Chapter 155: The Determined Princess and the Call to Battle

A Daughter's Determination

"Damn, it's true that Dad is still thinking of me as a kid," Gawain muttered, watching Lott rush toward the battlefield alongside the knights. She felt a surge of dissatisfaction. 

Her clever mind recognized that Lott was merely playing around, yet as she surveyed the palace walls, she noticed they were completely sealed. There was no escape route left for her. Her father had taken comprehensive measures to ensure children couldn't flee.

Little Gawain pinched her waist with both hands, deep in thought. Even without those sealed openings, she wouldn't have escaped anyway. At her current size, she would only create chaos if she tried to help. That wouldn't be what a good daughter would do.

"I must be able to help my father before I can pass," she vowed silently to herself, determination flooding her heart. She thought about how she could aid both her father and mother.

Gawain knew the only way she could support her father right now was with the sword in her arms - Galatine. She believed this sword would be crucial in confronting Vortigern.

"But my body is too small now. I can't even lift the sword," she sighed, recalling how Lott had given her Excalibur, which now hung uselessly in her bedroom. She felt distressed, scratching her head in frustration.

Just then, Kay approached her, squatting down with a smile. "Your Royal Highness, what's wrong? Are you thirsty? Would you like a drink? Just say the word, and I'll get it for you."

Little Gawain adored Kay, who always treated her sweetly without a hint of superiority. Her eyes lit up at his offer. "I know what to do!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"Ok?" Kay replied, puzzled by her sudden enthusiasm. What was she planning?

Without waiting for an answer, Gawain darted toward the palace, leaving Kay a bit bewildered. Surely nothing could hurt the princess within Camelot's walls, he thought.

Little Gawain zipped around the palace, finally arriving at a small room. She pushed the door open to find a red bucket inside, a curious object only her father truly understood.

"I still remember that day clearly," she whispered to herself. Just months ago, Lott had taken her fishing, and that very bucket had held their catch. The fish had become delicious meals—boiled fish, pickled fish, and carp noodles.

She recalled that she had only taken a few sips of the water in that bucket, and now she had transformed. What would happen if she drank it all?

With determination, she walked to the bucket and lowered her head into it. To her relief, it wasn't very deep. If it had been, the legendary Sun Rider of history might have drowned right there.

"Gulugulu..." Little Gawain drank deeply, anticipation bubbling within her. "I look forward to helping Dad this time," she thought eagerly, feeling a surge of hope.

With her belly full, she wobbled toward the bedroom, letting out a little hiccup.

A Town in Ruins

Meanwhile, another town lay in ruins. As Lott and Morgan arrived with the knights, they were greeted by the sight of shattered walls, resembling the aftermath of a great earthquake. Barefoot children wandered the streets, crying for lost parents, while others worked frantically to rescue those still trapped.

"Damn it!" Lott cursed inwardly, rage boiling within him. Beside him, Morgan felt a jolt at Lott's fierce words. She knew well that beneath his playful demeanour, he cared deeply for the common people—far more than most rulers.

"There's no way I'm retreating until we defeat Vortigern!" Lott declared, gritting his teeth as he formulated his plan. He turned to the knights, his tone serious. "Everyone, follow my lead and join me in the rescue efforts."

With that, he dismounted, joining the rescue himself. The knights, seeing their king take action, quickly followed suit, leaving their horses behind.

Morgan also dismounted, using her magic to assist in healing the injured. Their united front left the townspeople in awe; they had never seen such genuine care from a ruler.

Lott worked tirelessly, clearing debris with his hands, unbothered by the dirt caking on him. Each life saved brought a smile to his face, calming the hearts of those affected by Vortigern's attack.

The loyalty of the people grew stronger with each life he saved. They would fight for him without hesitation, their king showing them that he valued their lives.

Amidst the chaos, a child approached Lott, eyes wide with hope. "King Lott, when are you going to kill that magic dragon? We're all counting on you!"

Lott smiled down at the boy, gently ruffling his hair. "Very soon, don't worry. In a few days, you'll hear bards singing about our glory in slaying the dragon!"

"Yeah, Your Majesty Lott, the dragon-slayer king!" the child cheered, enthusiasm sparkling in his eyes.

"You're a clever one, aren't you?" Lott laughed, pulling out a piece of pastry and handing it to the boy. "Now, go and stay safe."

"I will try my best to become a qualified soldier and help you, Your Majesty!" the child promised, taking the pastry with determination.

"By the time you're grown, Britain will be peaceful," Lott replied, a serious note creeping into his voice.

Morgan nodded in agreement, understanding the weight of their mission.

Once the rescue operations were complete, the knights of the Round Table mounted their steeds, readying themselves for the next battle. They analyzed Vortigern's predictable attacks, determined to end the menace before he struck again.

"Let's go, and defeat Vortigern!" Lott commanded, his voice echoing with resolve.

The Search for Vortigern

Finding Vortigern wasn't particularly challenging. His massive, towering form made him easily noticeable against the landscape. Lott and the knights quickly tracked him down in the mountain range between England and Wales.

As they approached, everyone instinctively held their breath. Vortigern was far more intimidating than when they had first encountered him on the battlefield. The dragon's presence loomed larger than ever, sending chills down their spines.

With renewed determination, they readied themselves for the inevitable clash that lay ahead.