Reorganizing the Army.
Though the army had lost all will to fight, their foundation remained intact. Their retreat was carried out in an orderly and methodical manner.
Even as they withdrew, their formation remained tight and disciplined.
To the outside eye, there was no trace of a defeated army.
In fact, Vortigern even had a plan—waiting to see if King Uther, holed up in the White Citadel, would pursue them.
Then, he could feign a counterattack.
But King Uther was well aware of his own situation.
Fine, let them retreat.
After all, my little brother and my wise son-in-law are waiting ahead.
They'll teach them a proper lesson.
...
Late at night, Vortigern's army camped on a vast plain.
Tens of thousands of troops made for a sizable force.
In the pitch-black night, they stood out glaringly.
Even from a distance, Lot and Morgan could see them clearly.
"Judging by their formation, Vortigern didn't plan for us to ambush them," Lot remarked, glancing at Morgan.
"Mmm, true. These fools really thought we'd just sit in that castle waiting for their attack," Morgan agreed with a nod.
Lot looked at her, then lowered his voice.
"Hey, Morgan… maybe you should head back first. The coming battle is going to be dangerous."
"Hmph. Dangerous for me, but not for you? Listen up—next time, don't you dare sneak off without me. No matter how risky things get, I'm sticking with you."
Tonight, Lot had originally planned to leave Morgan behind.
After all, they were going up against Vortigern.
Their numbers were still far fewer.
Even with the element of surprise, the battle would be perilous.
Unlike the assault on the castle, where they had the advantage in numbers and Morgan wouldn't be in as much danger, this was different.
Lot was terrified of something happening to Morgan, so he wanted her to stay behind while he led the troops against Vortigern.
But Morgan saw right through him.
Not a chance.
You think I'd let you ditch me, Horndog?
Never.
If they were husband and wife, then they'd fight together.
"My magecraft is top-tier," Morgan declared firmly, gripping her staff.
Lot still wanted to refuse, but Morgan's expression was unyielding.
So, in the end, he had no choice but to bring her along.
But now, on the verge of the attack, he couldn't shake his worry and tried once more to persuade her to go home.
[Ahh, why does my wife love danger so much?! No way, I just want to live a cozy life with her, shamelessly doting on her and our kids!]
[Even if she's a master mage, what if something happens to her?]
[Maybe I should knock her out and carry her back…?]
Hm?
Morgan narrowed her eyes.
Oh, you dare think about hitting your own wife, Horndog?!
Noticing Lot's gaze, she took a small step back and warned, "Don't even think about forcing me. If you try, I'll never forgive you."
Seeing her guarded expression, Lot could only laugh bitterly.
I haven't done anything yet!
It was just a passing thought!
"Fine. Just promise me you'll stay safe, alright?"
"Mmm, that's acceptable."
Satisfied, Morgan nodded.
With that settled, Lot turned his attention back to the enemy camp.
"Prepare to attack. Remember—our priority is destroying their food supplies. As for the Tyrant King himself… we avoid him."
Lot issued the orders.
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers responded in unison.
Then, they began their stealthy advance.
As they moved, Lot's thoughts continued to churn.
[The Tyrant King's strength is beyond what a few thousand of my men can handle. He's the kind of monster who can annihilate an army single-handedly. We can't afford to underestimate him. Sigh… I really need to make Gawain happen soon.]
Hearing this, Morgan rolled her eyes.
Horndog, can you at least wait until after the battle to think about making Gawain?
Honestly.
Some men really can get horny at any time.
...
That night, Vortigern felt something was off.
Like something was about to happen.
But maybe it was just his imagination.
Maybe it was just the frustration of losing this battle.
Rubbing his temples, he pondered.
This war had been nothing like the ones before.
King Uther had changed his approach—no longer charging headfirst as he used to.
This new strategy was something Vortigern couldn't adapt to.
It was too difficult.
There was no way Uther had come up with this on his own.
Someone else must be directing the battle.
"Perhaps when we deal with those who ambushed us from behind… I'll finally meet the mastermind."
Just then, a strange noise caught his attention.
An ambush?
They dare attack my camp?
Vortigern was stunned.
They're outnumbered, yet they still have the audacity to strike?
What are they trying to do?
Surely not… kill me?
If they're here for me, I'll make sure they regret it.
But something felt off.
They didn't seem to be targeting the heart of the camp.
Wait—
"They're after the food supplies!"
Vortigern's rage flared.
This enemy commander was the most dishonorable foe he'd ever faced.
No regard for chivalry whatsoever.
Attacking from behind, targeting the food stores—
Unbelievable.
Have the guts to fight me head-on!
Storming out of his tent, he mounted his horse and charged toward the supply depot.
Come then.
Let me see who you really are.
By now, the camp was in chaos.
Soldiers, startled awake in the dead of night, scrambled in disarray.
Vortigern cut down several men before finally restoring some semblance of order.
First, secure the supplies.
He led a contingent toward the food stores.
But the ambush had already done its damage.
By the time Vortigern arrived, the depot had been overrun.
At the forefront stood an exceptionally handsome young man.
So this is the one leading them.
Even at a glance, Vortigern was certain.
His instincts were rarely wrong.
This aura—this presence—was unmistakable.
In a flash, Vortigern closed the distance, sword in hand.
"From an enemy's perspective, you are a despicable foe. But from a tactical standpoint… you are a worthy adversary."
Then, he studied Lot and said:
"Join me. Whatever Uther has promised you—I'll double it."
"Double?"
Lot's expression twisted into the same odd look he'd given King Uther back then.
Hm?
Why does that feel so… off?
And why does that girl beside him look so furious?