After the festivities had spread away from the castle Arthur looked worn out. He had greeted at least a thousand people and had been introduced to every court official. The official business of talking with people he had never met about things that he didn’t understand only gave him a headache. What made it worse was that Merlin just watched as he struggled to handle any situation with a proud smile as if he was doing some great deed by letting him do it himself. Thankfully though, the crowds had died down and the streets were littered with drunks who have had more than their fair share of food.

“Is there anything you need, my King.” Merlin asked Arthur.

“To never have to do this again.” Arthur said with a serious face. Merlin began laughing like he just heard the greatest joke ever.

“I’m afraid that you’ll be doing this weekly. Thankfully they are simple gatherings to discuss politics so it will only be like this when there are large festivals.” Merlin said with a smile.

“Did my father have to do this?” Arthur asked.

“Yes, and he hated as much if not more than you do right now.” Merlin said as if he was reminiscing the past.

“I see. Could you perhaps bring my family here to live in the castle?” Arthur asked.

“I see no reason why not. The Court may get a little uneasy about them being witches but I think they’ll come around. I’ll have someone sent to fetch them in the morning.” Merlin said.

“Thank you, merlin.”

“You’re welcome. For now you should eat, drink, and enjoy the coronation. We’ll start the real job tomorrow.” Merlin said as he handed him a wine glass.

“Wait… it gets worse?” Arthur asked with a worried expression. Merlin didn’t answer but simply walked off. With no other reason than that it was given to him, Arthur began to drink the wine and slowly loosen up.

The next day Arthur awoke in the softest bed he had ever been in. in fact, it was so soft that it felt uncomfortable. He couldn’t sleep anymore but he also didn’t want to get up. The walls felt like they were spinning around him to the point that the only solace he could achieve was with his face stuffed into a pillow. The door opened with a slam, much to Arthur’s surprise. Merlin was there to give him a very energetic wake up call.

“What are you doing?” Arthur asked as he slowly rolled out of bed.

“I felt that you needed a wake up call since you seemed to like the wine a bit too much.” Merlin said before handing him a cup of water.

“Thanks… Remind me never to drink again.” Arthur said before sipping the water and rubbing his head.

“Of course. The first task of the day requires you to meet with the Court. They wish to assess your swordsmanship skills as well as train you in diplomacy.” Merlin said.

“I have no skills with a sword.” Arthur said.

“You do now! The sword is a living entity that is capable of teaching you as long as you can accept it. It also can learn new things as you do and pass them down the generations.” Merlin explained.

“So I don’t even need for them to assess my skills.”

“Wrong, you are weak and lack muscle memory so I would suggest training. All that they’re assessing is how easily you can adapt to it and become its true master.” Merlin said.

“Great…” Arthur said as he stood up and began to put his tattered clothes back on.

“You don’t need those clothes anymore. We have a much better wardrobe for you now.” Merlin said as he held out some fancy clothes for him.