章節 237: Chapter 237: Arrival at Orkney
Lott and Morgan were in the midst of planning their next moves. With Camelot's control over Britain nearly complete, their sights were set on expanding their influence further, particularly into Scotland. As they discussed their strategies, Morgan expressed her desire to go to Scotland personally to assess the situation and meet with Scáthach again.
"Alright," Lott agreed, nodding thoughtfully. They were both aligned in their goal.
"But before we set off, let's take a few more days to rest," Morgan suggested a rare softness in her voice.
Lott moved closer, placing his hand gently on Morgan's shoulder, and then on her cheek. He inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of her skin. Morgan, rather than pulling away, reached up and caressed his face tenderly. After ten long months, both were yearning for this closeness.
Lott, however, couldn't help but think about the future. [Next time, I need to be more careful. Gareth's birth shouldn't be rushed. I'll have to find some protection measures, though it's tricky in this era. The local method involving fish intestines is too unsanitary.]
Morgan, who could hear Lott's thoughts, was momentarily stunned by the bizarre idea of using fish intestines. But before she could react, she felt Lott's touch again, and just as she was about to respond, the door flew open.
"Dad…" Gawain burst into the room but stopped short, looking around in confusion. "Huh? That's strange. I could've sworn they were here…" With a puzzled look, she turned and ran off, determined to find her parents.
Lott and Morgan exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.
"That girl really has the worst timing," Lott muttered helplessly. Their intimate moment was gone, but he wasn't too worried. There was always the evening to look forward to. Being of noble status did have its perks, after all; they didn't have to worry about the same struggles that common folk did.
After composing themselves, they called for the guards and began preparations for their journey to Scotland. Once they conquered Scotland, Camelot would hold dominion over all of Britain.
Meanwhile, Lancelot, Ritsuka Fujimaru, and the rest of their group had made their way south from Scotland, heading towards the borders of England. Throughout the journey, Lancelot had been observing Mash and Mordred closely. Mash seemed unfamiliar with Britain, as if it was her first time on the island, while Mordred knew every road, hill, and valley like the back of her hand. This level of familiarity could only come from years of experience fighting on this land. It was intriguing, to say the least.
Soon, they arrived at the outskirts of Orkney Castle, one of Camelot's strongholds.
"Is this part of Britain under their rule?" Ritsuka Fujimaru asked curiously.
"Yes, that's Orkney Castle," Mordred replied, her expression complex as she looked at the fortress. It wasn't her birthplace, but she had lived here due to her mother, Morgan. The sight of the castle brought back a flood of memories.
"But it looks so ordinary," Mordred commented offhandedly. In her memories, Orkney Castle had been a small, old fortress, a place where her mother's mind was always preoccupied with revenge rather than governance.
"What do you mean by 'ordinary'?" Ritsuka Fujimaru asked, pointing to the bustling castle in the distance.
Mordred was taken aback. The Orkney Castle she remembered was nothing like this. The current castle was far from dilapidated. It was vibrant and lively, with people lined up to enter, merchants transporting goods in horse-drawn carts, and nobles on horseback coming and going. The surrounding areas were thriving, with citizens who seemed well-fed and content. It was unlike anything she had ever seen.
"What's going on?" she muttered, bewildered.
"This isn't the Britain I knew," Mordred thought to herself. For the first time, she was seeing a Britain where not only were the people surviving, but they were thriving under competent governance. The sight of it all left her stunned.
"Why is it like this?" Mordred turned to Lancelot, seeking answers.
"What do you mean? This is normal. Orkney Castle is one of the richest places in all of Britain. The main force of Camelot's army is stationed here. Why, is this not what you expected?" Lancelot asked, surprised by her reaction.
Ritsuka Fujimaruand the others shook their heads in unison. Lancelot, noticing their confusion, continued, "This is how Camelot governs all its territories. Morgan and Lott have done a remarkable job. They have not only unified Britain but have also improved the lives of its people."
"That's not how I remember it," Mordred replied, shaking her head. She remembered a time when nobles cared little for their people, and her mother's rule was marked by chaos and destruction.
"Well, let's not just stand here. It's getting late. Let's go inside and rest," Lancelot suggested.
"Right," Ritsuka Fujimaru agreed, still processing what she had seen.
As they approached the gates, a group of guards halted them. "Who are you? Show us your identification."
"Identification?" Ritsuka Fujimaru, Mash, and Mordred exchanged confused glances. They knew what an ID was, but the concept seemed out of place in this era.
"This isn't normal," Mordred thought, her mind racing. In her time, there were no such formalities. Nobles moved freely, and commoners rarely left their villages, let alone carried identification. This was a level of organization she had never seen.
Lancelot, however, seemed prepared. He pulled out a paper and handed it to the guard. "I am a knight from Scotland. These are my companions."
The guard inspected the document before nodding. "Everything seems in order. You may enter. But remember, do not approach within thirty meters of the main castle. We will be forced to take defensive measures if you do."
"Understood," Lancelot said, leading the group through the gates.
As they entered the bustling town, Ritsuka Fujimaru couldn't help but look around in awe. "What is this place?"
"This is Orkney," Lancelot explained. "Everyone here has to register their identity. It's a system Morgan devised. It's been quite effective in catching spies."
Mordred scoffed, "It sounds like a hassle."
"No, it's not," Lancelot replied. "It's a precaution that has kept Camelot safe. A lot of enemies would love to see Camelot fall."
"Who came up with this idea?" Mordred asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Probably Morgan," Lancelot guessed. "She's the strategist behind all of Camelot's policies. Lott might come up with a few things, but this kind of detailed governance is definitely Morgan's doing."
Hearing this, Mordred couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and irritation. The mother she remembered was a far cry from the effective ruler described by Lancelot. But perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to her mother than she had realized.
The group continued into the heart of Orkney Castle, each lost in their own thoughts. As they walked, Mordred's gaze lingered on the castle's walls and the thriving people around her. This was not the Britain she remembered, but perhaps it was the Britain it was always meant to be.
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