Is that you, Sith?

After that, Guinevere introduced herself properly and introduced her family to him. He nodded from time to time and listened to her attentively. Compared to him, Guinevere's life was fully sheltered and spoiled by her father, even to the point of allowing her to play with swords like men. The reason she stopped wasn't because her father didn't allow her, but because of the prejudice, insults, and gossip from those around her. Even noble girls made fun of her hobby. That's why she stopped; she didn't want her family and father's reputation to be tainted because of her.

"Sir Kay... Be careful about vampires. I heard they are Vortigern's new allies to fight against King Uther. I believe they will ambush us at night, but we don't know when." After telling her history, Guinevere warned Sir Kay to be vigilant against the new threat of vampires that might ambush them later.

"I will. Do you have holy water, Princess?" Kay asked.

"There is plenty. You can give some to my men too, and don't forget to change their shields to silver," Guinevere said.

"So be it then. I will make it a strict requirement for them to carry holy water with them on patrol," Kay nodded as he stepped out of the carriage.

Along the journey, Kay didn't simply sit in the carriage and enjoy the comfort like Princess Guinevere. Instead, he patrolled and stood guard like the other knights escorting her. While he accompanied her in the morning, the rest of the time he patrolled around the forest with the knights, watching for potential ambushes and marching with them.

This dedication gave most of the knights a good impression of him. From time to time, he stood guard on night duty with a few men, allowing most to rest while he guarded the princess from Saxon ambushes. He knew they would never give up attacking the team, so he brought ten knights from his house before his departure and meeting with Princess Guinevere to ensure her safety until they arrived in Camelot.

The cold wind blew around the bonfire, causing the knights to shiver as they struggled to stay awake. They were on the brink of dozing off when the sound of distant footsteps made them alert.

"Argh!!! Help!" A scream of agony echoed through the forest, snapping them to attention. Kay prepared himself for battle, the scent of blood reaching his nose.

"Sir Edwin, call the reinforcement," Kay commanded. "Brought them to the princess carriage fast, don't be brought by enemy folly, probably the scream was just a distraction."

"As your command, Sir Kay." Sir Edwin replied with a bow. He and the knights by the bonfire ignored the source of the scream, focusing instead on the princess. Guinevere's safety was their top priority, more important than investigating the cry for help. They suppressed their curiosity and hurried to the princess's carriage, ready to defend her at all costs.

When they arrived on the scene they saw a red-haired girl with black horn-like accessories, giving her a demonic yet regal look. She wore an ornate red dress with a corset bodice, high collar, and layered skirt with white lace. Her red stockings and high heels featured black crisscross and flame designs.

"Do you know, I hated smart men the most!" The red-haired girl stomped the ground in frustration as she watched Kay and his five knights approach the carriage. Her plan to kidnap Princess Guinevere had been thwarted. She had created a distraction by slicing the throat of one of the guards, but instead of rushing to the scene of the murder, the men had been clever enough to stay and protect the princess. This infuriated her.

The knights stood guard at the carriage door, preventing her from getting close to Guinevere. Despite their nervousness, evident from their shaking grips on their swords, they were determined to protect the princess. The girl in front of them was a formidable opponent; the fact that she had taken down ten guards without being noticed, and left two others in a pool of their own blood, was proof of her deadly skill.

"Men, Shieldwall!" Kay roared.

As Kay observed the girl's uncanny ability to drain blood, he wasted no time rallying his men into a protective formation. The Silver Lining Shield, a barrier renowned for its effectiveness against vampires and uncorking a vial of holy water, he splashed it onto his shield and armor, the liquid shimmering like moonlight. The knights mirrored his action, their faces grim beneath their helms.

With a scowl of fury, the girl launched herself at them, with inhuman speed, she darted towards them. Reacting with lightning reflexes, Kay slammed his shield into her face, the silver sending her sprawling. Weakened but not vanquished, she hissed and lunged. Before she could rise, Kay doused her with holy water. The air crackled as the holy liquid seared her flesh.

"Argh!!!" Her scream echoed through the night, a horrifying chorus that drained the strength from five knights. Yet, Kay stood firm, his face etched with determination despite the pallor creeping across his skin.

Suddenly, the sound of thundering steps resonated in the distance. Reinforcements had arrived. Knights poured in from all sides, encircling the girl.

"You will pay for this, knights!" she shrieked, her voice laced with fury. In a burst of purple mist, she vanished, leaving behind only the chilling memory of her threat.

When Princess Guinevere stepped out from the carriage, she sighed in relief when she saw Sir Kay was fine and commanded.

"Bring them to my carriage, Sir Edwin. Let them rest in there."

She glanced at the knee-weakened five knights who were heavily panting after being drained by the vampire girl.

"And don't forget to bury the fallen men."

"Yes, Princess," Sir Edwin saluted along with the rest of the guards as they began to execute her orders.

After she assigned tasks to each of them, she approached Sir Kay and asked in a worried tone, "Are you fine, Sir Kay?"

"We are fine, Princess, thanks to your warning about the potential vampire threat. We survived because of you." Kay didn't forget to mention Guinevere's contribution to the team as they looked at the Princess with gratitude.

"You should rest with them too, Sir Kay. I'm sure you're very tired," Guinevere suggested.

"No, they need me. I will stand guard until we are sure that there is no longer a vampire threat or any potential ambush." Kay spoke with firm determination in his tone.

"Hah… In that case, let me accompany you, Sir Kay." Guinevere didn't force it, instead, she suggested another way.

Kay nodded and didn't refuse her proposal as the rest of the men returned to their formations and stood guard, remaining alert.

The night was indeed a very long one.