Lamorak, Gawain

The days of training always passed quickly.

After nearly nonstop fighting and studying, the three of them had gone from being lively at first to falling silent.

Over the past year, all three had undergone a transformation. They were no longer frivolous or hotheaded.

Artoria had changed the most. Her greatest flaw had always been her recklessness, but after facing a Phantasmal Species that could rival a Dragon Kind, she forced herself to stop charging headlong into danger.

During that battle, her recklessness had put Kay and Lancelot in grave danger as they tried to save her. Kay had been left with a vertical scar on his forehead, while Lancelot had nearly lost a leg.

The Phantasmal Species that the three of them could have defeated together was ultimately slaughtered in a frenzy by a furious Anno.

Afterward, Merlin had given Artoria a rare and thorough scolding. Lancelot and Kay, however, hadn't blamed her. Instead, they had tried to comfort her.

Gratitude and remorse took root in Artoria's heart.

"As a king, leading from the front is a fine virtue. But recklessly putting your subjects in danger is the folly of a ruler," Merlin said seriously.

Anno had been right beside them, tending to the most severely injured Lancelot. Hearing Merlin's words, he couldn't help pursing his lips.

King Uther really had done just that. But sometimes, folly was necessary.

Sacrifice, after all, could never be avoided.

But he didn't say it aloud.

In any case, a year had passed. Lancelot and Kay had mastered formidable martial skills, while Artoria had just about met the requirements to become a king.

It was time for them to return to Camelot.

Inside Camelot.

Camelot was still in disarray. The chaos had persisted ever since Anno disbanded the Chalk Knights. Several great noble houses currently held power in the city, while the Royal Court stood empty.

The former Chalk Knights maintained order, and no one dared lay claim to the Royal Court.

A burly knight walked along the paths of Camelot's Royal Court.

His name was Lamorak. He had once been a prince of a small kingdom bordering Britain. After his father had tried to seize control of Britain and been swept aside by the Glory Knights of Britain, led by Anno, Lamorak—an insignificant figure in the royal family—had sought Anno out and expressed his wish to join his order of knights.

There was no other reason: Anno's formidable martial skills and imposing presence had captivated him.

Lamorak had always been passionate about martial arts, and his spearwork was exceptional. Though still young, he could take on five opponents at once. Anno had recognized his potential and agreed to let him join the Glory Knights of Britain.

By the time the Glory Knights of Britain had been renamed the Chalk Knights and then disbanded, Lamorak had risen to the position of deputy commander on the strength of his spearwork alone.

Now, he was responsible for guarding the main entrance to Camelot's Royal Court.

Before leaving, his commander—the Chalk Knight Anno—had told him he was going to find the heir to the throne. Until he returned, Lamorak was to protect the throne.

Lamorak had done as he was told, though in his heart, he believed the wise, battle-savvy, and learned Anno was the one who should sit upon that throne.

"Brother Lamorak." A voice came from the side.

Lamorak looked up. A boy with pale golden hair stood there.

The boy's name was Gawain. He was a little over eight years old.

Every day, the boy came to keep Lamorak company and bring him things to eat.