I have a headcanon that both Arthur and Merlin think Merlin is actually a capable servant when he doesn't work for Arthur.
Like a foreign royalty comes over to Camelot and Merlin has to attend to the prince and in the end the prince is all:Oh yeah, he was wonderful, 10/10, would stay here again.
But in reality Merlin is shitty in the same way as he is with Arthur, the only difference is that whenever the guest would try to complain another servant or a guard or even Morgana (for shits and giggles) would be like: I would advise you not to say anthing, Merlin is Arthur's favourite, so he is very protective.
And now Merlin thinks he is absolutely nailing this servant gig and Arthur is so wrong about him.




















