"Next, I need to figure out how to sneak into this castle."
Lurking in the shadows, Baobhan Sith pondered to herself.
She was deeply afraid of sunlight. Under the sun, her strength would weaken significantly. Thus, her outings were almost exclusively limited to nighttime.
But this posed a problem.
Under normal circumstances, the castle gates would be tightly locked at night, and unless it was an emergency, no one was allowed to enter or leave freely.
Nightlife in this era belonged solely to the nobility. Ordinary commoners had no means of illumination to support any nighttime activities once darkness fell.
Even the nobles' nightlife was confined to their own estates they certainly wouldn't wander around recklessly.
After some thought, Baobhan Sith reasoned that if Lot and Morgan had dared to capture those fairies, they must have prepared for potential fairy attacks.
Of course, they definitely wouldn't expect someone as beautiful and intelligent as me to come after them.
But the castle's defenses wouldn't be lax.
The walls would undoubtedly be riddled with traps.
So, how should she proceed?
Should she charge in head-on?
Baobhan Sith briefly entertained the idea but quickly shook her head, dismissing it.
It was far too dangerous for herself and for the fairies held captive inside.
Though she was strong, storming a castle fortified by Lot, Gawain, and Morgan's defenses was unrealistic.
The fairies' intelligence had already reached her.
While fairies weren't the most reliable, this information was accurate.
Even Baobhan Sith knew she had to tread carefully around those two weapons.
"Galatine is troublesome enough. Not to mention the holy sword 'Joyeuse' in Lot's hands the spearhead of Gungnir, the God-Slaying Lance."
Like Vortigern before her,
Baobhan Sith didn't believe that sword couldn't pierce her.
Taking a direct hit would be… extremely unpleasant.
As for Morgan, Baobhan Sith wasn't particularly intimidated.
She couldn't speak for other areas, but when it came to resisting magecraft, she was confident in her abilities.
Even Morgan wasn't much of a concern.
Moreover, records of Morgan's past actions showed she primarily provided buffs to Lot and the other Knights of the Round Table her actual combat prowess didn't seem remarkable.
Baobhan Sith's original plan was to take advantage of the night, ambush Lot and Morgan separately, and free the prisoners in the chaos.
In a one-on-one fight, Baobhan Sith feared no one.
Once the prisoners were released, she could lead them out and use her abilities to harass Lot and his allies.
Ideally, she'd also collect some of Lot's hair, nails, or bodily fluids to enhance her curses.
Her curses could kill from any distance.
"This time, I'll steel my heart and use it."
Baobhan Sith clenched her small fist, psyching herself up.
Once her morale was boosted, she turned her attention back to the castle,
still pondering how to infiltrate it.
After considering Lot and Morgan's possible defenses,
Baobhan Sith knew she had to be cautious extremely cautious.
If she lingered on the walls and got hit by a holy sword's beam,
it would be unbearable.
A frontal assault was out of the question.
Charging headfirst into the enemy's strongest defenses? Only a fool would do that!
So, she had to find a way to slip in quietly.
Hmm…
Baobhan Sith racked her brain,
scanning the castle for ideas.
She glanced around but found no suitable cover to exploit.
Then…
An idea struck her.
What if she attacked nearby villages to drive their inhabitants to the castle gates for refuge?
With the guards distracted by the influx of refugees,
she could sneak in unnoticed.
Having decided, she immediately set off.
"This time, I'll just herd the villagers here no need to kill anyone."
As she dashed toward the villages, she made a mental note.
...
Causing havoc went smoothly.
Most villages were lucky to have even a single knight,
and a lone knight was no match for Baobhan Sith.
She effortlessly defeated them,
destroyed their homes,
and forced them to flee toward Lot and Morgan's castle.
Once done, she concealed herself and mingled with the refugees,
reaching the castle gates under the cover of her hood.
Peering up at the walls,
she thought, With this many people, the guards' attention should be fully occupied.
She searched for a climbable route,
though she doubted the guards would let the refugees inside.
In this era, allowing disaster-stricken commoners to shelter beneath the walls was already considered merciful.
Tossing them moldy bread mixed with sawdust would earn a lord praise.
More often, refugees were simply driven away.
The lords couldn't care less what happened to them afterward.
It didn't affect their rule in the slightest.
Lot and Morgan are hailed as heroes. Surely they won't be so heartless?
Baobhan Sith mused.
Then another thought struck her:
What if Lot's reputation is undeserved and he turns them away? Well, in that case, I'll just take them for myself. I've been wanting to establish my own kingdom and become the Fairy Queen anyway. They'll be my first subjects bound to my will!
Pleased with the idea, she smiled to herself.
...
Inside the castle, Lot and Morgan received word of the refugees outside.
"What? Someone attacked these villagers?"
Both were shocked.
"Yes. They say their homes were completely destroyed,"
the gate captain reported.
"Was it a flood? A fire?" Lot pressed.
"Neither," the captain replied. "They claimed to see only a single figure. A shadow passed by, and their houses collapsed."
"This is undoubtedly a fairy's doing,"
Morgan declared.
No ordinary human could accomplish such a feat.
That the fairy had ravaged multiple villages undetected spoke volumes of its skill.
Lot and Morgan grew warier.
"Your Majesty, how should we handle the refugees?" the captain asked. "Shall we drive them away or let them rest outside the walls?"
Morgan was about to say they should remain outside when Lot's thoughts reached her:
[Of course we bring them in! The nights are still cold leaving them outside would be cruel. Even if a fairy is hiding among them, we must let them enter.]
Morgan paused.
Ah, right. The fairies might be trying to infiltrate.
Even if they reinforced the outer defenses, the fairies would find a way in eventually.
This was likely the work of a lone fairy operative a skilled one at that.
So, how to counter this?
After a moment's thought, Morgan changed her answer:
"Bring them in at once. And prepare some broth for them."
She added a few more instructions.
The captain blinked in surprise but obeyed without question.
Lot, however, was baffled.
"Wife, why the sudden generosity? I don't mind feeding them, but meat broth seems excessive."
It wasn't that he was heartless
but such lavish aid could complicate future operations.
"It's to expose the fairies,"
Morgan replied smugly.
"Tell me, what's life like for commoners in Camelot's countryside?"
"Harsh," Lot admitted.
"Exactly. So if we serve them meat broth, how will they react?"
"They'll devour it ravenously."
Lot recalled his own college days
splurging early in the month, then surviving on instant noodles later. Come the next paycheck, he'd wolf down meals like a starved beast.
"Precisely. Now, how would a fairy a skilled infiltrator eat?"
A master of combat wouldn't know hunger in this era,
even if they were a fairy.
"So, the odd one out will be obvious at a glance."
Lot's eyes lit up.
"Brilliant. Then I'll personally distribute the broth."
[This is risky. Better I handle it. That way, Morgan stays safe, and I can test my new armor Kavacha and Kundala.]
Morgan nodded.
This husband of hers had a point.
He'd just acquired new armor and would want to test its limits.
If it proved inadequate, she'd have to convince him to reclaim Avalon the scabbard of Excalibur.
After all, he faced greater dangers than she did.
...
Outside the walls, the refugees prayed the lord would let them stay by the gates.
It was their best chance at survival.
Beside Baobhan Sith, a child wailed incessantly from hunger.
Annoyed, she snapped, "Shut up! Useless brat you're giving me a headache."
Simultaneously, she took out a fruit from her pocket and handed it to the child.
It was something she had taken earlier while teasing another fairy of her kin.
She didn't particularly like eating such things herself.
So she simply gave it to the child.
"Cry cry cry, how utterly annoying!"
Baobhan Sith snapped irritably.
Yet despite her harsh tone, the child, after taking a few big bites of the fruit, turned to her with an impossibly sweet smile and said:
"Thank you, big sister."
"..."
Seeing that expression, Baobhan Sith's lips twitched slightly before she replied stiffly:
"I just didn't want to hear you crying anymore, that's all."
"Mm! I understand. I won't cry again. I'm a man I have to be strong!"
The child nodded solemnly.
Watching his earnest expression, Baobhan Sith immediately turned her head away and left his side, moving deeper into the crowd of refugees.
Just then, the castle gates creaked open.
Baobhan Sith froze.
"No way… Is Lot really that cruel? Is he actually going to slaughter these refugees?!"
She was genuinely shocked.
Given the current situation, sending soldiers out could only mean one thing expulsion.
Baobhan Sith couldn't imagine Lot making any other choice.
"That vicious bastard…"
She gritted her teeth.
Glancing around, she decided now was the time to slip inside.
If Lot lacks even the most basic chivalry, then I won't feel the slightest guilt killing him.
This is for the people's sake.
Clenching her fists, Baobhan Sith resolved to ambush Lot first and secure a sample of his body hair, blood, anything.
Once she had that, she'd unleash her curse.
And turn Lot into a corpse.
But just as she was scanning for the perfect spot, the knight at the gate spoke first:
"Listen up! By order of Her Majesty Queen Morgan, all refugees are permitted to take shelter within the castle tonight. We've set up tents and prepared meat broth. Come quickly and eat."
"What?!"
Baobhan Sith was dumbfounded.
The refugees shared her disbelief.
What?! WHAT?!
Not only were they being allowed inside the castle, but they were being given food and meat broth?!
Impossible!
Didn't they fear the risks?
But soon, elation overtook the crowd.
No matter what, King Lot and Queen Morgan are truly wise and benevolent rulers!
Meat broth! Even at Christmas, we might not get to taste meat broth once. And now King Lot is giving it to commoners like us?
This is beyond anything we dared hope for!
We must serve Their Majesties with all our hearts!
In an instant, Lot and Morgan's popularity among the people soared to unprecedented heights.
Had Lot called for volunteers to form a suicide squad right then,
dozens would have stepped forward without hesitation.
The knight at the gate continued:
"Form an orderly line! Enter the castle one by one!"
The promise of meat broth ensured full cooperation. The refugees lined up obediently, shuffling inside.
Baobhan Sith had initially planned to launch her attack during the chaos.
But…
Watching the hopeful faces of the refugees, she clenched and unclenched her fists, unable to bring herself to act.
Moreover, she couldn't help but admire Lot's decision.
To make such a choice… That's no ordinary man.
So, following the knights' commands,
she fell in line with the others, entering the castle in perfect order.
The entire time, she kept her hood low and muted the click of her heels with practiced ease.
Thanks to her exceptional skills,
the gate knights didn't notice a thing.
Once inside, Baobhan Sith exhaled in relief.
So far, so good.
She moved forward, her gaze settling on the knights distributing broth.
Two figures stood out.
One was a towering blonde woman statuesque yet undeniably beautiful.
Gawain.
Just looking at her sent a primal shiver down Baobhan Sith's spine.
This woman…
Is dangerous.
If I face her, I'll need to be extremely careful.
Otherwise, I might not win.
Wait according to intel, she's Lot and Morgan's daughter.
They say she grew up fast…
But just how fast?!
Curious, Baobhan Sith turned her attention to the other figure Lot himself.
There, she saw a young man with a peculiar sword at his waist, handing out broth with a warm smile.
He looked no older than twenty, with strikingly handsome features. Baobhan Sith would swear on her life that no fairy in all the clans could rival his looks.
But more than his beauty, it was his smile that disarmed her.
She could tell there wasn't a trace of condescension in his demeanor toward the commoners.
That's… rare.
Among humans, nobles scorned knights, knights scorned peasants, and the hierarchy was rigid as steel.
Yet here was Lot, humanity's pinnacle, treating the lowest of the low as equals.
Even among fairies, the clan leaders and elders looked down on their lesser kin.
But Lot defied all norms.
How?
Is this even possible?
Baobhan Sith found herself doubting.
Yet his expression betrayed no deceit.
He genuinely didn't despise anyone.
The realization unsettled her.
Then, the distribution continued.
Finally, it was Baobhan Sith's turn.
Now, she'd see Lot up close.
His expression
He's truly giving this freely.
When he noticed a child, he even added extra meat.
And seeing the child's joy, Lot smiled sincerely in return.
This is… strange.
Unnervingly so.
"Next!"
Lot's voice snapped her back to the present.
"Here, this is your "
He froze mid-sentence upon meeting Baobhan Sith's gaze.
Oh crap.
It's you.
After all the schemes he and Morgan had devised to lure out the fairy…
This one, I recognize.
Back in his past life, though he hadn't played FGO's Chapter 2.6, he'd seen enough artwork and cosplays to know the characters.
And this girl despite the hood was unmistakable.
Fairy Knight Tristan.
What's she doing here?!
This is Proper Human History!
My presence might've created a divergent timeline, but it shouldn't connect to the Lostbelts!
So why is Fairy Knight Tristan here?!
For a moment, he was baffled.
Then it clicked.
While Fairy Knight Tristan was unique to that Lostbelt,
Baobhan Sith the fairy existed in Proper Human History too.
Which means…
This is that blood-drinking fairy, Baobhan Sith.
Meanwhile, Baobhan Sith saw Lot's reaction and knew
I've been made.
But how?!
She was certain she'd done everything right.
There's no way I should've been caught!
What gave me away?!
Confusion warred with frustration in her mind.
But now that she was exposed, fighting was inevitable.
Her grip tightened on the weapon hidden beneath her robes, ready to strike.
But what about the bystanders?
She hesitated, scanning the crowd.
Across from her, Lot was weighing the same dilemma.
His plan had been to wait,
to catch the fairy off-guard when she acted.
But his reaction just now had tipped her off.
Not good.
If she attacks now, what then?
A tense silence settled over them.
The refugees, sensing the shift, turned to watch.
"We're running low on broth here. Come help me fetch more."
Lot gestured for Baobhan Sith to follow.
"…Mm."
She nodded slightly.
Gawain shot her father a puzzled look, then studied the hooded figure.
Why's Dad taking her along?
She'd never suspect him of infidelity
she knew him too well.
She'd sooner believe she'd wake up a man than believe her father would cheat.
So if it's not that…
There's only one possibility.
This hooded one is our enemy.
One of those damned fairies.
Heh.
"Keep serving the broth. I'll go check on them."
Gawain followed her father and Baobhan Sith to a secluded area.
Once they stopped, Lot turned.
"Baobhan Sith the fairy, correct?"
"You know of me?!"
His recognition startled her.
Then
her lips curled into a dazzling, predatory grin.
Like a hunter who'd found the perfect prey.
"Since you know who I am… wouldn't it be easier to just die?"
"Don't worry I'll make it painless."
"Kill me? Another fairy might've stood a chance. But you? No way."
Lot scoffed at her arrogance.
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
Baobhan Sith's expression darkened.
"Exactly what it sounds like. You're no match for me."
"Then let's see where you get that confidence. Just how strong are you?"
Though she respected his earlier actions,
she had no such regard for his combat skills.
How strong could a human possibly be?
Hearing her challenge, Lot suddenly recalled her origins.
She's a fairy from Scotland.
And who's the most famous figure in Scotland?
None other than my wife's sworn sister the Queen of the Land of Shadows.
Meeting Baobhan Sith's skeptical gaze, Lot answered with deliberate nonchalance:
"How strong? Well…"
"I don't know if you've ever met that purple-haired spear-wielding queen in skintight armor back in Scotland, but… she taught me."
"And honestly? My talent was so overwhelming, she didn't dare take me as a student."
"Instead, she settled for becoming my wife's sworn sister just to claim some connection to me."
If not for the fact that Lot knew Scáthach couldn't possibly be observing him from such a distance, he would never have dared say such things.
But now, he'd said them anyway.
Hearing Lot's words,
Baobhan Sith was immediately reminded of that humiliating moment.
That time
when she'd faced that purple-haired woman and been knocked flat within mere exchanges.
"Damn it!"
Gritting her teeth, she threw off her hood, revealing her scandalously clad figure. Simultaneously, she produced a harp strikingly similar to Tristan's weapon.
With a light pluck of the strings,
a soundwave shot toward Lot.
The attack came with terrifying speed
in an instant, the black-red energy was upon him.
Seeing this, Lot hurriedly drew 'Joyeuse' from his back.
Crossing the blade horizontally,
he blocked the attack,
though the impact forced him back several steps.
"Alright, now it's my turn to attack!"
Declaring this, Lot gripped his sword and charged at Baobhan Sith.
Leaping high into the air,
a prismatic radiance erupted from his blade,
crashing down toward Baobhan Sith.
The fairy swiftly dodged to the side,
then strummed her harp strings again
launching multiple slashing attacks at Lot.
Lot weaved left and right to evade.
Having studied the Fairy Knight's lore extensively,
Lot was intimately familiar with Fairy Knight Tristan's Noble Phantasm.
And in this world, it seemed Baobhan Sith's abilities were identical.
I absolutely cannot let her attacks connect.
If they do, her curses could kill me instantly.
Lot had no intention of testing whether Kavacha and Kundala could withstand Baobhan Sith's curses.
So in this situation, dodging was his only option.
But not passive dodging alone
while evading, Lot also countered by slashing with sword beams to neutralize the soundwave attacks.
Lot knew:
If I can close the distance, I'll gain a massive advantage.
Across from him, Baobhan Sith understood this too.
Lot's 'Joyeuse' was forged from the tip of the Lance of Longinus.
Its hardness was unparalleled.
Her harp stood no chance in a direct clash.
Moreover, the lance's divine properties would deal extra damage to her.
I need to maintain some distance.
At the same time, Baobhan Sith assessed Lot's swordsmanship.
He's skilled, yes but compared to that purple-haired woman, he's nowhere close.
Frankly, he might even be inferior to me.
The only reason I'm at a disadvantage is because my weapon can't match his.
If we had equivalent arms, I could defeat him easily.
Mm.
Absolutely easily.
Baobhan Sith convinced herself.
This isn't my weakness it's my weapon's.
As long as I fight steadily,
even with his holy sword 'Joyeuse,' victory will still be mine.
But
Do I really want to kill him?
Both he and Morgan are rulers who genuinely care for their people.
If they die, would their successors be as benevolent?
These thoughts slowed her movements slightly.
Meanwhile, Lot's assault never relented.
He closed the gap further.
A flurry of strikes forced Baobhan Sith into disarray.
As she struggled to regain her footing,
a sudden realization struck her.
Her expression darkened.
I got too caught up in the fight.
I forgot one critical thing this is their territory.
And on their home ground, Lot isn't the only one with this level of strength!
...
Outside, the refugees panicked at the explosions from the castle.
Morgan emerged,
using magecraft to calm the crowd.
She refused to let Lot's kindness end in tragedy.
Addressing them, she declared:
"Rest assured King Lot is currently battling the fairy who destroyed your homes."
"Your Majesty Morgan... will King Lot be alright?"
A child's question made Morgan smirk.
"Worry not. This petty fairy is no match for your king."
"Not just her even Vortigern fell to our blades."
Privately, though,
she felt a twinge of concern.
This fairy's power is no joke.
You'd better return to me completely unharmed.
...
Gawain arrived at the battlefield,
gripping her weapon upon seeing Lot engaged with Baobhan Sith.
She prepared to flank the fairy.
Baobhan Sith inwardly groaned.
Fighting Lot alone was challenge enough.
Now Gawain's here too? Sandwiched between them like cheese in bread who could withstand that?!
She'd assumed this would be a quick battle,
but
Lot's far stronger than expected.
No good.
If Lot's this formidable, and Gawain's joining too...
She knew she couldn't let herself be surrounded.
To win, she needed to eliminate one opponent first.
Glancing at Lot, she launched a sudden assault closing the distance in seconds.
Her harp lashed out, aiming to incapacitate him instantly.
But as she struck toward Lot's chest, he did something inexplicable dropping his weapon
and opening his arms to receive her attack.
Why?!
Baobhan Sith was baffled.
Then she understood.
Golden light erupted from his body.
Glistening armor materialized across his form,
and earrings appeared at his lobes.
"Th-this is...?!"
Baobhan Sith's face paled.
The radiant armor pulsed with power.
Though she didn't recognize it, she sensed what it contained,
The sun.
Pure, concentrated solar energy.
Beams of sunlight shot from the armor.
The blinding radiance
transformed night into day for one brilliant moment.
That was all it took.
Baobhan Sith as a vampire feared sunlight above all.
She'd attacked Lot,
never imagining he possessed armor that stored sunlight.
The glare sapped her strength instantly.
Attacking was now impossible.
Lot seized her effortlessly.
"Y-you tricked me!"
Weakly, she glared at his victorious smirk.
"Tricked you?"
Lot chuckled.
"This is standard battlefield tactics."
"What's wrong with wearing armor to a fight?"
"But where did you get that armor?!"
Still defiant, she glared like an angry kitten.
"That... is a secret."
With that, Lot tossed her to Gawain.
"Keep this fairy under close watch."