Arthur and Jeanne d'Arc Alter had returned to the nearest coastal city in Britain.
At the same time, a new reinforcement arrived—Sir Kay, the Fourth Seat of the Round Table.
After all, Camelot remained the safest place in Britain. Whether a mysterious enemy appeared, the White Dragon was reborn, or the Roman army somehow bypassed the British encirclement, it was still impossible for them to breach Camelot's walls.
Because within Camelot resided three of the world's greatest magicians.
Moreover, Camelot was the heart of the entire British dynasty, and its divine barrier was most effective there. Even if the Roman army reached the gates, it would only lead to their annihilation—dying without even a burial place. At present, aside from maintaining basic public order, Camelot only needed to manage government affairs to keep the dynasty functioning.
Thus, Kay's arrival caused no disturbance.
After all, maintaining law and order was a task that only required political acumen and decent martial skill. It didn't have to be handled by someone like Kay or even Gawain.
Furthermore, while Britain had the advantage in elite troops, they remained outnumbered by Rome's massive army.
If possible, Arthur would have liked Merlin to join the front lines as a combat force.
Unfortunately, during the recent destruction of the White Dragon Vortigern, they had used the Star Arrow, a powerful weapon. Although theoretically effective, it had never been tested before. As a result, it became highly unstable after just one use, and Merlin was forced to remain in Camelot to recalibrate it.
"Sir Kay, your timing is excellent. To be honest, I don't rely on you for battlefield command—but as a fighting force, you're one of the best. In that respect, your role even surpasses Sir Lancelot's."
In the receiving chamber, Arthur clapped Kay on the shoulder with open enthusiasm and unmistakable approval.
Kay returned a wry smile. "It is my honor, my king. But if I'm not leading the army—"
He was clearly concerned about something.
Kay knew very well that he was not suited for command. His combat style—more feral than a beast's, more brutal than a giant's—was best applied on the front lines. If he were to lead troops, his reckless charges would only get soldiers killed.
"Ah, don't worry about that. I've recruited some exceptional talents from outside," Arthur said cheerfully. "But Lord Kay, you'd better stop smiling. It's not... appropriate."
"······"
Kay's smile was, frankly, terrifying.
Fortunately, he seemed aware of this. A flash of helplessness and bitterness crossed his eyes. Then he glanced toward the figure standing beside Arthur—the one Arthur had deemed fit to lead the army.
A girl stood there with her expression twisted in open disgust and dissatisfaction, glaring at Arthur and grinding her teeth.
"My king, this—" Kay immediately frowned.
Such blatant disrespect made it difficult for him to feel any goodwill.
"Ah, give her some leeway," Arthur replied casually.
He glanced toward Jeanne d'Arc Alter, who not only didn't restrain herself but even glared more defiantly. Arthur knew exactly why her attitude had shifted the moment they entered the city.
After all, she had foolishly followed him here, only to discover that the city was being guarded by her mortal enemy. Who wouldn't be in a bad mood?
Still, Jeanne Alter's unusually foul mood likely had less to do with military matters—and more to do with a certain killer whale woman who was currently clinging to Arthur, affectionately stroking him.
Watching Skadi claim her master in such an easy, natural manner, while Arthur made no effort to resist—in fact, even appeared to enjoy it—was maddening. What's worse, Skadi didn't even spare Jeanne Alter a glance, treating her as if she didn't exist.
And, most importantly... Jeanne Alter couldn't even defeat her.
No one would be in a good mood after enduring all that.
"Don't worry. This is a talent I personally selected. Trust me—once Jeanne Alter appears on the battlefield, I can't guarantee our strategy will improve, but morale certainly will. Your cooperation can offset each other's weaknesses. The army you lead together will become an unrivaled force."
Arthur paid no attention to Jeanne Alter's resentful glare.
No matter how vicious her expression appeared, she couldn't hide her true feelings from Arthur.
Thanks to the bond established by their contract, he knew that Jeanne Alter wasn't truly resentful at the moment.
That supposed disdain and irritation? It was actually just jealousy over Skadi's current actions.
As expected, this woman was remarkably transparent.
Still, the teasing couldn't go on forever.
Arthur suddenly held Skadi's hand and gently pulled himself from the arms of the killer whale lady. His expression turned serious.
"You've worked hard during this period. You held the enemy at sea and then rushed here to help defend. But I'm afraid your task isn't over. I'm sorry that we must part again so soon after reuniting. Skadi—I need you to return to the sea."
"I understand. You be careful too." Skadi nodded calmly.
This had already been decided.
Arthur sought not just the surrender of the Roman Empire, but its complete collapse. He intended to lure Lucius and the Roman main force to Britain—and utterly destroy them.
That was Britain's overt strategy toward Rome.
Cut off sea routes. Disrupt trade. Induce internal collapse. Force Rome into self-destruction.
There would be no amnesty. No compromise. The goal was complete defeat and total domination.
Rome, after all, was a vast and powerful empire. Its territories stretched far and wide, and its capacity for gathering support and transporting supplies far outstripped Britain's. This wasn't a matter of productivity, but sheer size and national strength.
No matter how wealthy Britain was, its land was limited, and so was its population.
Rome was different. While none of its cities surpassed the British capitals in raw productivity, it had far more of them. Even its two oldest, war-worn cities—abandoned before they could be rebuilt—still had output that surpassed any of Rome's current cities.
Now, after the merger, Britain controlled sixteen cities.
Rome had more. And not just in Italy. There were Roman-controlled lands in Greece, Africa, Spain, Gaul... Even if they exhausted their soldiers and supplies, Rome could still mobilize resources from all these territories.
If the war became prolonged, if it turned into a test of sheer national strength, Britain would surely lose.
"I need you to become a force of nature at sea again. From this moment on, any ship not flying a British flag—whether merchant or military—will face your wrath. Blockade Rome completely. Sever them from the sea."
"Understood."
Skadi nodded and accepted the task without hesitation.
But Kay, watching all this, remained a little bewildered.
-End Chapter-
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