i love arthur overhearing merlin talk like this about him - merlin's respect and loyalty is something arthur feels, i'm pretty sure, but the way they're always so sarcastic with the expression of their thoughts, and hide their emotions - it's as good for him to hear this, as it would be for merlin to hear arthur speak honestly about how he values him.
it's nice that arthur hears the entirety of merlin's destiny in a nutshell, without complicating it with specific details, too.
i also love merlin being oblivious to arthur sneaking around, too. turn about is fair play, after all... :D
(write the second part. if you are still hating it, and want to vent in the spirit of exploration, you can message me...)

Please do write a Part Two to this. You're a great author and we all love your writing. It's got a great rythm to it, and the charecters are almost identical to their personalities in the show

That was awesome! I love fics where Arthur overhears Merlin talking about magic or being Emrys and this was one of my favorites! I hope you get around to posting the second chapter! It would be so cool to read Arthur’s inner thoughts some more and also the confrontation with Merlin. Great job!

This is great! I particularly liked the “Why do you call me Merlin?” sequence and the way you wrote the part about Arthur systemically constructing the proverbial box and very slowly and carefully and at arm’s length placing all the things in it that he can’t deal with right now. :) I am eagerly hoping for a part 2!

This is a fantastic story, you described the balance between Merlin and Emrys in his character extremely well. Most stories only contain ‘Merlin the buffoon’ or ‘Emrys the magnificent’, but you showed the character as a whole. I would love a second chapter

Great description of who merlin really is - and really fun to watch Arthur's jaw drop :) hoping ypou som time do post the sequel!

Oooh I love your story!

I. Love. This. I love everything about this! Ahhhhh well done, I can't even put into words how great this is!

OMGG THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST REVEAL MAGIC FANFIC I HAD READ! There is not as many reveal magic story when Arthur know because of the third party or the reveal involving the third party point of view. I cant wait to read more! O hope Lancelot still alive. Hopefully you will write a whole story perhaps u til Albion and magic arive. Cant waiy to read more

OMGGG THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST REVEALAGIC STORY THAT I'VE READ! I camt wait to read next chapter. I hope you will continue this as a whope story and make Lancelot still alive! I want to read what will Arthur react and how Gideon will react at next morning. Cant wait to read more!

Gorgeous chapter!

Loved the story. Excellent reveal - not that Merlin knows at this stage. I do enjoy seeing Emrys shine through. A little different from Merlins normal day to day appearance.
You could well leave the story here. I would never knock back another chapter though.
Thanks.

Post part two! Your writing is incredible I need more! :D

Omg this is amazing I’m sure the second chapter is as good

I would love to see more resolution but honestly this was wonderful as is! The whole conversation between Merlin and Gideon was amazing and I LOVE how you depicted Merlin's power and grace during it. Arthur really should have caught on to Merlin being a sorcerer before he came out and said it just from what was being said prior but...that's Arthur. I do love that he could read Merlin's responses and know he wasn't going to be betraying him.

And Arthur putting everything into a box to not deal with it is hilarious. So him.

Thanks so much for sharing!