Exhausted Family Puts Legendary Arthurian Manuscript Up for Auction with Desperation Note

In a shocking turn of events that has historians and medieval enthusiasts alike reeling, the Pendragon family has decided to part with its long-guarded artifact: an original manuscript detailing the exploits of King Arthur and Merlin. This treasure, secretly hoarded for over seven centuries, is set to be auctioned next month at Sotheby's with an unusually heartfelt request: "Please just take it."

The Pendragons, who have been living with the invaluable manuscript handed down through generations, reportedly grew tired of holiday guests incessantly demanding to see the sacred text. "It started as a charming family secret," admitted Lord Alaric Pendragon, head of the household. "But after the thirteenth Christmas in a row where relatives and distant cousins wouldn't let it go, the allure simply wore off."

Initially preserved under stringent conditions involving velvet gloves and specially designed humidors, the manuscript had remained a mysterious legend among academic circles. Despite the whispers among select circles that the Pendragon lineage had Arthurian ties, no one truly believed the family possessed such an artifact. "Even the local historians thought it was just a tall tale," confessed Lady Guinivere Pendragon. "We can't even tell you how relieved we are to finally offload it at long last."

The decision was not made lightly. Endless attempts to pass their annual Boxing Day Tea without 'just a peek' devolving into lengthy discussions about Arthurian chivalry and the fishing rights on Lake Lyonnesse had taken a toll. The family's famed turkey suppers were often interrupted by debates on Grail quests, overshadowing even the most painstakingly prepared cranberry sauce.

"We tried hiding it in the attic, mislabeling it as a cookbook, and even telling people it had been lost," muttered young Tristan Pendragon, who is reportedly eager to escape to university where no one will expect magical stories. "But it never worked. At this point, we just want a yuletide without legendary interruptions."

Sotheby's has already announced the sale as a historic auction event. The manuscript is expected to fetch a significant sum, possibly rivaling the GDP of a small kingdom, as international collectors prepare for a bid-off. Meanwhile, scholars continue to reel at the implications of such a rare find suddenly entering public domain, coupled with an unprecedented request:

"To whomever has the pleasure of owning this glorious piece of history," the family's note concludes, "please enjoy, and kindly never, ever bring it up during Christmas."