Episode 46 Gawain’s Evaluation
Gawain had taken on the role of Arthur’s escort at Marianne’s request, but he remained skeptical of the prince. As a knight serving in the castle, all he ever heard were negative rumors about Arthur.
His fellow knight Tristan had returned from Jerusalem singing Arthur’s praises, but Gawain couldn’t shake his fear that sweet and beautiful Marianne was being used for someone else’s gain.
In fact, she seemed to be forced into pretending to be a teacher not just in the castle but even at the orphanage…
That’s why, when she asked him to serve as Arthur’s escort, Gawain saw it as an opportunity. Even if Arthur hid his true nature around the stunningly beautiful Marianne, surely he’d let his guard down when alone with Gawain.
But immediately, something happened that began to change Gawain’s impression of Arthur.
“Lord Richard, are you seriously going into the mine…?”
“Of course I am. I came to meet the Dwarves. Marianne must’ve told you that.”
When Gawain questioned Arthur, who was about to enter the mine, Arthur nodded without hesitation. It was something no ordinary noble—let alone a royal—would ever do.
Mines were dark, damp, and even housed monsters. The expensive clothing Arthur wore would get dirty, and his life could be at risk. No sane person would willingly go in there.
That’s why Gawain had assumed Arthur would command him to bring the Dwarves instead. But instead, Arthur replied like it was the most natural thing—and even looked a bit excited.
There was another moment that shifted Gawain’s view of Arthur.
“Yeah, I get it. But why is everyone so obsessed with jewels? Aren’t they just rocks?”
Arthur dismissed jewels—symbols of aristocratic wealth—as mere stones. But wasn’t this the same man rumored to heal only for money?
Well, recently, there were whispers that it was his entourage, not him, who had made those demands. Could that have been true?
“Perhaps it’s because wearing something expensive makes you appear more impressive? Possessing something as valuable as a jewel proves you have the power and status to acquire it. It makes a person look accomplished…”
Gawain winced despite himself, the words triggering an unpleasant memory.
Thanks to a unique power and overwhelming swordsmanship, Gawain ranked among the top five knights in the order. He had fully expected to be chosen as one of the King’s personal guards—an honor reserved for the best. Instead, the position went to a knight from a powerful family. That man had sneered at Gawain’s frustration and said:
-“Too bad—money is power! That’s where my strength lies!!”
It had stung. The power he had gained to protect his beloved sister had been beaten by wealth. Why couldn’t merit be judged by skill? Was the nobility so corrupt?
So Arthur’s next words shook him to the core.
“Is that so? I think a person’s value is determined by their skills and abilities. Kei and Marianne do their work as maids splendidly. I’d say they’re much more capable than the nobles that trail after me. And someone with powerful healing like me doesn’t need jewels to prove their worth.”
“What…”
Before him stood a royal who openly dismissed the aristocratic obsession with status and declared that personal skill and talent were what truly mattered.
You’d expect such a view from a commoner. But for it to come from a royal like Arthur—that was shocking. Then again, Arthur had personally approached the orphans and was trying to teach them real skills.
This man truly grieved the disparity between nobility and commoners…
“I see… That’s why you’re trying to teach jobs to commoners and assess their potential…”
Arthur didn’t reply. Perhaps he thought it too obvious to answer.
That silence caused Gawain’s approval of Arthur to skyrocket.
After walking a bit further, they spotted raw mithril and uncut gemstones scattered throughout the work-in-progress tunnels. Arthur, clearly impressed, murmured,
“This really… is beautiful.”
Feeling a sense of familiarity after their earlier exchange, Gawain joked:
“Indeed. Nobles love them, but women do too. They enjoy adorning themselves with beautiful things. Perhaps you could give one as a gift, Lord Richard?”
“Oh? That so!! Maybe I’ll ask a Dwarf to craft a piece of jewelry once this is all over…”
“Hehe, I’m sure Lady Morgan would be delighted. Giving a jewel to someone you care for is a lovely gesture. I plan to give one to Marianne myself. Though honestly, even jewels pale in comparison to her beauty.”
Everyone in the castle knew Prince Arthur and Lady Morgan were childhood friends and very close. It was even said that the only man the strict Morgan ever smiled at was Arthur.
Lately, Arthur had been frequently seen visiting the director’s office at Avalon, leading some to gossip that the two were getting cozy.
“Huh…? Me and Morgan…?”
But Arthur scrunched his face as if it were unthinkable. Gawain, worried he had crossed a line, hurried to explain.
“Oh? Was I mistaken…? Even during this infiltration, she lent you her aid. I’d heard you two were close…”
“Not at all. The person I’m giving it to is… well, someone who always takes care of me.”
“…”
Maybe it was just Arthur being shy, but the way he said it made it clear—he didn’t intend to give it to Morgan.
Someone who always takes care of him?! Could he be planning to give it to Marianne?! Come to think of it, he did mention her earlier as one of the capable ones…
Gawain panicked. Sure, Marianne was beautiful, great with household duties—a perfect future bride—and stunningly beautiful on top of it. But her status was too low for a royal match.
Then again, even as a concubine, it’d be enough… But as her brother, he wanted her to be properly married. Or maybe… maybe it would be better if he just kept protecting her himself? No… that wouldn’t work, right?
Such thoughts raced through his mind.
