Chapter 232: The Winds of Change

"Come on, join us. In this era, both Celtics and fairies are forbidden from living freely on this land. We have a common enemy," Lott said, his voice calm but firm.

"Will you trust me?" Melusine asked, tilting her head and looking at Lott.

"Of course, I believe I have enough charm," Morgan responded confidently.

"Besides, you're not the kind of person who would betray," Lott added with equal conviction.

Hearing their words, Melusine was at a loss for how to react. How could these two be so confident in her loyalty? But then, she glanced at the defeated and restrained patriarch of the Wind Clan. The same person who had abandoned her without hesitation during the battle. Now she wondered—was this someone worth staying loyal to?

Lott noticed her hesitation and decided to press further. "A monarch who treats their subjects with ordinary respect will only receive ordinary loyalty. But a monarch who values their subjects as talents will inspire their subjects to give their lives in return."

Melusine's face showed a mix of conflict and confusion. Lott's words struck a chord, but she remained silent, staring at the patriarch of the Wind Clan.

"You still wish to go back?" Lott asked the patriarch pointedly.

"Yes, of course!" she responded quickly, not a moment's hesitation in her voice.

Lott turned his gaze back to Melusine. "If you join us, I will let her go," he said with a smile.

The Wind Clan's patriarch nodded eagerly, desperation etched on her face. Melusine watched this, her heart sinking. The one who abandoned her now pleaded for her loyalty in exchange for her own freedom. The reality of her situation became clear, and she made her decision.

"Now, do you know your answer?" Lott asked gently.

"Yes," Melusine nodded, her voice steady. "I will follow someone who is worthy of my loyalty."

The battle was over, but two pressing issues remained. The first was Altria's condition—would she be able to return to her original state, or would she be bound to wield the Holy Spear Rhongomyniad forever? If she stayed under its influence too long, Altria could transform into the goddess-like entity associated with the spear, losing herself in the process.

"Altria, will you stay this way permanently?" Lott asked, concerned as he observed her new form.

"No," Altria replied with a smile, her voice now rich and commanding like that of a mature woman. "This spear has immense power and a strong allure. It makes me want to hold onto it forever, to become a ruler. But I know that Britain in this era does not need me as its king. This spear will only be used when truly necessary."

With that, Altria placed the spear back in its case. As the Holy Spear was sealed, her body began to shrink, and the aura of the powerful warrior dissipated, leaving behind the familiar sight of the small, shy girl she once was.

"Your Majesty Lott," she said softly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. It was clear that despite the brief transformation, her personality had returned to what it had been.

Seeing this, both Lott and Morgan sighed in relief. Their beloved Altria was back.

"Once we return to Camelot, I will ensure everyone knows your true identity. You deserve to be acknowledged and respected for who you truly are," Morgan said warmly.

"Does that mean I can eat as much as I want?" Altria asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Morgan, Lott, and Gawain couldn't help but laugh, covering their faces in exasperation. How could their dignified sister, daughter, and aunt be so easily swayed by thoughts of food?

Unaware of their reactions, Altria was still dreaming of feasts and delicacies. But the real challenge was yet to come. Lott noticed Guinevere approaching Altria, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination.

[Oh no, Guinevere knows Altria is a woman now. What will happen to their relationship? Can this even be salvaged?] Lott thought anxiously.

Morgan, too, was worried, and with a sigh, she took Lott's hand and led him away from the scene.

"Everyone, let's give them some privacy. Fall back!" she commanded, and the knights of the Round Table, understanding the situation, dispersed.

Guinevere was left alone with Altria, who looked confused and slightly guilty under her gaze.

"What's the matter?" Altria asked nervously.

"You've always been a woman. Why didn't you tell me?" Guinevere's tone was laced with accusation.

"Well, you never asked…" Altria replied awkwardly, scratching her head.

"Is that really something I needed to ask?" Guinevere's voice was incredulous, and she continued, "I feel like I've been deceived. You could have told me!"

Altria's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Guinevere. It was part of my mission. I had to become a knight and prove myself without revealing my identity. If I've wronged you, I will do anything to make it right."

"I don't need your compensation," Guinevere replied quietly. "I just…"

She stopped, gathering her thoughts before speaking again. "I was in love, you know? Now, that's gone. But I won't give up everything. If you can be a knight, then I can still prove myself worthy too. I want to prove that I am no less capable than you, Altria."

With those words, she turned and walked towards Morgan and Lott.

"Your Majesty, I want to work. I know I'm not skilled, but I want to be your assistant, to help you with whatever tasks you need," Guinevere declared firmly.

Lott and Morgan exchanged surprised glances. Was this the same Guinevere they knew? Was she really transforming from someone obsessed with love to a determined career woman?

"Work is difficult," Morgan said cautiously. She knew that following Lott's lead wouldn't be as grueling as the usual work environment, but Guinevere had never worked before. Would she be able to handle it?

"I can do it!" Guinevere's voice was strong, unwavering.

[Has she really turned into a workaholic? If this gets out, future capitalists will do everything they can to turn all their employees into workaholics!] Lott thought, both amused and a little worried.

"Alright then, Guinevere," Lott said, smiling. "Let's see what you're capable of."

And with that, the next chapter in their story began.