Chapitre 266: Chapter 266: Strategies
Hearing Morgan's words, Gawain's grin widened. "Isn't that perfect? I'd love to be a prince for seventy or eighty years. Besides, I hope you and Father live forever."
"A prince for that long?" Morgan rolled her eyes at Gawain's playful tone. "You think highly of yourself, don't you?"
Gawain's carefree attitude was a stark contrast to the ambitions of many rulers. She wasn't obsessed with power. Instead, she was content to enjoy life, make a few notable achievements, and leave the heavy responsibilities to others. In the future, when Europe is united under Camelot, she would be happy to take over, allowing her parents to finally relax and enjoy their lives.
On the side, Lott chuckled, "Alright, I'll do my best to live a few hundred years then."
Gawain giggled. Both Lott and Morgan exchanged glances before they simultaneously gave her a light, playful knock on the head. Gawain's smile remained as bright as ever, her spirit undimmed by the mock reprimand.
Watching the scene, Kay, Altria, and the others couldn't help but smile. The atmosphere, although informal, was filled with warmth and camaraderie.
After a moment of laughter, Kay raised a serious concern. "Your Majesty, although we've unified Scotland, there are still knights and loyalists of the defeated kings hiding in the wilderness. Without someone to keep them in check, they could cause trouble."
Lott nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. That's a significant issue."
The challenge reminded him of why Afghanistan was often called the graveyard of empires—not because its armies were particularly strong, but because of the relentless guerrilla warfare that plagued even the mightiest empires.
"Scotland needs someone strong and experienced to maintain order," Lott mused. He then turned his gaze to Kay. "Kay, I need you to handle this. Once we return to Camelot, you'll be responsible for managing this territory."
Kay nodded with a resigned smile. "Of course, Your Majesty."
He knew this would fall to him. It always did. While others might shy away from such a daunting task, Kay took pride in being trusted with the most challenging responsibilities. It would be an opportunity to showcase his abilities, to transform this newly acquired land into a stable region of Camelot.
"I'm relieved to have you here," Lott said, placing a reassuring hand on Kay's shoulder. "But if you find yourself facing difficulties…"
He paused, his eyes drifting toward the entrance.
"You can always seek help from the princess," he added with a knowing smile.
The term "princess" caused a moment of confusion among the gathered knights. In Camelot, the title referred to the sister of the king, rather than his daughter. Realization dawned quickly, and they all turned to see Scáthach stride into the room.
Lott's smile broadened. He knew Scáthach's abilities, and he suspected she would be eavesdropping, given the nature of their conversation. While Merlin's clairvoyance might allow him to watch from afar, Scáthach preferred to be directly involved, testing situations herself.
"Lott," Scáthach greeted, a teasing lilt in her voice. "I was a queen, you know. Now I'm just a princess in your court?"
Lott chuckled. "You should be grateful. Some people have gone from being the Queen Mother to simply a princess."
Morgan, Scáthach, and Altria all looked at Lott in confusion. Was he serious?
Seeing their puzzled expressions, Lott merely smiled and thought to himself, Western politics could learn a thing or two from the East. Demoting someone from Queen Mother to Princess? It's rare, but it's happened in history.
Morgan's gaze lingered on him, suspicion in her eyes. How does he know so much about the history of that distant land, more than he knows of our own? She made a mental note to learn more about these intriguing tales from Lott.
"If you get the chance, tell me more about this," Scáthach said, her curiosity piqued.
She then turned to Kay and nodded. "Don't worry. I'll support you here. After all, I am Camelot's eldest princess now."
She cast a glance at Lott before adding, "I suppose my fate is to keep aiding you a lot instead of pursuing my wishes."
"Consider it an investment," Morgan said, slightly embarrassed at relying on Scáthach's help yet again.
Scáthach waved her hand dismissively. "Enough. Just make sure your story stays exciting. You've turned my otherwise dull existence into something worth watching."
Morgan nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, sister. I'll do everything I can to make sure your wish comes true."
"We'll see," Scáthach said with a smile. She then took a seat, crossing her long, silk-clad legs with a fluid grace. "You all continue. I'm just here for dinner."
"Dinner!" Altria's eyes lit up at the mention, her enthusiasm almost palpable.
Morgan sighed at her sister's reaction. "Alright, everything's settled for now. Let's eat. I've already asked the chef to prepare a feast."
"Yes!" Altria cheered, her energy fully restored at the promise of food.
Scáthach observed Altria's enthusiasm and chuckled softly to herself. "If someone tried to keep her from dinner, they'd have to face a truly unstoppable force."
With Scotland now firmly under their control, Lott and Morgan planned to rest for a few days before returning to Camelot. However, Lott had one more task he wanted to complete before leaving.
He hadn't gone fishing in a while, and although he often joked about being unlucky with his catches, he couldn't shake the itch to try again. His recent attempts had only brought mundane items like seeds, peanuts, and mineral water. It reminded him of his youth, traveling by train during school days.
Determined to have one last attempt before leaving Scotland, Lott grabbed his fishing rod and found a secluded spot. Despite considering a proper ritual of fasting and abstaining from distractions, he ultimately decided against it. The thought alone would have to suffice.
Finding his usual place by the water, he cast his line into the Long River of Time. The familiar sight of the river flowing endlessly calmed his mind, the beauty of the surroundings enhancing the peacefulness of the moment.
"It's always so refreshing to be here," Lott thought as he watched the gentle currents. He felt a tug on the line and quickly reeled it in, though the weight suggested a small catch.
"Let's see what today brings…" he muttered, a mix of hope and anticipation in his voice.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone