Chapter Text
"You cannot do this!"
Merlin was watching Morwenna with pride as she clearly and firmly laid out the ways in which the noble before them, someone named Cerce, had failed and fallen short.
"In view of the regulations you were required to follow as a landowner and noble under the crown of Camelot, the repeated failings you have shown toward the land itself, its inhabitants, and the king — what Morwenna is stating is entirely correct ," Merlin interjected. "Every member of the Round Table has the regulations before them, open to the relevant page."
Cadoc, Iddon, Owing, Gilda, Maelgwn, Elena, Enid, Morwenna, and Tegwen had arranged them before the meeting, where Merlin had already warned Gwen there would be some activity.
Arthur looked tired.
Merlin would have advised his servant to take a break — Arthur, when tired, was impossible to manage.
Merlin knew this from personal experience.
"And what do the regulations stipulate in these cases?" Lady Elizabeth asked.
Merlin rather liked the noblewoman.
Firstly, she had helped him a great deal with names and organisation. Then, she always seemed to appreciate when Merlin became precise about how nobles could be brought down.
Merlin allowed himself to be satisfied that not everyone sitting at the Round Table, beyond the original members, was an idiot.
"Well, the regulations are clear." Merlin said, then looked to Geoffrey so that he would deliver the news.
The final decision would rest with the king, but unlike Uther, Arthur cared for common folk and did not see them as beneath those of noble birth.
Otherwise, Merlin, Gwen, Lancelot, Percival, and Elyan would not be sitting at that table at all.
"The king may decide upon the punishment he deems most appropriate," Geoffrey announced. "This may range from a financial penalty, a sanction preceding dismissal, dismissal from the role of landowner, or imprisonment. The death penalty is not applicable for the offence Lord Carcen has committed."
The fact that it was applicable for other offences was implied — and made several nobles flinch.
Merlin kept a watchful eye on them, knowing his loyal and amazing helpers would make note of their names and question their staff thoroughly in search of corruption.
And since they would begin immediately, the guilty parties would have no time to hide the evidence.
That was Merlin’s favourite part of his new job.
"Well, if I lose my estate, what am I to do?" Lord Carcen blustered, his face flushed.
"Well," Merlin began, "you might try your hand at one of the jobs you so deeply despise, hoping that the next landowner is less inclined to the same failings you displayed. Or perhaps you could seek your fortune in the fields, as there is always need for labour and assistance. Surely you must possess some sort of skill , Lord Cerci."
" Carcen !" the man roared. "And you are no one to speak to me in such a manner! I demand to be treated with the respect I deserve!"
"I didn’t write the regulations, Lord Caerc," Merlin blinked innocently, "I am merely ensuring the sacred law of Camelot is respected in all its aspects. And I am not the one deciding the punishment you deserve. Though perhaps, Lord Ceci, you ought to have considered what to do with your position, rather than taking advantage of a lack of oversight by a corrupt institution and abusing the power you were granted."
"My king, surely you will not allow this peasant to speak to me in this way!" Lord Carcen cried, pointing at Merlin and turning to Arthur for support.
"I do not understand why you seem to use the word 'peasant' as an insult, Lord Carci," Merlin said, tilting his head. "I can tell you, I am rather proud of what I am. Being a peasant is nothing shameful, and I am perfectly comfortable being myself."
Arthur stepped in, standing to interrupt Lord Carcen. "Based on the evidence presented and confirmed, I can only deliver the following sentence. Lord Carcen, you were granted a position that carried privileges but also duties. You have taken advantage of the privileges and neglected your duties, thereby breaking the trust I placed in you. As such, you are relieved of your responsibilities. You will vacate the estate so that your successor may take your place."
"And what am I to do?" Lord Carcen asked.
"You ought to have thought of that earlier, Lord Corcu," Merlin said cheerfully. "But, as I’ve already mentioned, there are people who would be willing to welcome you."
"I am not the only one to have failed these duties!" Lord Carcen continued, notably refraining from correcting Merlin’s deliberate misnaming. "Why am I the only one being punished?"
"Do not worry, Lord Dobli," Merlin said, with a smile. "All those who have broken the law of Camelot will be punished accordingly."
Except Merlin himself.
Because breaking that particular law would mean being burned at the stake.
Merlin did not consider himself a hypocrite — the law regarding magic was entirely mad .
Perhaps he should discuss that with Arthur in future.
Or ask Gwen to step in.
Yes, Gwen would handle it pretty well.
Merlin smiled.
"Well then," Arthur groaned. "Lord Carcen, you are requested to leave the chamber. Geoffrey will see that you receive a summary of the documents to be signed."
Once the man had left, followed by a few guards to ensure he didn’t flee or cause chaos simply for the sake of protest, Arthur declared, "Today's meeting is adjourned. Merlin, stay for a moment."
Casting a glance at his assistants, Merlin nodded.
They would begin digging, uncovering the wrongdoings of those nobles who had been far too rattled by Carcen's words, while Merlin kept Arthur occupied.
Perhaps, Merlin mused, he should begin calling the nobles by their actual names.
But then again — where would be the fun in that?