If King Leodegrance could try to poach my sister Artoria, then isn't it only fair that I lure his daughter Guinevere to my side?
If the monk can touch it, why can't the Taoist?
Morgan's plan was simple.
Artoria was a Knight of the Round Table. So if Guinevere wanted to be with her, wouldn't joining the Round Table be the most logical step?
And if she joined, she couldn't possibly come alone.
Her father would never allow that.
Given his overprotective nature…
Wouldn't it be perfectly reasonable for him to send a hundred and fifty knights along with her?
Just like that, my goal would be achieved.
Actually letting her succeed in getting together with my sister was never an option.
It's best if she never gets what she wants.
Lot had another saying:
A wife is not as exciting as a lover, a lover not as thrilling as an affair, and an affair not as tantalizing as the one you can never have.
Naturally, this didn't apply to Lot himself.
Morgan smiled kindly.
I'll tell you how to pursue Artoria. Whether you succeed or not is none of my concern. It's all on you.
Whatever happens between you two has nothing to do with me.
Morgan watched Guinevere, awaiting her response.
Seeing Morgan's expectant gaze, Guinevere looked flustered.
Joining the Knights of the Round Table?
She'd never even considered it!
"But… aren't only knights allowed in the Round Table?" she asked.
If you bring a hundred and fifty knights, of course you'll qualify as one.
Morgan thought to herself.
Outwardly, however, she replied with perfect seriousness:
"What's the issue? Yes, the Round Table is for knights. But that doesn't mean you can't become one. I'm offering you a chance you can join as an honorary member."
Guinevere pointed at herself, disbelieving.
Could she really become a knight?
"Of course. If I can be a queen, why can't you be a knight?"
Morgan's voice was coaxing.
"Come with me. You'll get to see Artoria every day."
At this, Guinevere's resolve wavered. After a moment's hesitation, she asked:
"So… Your Majesty, does this mean you support my marriage to Artoria?"
Morgan thought instantly.
Then, blinking innocently, she said:
"I theoretically support your union."
Theoretically yes, practically no.
Guinevere, of course, didn't catch the nuance.
Now, she regarded Morgan in a new light.
Hmph. Someone who schemes behind the scenes and extorts my father couldn't possibly be Morgan herself.
It must be that husband of hers, King Lot, pulling the strings.
Poor Morgan was probably just taking the blame.
Had Morgan been able to read Guinevere's mind, she would have guaranteed that the girl would never see a single kind look from Artoria again.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Guinevere smiled sweetly.
"And the Round Table…?"
"If you're offering, how could I refuse?"
"Good. Go inform your father."
Morgan patted Guinevere's head gently.
With a quick bow, Guinevere hurried off to find her father.
"Ah, what a dutiful daughter."
Morgan sighed mockingly.
Then she turned and returned to her chambers.
There, she found Lot carrying a wooden crate.
"You look pleased. Did something good happen?"
Lot raised an eyebrow at her expression.
"Heh. You'll find out soon enough."
Morgan smirked mysteriously.
Her gaze fell on the crate, filled with strange metal objects.
Lot yanked the crate away in alarm.
"Don't touch! These are dangerous."
[One wrong move, and we're dead.]
Morgan's curiosity only grew.
Lot grinned proudly and launched into an explanation of his latest "fishing" haul.
A classic creation of the Soviet Union.
The RG-60TB thermobaric grenade.
Lot was very eager to test it in battle.
[Heh. The Bunny Nation always fears insufficient firepower. This'll solve that nicely. Tomorrow's battle will be the perfect chance both to crush the enemy and scare the hell out of Leodegrance.]
Morgan's eyes gleamed.
Meanwhile, Guinevere rushed back to her father.
King Leodegrance frowned at her excitement.
What's gotten into her?
Just this morning, she'd been moping over Artoria's rejection.
Now she was practically glowing?
Still, her happiness was a relief.
"What's made you so cheerful?" he asked.
"Father, pack my things!"
Of course, she had to tell him before leaving.
"Pack your what? Where are you going?"
Leodegrance's voice sharpened.
Is she… running away?
The world outside was far too dangerous.
"I'm joining the Knights of the Round Table!"
Guinevere declared, chin high.
Leodegrance's confusion deepened.
Has she lost her mind?
They said excessive longing could drive one mad.
Had his daughter succumbed so quickly?
But it's only been a few days!
This can't be happening.
"How exactly are you joining the Round Table?"
His skepticism was palpable.
Guinevere nodded eagerly.
"Queen Morgan invited me! She said this way, I can see Artoria every day and eventually convince him to marry me!"
Leodegrance's eyes narrowed.
"Absolutely! You can ask Her Majesty yourself!"
Hearing this, three thoughts struck him
His daughter wasn't delusional.
This was worse than delusion.
Morgan, you scheming witch!
"Daughter, this is a trap! She's using you!"
"A trap? Would she stop me from being with Artoria?"
After a pause, he admitted it was unlikely.
No ruler would forbid their knights from marrying.
"Then what's the trap?"
You're my only heir. If you're absorbed into Camelot, our entire kingdom will follow!
He laid out his fears plainly.
Guinevere's eyes widened in realization.
"Ohhh… that's Morgan's scheme!"
Leodegrance smiled in relief.
Good. She understands.
"But Artoria's already loyal to Morgan. If she won't betray her, why should I?"
Guinevere pressed on:
"Don't worry, Father! I'll definitely convince Artoria to marry me. We'll serve the Round Table with honor I'll make a name for myself!"
With that brain of yours, the only one getting 'convinced' is you.
Leodegrance sighed inwardly.