Agravain looked at Morgan le Fay, who was on the verge of hysteria. From an angle she couldn't see, he wore an expression of disgust and mockery.
But no matter how much he detested her, Morgan le Fay was still his mother.
So Agravain nodded. "I understand, Mother. Then how will we carry out the plan?"
Morgan le Fay fell silent in thought for a moment, then slowly said, "I need you to become a close aide to my dear little brother."
Neither of them knew that, by the doorway, a small, slender figure had overheard everything.
The next day, at the Royal Court of Camelot.
The first council meeting since the new king's coronation began.
Several ministers from King Uther's reign reported on the current state of Britain to King Arthur.
The young new king sat on his throne, his brows furrowing tighter with every report.
With the throne vacant for a year and no king to rule, many knights had been unable to handle affairs of state. All of Britain had fallen into chaos. Famine had struck many regions, and the lords of several others had betrayed their knightly oaths, carving out territories for themselves and declaring themselves kings.
On top of that, the royal family was short on money, food, and manpower. Abroad, numerous small countries, as well as Rome, Ireland, and the Germans, were all eyeing Britain like prey.
In short, Britain was beset by troubles at home and abroad.
If the Roman Empire hadn't been in a state of internal turmoil itself, half of Britain would likely have been devoured by now.
Britain's affairs were only barely being kept running thanks to several relatively loyal noble lords within Camelot.
King Arthur took a deep breath and rubbed his brow. He nodded to a noble lord who had just finished his report. "Thank you for your efforts. I'll resolve this as soon as I can."
King Arthur pondered for a moment. "How much food is left in the royal granaries?"
An official in charge of food supplies stepped forward. "Not much, Your Majesty."
King Arthur sighed and thought it over carefully. "Who is in charge of foreign affairs?"
"Your Majesty." A white-haired noble stepped forward.
"Tell me, which small countries raided our borders while Britain was weak?" King Arthur asked, his young voice filled with anger.
"Your Majesty, are you thinking of...?" The diplomat stared at the young man who had just been crowned in astonishment.
The Royal Court erupted into a hubbub.
"Silence!" King Arthur gave a cold snort. "I know some of you oppose this, but war is the only option we have left."
What could they do when they were short on money and food? Go and take it!
Besides, this wasn't merely a war. It was Britain's revenge. These small countries had invaded Britain's borders, and they would have to be ready to face a lion's fury.
"Lord Anno," King Arthur called softly.
"My king." Anno stepped out from among the noble officials and looked up at his king.
"Try to gather every force capable of fighting." King Arthur's voice rang with resolve. "I need to vent my fury, and the countries that have trampled on Britain's dignity are the perfect targets."
"Understood, my king." Anno nodded. A trace of relief showed on his stern face as he left the Royal Court of Camelot with the king's command.
He went to find his deputy commander.
"Lamorak, how many of the former Britain Chalk Knights are still in Camelot?" Anno's old sharpness returned. He was no longer the gentle, patient elder and teacher, but Britain's sharpest sword.
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