soon as he entered, to which Noah slightly shook his head.
"This time it's not a big deal... but I hope that in the future, as my assistant, you'll be more punctual. Otherwise, if something major happens someday, we might end up in a rush."
Hearing this, Merlin smiled and nodded, then began introducing Artoria to Noah.
"This is Arthur, whom I mentioned before. He's also Sir Ector's adopted son and a very capable knight."
Actually, Artoria could have handled the reporting herself, but Merlin was mainly worried that Noah might casually assign her and then forget about her—an outcome he didn't want.
That's why he personally brought Artoria, hoping Noah would pay more attention to her.
But...
Noah's level of regard for Artoria even surprised Merlin.
Noah, who had shown no particular expression toward him earlier, visibly softened his gaze when looking at Artoria, even offering a slight smile.
"Arthur... I've heard Merlin recommend you before. You should know, he has only recommended two knights to me—one is your adopted brother, and the other is you."
"Unlike Kay, who was already a knight, and whose name I'd heard many times even before I became king, you were someone I'd never heard of before. Moreover, you received Merlin's recommendation directly from the status of a squire—this shows your excellence must surpass even Kay's."
As Noah spoke, he finished writing the appointment he had been working on.
"I haven't known Merlin for long, but I'm willing to believe that while he might be careless with minor matters, he's very serious and capable when it comes to truly important things."
"So Arthur, from today onward, you are a knight—however, since you've been directly promoted from a squire, even I cannot immediately assign you to important positions. You'll need to go through a process if you wish to hold a significant office. Do you understand?"
Noah said this while handing the written appointment to Artoria.
Artoria, upon receiving the appointment, showed not a trace of dissatisfaction and directly nodded to Noah.
"To wield my sword for my king as a knight is my greatest honor."
Artoria spoke with sincerity, but Noah shook his head slightly. His expectations for her extended far beyond this, especially after the third simulation ended with their defeat at Vortigern's hands. His hopes for Artoria had grown even higher.
Yet for now, he said nothing of this, simply outlining his arrangements for her.
"For the time being, you shall serve as my personal guard. War is approaching, and soon you'll accompany me into battle."
"You are my first knight—the only one officially registered under my name. When I establish the Knights of Camelot in the future, you will hold the first seat. In your spare time, learn from Kay about managing patrol units. I have other plans for Kay, so the patrol forces will eventually fall under your command."
After delivering the appointment, Noah stood and approached Artoria, patting her shoulder.
"Well, it's time for dinner. I won't keep you longer. Remember, I have high expectations for you. Do your best, Arthur."
With these words, Noah departed.
Left in the study, both Merlin and Artoria stood momentarily stunned.
Merlin never anticipated Noah would value Artoria to such an extent... According to Noah's words, Artoria would essentially become second only to him in authority.
The king's personal guard, first seat of his knightly order, and overseer of the capital's security and order.
Were Noah to die without an heir, Artoria could likely ascend the throne unchallenged given her designated roles!
And Artoria certainly possessed such capability.
As half-human, half-dragon, she surpassed ordinary knights. Moreover, Merlin had further plans for her—she was the Red Dragon he and King Uther had prepared to slay the White Dragon of Britain.
Serving as Noah's first knight was well within her capabilities.
But Noah couldn't possibly know this, could he?
Not even Morgan possessed such detailed knowledge... Even Uther, having died early, remained unaware of certain particulars about Artoria. So Noah definitely didn't know.
Then...
Was this pure trust?
Merlin gazed thoughtfully in the direction Noah had left.
He understood his own nature perfectly. Trust matching Artoria's was the maximum he could expect—this degree of confidence seemed impossible!
No one could fully trust Merlin, not even someone as simple-minded as King Uther!
The knights only believed him during major crises—in ordinary matters, they consistently doubted him.
To them, he wasn't so much the king's advisor as a revered prophet who enjoyed royal favor.
This much self-awareness Merlin certainly possessed!
But if not trust, then what?
Merlin couldn't comprehend it.
Just as he still hadn't fully unraveled why Noah could draw the Sword from the Stone.
After pondering for a while, Merlin ultimately shook his head and decided not to dwell on it further.
—Perhaps this is what a truly chosen king looks like.
He knew better than anyone that Artoria was originally his designated chosen king.
But his arrangements were specifically tailored for Artoria. The Sword in the Stone was the genuine Sword of Selection—perhaps it had truly recognized Noah, which was why he managed to pull it out.
At this thought, Merlin sighed deeply in his heart.
If Britain's future weren't inevitably doomed, Noah might indeed be able to fully unite the current Britain and accomplish something meaningful.
But... what a pity.
Britain's future is inevitably doomed.
This remains a fate long predetermined; no matter what is done before, it is merely part of that destiny.
No one can defy fate.
Not even a truly chosen king.