Not an "illegitimate daughter";
But a "Knight of the Round Table."
Going along with Artoria was not a surrender, but a way to maximize her own interests.
Baobhan Sith's gaze towards her mother, Morgan, now held an extra layer of respect.
Compared to her own mutually destructive actions, her mother was indeed a cut above.
"My King, is it possible?"
"For the sake of the ideal Dragon Kingdom, will you permit my request?"
"Or perhaps—"
Morgan smiled faintly.
"Such a thing is simply impossible?"
Like a boomerang, Morgan's words struck Artoria's weak spot with unerring accuracy.
To grant the request would naturally lead to a dissolution of her own rule; having another "ruler" within a great capital city was, by any measure, unsuitable.
So, was refusing the best choice?
Not necessarily.
She had, just moments before, praised Morgan's contributions to Camelot.
If she offered no reward at all, the sentiment she had expressed would also be misconstrued.
"Those who work themselves to the bone get nothing in Camelot."
Once such an idea began to spread, it would be a far more terrifying thing than losing a parcel of city land.
Artoria was instantly caught in a dilemma.
Her older sister's mastery in such matters was exceptionally profound.
Seeing the look on Artoria's face, Morgan grew even more triumphant inside.
Without a shred of hesitation, she immediately pressed her "attack."
"My King, if we are to consider the matter of efficiency—"
"I think..."
Morgan's gaze fell upon Ian, who was standing to the side, looking at Baobhan Sith.
"It may also require the guidance of your husband."
"After all, if we wish for the dragon's power to permeate Camelot, then as a true dragon, he is the best possible model."
"My King, this is a path that Camelot's ideal kingdom must tread. You... would not hesitate, would you?"
"..."
Baobhan Sith wanted to laugh.
As Morgan's daughter, she knew better than anyone what her mother was thinking right now.
She didn't just want Camelot's land and Camelot's authority, she also wanted...
Artoria's husband, Ian.
No.
It would be more accurate to say the first two were add-ons, while only the last was her true goal.
What a twisted and complex desire!
That being said—
Baobhan Sith felt her whole body trembling.
As an existence born with the same desires as Morgan, who had inherited Ian's bloodline, Baobhan Sith completely understood this obsession with him.
How delicious...
How desirable...
A hazy look appeared in Baobhan Sith's eyes. If not for the constraints of the situation, she probably would have viciously drunk in that scent, wouldn't she?
"You can't do that."
Morgan was still enjoying the sight of her sister Artoria's predicament when she heard a familiar voice.
The one who spoke was none other than Ian.
"Camelot belongs to Artoria."
"Not even Morgan can change that."
"..."
Morgan had not expected the one to defend Artoria would be Ian at this moment.
After all...
He had said nothing at all just now.
Even when Artoria was "praising" her, he had shown no reaction whatsoever.
Why, in this case, would he...
Morgan was momentarily stunned, and at that moment, Baobhan Sith spoke up.
"This is not about changing who Camelot belongs to, is it?"
"My mother, using your power, brought a Knight of the Round Table like me to Camelot."
"Then—"
"In order to have more Knights of the Round Table like me, the necessary land and the authority to act freely are surely required, are they not?"
"Sir Ian."
Baobhan Sith, having very promptly corrected her form of address, looked at Ian.
"For Artoria's sake, shouldn't you be even more supportive of this matter?"
Baobhan Sith licked her lips.
"After all—"
"That would, in all likelihood, also be your own free domain."
Baobhan Sith's words gave Morgan a moment to breathe.
She felt more and more that her initial wish for her "next daughter to be more like herself" had been the right one.
Compared to the easily swayed Barghest, Baobhan Sith, who stood unwaveringly on her side, was clearly of much greater value.
And...
Her cunning in such matters was not the least bit lacking.
Taking "seizing land" and adding the context of "for Camelot's sake";
And on that foundation, adding the suggestion that "this would most likely be your domain as well."
In this way—
From Artoria's perspective, with Ian's "involvement," such a grant of land would be safe;
And from Ian's own perspective, it was also a way for him to gain more.
In a sense, she was winning him over.
No matter how you looked at it, he should agree—
"No."
Ian's eyes turned blood-red.
Almost in an instant, everyone present felt an extremely powerful pressure.
It was a sign of magical energy being released.
"Camelot belongs to Artoria—"
"Not yours, not mine, and not anyone else's."
"Only Artoria can have all of this."
With just these simple words, the citizens present all subconsciously began to back away.
Everyone could feel that if this dragon's declaration was not acknowledged, he would surely do something even more outrageous.
"Can we really make use of the power of dragons?"
"We... in front of them, we're completely insignificant, aren't we?"
"Living with creatures like that is just gambling with your own life, isn't it?"
The sounds of dispute grew louder.
Barghest was about to suppress such voices with force.
She would not allow her beloved father to be doubted!
But Mélusine stopped her once again.
"Blockhead, don't make a move."
"But it's already come to this!"
"But don't you see the King is still there—"
Mélusine looked ahead.
"She still has a way."
"Eh?"
Barghest subconsciously looked towards the edge of the castle balcony.
What entered her vision was something completely unexpected.
Artoria had, at some unknown point, kissed Ian, who had been standing against Morgan and Baobhan Sith's attempt to divide Camelot.
It was an absorbed and affectionate display.
The dragon, who had been on the verge of rampage, gradually calmed down.
And Artoria, once again, looked towards the citizens.
"Everyone."
"Without practice, there is no right to speak."
"I have personally experienced and acknowledged the power of dragons, which is why I want them to protect us, no matter what."
"I swear, as the King of Camelot."
"This will absolutely be the path to our bright future."
"..."
The citizens fell silent.
After all, to be able to calm such a fearsome dragon in an instant proved that Artoria had indeed mastered the art of "dragon taming."
However, Artoria's own attention at this moment was not on the citizens.
Dressed in her wedding gown, she took Ian's hand, as if intentionally-yet-unintentionally expressing her ownership of him to Morgan.
She said softly:
"Sister's suggestion is indeed very constructive."
"In that case—"
"Please, sister, wait until I have a good, long discussion with my husband tonight."
"There will be a result."
Artoria said this, and then revealed a chillingly sweet smile.