"My name is Artoria. Sixteen years old. Gender perceived by others as male. Unmarried. Residence: Camelot "
Wait a minute.
Why is this woman asking me these questions now?
Artoria looked at Guinevere with confusion.
This isn't right.
I'm not the commander.
If you want to express gratitude, shouldn't you be addressing King Lot or Queen Morgan?
What's the meaning of questioning me?
Are you trying to reward me or something?
But you can't bypass King Lot's authority to do that.
Seeing the look in Guinevere's eyes, Artoria knew the girl had misunderstood. Yet that very gaze only deepened her bewilderment.
What does this woman want?
Artoria was utterly perplexed.
After all, this was the first time she'd ever encountered such a look.
...
Watching his confused expression, Guinevere smiled inwardly.
What a young and pure-hearted knight.
So different from the scandalous romantic histories of other knights in this era.
From atop the castle walls, Guinevere had been fixated on Artoria's valiant charge.
His appearance perfectly matched her idealized image of a knight
Handsome and fearless.
Delicate in features, yet none of his enemies could withstand a single blow from him.
Utterly dashing.
Father, I really like this kind of person.
Guinevere thought to herself.
From her perspective
The heroic knight had broken through countless obstacles, charging straight toward her.
Though she knew it was for strategic purposes,
She couldn't help but imagine
This knight came for me.
The cruel enemies had trapped the delicate princess in her tower, and just then, the knightly hero appeared, launching his assault.
Ah~
What a chivalric romance come to life!
Watching Artoria's heroic figure, Guinevere's heart pounded uncontrollably.
Seeing his bravery filled her with joy; when he was surrounded by enemies, she clenched her fists in worry; and when victory was finally theirs, she smiled from the bottom of her heart.
Father.
I think I'm falling in love!
So upon meeting Artoria, Guinevere immediately asked about his status was he married? She needed to know.
Now, hearing he was unmarried, Guinevere smiled sincerely.
Beside them, Leodegrance watched gloomily.
At his age, nothing escaped his notice.
He understood exactly what was going through his daughter's mind.
Leodegrance felt depressed.
Though he hadn't lost his castle, he felt he'd lost something even more precious.
Just as Guinevere was about to blurt out "You must marry me!", Leodegrance hastily interrupted:
"Ahem! Daughter, come greet King Lot and Queen Morgan properly."
"Oh."
Reluctantly, Guinevere curtsied.
But inwardly, she was anything but willing.
She couldn't bring herself to like Lot or Morgan.
On one hand, though their looks weren't inferior to hers, she felt an instinctive aversion she didn't even know where this feeling came from.
On the other hand, it was due to Lot's tactics.
Guinevere was young, her heart filled with admiration for chivalry. Battles should be fought head-on, defeating enemies with honor.
This sneaky attack from behind?
Utterly beneath her.
Moreover, she clearly saw how Lot had used Artoria as bait.
How heartless can you be!
Guinevere mentally criticized Lot.
Seeing this, Leodegrance quickly said:
"Let's not linger here. I've prepared a feast everyone, please rest in my castle."
"Understood."
Lot agreed.
Thus, the group rode toward the castle.
Throughout the journey, Guinevere kept her eyes fixed on Artoria, her gaze tender. She continuously asked about Artoria's background.
Artoria wanted to refuse, but considering Guinevere was the only daughter of their ally, she couldn't be too rude.
So she revealed her identity, her foster brother, and her adoptive father's situation.
Guinevere memorized every word.
All of this was noticed by Lot.
[Oh no I forgot. In this world, Guinevere's actually a hardcore King Arthur fan. If Artoria were male, or if she had even a hint of interest in women, none of the later tragedies would've happened.]
Morgan observed the scene.
Tch. This is troublesome.
I originally thought Guinevere was a lesbian, hence her marriage to my sister.
But now you're telling me it all happened because she didn't know the truth?
I absolutely can't allow this marriage.
Otherwise, they're doomed to tragedy.
Morgan thought darkly.
[...Though losing those 150 accompanying knights would be a shame.]
Hm?
150 accompanying knights?
Morgan's eyes widened instantly.
We could get that many knights?
On one hand, there was her gluttonous but capable sister.
On the other, 150 excellent knights.
Morgan fell into deep conflict.
She glanced at Lot, then at Artoria, then back at Guinevere.
Was there any way
To get both?
I'm a greedy woman.
I want to keep my sister safe AND take all those knights.
"What should I do?"
Morgan pondered.
Then she looked at Lot.
When it came to certain matters, her cunning had limits.
So she'd need Lot's advice.
Yes.
Decision made.
Tonight, she'd drain him dry again.
...
Inside the castle, Leodegrance spared no effort in hosting Lot's group. The banquet was lavish, filled with rare delicacies.
Yet to Lot, Morgan, and Artoria, the food was... underwhelming.
The cooking couldn't compare to Lot's.
They forced themselves to eat, if only to spare Leodegrance's feelings.
Noticing this, Leodegrance grew puzzled.
What's going on?
Have I failed as a host?
Unlikely.
I'm one of Scotland's most powerful kings I've done my utmost.
Why do they seem so unimpressed?
But he couldn't dwell on it.
Because his daughter Guinevere approached him.
Pulling him aside, she declared:
"Father, I like that knight Artoria."
"...I see."
Though he'd expected this, hearing it aloud still made him stiffen.
"Isn't this too sudden?"
"Not at all, Father. Do you believe in love at first sight? The moment I saw him, I felt it. Father, I want to marry Artoria."
Guinevere shook her head, her eyes filled with determination.
When it came to certain matters, she was deadly serious.
"You barely know him. You've only seen his bravery in battle. What about his daily life? His character? You can't decide to marry him so rashly."
Leodegrance argued.
"I've already learned about him. I believe he's a good man in all aspects."
Guinevere waved dismissively.
Leodegrance pressed on:
"But he's just a knight. Guinevere, he has no territory, no wealth. Marrying him would mean hardship for you."
Youth only cares for love, never practicalities.
"That's fine, Father. I'm prepared."
Guinevere placed her hands on her hips.
"Really!?"
Leodegrance stared in disbelief.
His pampered daughter was prepared for hardship?
"Of course." Guinevere pointed at him. "Though Artoria has no money you do! You can support us. No, wait Father, I'm your only daughter. You could have Artoria stay and inherit your throne!"
"Gah!"
Leodegrance sucked in a sharp breath.
Such filial piety!
Her future husband is poor, so her first thought is to extort her father?
What a devoted daughter!
My heart aches!
Leodegrance clutched his chest.
But on second thought it wasn't a bad idea.
Perhaps...
He wouldn't have to part with his daughter.
As his only child, he doted on her excessively.
Everything would be hers eventually.
Well then.
Artoria was just a knight.
Though inferior to Camelot, he was still a king, wasn't he?
Fine.
He'd find a way to recruit Artoria.
Then his daughter would never leave his side.
Perfect.
Imagining this wonderful scenario, Leodegrance couldn't help but smile.
...
With this plan in mind, Leodegrance summoned Artoria.
At that moment, Artoria was diligently working through a steak.
Though the food wasn't great, adhering to the knightly principle of never wasting meals, she ate with determination.
Hearing Leodegrance's summons, though confused, she obeyed.
Morgan and Lot, still eating, noticed Leodegrance calling Artoria away.
They exchanged glances.
"What's this about?"
"No idea."
"Should we follow?"
"Let's."
Agreed, they stealthily trailed after them.
...
"Your Majesty Leodegrance, what did you wish to discuss?"
Artoria asked.
At the same time, she glanced at Guinevere, who sat beside Leodegrance, staring at her with that same scorching gaze.
Artoria felt uneasy.
Why does she look at me like I'm a delicious meal?
"Knight Artoria, I have a question for you would you consider leaving Camelot and serving me instead?"
Leodegrance cut straight to the point.
"Pardon?"
Artoria blinked in confusion.
I'm doing perfectly fine under Lot and Morgan. Why would I switch sides?
I may not be the brightest, but I'm not stupid!
"Under me, you'd receive far greater status and rewards than in Camelot. You'd rise higher here."
As he spoke, Guinevere watched Artoria eagerly, awaiting her response.
"I refuse."
Artoria answered without hesitation.
Are you joking?
What Camelot offers, you could never match, Leodegrance.
At the very least, the cafeteria food is incomparable.
As a dedicated foodie, meals were sacred to Artoria.
Your food can't compete with Camelot's I don't even need to think about it!
"So decisive?" Leodegrance was taken aback.
Then he laid his cards on the table:
"Very well, I'll be frank I wish for you to marry my daughter. After my death, this kingdom will be yours. It may not rival Camelot, but in Scotland, it's vast. You'd be king, far better than remaining a mere knight."
As he spoke, Guinevere blushed shyly.
But beneath that shyness, her eyes shone with expectation.
Say yes. Just say yes.
The kingdom will be yours. So will I.
Artoria felt she could read Guinevere's thoughts.
And that only panicked her further.
"I'm sorry. I cannot accept."
Artoria said firmly.
Are you insane? I'm a woman!
Women can't marry women!
Absolutely impossible!