The next day, the armies had already assembled, and the group decided it was time to depart.
Time waits for no one.
Though Lot and the others believed it unlikely that the numerous kingdoms and clans of Scotland could unite into a coalition force, they were well aware of the military principle: speed is paramount in warfare.
On the foundation of achieving their strategic objectives, the fewer the casualties, the better.
Fujimaru Ritsuka, Mash, Mordred, and Lancelot, among others, arrived at the side of the departing army, waiting to set out with them.
Even without restraints, they would not leave.
Know thy enemy and know thyself, and you shall never be defeated.
Though they might not have been familiar with this saying, they understood its essence.
Their eyes remained fixed on the army.
And the more they observed Camelot's forces, the more astonished they became.
Watching the troops march away in formation, Fujimaru Ritsuka glanced at Mash and asked in confusion:
"Is this level of military discipline even possible for armies of this era?"
"That... would be very difficult."
Mash shook her head as she observed the neatly arrayed soldiers.
"Even in later eras, armies like this are rare."
She was deeply impressed.
Though the discipline of this army paled in comparison to that of a certain nation's military in later times, it at least resembled the standards of its student, Tanzania.
This level of discipline was enough to rank among the top in Africa's excellent matchmaking system.
And for this era, such military order was nothing short of a dimensional crushing superiority.
This was largely Lot's doing.
How to put it?
Though Lot didn't know the specifics of military training, he knew what qualified as acceptable.
It was the classic case of:
"I might not know how to do it, but I know how to judge it! I may not know how to build a refrigerator, but I know to buy one that can cool!"
Thus, though the soldiers inwardly cursed him, they obediently followed Lot's instructions.
To Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others, Camelot's army appeared terrifying.
"If we want to find a force capable of opposing this army, our only option is the Roman Empire with its vast territory and larger pool of professional soldiers. But the Roman Emperor of this era is the Sword Emperor Lucius, not exactly an ideal choice."
The group nodded in unison.
A head-on battle was far from a wise option.
At that moment, after the army had passed, Morgan and Lot prepared to board their ships and depart.
Behind them followed a woman dressed in an extremely unique outfit.
Guinevere.
The woman trailing behind Morgan was none other than the Scottish princess, Guinevere.
Since they were returning to Scotland, it was only right for Guinevere's father to see his daughter again.
See? We've treated your daughter well. Though she may have suffered a minor emotional setback, everything else has been perfectly fine.
Through introductions, Lancelot learned this woman was Guinevere.
He wasn't sure how to react to her.
In this world, he and Guinevere were practically strangers.
But in another timeline, they had shared a spiritual affair a forbidden romance with a married woman.
In the end, he had taken her to Francia, forcing Artoria to invade. The tragedy culminated in him killing many Knights of the Round Table, leading to ruin for all.
Damn, what kind of mess was that?
Recalling his actions in that other timeline, Lancelot couldn't help but curse under his breath.
His silent grumbling went unnoticed.
The others nearby were busy complaining about something else entirely.
"That outfit... I can't believe they came up with it, and even more, that Guinevere dared to wear it."
To Lancelot, the outfit looked bizarre. But to Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash, it was all too familiar.
Damn, Morgan's taste is just too... eccentric.
She'd somehow brought modern office lady (OL) attire into this era.
How obscene.
Fujimaru Ritsuka silently gave Morgan a thumbs-up in their heart.
The uniform, the black stockings, and that icy, unapproachable aura
Paired with Guinevere's stunning beauty
Absolutely breathtaking.
At the same time, they glanced at Lancelot, thinking that in this timeline, he and Guinevere likely had no connection whatsoever.
Historically, Guinevere's attraction to Lancelot stemmed partly from the emotional void left by her marriage to King Arthur a marriage that lacked any real intimacy.
On the other hand, Lancelot, as the strongest of the Knights of the Round Table, had displayed exceptional prowess in every aspect, making him irresistibly compelling.
But in this world?
This Lancelot had been thoroughly humiliated by Galahad from the moment he appeared.
Loss after loss nothing but disgrace.
How could that possibly catch Guinevere's attention?
"Poor Sir Lancelot..."
Fujimaru Ritsuka looked at him with sympathy in their eyes.
...
When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss contemplates how to fry, sauté, or braise you.
Morgan glanced at Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others, then asked Lot:
"Lot, should we just have someone kill them outright? Save ourselves the trouble of their meddling."
"Forget it. They won't be easy to eliminate."
Lot shook his head lightly.
[Mash possesses Galahad's Saint Graph. If pushed to desperation, who knows how much power she might unleash? And with Mordred here as well, taking action would be far from simple.]
He thought to himself.
"Doesn't matter. We can crush them effortlessly."
Morgan crossed her arms and declared:
"Besides, I want to see just how many forces opposing us Fujimaru Ritsuka can muster across Britain. Once they're all gathered, we'll wipe them out in one fell swoop."
"Mmm."
Having settled the matter, the two turned their attention to the advancing army, satisfaction written across their faces.
This army is truly impressive.
Behind them, Guinevere stepped forward and addressed Morgan and Lot:
"Your Majesties, we are prepared and ready to board at any time."
"Good."
Morgan nodded slightly, then said to Guinevere:
"We'll soon reach your homeland. If you wish to return, I won't stop you."
"Thank you for your concern, Queen Morgan. But my resolve remains unchanged."
Guinevere shook her head gently.
"Besides, serving under you and King Lot grants me a status far beyond what I had under my father."
What could she say? After learning King Arthur's true identity, Guinevere felt as if her heart had been shattered.
Exhausted. Done. Never loving again.
To avoid drowning in the abyss of emotional turmoil, Guinevere threw herself entirely into her work.
Her meticulous nature ensured every task was handled flawlessly.
If she left, Morgan would genuinely miss her.
And let's be honest
Who wouldn't want a beautiful secretary in an OL outfit?
Of course, in terms of personal life...
Nothing happened.
Morgan had no interest in yuri relationships.
Exploiting subordinates?
She'd never stoop so low.
That's just too scummy.
"Very well. But we'll be staying in Scotland for a while. Take the opportunity to rest at home for a few days."
Morgan instructed Guinevere.
"Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty."
Guinevere smiled faintly at Morgan's kindness.
A caring superior is always a blessing.
Just then, Artoria approached.
The moment Guinevere saw her, the smile vanished.
Faced with that reaction, Artoria could say nothing.
After all,
She had been the one to conceal her gender, deceiving both Lot and Guinevere.
If Guinevere wanted to glare, so be it.
It wouldn't affect her appetite.
"Sister, brother-in-law, the path ahead is clear. No enemies dare block our way."
She reported to Morgan.
"Good. Tell the others to board quickly. We depart soon."
Morgan nodded.
"Yes."
Artoria began directing the remaining personnel to board the ships.
Among them, Fujimaru Ritsuka and their group also embarked, preparing to set sail for Scotland.
As they boarded, Mordred leaned against the ship's railing and said to Fujimaru:
"We barely had time to see Camelot before leaving. Master, once we defeat my mother, you have to let me explore properly."
"Don't worry, Mordred-chan. If we win, we'll make sure you get your fill."
Da Vinci's hologram appeared, chiming in with reassurance.
Mordred scoffed but said nothing.
In her mind, the scheming merchant Da Vinci's credibility was only slightly better than that old swindler Merlin's.
Neither was trustworthy.
After a brief voyage,
Camelot's army arrived at King Leodegrance's territory.
As they approached, Lot and Morgan saw the king had assembled his soldiers, poised for battle.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Seeing Leodegrance's stance, Lot urged his horse forward, narrowing his eyes.
"King Leodegrance, do you intend to oppose us?"
"I merely wish to ask: How do the rulers of Camelot plan to treat Scotland once you arrive?"
Leodegrance countered.
"That depends on your actions."
Lot replied.
"And if we resist?"
"Then I hope you'll muster your full strength to stop us."
"And if we cooperate?"
"Then you'll have our friendship."
Lot smiled, then dismounted and approached Leodegrance.
"Since you've made your choice, as a gesture of goodwill, let's swear brotherhood. How about I take you as my sworn elder brother?"
Leodegrance: "..."
Guinevere: "..."
"Queen Morgan!"
Guinevere turned to Morgan.
"Isn't this wonderful?"
Morgan chuckled.
Guinevere pressed her lips together.
I've just been outmaneuvered by Their Majesties.
Leodegrance, meanwhile, was speechless.
Good grief, you're both younger than my own children, yet you want me as your elder brother?
Of course, he couldn't say that Morgan's own sworn elder sister was far older than him.
No one dared bring up age here.
Sigh.
If only Guinevere and Artoria's marriage had worked out, we would've been your elders.
Damn it, Morgan, why couldn't you have been a younger brother?
Why a sister?
Leodegrance shot a resentful glare at Artoria.
"Enough. A feast has been prepared. Your Majesties, please join us."
He announced.
Yet, at his words, Lot, Morgan, and the others visibly grimaced.
Camelot's cuisine was leagues ahead of Scotland's by several Frances.
Leodegrance noticed.
And felt another stab to his pride.
Especially when the bitter expressions on Lot and Morgan's faces faded quickly
While the one who kept her disgust plainly visible was
His own daughter.
Damn it!
Leodegrance clutched his chest, feeling an acute pain.
Weren't you fond of my cooking as a child?
How could a few years away change you so much?!
This wounds me deeply.
I never should've come out to greet them today.
Then again, recalling the meals he'd had in Lot's camp, he had to admit the gap was real.
"Pfft HAHAHA! This is too good!"
From atop the castle walls, a purple-haired woman looked down at the scene and burst into laughter.
Then, in a flash, she appeared at Leodegrance's banquet table.
"Alright, time to wait for the guests."
Seating herself at the head of the table, she grinned.