Guinevere

"Come with me, Sir Agravain." Arthur smiled faintly and led the way.

"Yes, my king." Agravain answered, then followed silently behind his uncle.

"Sir Anno has told me about you, and made it clear that when it comes to battlefield strategy and military command, he may not be your equal." Arthur had his back to Agravain.

Agravain remained silent, though he was somewhat surprised.

Had the taciturn Sir Anno, who rarely spoke except during battle or while teaching, really recommended him to the king?

And was he really that capable?

He had always thought that among those who had distinguished themselves in this campaign, he was the least remarkable.

Even the disabled, one-armed knight Bedivere had performed better than he had on the battlefield.

Especially after receiving the prosthetic arm gifted to him by the mage Merlin, Bedivere had become even more valiant.

As for Agravain, he had spent most of his time behind the army, managing logistics and devising strategies.

"So, in Sir Anno's opinion, you would be better suited to serve as a knight within the Royal Court than to go straight onto the battlefield." King Arthur led Agravain to another room inside the Royal Court and stopped at the doorway.

"Now I want to hear what you think, Sir Agravain, my nephew." Arthur's golden hair shifted slightly. "You could make better use of your talents within the Royal Court."

Agravain froze. Before he could answer, he managed only a slight nod, and a retainer knight on the other side opened the door.

To Agravain's surprise, the room held quite a few people, most of them prominent figures whose names he knew. They were scattered around the room, sitting or standing in small groups.

The court mage Merlin, honorary Earl Anno, Lamorak, deputy commander of the expeditionary knights, Anno's adopted son Lancelot, whose skill was second only to Anno's, Kay, the current King of Britain's sworn brother, Pindo, a veteran member of the former Britain Chalk Knights, and Bors and Bedivere, who had distinguished themselves alongside Agravain during the expedition.

What was this about?

"Come in, Sir Agravain." Anno wore a rare hint of a smile. As one of the most senior people present, he spoke up.

"Ah, understood." Agravain nodded, took an empty chair, and looked around.

Merlin was resting with his eyes closed. Lancelot, Lamorak, and Kay had gathered together, murmuring about something. Pindo sat alone by the balcony, admiring the view, while his two fellow knights, like Agravain, seemed a little uneasy. They gave him an encouraging look.

King Arthur sat in an armchair and coughed twice. "Everyone, let's begin today's discussion."

At his words, everyone sat up straight.

"This morning, the Kingdom of Liaodekuan, a Saxon country that has submitted to our Kingdom of Britain, was invaded by another kingdom called Ryence. They lack the strength to defend themselves, so they have asked their suzerain for help. Therefore..." King Arthur said gravely. "Sir Anno, I'd like to trouble you with another mission."

"Wherever the king's sword points, there our hearts shall follow." Anno nodded to show that he understood.

"What are they offering us in return?" Kay asked, a knowing look in his eyes. "I know Liaodekuan. It's pitifully small. Can they afford to pay us?"

"Their payment is one of King Liaodekuan's treasures—a shield said to be indestructible—as well as some supplies. And..." Merlin opened his eyes and smiled. "They want to marry their princess to our king."

"Their princess, Guinevere."