Was the situation of the Wind Clan's chieftain truly so dire?
In truth, not necessarily.
Her strength remained intact. Though the Wind Clan's fairies had suffered a blow from Artoria's beam attack and were further battered by the rain of arrows, their remaining forces were still considerable.
Facing the knights head-on would not be easy.
But using magecraft to hold them off should not have left them completely defenseless.
Moreover, the Wind Clan's chieftain was an exceptionally skilled magus.
She should not have been reduced to such a pitiful state.
Her strength was not the issue; her mentality was.
The moment she sensed even the slightest hint of danger, she immediately began calling for Melusine.
Hearing her chieftain's orders, Melusine couldn't help but complain inwardly.
Still, she obediently turned back.
Seeing Melusine return,
Artoria quickly signaled the knights to retreat.
Otherwise, if the knights were to engage Melusine directly, the casualties would be severe.
That could not be allowed.
Artoria understood all too well that carelessness against Melusine's attacks would lead to heavy losses.
"Don't act so recklessly next time."
Watching Melusine return, the Wind Clan's chieftain let out a sigh of relief.
Then, she began grumbling incessantly at Melusine.
Hearing the complaints, Melusine offered no rebuttal. She simply nodded silently.
Then, she asked the Wind Clan's chieftain, "What should we do next?"
"We'll rest for today. Starting tomorrow, we'll slaughter every last human who dares stand in our way."
After a moment of thought, the Wind Clan's chieftain gave her orders.
Melusine nodded lightly in response.
At that moment, the Wind Clan's chieftain added, "When the time comes tomorrow, you'll need to put in more effort."
Hearing this, Melusine cast a sidelong glance at the chieftain.
If not for you today, I could have already defeated their commanders.
"I hope you'll pay a bit more attention to your own safety tomorrow, Chieftain."
After some deliberation, Melusine couldn't hold back her words.
It wasn't that she didn't want to follow the chieftain it was just that the Wind Clan's leader was far too much of a liability.
So, Melusine couldn't help but offer a reminder.
"Are you doubting me?!"
The Wind Clan's chieftain glared at Melusine.
Melusine lowered her head in response. Google seaʀᴄh 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝕟𝕖𝕥
But in her heart, it wasn't doubt she was practically certain that the Wind Clan's chieftain would falter in tomorrow's battle.
I'll just have to work twice as hard tomorrow.
She continued thinking to herself.
Having to carry so many liabilities alone is no easy task.
"But this is also the perfect chance to prove my strength, isn't it?"
Melusine found a silver lining to console herself, and her mood improved slightly.
"Artoria, are you still worried about today's battle?"
That night, seeing her beloved eat less than ten pounds of bread, Guinevere grew concerned and went to check on Artoria.
Upon finding her deep in thought, Guinevere quickly asked,
"Yes, I am indeed troubled by today's battle."
Artoria did not deny it in the slightest.
"I had assumed that after Vortigern's defeat, we wouldn't encounter such formidable enemies again. Yet today, that fairy gave us a harsh lesson."
"Don't worry. This is only a minor setback." Seeing her beloved so distressed, Guinevere hurried to console her. "I'm certain that by tomorrow's battle, you'll achieve victory."
"Victory? I've already pushed myself to my limits. Even with Caliburn and Excalibur in hand, I couldn't secure victory. What more can I possibly do to grow stronger?"
Reflecting on her own abilities, Artoria couldn't fathom how to overcome Melusine.
Just then, a figure appeared before her and Guinevere.
"No, your strength can still grow. Trust me with your bloodline, you're far from reaching your limits."
A man clad in white, handsome in appearance yet somehow inviting the urge to punch him in the face, stood before Artoria and Guinevere.
Seeing Merlin appear, Artoria regarded him with suspicion.
Why had her teacher shown up again?
"Do I not get a welcome?"
Merlin took a bite of an apple and asked.
"No, it's not that I don't welcome you, Teacher." Artoria shook her head lightly. Then, before Merlin could even begin to smile, she added, "It's just that the entire army of Camelot doesn't welcome you."
Merlin's smile froze.
Artoria continued, "King Lot once told me that for Camelot's army to welcome you, you'd have to change from Merlin to 'Merlin' no, wait, to 'Magi Mari.'"
"That's simple enough. Where's the women's clothing? Should I change here, or in front of all the soldiers?"
Hearing his student's words, Merlin declared without hesitation.
His response made Artoria and Guinevere both cover their faces in secondhand embarrassment.
Does this man have no shame?!
Guinevere shot Artoria a meaningful glance.
Artoria swiftly changed the subject.
"Teacher, please state your purpose for coming. Are you here to help me deal with our enemies?"
"Of course not. I'm a frail and powerless magus I've no talent for combat. Besides, that fairy called Melusine is quite formidable."
Then, Merlin revealed his true objective.
"I've come to help you grow stronger."
Artoria pointed at herself skeptically.
"Indeed. Beyond those two swords, there is still a lance that belongs to you. I've come to ensure you claim it."
"The Holy Lance Rhongomyniad."