"The usurper Vortigern's challenge has been delivered. I have decided we will accept it."
Artoria had summoned the founding members of the Round Table, including Gawain and others who, at this early stage, were her most loyal supporters—each one entrusted with significant responsibilities.
The Celts had long adhered to a military council system. During Uther's reign, he had ordered the creation of the Round Table, gathering high-ranking officers to discuss wartime strategies as equals.
Artoria now upheld this tradition. While she and Kaelar had already made up their minds, they convened Lancelot, Gawain, and Agravain to review the decision.
Well… "review" was a generous term.
Kaelar and Artoria made the decisions; the others carried out the orders.
Understanding the stakes, Lancelot and the others nodded in agreement. After all, nobles couldn't be trusted—if Artoria's first battle even hinted at a stalemate, a good number of them would likely pull back, raid what they could, and retreat. They had no intention of risking personal losses.
However, if Artoria won decisively, fully unifying Britain, her reputation would reach new heights, giving the nobles no grounds, nor the power, to undermine her rule.
This battle carried both risk and reward. The choice was the king's alone to make.
The group looked to Kaelar, hoping for his insight, as it was widely known that the compassionate Saint Kaelar never took a life.
With him at the helm, Camelot's victory would be assured. Everyone knew Kaelar was unbeatable.
Under their watchful gaze, Kaelar gave a single nod. "This is indeed the best course of action. Besides, even in a duel, we would have the advantage over Vortigern."
Of course, by "duel," he meant one-on-three. If it came down to it, they'd simply perform a righteous three-on-one "group effort."
Artoria may wield only Caliburn, but this sword carried the weight of Celtic legend. Blessed by the recognition of nobles and kings and strengthened by prophecy, its power grew by the day, making it a formidable weapon.
While Artoria had not yet reached the Red Dragon's peak, she had the support of the Lake Knight and the Sun Knight. Failure was hardly a concern.
Artoria continued, "Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot, you two shall accompany me."
"Hmm? My king, if I may be so bold, shouldn't we also bring Kaelar?" Lancelot asked outright. "If Kaelar is with us, Vortigern is as good as defeated."
The group had assumed Artoria would go with Kaelar. Now it seemed that only Gawain and Lancelot would accompany her to challenge the false king.
After being twice defeated by Kaelar, Lancelot's outlook had changed. His admiration had grown into reverence. To him, Kaelar was no mere man—if Kaelar wished for victory, then victory was assured.
Lancelot's new understanding was simple: this man only knew "I want to," "I can," and nothing of "I cannot" or "I should not." A true saint beyond humanity.
Convinced, Lancelot believed that if Kaelar wanted Vortigern defeated, then Vortigern would lose, without question.
"Lancelot, I have more urgent matters to attend to. I'll be commanding the frontlines myself. This war will have two fronts, and I believe our force of eighty thousand demands my attention."
"A single Vortigern doesn't deserve the full brunt of my focus."
Kaelar's calm, matter-of-fact tone held an underlying arrogance that blended with his character seamlessly, as though his words were nothing less than the simple truth.
Lancelot, catching on, nodded in realization. "Ah, understood. If that's the case, I have no objections."
Although… I thought we had fifty thousand…
"Seriously, old man?" Gawain couldn't help but interject. "You drop all objections just because Kaelar didn't even explain himself?"
Gawain had also longed to challenge Kaelar beneath the noonday sun. Among the Celts, every warrior prided themselves on their skill, and for most, Kaelar was the ultimate opponent.
In the original timeline of the Round Table, only Artoria held greater status and strength than Lancelot. Gawain, the Noon Sun Knight, was considered second only to him, with skill that closely rivaled the Lake Knight.
"Kaelar has his reasons… Gawain, do you think yourself strong?" Lancelot raised an eyebrow, his tone losing its patience. "Your sword… I've heard of it, the Sword of Revolving Victory. So, you're Morgan's beloved child?"
Gawain didn't flinch. "Ha, old man, I'd say I'm every bit as good as you! And I'll thank you to respect Lady Morgan, the King's sister, or I may have to teach you a lesson in courtesy."
Lancelot's smirk faded into a cold glare as his hand drifted to his hilt, signaling his eagerness to "resolve" things in the traditional Celtic way.
Kaelar's calm voice broke in. "Lancelot, you should maintain a baseline of respect for a lady, and especially for my esteemed mentor."
"You didn't know this time, so I'll let it slide, but remember—I don't repeat myself."
Lancelot's deference slipped around Morgan, perhaps courtesy of his upbringing by Viviane, the Lady of the Lake. Whatever the case, it was obvious his manners still needed work.
Gawain, on the other hand, demonstrated gentlemanly restraint. It was only fitting for someone who would later inspire the "Prince Charming" archetype. Indeed, with his handsome looks, he was second only to Kaelar.
Lancelot promptly apologized. "My apologies, Kaelar. I wasn't aware of your connection with Lady Morgan."
The apology was directed solely at Kaelar, not Morgan, and his stance was clear to all present.
The tension subsided for now, though it would surely resurface. Even among the Round Table Knights, hierarchy and pride demanded acknowledgment.
Kaelar addressed them, his tone both firm and open. "Gawain raises a fair point. I've no issue with any of you voicing doubts or objections to me. I'd much rather you speak your mind directly than conceal misgivings and go through the motions."
"My absence in the campaign against Vortigern is for two reasons. First, the three of you alone are enough to defeat him. My presence wouldn't be decisive in determining the outcome."
He paused, his gaze steady. "Second, I intend to uphold my own law. I aim to spare as many lives as possible."
"Only if I stand at the front can we encourage those on the battlefield to surrender their arms."
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