As Agravain passed the shattered city walls, a trace of mockery and scorn involuntarily crossed his cold face.
Although his mother could just barely be considered a powerful and capable person, her opponent was this monster.
Shaking his head and giving it no more thought, Agravain quickly entered the city with the other knights, taking control of everything and tallying the spoils.
This trial run of a war ended swiftly, and in a rather ridiculous fashion.
Anno had shown these young people a power capable of letting an individual rise above a group, or even an army.
Anno's knights spent a week bringing the tiny country completely under their control. They also conscripted laborers on a large scale to bolster the army, swelling its ranks from three thousand to more than four thousand.
After taking some of the food, gold, silver, and other supplies, and arranging for soldiers to contact the royal city of Camelot so officials could come take over the cities, Anno led the army straight on to the next small country.
This country was even weaker than the last. It was less a country than a union of several towns. This time, Anno didn't even need to fight; the more than four thousand infantrymen simply occupied the tiny country.
The Royal Court of Camelot.
Arthur was discussing the autumn harvest with Merlin and several other officials when a guard suddenly arrived from outside.
"Your Majesty, my lords." The guard knelt on one knee and saluted.
Everyone turned their gaze to the knight.
"Raise your head, knight. What is it?" Arthur nodded slightly, her expression stern.
"Your Majesty, we've received news from Lord Anno." The guard raised his head to report to King Arthur, unable to suppress the smile on his face.
"Oh? News from Anno? So soon?" One official furrowed his brow.
"Perhaps they've run out of provisions," another official said with a couple of mocking laughs.
"Silence." Arthur looked around the room, and everyone immediately fell quiet. "Go on."
"Yes!" the guard continued. "Lord Anno has conquered all of Wishland and is waiting for officials under Your Majesty to come take over. Lord Anno, meanwhile, has led the army farther north!"
"What?!" The first official to speak cried out in shock. "How is that possible?"
"They've only been on campaign for a month at most, and they've already conquered a country?"
Arthur was delighted as well. She knew Anno was exceptionally capable both in combat and at leading troops, but conquering a country within two months of setting out was almost terrifying.
Even if this country called Wishland was very small.
"Is this true?" Arthur composed herself slightly and asked solemnly, "Has Anno really conquered a country?"
"Absolutely true!"
Everyone fell silent. Only Merlin smiled faintly.
The person who knew Anno best in this world was Merlin. Even his adopted son Lancelot came second.
Merlin knew better than anyone what Anno was capable of.
But if he had conquered a country so quickly, Anno must have used that move.
I wonder how his arm is.
"Everyone, it seems Anno has indeed brought us a most wonderful surprise." Arthur rose from her seat. "This is a day worth celebrating. Let us cheer for Anno!"
Before you continue