Chapter 151: The Bet and the Swords (rewrite)

At that moment, Merlin happened to spot someone returning to the castle. Unlike his usual gloomy demeanour, this man had a triumphant expression on his face. He was laden with various items that clinked and jingled as he walked. Merlin squinted, noticing the abundance of gear: fishing rods, benches, bait, and a wicker basket that was disappointingly empty of fish.

Merlin's gaze then fell upon three swords hanging from the man's side. One was the holy sword Lott referred to as Vasilis; another was Excalibur, and the last was Galatine. Seeing Excalibur made Merlin's expression freeze.

"Good noon, Merlin! Looks like you're having quite a good day," Lott greeted, his smile wide as he caught sight of Merlin.

Merlin, who often observed others with a critical eye, now found himself the subject of Lott's gleeful expression. It felt like the tides had turned—this was poetic justice.

"Yes, but not as good as you," Merlin replied, forcing a grin.

He then pointed to the Excalibur sword hanging from Lott's waist. "This sword... how did it come into your possession?"

Lott puffed up his chest and replied with a boastful tone, "While I was fishing, I happened to encounter a River God. He asked if I wanted Excalibur or Galatine. Naturally, I chose both! Who could resist such options?"

Merlin, sceptical of Lott's story, felt the desire to hit him out of sheer disbelief. Still, Lott's luck in acquiring such powerful weapons indicated he possessed abilities Merlin hadn't yet discerned.

"Hopefully, we can catch more weapons like that in the future," Merlin remarked after a moment of silence.

"Absolutely!" Lott responded enthusiastically, swinging the three holy swords around playfully, causing them to glimmer in the light. If Merlin had more affection for Lott, he might have compared this scene to a legendary tale.

After some showboating, Lott made his way back.

Meanwhile, in the castle, Altria was growing impatient. "Your Majesty Morgan, hasn't Lott returned yet?" she asked eagerly, glancing at the sky.

Morgan, who had set a bet with Altria, knew the stakes were high. Today's lunch consisted of portions fit for an ordinary soldier, and Altria's appetite was anything but ordinary. As she waited, Altria feared she might faint from hunger.

Just as she felt her strength waning, the door swung open, and Lott stepped inside. "Oh, Altria! What's wrong with you? Have you been beaten?" he asked, noticing her weary appearance.

"It's worse than being beaten," Altria replied, trying to mask her frustration.

Morgan joined them, smiling. "Lott, did you bring back anything good from your fishing trip?"

Lott opened his mouth but stopped midway. Altria's face lit up, and she thought to herself, I won this bet! Maybe I can ask Morgan for a full-time chef.

However, Lott continued, "Well, I didn't catch any fish, but I did bring back these." He unveiled Excalibur and Galatine.

As Altria looked at the swords, her smile faded. She recognized their significance immediately. Though Lott hadn't elaborated, she understood these were holy swords—powerful weapons that could turn the tide against Vortigern.

Her expression fell as the implications hit her. The bet had been lost, and with it, her hope of a satisfying meal. The thought of her meagre diet in the coming days made her feel despondent.

What's wrong with her? Lott thought, puzzled by Altria's reaction. Shouldn't she be thrilled to see Excalibur?

Morgan stifled a laugh, amused by the situation. She knew Altria was unaware of the deeper meanings at play.

Looking at Lott's hands, Morgan asked herself, Is this sword truly meant for my sister? She decided to wait and see how this played out.

"Altria," Lott said, noticing her downcast expression, "what do you think of Excalibur? If it feels right, you should wield it in battle against Vortigern."

Surprised, Altria's sadness was briefly replaced by disbelief. "Is this really for me?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

"Yes, it's for you," Lott affirmed.

Morgan added with a smile, "You deserve it because you can harness its true strength. Don't refuse—take it, and let it prove our judgment today is wise."

Morgan gently pushed the sword into Altria's arms. After a moment of contemplation, Altria finally accepted the Sword of Excalibur. "Okay, I'll prove the wisdom of both of you," she declared, determination returning to her eyes.

"That's the spirit!" Morgan said, her smile growing. She then pointed towards the door, "Now, Lott and I have something private to discuss. You may leave."

"Understood," Altria replied, nodding vigorously as she exited, her mood lifted.

However, just as she was about to step outside, Morgan called after her, "Oh, and don't forget—you still need to fulfil your end of the bet!"

Altria faltered, uncertain of how to respond.

Once Altria was gone, Morgan turned to Lott and asked, "Lott, is there anything else you can give me?"

"Of course," he replied, not handing her the Galatine but pulling out a scabbard instead.

Morgan's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you give my sister a sword, and all I get is a scabbard?"

Lott grinned, "Well, you know what they say—every great sword needs a worthy scabbard!"