Bab 125: Chapter 125: Strategic Schemes
Morgan, feeling a mix of concern and irritation, could sense the discontent radiating from Little Gawain, who was held tightly in her arms. Little Gawain's thoughts conveyed a poignant sense of neglect. "I know you love me," she seemed to say, "but could you not treat me as an afterthought? Father is lying there, but you're focusing all your attention on him, leaving me feeling overlooked."
Despite her aggrieved thoughts, Little Gawain's plaintive inner voice only added to Morgan's already heavy heart. "Oh, I don't want to be this child anymore," she lamented quietly.
Meanwhile, Lott was deeply immersed in contemplating their next move.
"In this time," Lott reasoned, "even the nearby Scottish and Irish islands suffer from severe food shortages. It's unrealistic to rely on them for supplies. The only viable option is to seek food from France."
Morgan, overhearing Lott's internal strategy, felt a surge of hope. Importing grain from France seemed like a promising solution. However, she harboured some reservations.
"It's a good plan to get grain from France," she mused, "but those French nobles are shrewd. They won't engage in transactions that aren't profitable for them. They'll surely take advantage of the situation and inflate the prices."
With limited funds available for purchasing food, Morgan worried about the potential impact of the inflated prices on their already strained resources. "We can't just spend all our money on this," she thought anxiously. "What if they hike the prices beyond our reach?"
Lott's response to these concerns was clear and confident. "Those French nobles might try to exploit the situation, but they underestimate me. I'm Britain's most charming and resourceful figure. I won't let them take advantage of us."
Morgan silently contemplated Lott's bold determination. "So, he's planning to turn the tables on them by manipulating the market," she reflected, though initially, she struggled to grasp the full extent of the strategy.
Lott's further thoughts clarified his plan: "We'll start by spreading the word that Camelot is desperately in need of food and is willing to pay a high price. This will attract French merchants. Once they arrive, we can implement a blockade to control the port and manage the food supply effectively."
Morgan was taken aback by the audacity of the plan. "This is quite an elaborate scheme," she thought, her amazement growing. The strategy seemed both clever and daring. Excited by the prospect, she hugged Little Gawain more tightly.
Little Gawain, sensing the increased pressure, gave up struggling and resigned herself to the situation. Despite her young age, she felt a mix of love and helplessness, caught in the whirlwind of her parents' plans.
Satisfied with his strategy, Lott prepared to move forward. Morgan, seeing his determination, decided to take action immediately. She handed Little Gawain to Lott. "Lott, take care of Little Gawain for a moment. I need to attend to some government affairs."
Lott frowned slightly. "Government affairs now? Shouldn't you be resting instead?"
Morgan reassured him, "Don't worry about me. I'm in a good state, ready to tackle what needs to be done. There's no lingering depression here."
She gave Lott a quick kiss on the cheek and another gentle kiss on Little Gawain's drooling face. Little Gawain looked less than thrilled but accepted the situation.
"Alright then," Lott said, accepting Morgan's decision and letting her go.
Morgan then set out to find Altria. "Come with me and be my guard," she instructed.
"Yes," Altria replied, following Morgan.
Morgan led Altria to find Galahad. She needed his approval for a crucial task. "We might need Lancelot's assistance for this plan. Can you arrange for his release?"
Galahad, having a little personal grudge against Lancelot despite their past, agreed readily. "If it benefits Camelot, I will release him. Your Majesty Morgan, consider it done."
Morgan was pleased with Galahad's cooperation and went to find Lancelot. Guided by Altria, she approached Lancelot in a well-kept cell. Despite his imprisonment, Lancelot appeared to be in good spirits, practising his swordplay with determination.
"Knight Lancelot, it seems your confinement hasn't been too harsh," Morgan teased.
Lancelot, focusing on the immediate concern, asked, "What brings you here?"
Morgan, smiling, asked, "Do you want to be released?"
The mere suggestion of freedom made Lancelot's breath quicken with excitement. "Can I be free? Am I going to be let out?"
Lancelot's reaction revealed how precious freedom was to him, especially after his long confinement. He regretted opposing Lott and Morgan, having been deceived by the British nobles and unable to best his opponents in combat.
His initial thought of imprisonment being a temporary state had been replaced by growing desperation as days passed. Lancelot had endured not only the physical confinement but also the harsh words of Galahad. The prospect of being freed stirred a deep, emotional response in him.
"Can you release me now?" he asked eagerly.
Morgan nodded. "Yes, but first, I need your help with something."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone