Chapter 83: Unexpected Bonds (rewrite)

Unexpected Bonds

Morgan kept the idea of Galahad as an adopted son in mind, waiting for the right moment to bring it up to Lott. After jotting down her thoughts, she approached Lott with a smile. "No, it's Galahad."

Lott's eyes widened in shock. "What!? Do you want to make Galahad my adopted son? What exactly is happening here?"

Morgan, observing Lott's surprise, explained, "Yes, that's the plan. I think he lacks paternal love, and since he didn't object to the idea, I thought it would be beneficial for him. So, this is how it is."

Lott, still in disbelief, asked, "He didn't object?"

Morgan nodded. "Yes, of course."

Then, with a pleading look, she added, "Look, the child is so pitiful. Can't you give him the fatherly love he needs?"

Reluctantly, Lott agreed, "Well, I suppose it's fine."

I'm less than twenty years old this year, and now I'm expected to have a grown son. Lott thought. Although Galahad's birthdate made him old enough to be his son, it was still a lot to take in.

Morgan pressed on, "What are you hesitating for? You're not doubting that Galahad will cause trouble, are you? Agree to this so he can fully commit to our cause."

Lott, feeling somewhat cornered but willing to take responsibility, finally agreed. It's not like Galahad is a threat to me. He's strong, but he's also trustworthy.

With a new responsibility on his shoulders, Lott prepared himself for the role of a father figure. Morgan would be giving birth in a few months, so it was better to get used to the idea of fatherhood.

...

The army was ready, and the time had come to set sail. King Leodegrance's situation was urgent, and delays were not an option. The soldiers boarded the ships, with Lott and Morgan on the flagship, heading towards Scotland.

Among the important personnel onboard were an old schemer and, of course, Lancelot, who was now tightly bound.

Lott and Morgan observed as Galahad helped load Lancelot onto the boat, tied up like a zongzi. Lott couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and contemplation. Here we are, transporting our enemy like a bundle. Is this really how we're going to handle things?

As he pondered this, he turned to Galahad, asking, "Did you make sure the ropes are secure?"

Galahad, still feeling uneasy about the situation, responded, "Yes, they're secure."

Lott nodded. "Make sure they're tight. We don't want any chances of escape."

Galahad agreed, though he found the situation somewhat bizarre. He was now expected to call Lott his adoptive father, which seemed odd given their age difference.

Lott, feeling a sense of triumph, though, With me here, there's no way Galahad's going to let Lancelot getaway. It's only fair that Lancelot is kept secure.

Meanwhile, Lancelot, bound and frustrated, was contemplating escape. He wanted to become a renowned knight, not a prisoner. If he could just get rid of the shackles, he knew his chances of escape were high.

When Lott approached, Lancelot glared at him and demanded, "Are you here to humiliate me?"

Lott, with a calm smile, replied, "I don't have that kind of hobby." He then proceeded to tighten Lancelot's chains.

Lancelot's expression turned from defiance to alarm. "What are you planning to do?"

"For safety," Lott said, continuing to secure Lancelot's restraints. "It's necessary to keep you restrained during our mission to aid King Leodegrance."

Lancelot, realizing the severity of his situation, felt a pang of fear. He was beginning to understand that he was being treated differently from other prisoners. Why am I being singled out like this?

"What is the relationship between me and Galahad?" Lancelot asked, sensing there was more to the story.

Lott, acknowledging Lancelot's perceptiveness, responded, "You'll need to ask Galahad yourself. For now, just stay put and don't try to escape."

With that, Lott left Lancelot to stew in his frustration.

...

Outside, Lott encountered Galahad standing by the door. He patted Galahad's shoulder and offered some advice. "Sometimes, he might be more innocent than he seems. Try to communicate with him. Both sides being at odds could lead to regret."

Galahad, somewhat confused, responded, "But he doesn't know who he is right now."

Lott suggested, "Maybe you should wait until he meets your mother?"

Galahad shook his head. "No, I don't want him to meet my mother."

"Then, what do you plan to do?" Lott inquired.

Galahad hesitated. "I don't want him to be with anyone else."

Lott pondered, "So, you plan to keep him in this state indefinitely?"

Galahad, feeling conflicted, didn't have a clear answer. The situation was complicated, and he wasn't sure how to resolve it.