Chapter 71: Chapter 71: I Love King Arthur!
"It is human nature to pursue fame, fortune, and satisfy desires. There is nothing wrong with that. But King Leodegrance, please remember: human life is the most precious wealth. Above all else, life is the most fundamental interest. Don't forget your original purpose in coming to Camelot. Don't put the cart before the horse."
Arthur spoke with sincere advice, words flowing straight from his heart without any hint of falsehood.
Especially since arriving in this world, he felt this truth more profoundly than ever.
If everything a person has is a gift from God, then the most precious of all gifts must be life. Yet people always ignore life's greatness and preciousness, chasing after things far less essential—only to become greedier and transform their hearts into black holes that endlessly devour everything.
To Arthur, that was exactly putting the cart before the horse.
"That said, please make your choice."
Sometimes, however, people have no real choice—only coercion disguised as choice.
"I—"
King Leodegrance hesitated, frozen in place.
Only now did he understand the terrible monster he and the kings faced.
Before this real monster, all human wisdom would be crushed. How to resist? What to resist?
There was no choice.
What the other side said was true. Life itself was the fundamental interest. Without any way to resist, all he could do was submit and live in disgrace.
"I, with—"
Just as he was about to nod in agreement, warmth from a hand in his broke through the haze.
Yield?
If I give in now, I save my life—but what about my daughter?
What will happen to Guinevere?
As a princess, marrying a knight would make her the laughingstock of all Britain. Even if this was a political marriage without love, how would the French prince treat her in the future?
He looked up and met Arthur's gaze.
At that moment, King Leodegrance resembled a brave warrior drawing his sword to face a dragon, eyes filled with determination and resolve.
Tsk, you still refuse to surrender?
Arthur's impatience showed. "No matter how deeply you analyze human nature, you'll never truly grasp it."
"Sometimes compromise isn't weakness—it's responsibility. In this marriage, I will give you everything you need, security and prosperity alike. What I want is your people, your lands, and your loyalty."
Ah, what needs to be done is simple. There's nothing to hesitate about.
"King Arthur, I sincerely apologize for treating you like a child. Your wisdom is like the ocean—limitless. If I stood before you, I would be destroyed in an instant, never knowing how."
"…" Arthur remained silent.
King Leodegrance's attitude was clear: he wanted to refuse.
"With such wisdom, you can overcome all suffering. You truly are a monster as terrible as a god—but that is no reason for you to place your will above me and my people! I will heed your advice. Similarly, here's mine: never underestimate human beings. Even you will lose flesh and blood to me!" His voice was hoarse, wild and terrifying like a beast.
My face is completely torn off—there's no saving face now.
"You are mistaken, King Leodegrance. My will will never be above the masses. It stands only above yours." Arthur's voice turned cold.
He thought of himself as ordinary, powerless to resist countless threats.
So Arthur constantly reminded himself of his fragility and common identity.
He never fancied himself nobler than others, knowing those who stand above are doomed to fail.
And as King Arthur, the heavy fate he carried already overwhelmed him.
So he moved cautiously, step by step.
Then, let that news spread. Let the Saxons bring destruction to King Leodegrance.
At that moment, Guinevere, who had been silent, suddenly stood.
"Father, please wait! Don't be like this!" She opened her arms, stepping between Arthur and King Leodegrance.
Seeing his daughter's resolute expression, King Leodegrance smiled with relief.
This was the daughter he cherished—the little princess he would protect at all costs.
Surely she heard King Arthur's words, and did not want him to walk toward self-destruction.
But forgive me—though I was a poor father before, this time, I will do what it takes. Guinevere, for your happiness, your father will do everything.
"No more words, Guinevere. I will not let you marry a knight. Nor will I let you stay with such a monster. This is my responsibility as a father!"
"Oh~ So you treat me as a mere tool for marriage—what responsibility is that?" Guinevere cried angrily.
Is my father an idiot?!
???
No. What's wrong with my daughter?
King Leodegrance was stunned.
Guinevere paid him no mind and immediately composed herself, stepping in front of Arthur with perfect poise.
"King Arthur, hello. My name is Guinevere. Though this marriage was proposed by my father, it is also my wish. Your legend and wisdom have deeply impressed me and made me yearn for you. Seeing you yesterday only strengthened that."
"If you don't mind, please marry me as your concubine."
Arthur was stunned.
No, girl, why don't you play by the rules?
There are many versions of King Arthur's legend. His personality and Guinevere's differ from tale to tale.
In the most popular version, King Arthur helped King Leodegrance defeat a great enemy, then boldly expressed his love for Guinevere at the celebration banquet. Even if that's untrue, most legends have Arthur pursuing Guinevere.
But now, this is clearly wrong!
"To be honest, I admire you, love you, and want to be your wife. I promise that as Queen of Camelot, I will fulfill my duties, whether bearing children or loving you. All my love in this life belongs to you alone. I vow to serve you wholeheartedly."
Guinevere bowed deeply—only missing a bouquet of roses.
Meanwhile, Merry, Agravain, and others struggled to hold back several women who nearly lost their minds.
Lancelot, clutching Arondight, was dragged by Gawain, crawling madly toward the meeting room.
Arthur, meanwhile, was still full of questions.
Am I being courted?
It must be said: Arthur was thoroughly shocked by his first confession in this world.
-End Chapter-
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