Chapter Thirty-Two: A Lesson (Please Bookmark and Recommend)

The next morning, Kay did not head out for training as usual. Instead, he went to see Uther, intending to share breakfast with the King. Uther, naturally, did not refuse, but the news of this sudden breakfast meeting left Arthur and Gaius deeply unsettled.

Shortly after Kay arrived, Arthur hurried in, pulling Morgana along with him. Uther was quite surprised, unable to fathom why everyone had suddenly decided to join him for a morning meal. While Uther believed he had given all his love to his children, he was honest enough to admit that he was not the type of affectionate, approachable father who enjoyed intimate meals with them. In fact, aside from Kay, the others were rarely keen on dining with him.

Uther felt a sense of helplessness; as a middle-aged man, he simply did not know how to speak with tenderness to his children. Yet here they were, all rushing to eat with him. It gave him the fleeting, whimsical impression that perhaps he had forgotten his own birthday, otherwise, why would they all gather so spontaneously? Regardless, Uther was pleased. What father does not enjoy the company of his children?

Kay, however, was not surprised by Arthur’s arrival; he knew how much the young prince valued Merlin. He offered Arthur a knowing smile, then cast a similar look at Morgana. She blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed—whether from the intensity of the previous night or because Kay had seen through her intentions, she could not be sure.

Seeing Morgana’s radiant expression, Uther grew even happier. He asked with concern, "My dear, how are you feeling? Is there anything still bothering you?"

Morgana gave him a sweet smile. "No, I am quite well. I feel lighter than I ever have before."

"That is good to hear."

Uther trailed off, not knowing what else to say. Much like the father Kay had known in his past life, Uther was a man who preferred to keep his emotions hidden behind a stoic facade. Perhaps this was the common ailment of traditional men; they preferred things to be understood without being spoken. This tendency had often strained his relationship with his children, who were not accustomed to such restraint.

Arthur, meanwhile, had no interest in Uther’s conversation. His attention remained fixed on Kay, terrified that Kay might report Merlin to the King, which would spell the end for the young warlock. He never imagined that throughout the entire breakfast, Kay would remain completely silent. Even after the meal concluded, Kay did not leave, keeping Arthur on edge until Gaius and several courtiers arrived, allowing the prince to breathe a slight sigh of relief. With Gaius present, Arthur felt he could finally relax a little.

Uther found it strange that neither Arthur nor Kay had gone to training, as they had done for the past month. Kay explained that even the most rigorous training required a balance of labor and rest, and after a month of high-intensity work, a day off was necessary. Since they had nothing else planned, he intended to spend the day teaching Arthur how to handle affairs of state. Uther was delighted by this answer. He wanted Arthur to be more than just a skilled knight; he needed him to be a capable king. He was well-satisfied with Kay’s arrangement.

While Uther was busy instructing Arthur in governance, Gaius found an opportunity to speak with Kay. Gaius said nothing at first, simply watching him. He could tell that Kay had no intention of executing Merlin; otherwise, he would not have remained silent during breakfast. As for the concern regarding Arthur and himself—Gaius knew that if Kay had truly made up his mind, not even the King could sway him. And, to be blunt, if Kay were to execute Merlin, could Arthur or Gaius truly blame him? No, they could not. Because Kay would be in the right; Merlin’s offense was a capital crime.

After about three minutes, Kay smiled and asked, "Is something the matter, old friend? Did you have something to say to me?"

"Yes... I should thank you, Kay. You saved that boy," Gaius replied.

Kay glanced at him, curious. "You think so highly of him?"

Gaius did not evade the question. "He reminds me of myself when I was young—just as confident, just as blind. Always believing I held the truth, always wanting to change everything I found distasteful."

Kay nodded, understanding why Gaius had been so desperate to plead for Merlin.

"In that case, you must take responsibility for his education, Gaius. I know he is special, but that is exactly why he needs guidance. He is beginning to place himself above everyone else. If he continues down this path... Gaius, I am fond of the boy, and I do not want to be the one who has to end him."

Seeing Gaius turn pale and begin to protest, Kay raised a hand to silence him. "Do not deny it, Gaius. I have spent ten years abroad and have seen countless wonders, some of which you would find impossible to believe. Do not worry that I view Merlin with prejudice. But truthfully, old friend, Merlin has talent, and therefore he needs discipline. I am sure you have seen how good intentions can lead to disaster, just as in this case. Do not let him remain so self-righteous."

With that, Kay turned and walked away, leaving Gaius standing there, his expression troubled. He had not expected the secrets he had worked so hard to conceal to be discovered by Kay so easily. Still, things could have been worse.

The morning passed peacefully. As lunchtime approached and Uther finished his administrative duties, Kay finally spoke up. "By the way, Your Majesty, there is a matter I must report to you."

Arthur, sitting nearby, was startled. His worst fear had arrived. He looked frantically to Gaius for help, but the old physician shook his head, signaling him to remain silent.

Uther was puzzled. If Kay had business to discuss, why wait until now?

Reading the confusion on the King’s face, Kay explained, "It is a minor matter, and I did not wish to occupy your more precious time."

Uther’s doubts vanished, and he felt a strange sense of comfort. Kay’s implication was that the time spent with family and the time spent on state affairs were the most valuable, and he had not wanted to intrude upon them. What a tactful thing to say!

"Speak, then. I have a moment now."

"I wish to punish a servant," Kay said.

"Whom? And for what reason?" Uther asked, surprised. Kay’s temper was famously mild, and he rarely punished the servants, often leading Uther to think him too lenient.

"Arthur’s manservant, Merlin. Yesterday, when Arthur and I were dining with Morgana, he offended me. Though it was unintentional, I do not want anyone acting in a way that causes discomfort when I am with Morgana. I believe it is necessary to remind everyone of their place."

Uther frowned. He certainly did not think Kay was wrong; Kay was family, while Merlin was a servant. Even as Arthur’s attendant, he could not be compared to Kay. What annoyed Uther was that Arthur was so oblivious, unable to even manage his own servant.

"How do you wish to punish him?"

"A lashing. Not too light, not too heavy. It will suffice."

Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. A lashing was nothing—it wouldn't kill him. It was far better than the execution he had feared. He remained silent. Gaius, too, felt relieved. It was the perfect outcome: Merlin’s life was spared, yet he would receive a harsh lesson.

"Very well, proceed as you have said," Uther decided. It felt a bit light to him, but since Kay had requested it, he saw no reason to refuse him.