"This voice really came from the sword?" He thought
Emery was startled for a second, but actually, during his study in the Magus Academy, he had heard that it wasn't uncommon for a high-tier artifact to have a soul being embedded into it. That might be the case for this particular sword.
Emery calmed himself down and grabbed the sword once more. This time, he purposefully asked a question in his mind.
"Tell me, why am I unworthy? Am I lacking in strength to wield it?"
From the way, the sword worded its answer, Emery quickly deduced that only humans with light element affinity could be considered 'worthy', and a darkness element acolyte like him had to just forget about having a chance to wield it.
He rubbed his forehead, dismayed at the answer he obtained. Did it mean he could never wield the sword?
Personally, he didn't really care about being the so-called King of Kings, but he was hoping he could get a high-tier sword in order to help him survive the third year in the Magus Academy. Especially when things have become more complicated with the war.
Emery thinks thoroughly about the sword in front of him, and what Gaia quest for him. The vision he receives did say about wielding the sword, but it never specifies for him to actually the one to wield it. Unless if there's some other way to go about this, having a darkness affinity prevents him to pull out the sword from the stone.
So, did this mean the prince had a light element affinity?
Has he been telling the truth?
Once again, Emery closed his eyes and concentrated, trying to ask another question. But, there was no answer. It seemed the sword would only be able to answer questions regarding the person who held it.
Still, it never hurt to try and Emery held onto the handle of the sword until Arthur started to stare at him strangely. Feeling the uncomfortable gaze, he finally let go of the sword.
"How was it, Merlin? Amazing, isn't it? Did… it speak to you?... I know only certain people able to communicate with the sword… I hope you did"
Emery did not answer.
"Tell me, what did the sword say to you?" asked Emery.
Now that he knew the sword had a soul within, he's interested to know more. The reason Emery asked was that he needed to confirm the vision given to him by Gaia. If he wasn't the one supposed to wield it, was Arthur the one referred by it?
Without hesitation, Arthur answered.
"The sword told me I am not yet strong enough, before giving me a vision of a large tree lying deep within the heart of a dense forest. I recognized it as the fey people's legendary tree."
Emery stared at him intently, as if trying to find out every single secret Arthur had and said.
"What do you need the sword for, Arthur? You have everything and you are already the future king of Logress. You do not need the power of the sword, your kingdom's power alone is enough to eclipse the other kingdoms."
"Merlin, actually it isn't like that at all," Arthur shook his head. "The seven kingdoms present an illusion of unity, but they are very fragile. One little crack would be enough to send the kingdoms warring against each other for control of resources or even slightly more power. We the Logress has been trying so hard to keep things the way it is"
Emery can understand that it's very probable. Even recently, the attack from the Cantiaci prince towards the princess of Lioness could very well shatter the relation between the southern kingdoms. He also knows the competitive nature between Logress and the northern kingdoms was something that would eventually lead to trouble.
But Emery didn't really care about any of these, No matter how he saw it, conflicts between the seven kingdoms were inevitable and he wasn't sure what one sword could do against it.
Realizing Emery was still unconvinced, Arthur continued speaking.
"Merlin, the last time that we talk you asked me about my plan to stop the hostility between the fey and the seven kingdoms, right?"
Emery nodded. He did ask him a question when they were fighting.
"I think. You dont really understand what the sword could do. I am not talking about any magical power it might have, but what the sword means for the whole seven kingdoms. If I became strong enough to pull the sword from the stone, I guarantee it won't be hard for me to keep the peace between them and it definitely includes stoping the hostility with the fey and stop this hatred"
Emery breathed out a long sigh.
"Alright, that is a lofty dream… Say, if… If I believe you and you really wanted the best for both sides, what do you need me to do?"
Arthur answered with a steely conviction in his eyes.
"I need you to help convince my father that not all of the fey are bad."
Emery fell silent before saying.
"You really are very optimistic about this, aren't you?"
Deep inside, Emery actually admired Arthur's character. As it's quite the same with himself. He really wishes there are still hope for the knight code of justice and honor. He knows there are still good within the heart of the people, they probably just need a good ruler to govern and give example.
He wonders if this prince in front of him is such a ruler. Even if he is, as of right now, the prince had no power compared to his father, Uther Pendragon.
"Merlin, actually tomorrow is set to be the time my father, the king, announces his decision about Morgana?"
"Announce his decision?"
Emery didn't know what that meant, but one thing was clear, he would not let the king hurt Morgana.
"Please, Merlin, when tomorrow comes, give me a chance and help me convince my father."
Emery becomes more curious about what the father and son duo would decide on Morgana and he also interested to know how far the prince's resolve would go. If things go south as long as he's standing next to Morgana, the girl will be fine.
He finally decided.
"Alright, I actually interested to see how it would go… but remember... I can't promise no one will get hurt"
Both leave the place and went their separate ways. Remembering his promise, Emery decided to sneak back into the castle tower where Morgana was held. He simply cast [Spatial Gate] to enter it without arousing suspicion.
Now he just needed to wait. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day.