Morgan grabbed Gawain and pulled her into her embrace.
Then, she vigorously ruffled the Girl's head, thoroughly messing up her neatly combed golden hair.
Gawain looked extremely displeased, wanting to protest but Morgan magnificently ignored her.
How dare you refuse after I fixed your hair?
"Stop it, or she's really going to cry."
Fortunately, Lot still had some regard for Gawain's well-being. Seeing her on the verge of tears, he quickly intervened to rescue her from her suffering.
"Tch…"
Morgan reluctantly let go, and Gawain let out a "Wah!" before immediately darting into Lot's arms.
As he gently patted Gawain's back, Lot couldn't help but think:
[Look how much she's bullying her. Ah, if only I could preserve this moment. I'd save this image and show it to Gawain in the future, after she becomes the Knight of the Sun. I wonder what expression she'd make? I bet it'd be hilarious.]
"He really has the worst taste."
Morgan was appalled by Lot's thoughts.
But then…
More. I want more.
The couple shared a silent understanding, both scheming about how to tease their daughter further.
Truly, when there's no danger around, parents become the greatest danger.
After playing around for a while, Lot said to Gawain:
"Alright, I'll take you back now. Your father and mother still have work to do, so don't disturb us."
Hearing this, Gawain immediately narrowed her eyes and nodded solemnly.
"Understood, Father. I won't interrupt your alone time with Mother. The two of you must keep working hard I won't get in the way."
Then, she glanced at Galahad, who was standing awkwardly nearby, and added in a childish voice:
"Big Brother Galahad, let's go. Some things aren't suitable for minors to watch."
With that, she blinked up at her father, displaying a maturity far beyond her years.
…Though, to be fair, Gawain wasn't even three months old yet.
Talk about precocious.
Hearing their daughter dare to tease them like this, both Lot and Morgan's eyebrows shot up.
Oh, you little brat do you have a death wish? Mocking your parents like this?
Galahad sensed the killing intent.
And in the blink of an eye, he vanished from Lot and Morgan's sight.
He was obedient, not stupid.
If he stayed any longer
Forget being an adopted son.
Even a biological child would probably get beaten to death on the spot.
"Ah… I'll pray for you in my heart, Princess Gawain."
Galahad thought silently.
Gawain, watching Galahad flee, instinctively sensed extreme danger. She glanced toward the palace exit, wanting to make a break for it with her tiny legs.
But unlike Galahad whose combat prowess made him unquestionably the strongest in all of Camelot
What did she have?
Never mind how strong she'd be in the future.
Right now, she was just a Girl.
And in this state, how could she possibly escape her parents' wrath?
Before she could even take a few steps, Morgan yanked her back.
"Gawain, come here. Let Mommy teach you a lesson…"
Morgan's smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Mommy, nooo!"
That day, Gawain grew a little more
In more ways than one.
…
"Alright, that's enough reading practice for today…"
By evening, when Artoria came to report to Lot and Morgan, Gawain was dutifully studying writing by Lot's side.
Artoria was surprised to see Gawain who looked three or four years old but wasn't even three months old yet scribbling away like this. But it wasn't her concern. She handed the documents to Lot and made her report.
"Your Majesty, the recruitment notices you prepared have been distributed across all major cities in Britain except for Vortigern's Wales by the remaining Knights of the Round Table."
The Knights of the Round Table now played a critical role in Camelot's governance.
After the purge of the nobles, Lot had ordered them to enforce martial law in the former noble territories, temporarily managing those regions. Now, the remaining knights were also tasked with promoting the civil service examinations.
"Mhm."
Lot nodded lightly.
The key to these exams was attracting as many candidates as possible to select the best.
In this era, literacy was rare. Without widespread outreach, they might not even get enough qualified applicants.
Lot's primary targets were the second and third sons of noble families, as well as those educated in the Church.
Not only were these groups literate
They were also likely dissatisfied with their current lives and eager for change.
They'd be strong supporters of Lot's reforms.
To maximize impact, Lot took these exams very seriously.
Artoria had done well, and Lot was pleased.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."
Artoria looked at Lot and spoke slowly.
As a glutton
Extra work meant nothing.
But you had to feed her properly.
Only on a full stomach could she muster the energy to work.
And right now
It was dinnertime.
"Wait a moment."
Just as she thought this, Lot interrupted her.
Then, glancing at Gawain who was still struggling with her writing he said:
"That's enough studying for today. Go with Sir Artoria and rest."
He then instructed Artoria:
"Take Gawain back to her chambers. Remember first, escort Gawain to her room, then go eat. That order is non-negotiable."
[If Artoria gets too absorbed in eating and accidentally devours Gawain, that'd be a disaster.]
No, no my sister might love food, but she's not that careless. There haven't been any reports of her accidentally eating people… yet.
So…
"That order must not change. Understood?"
Morgan reinforced the command with a stern tone.
"Yes."
Artoria nodded, somewhat dejectedly.
Under Lot and Morgan's watchful eyes, she led Gawain away.
Once they were gone, Lot and Morgan instinctively high-fived.
"Alright, back to work."
Morgan nudged Lot.
"Ugh…"
Hearing this, Lot's expression instantly shifted from joy to misery.
Well, it seems their definitions of 'joy' differ.
[Ah, whatever. If I work harder, Morgan can take it easier. And if I do well enough now, Gawain's burden in the future will be lighter. I might not be the best father, but at least I won't pile too much pressure on her.]
Picking up a document, Lot worked silently, lost in thought.
Morgan, listening to his inner monologue, glanced at him.
Tch. I might not be the best mother either, but I can't let this pervert outdo me. I'll work hard too so Gawain won't suffer too much later. And according to Lot, Gawain and Artoria must join forces to defeat Vortigern. Even if they succeed, it'll be dangerous. My child Lot's little pup is only for us to bully. No one else gets to put her in harm's way.
Meanwhile, Lot was still thinking:
[Of course, there's another way to ease Gawain's burden. Hmm… better hurry and give her a little brother or sister. Next should be Agravain. He might not match Gawain in strength, but he's perfect for long-term administrative work.]
Morgan, in the middle of reviewing documents, nearly dropped hers upon hearing this.
This husband of hers
Just when I thought he was finally buckling down
He's already planning to make another kid to share the workload?!
This guy…
Ah, whatever.
If Lot insisted, she'd just have to endure a little more.
Besides, according to Lot, Gawain was a combat prodigy, while Agravain was an administrative genius. He'd also mentioned Gareth and Mordred. She wondered what they would be like.
Strangely, Morgan felt a flicker of anticipation.
…
Meanwhile, after Artoria brought Gawain back to her chambers, the girl didn't let go.
"Hm? What's wrong?"
Artoria was puzzled and slightly impatient.
"Sir Artoria, can I ask you a favor?"
Gawain put her hands on her hips, looking up at Artoria with utmost seriousness.
"What is it?"
Seeing her so earnest, Artoria dropped her dismissive tone. Hunger could wait some things were more important.
"I want you to teach me swordsmanship."
Gawain spoke slowly, enunciating each word.
"Why?"
Artoria was taken aback.
"At your age… well, given your current appearance, learning swordsmanship isn't impossible. But don't you want to enjoy your childhood first? Swordsmanship is grueling."
Raised by her foster father and later trained by Merlin, Artoria knew all about hardship.
If she taught Gawain, she wouldn't go easy.
"I don't care! I'm not afraid!"
Gawain declared firmly.
"Oh? Why's that?"
Artoria was genuinely curious now.
"I want to help my father and mother sooner."
Gawain's expression was solemn.
"I know they always look like they're smiling. But they must be under so much pressure. I don't know how to help yet, but I want to."
Hearing this, Artoria's playful demeanor vanished.
She felt a pang of shame.
Even a child wants to help her parents, and here I am obsessing over food…
Shameful. Truly shameful.
…I'll train harder too.
After dinner, of course.
Just then, Gawain's expression turned mischievous again.
"Also, next time Mother tries to punish me, I can run away faster. Huff huff Mommy's too scary."
Gawain thought to herself.
Being squeezed against her chest is suffocating!
How can a woman be that big?
Will I end up like that?!
Sir Artoria's size is much nicer.
…Wait, how did I even notice that?
Unaware of her thoughts, Artoria pondered for a moment before nodding.
"Alright. After I eat, I'll start training you."
"Mm! And don't tell Father and Mother!"
"Deal."
And so, in secret, Artoria began Gawain's training.
…
While Gawain trained, the entire island of Britain was stunned by Camelot's new merit-based appointment system.
No reliance on bloodline.
No noble recommendations.
Just skill and knowledge determining one's position.
This reignited the hopes of countless disheartened knights, who now flocked toward the White Chalk City.
And on this day
A beautiful, androgynous knight with one arm arrived at Camelot's gates.
"Perhaps here… I'll find a lord worth serving."
He murmured softly.
This selection had piqued his interest.
Bedivere.
Younger brother of the Duke of Lucan.
Originally one of King Arthur's earliest Knights of the Round.
But in this timeline
Artoria had drawn the Sword in the Stone…
Yet never became king.
So their paths had never crossed.