Chương 18: Marriage Proposal
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have successfully defeated the Saxons, but as all of you know, this victory is far from the end. Though they have suffered defeat, they are not entirely lost. They remain powerful, even after their disastrous loss at our hands. We possess only 30,000 troops in total, while they still command 80,000 soldiers ready to tear us apart. Should we continue the war or recuperate and gather more forces?" King Uther voiced his concern in the council chamber, prompting many nobles to whisper amongst themselves.
"King Uther, we have pacified the southern territories and restored all of Camelot's lands. I believe we should prioritize stability above all else," Duke Redgrave offered his opinion, placing his thoughts before the assembly.
"Explain in more detail, my lord," King Uther requested, refraining from dismissing the Duke's perspective, instead seeking to understand the reasoning behind his stance.
"We lack the population necessary to sustain a prolonged conflict. It concerns us greatly if we continue pressing for war. We should focus on farming, repopulating, and building infrastructure. Our people must come first, above petty vengeance against the Saxons," Duke Redgrave elaborated, his voice calm yet firm.
"I strongly disagree with Duke Redgrave, my king. We should strike now and eliminate the Saxons once and for all. This is your chance to unite Britannia under your banner. Our army's morale is strong, and the people support our cause. Now is the time to act," Duke Barthomeloi stated his opinion, fully opposing the idea of recuperation.
"I believe Duke Barthomeloi is correct, my king. Duke Redgrave's approach may be cautious, but conquest is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We must focus on seizing it," Sir Ector suggested, his words laced with determination.
Most of the nobles present nodded in agreement with the call for war, and even King Uther seemed pleased with the outcome.
Compared to farming, he much preferred the path of conquest, desiring to unite Britannia with an iron fist. Those who opposed him would inevitably face death or humiliation.
"Then I shall issue recruitment orders throughout Camelot. My lords, we will prepare for a full-scale war against the Saxons and put an end to their reign of terror. I will personally organize a tourney to select the finest knights to be recruited for our cause," King Uther declared, and the council members bowed in acknowledgment.
"My king, there is one other matter of concern. Who will be chosen as your queen? I believe it would be in our best interest to solidify alliances and strengthen our kingdom through marriage," Duke Barthomeloi inquired, his voice steady.
At this, many of the nobles' ears perked up with interest, and they turned their gazes toward King Uther with curiosity.
"And who, in your opinion, would be the best candidate for such an alliance, Duke Barthomeloi?" King Uther asked playfully, eyeing the duke with a hint of amusement.
Duke Barthomeloi was relieved that the king was not offended by the question.
He straightened himself before speaking.
"Princess Guinevere, my liege. We must solidify the alliance between Wales and Camelot through marriage. King Leodegrance has only one child, and that child is none other than Princess Guinevere. If she were to bear your children, the kingdom of Wales would eventually fall into your hands," Duke Barthomeloi suggested, his voice steady and confident.
Of course, whether the child would be born, King Leodegrance would pass away, and King Uther would inherit the kingdom through the offspring borne by Princess Guinevere was something only time could reveal.
Yet, the duke's words subtly hinted that he wished to expedite such events through more direct means.
No one among those present had the patience to let nature take its course.
The room fell into a heavy silence following Duke Barthomeloi's proposal.
Even King Uther himself could see the strategic merit in the union.
However, he couldn't help but question the wisdom of appointing Guinevere as queen. Despite her noble lineage and territorial backing, her personal strength seemed far too lacking for him to seriously consider her for such an exalted position.
Even Baobhan Sith appeared to be a more favorable option than Guinevere.
With each suggestion, King Uther's expression grew darker and more severe.
What the heck is up with this guy recommending Attila the Hun, Princess Kriemhild, and even Eclipse Princess?
Even the members of the court could see that all of the duke's proposals seemed hopelessly unrealistic and beyond their reach.
"Do you even comprehend the magnitude of what you are proposing?" King Uther's voice was stern.
"I do, my king," Duke Barthomeloi replied with conviction. "I believe your ambitions are far greater than the confines of this small island. I see you ruling not just Britain, but the world."
Duke Barthomeloi bowed deeply as he spoke, his words carrying weight and conviction. "These options may seem distant now, but they will become more tangible when our armies reach Rome. When that time comes, you can align yourself with one of these powerful figures once we set foot on the other side of the shores."
The duke said no more, but his words lingered in the air.
Even King Uther found himself impressed by Duke Barthomeloi's foresight and his ability to perceive the depths of his ambition.
"It seems you are far more competent than I had initially thought, Duke Barthomeloi," King Uther praised, his tone carrying a note of respect.
"I have heard that you have a talented daughter who could be considered a candidate for queenship as well. Why did you not recommend her?" the king asked, curious.
"Hah... If only it were that simple, my liege," Duke Barthomeloi sighed. "My daughter is exceptionally proud, to the point of arrogance."
For the specifics, he chose not to say it aloud. Discussing women wielding magic was considered taboo. Furthermore, he understood all too well how King Uther had harbored a deep hatred for magic in the past, though that sentiment had changed over time. The evidence lay in Uther's willingness to use Excalibur to annihilate the Saxons. Still, he knew it was wise to wait and observe before making any definitive judgments.
Additionally, his daughter held a certain disdain for those who did not come from magi families.
He did not perceive a harmonious connection between the king and his daughter, as their views clashed; one despised magic, while the other looked down on those incapable of wielding it.
The reason he refrained from sharing the details behind his reluctance to recommend his daughter was because, in this era, magic was so universally feared and loathed that even someone of royal blood, like Morgan, faced ostracism due to her magical abilities.
Therefore, it would have been unwise to speak openly about such matters at court, especially when it involved revealing anything about their lineage.
"Arrange a meeting between us, Duke Barthomeloi," King Uther commanded, clapping his hands together decisively. "I wish to see her for myself. If all goes well, we will be family in the future, and our houses will be united and solidified through blood."
"When everything proceeds smoothly, I would only appoint her as a concubine, instead of queen, I hope you do not mind, Duke Barthomeloi." King Uther added as an afterthought.
"Consider it done, my king," Duke Barthomeloi replied with a deep bow.
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