Typemoon: Starting Out as the Lion King [65]

"I will wield the Holy Spear to eradicate the rebels—"

With the Lion King's firm intervention, the Round Table conference officially came to an end.

The missions for Alaric, Gawain, and the other Knights of the Round Table had been fully assigned. All that remained was determining when to set out.

Upon hearing the news that the Lion King herself would take action, the knights present lowered their heads in silence. Agravain even voiced his guilt:

"To think we've troubled the King to wield the Holy Spear—this is proof of our inadequacy as knights of the Round Table."

Alaric, who stood closest to the Lion King, recalled the radiant brilliance he had witnessed that day.

With the Lion King's current might, the judgment unleashed by the Holy Spear could flatten mountains and evaporate the earth.

But such power would inevitably devastate the surrounding terrain.

"There is no need for the king to personally pass judgment. We, the Knights of the Round Table, are more than capable of handling the rebel Lionheart King!"

Alaric lowered his eyes as he spoke, almost simultaneously with Agravain.

"Sir Alaric, mind your words. Such remarks are both disrespectful and pointless.

Since the King has made his decision—"

Agravain sharply pivoted his tone, eager to dismiss Alaric's impulsive statement.

Yet the Lion King interjected softly:

"Wait, Sir Agravain. This is praise for knights about to embark on a mission. If there are objections, let them be voiced."

"We, the Knights of the Round Table, are capable of subduing the Lionheart King."

After Alaric spoke, Lancelot, his expression solemn, also added his voice.

Lancelot could not fathom the horror of the judgmental light the Lion King might unleash with the Holy Spear—a force that could easily harm refugees hiding in the mountains.

"Father, there's no need for you to act against the Lionheart King! Leave it to us!"

Mordred grinned as a wave of magical energy surged forth.

In an instant, her petite frame was enveloped in heavy armor, transforming her from a delicate girl into a fierce warrior.

"Ah, if the King passes judgment, it would only highlight how powerless and insignificant we knights of the Round Table are under such brilliance—

How truly... heartbreaking."

Tristan sighed deeply, his eyes closed.

Unlike the others, Gawain did not oppose the Lion King's use of the Holy Spear. However, he still advised,

"There's no need to trouble the king. I can personally destroy the Lionheart King!"

In Gawain's view, relying on the Lion King to resolve the matter would reflect his failure.

The Lion King, now seated upon the throne, swept a cold gaze across Gawain and the other knights before speaking indifferently:

"So, this is the consensus? If no judgment is needed, then show me the glory of the Round Table."

The ethereal words echoed through the hall, leaving the knights in silence.

"You shall not be disappointed," Gawain declared, his voice resolute and firm.

...

"Now, Sir Agravain, where is Alaika?"

The Lion King had long since disappeared after the conference ended ten minutes ago. Only Agravain, ever the diligent Advisor, remained to supervise the knights.

Alaric, curious about the absence of Alaika, tapped on the long table. Nearby, Tristan and Lancelot also turned their attention to Agravain.

According to Agravain's plan, Tristan and Lancelot were to lead the crusader magus as the vanguard into the mountains. However, Alaika, their designated magus, was nowhere to be seen.

This delay left Lancelot and Tristan waiting in the hall.

Alaric and Mordred were also waiting for Agravain's orders, as Alaric's departure marked the signal to commence the campaign against the Lionheart King.

Not to mention Gawain, who had sworn loyalty to the Lion King yet remained idle.

It was all or nothing for the knights of the Round Table.

"She's here," Agravain said gloomily, his eyes fixed on the main entrance.

The sound of light footsteps approached, growing clearer until a figure entered the hall.

Alaric looked toward the source and raised an eyebrow.

It was Alaika, now appearing slightly different from the day before. Her black robe had been replaced with a simple dress that accentuated her petite frame.

Alaric was surprised by the sight of her figure, her graceful curves moving subtly with each step.

"Sir Agravain, what exactly did you put her through?"

Alaric asked, noticing not just the change in her attire but also her improved complexion.

"I sealed her magic circuits. If they had been left unchecked, they would have consumed her life before she reached the base.

We cannot afford to lose the advantage. What improper thoughts are you entertaining now?"

Agravain shot Alaric a warning glare.

Alaric, oblivious to Agravain's caution, was distracted as Lancelot, like a gust of wind, passed by.

"Sir Lancelot?"

Alaric raised a hand, attempting to stop what he knew was about to happen.

"My lady, it seems you will be accompanying us," Lancelot said, taking Alaika's delicate hand as he knelt on one knee. Before Alaika could react, he kissed the back of her hand like the perfect gentleman.

"Eek! This guy really loves flirting with women," Mordred muttered, crossing her arms with a shiver of distaste.

Tristan, still with his eyes closed, smiled faintly as if he could envision the scene: "Truly, Sir Lancelot never disappoints."

Alaika, snapping back to her senses, quickly withdrew her hand and blurted out, "You're such a pervert!"

The room froze.

Realizing her outburst, Alaika's face turned pale. She glanced around at the knights before clamping her mouth shut.

"My apologies. Please forgive my impropriety," Lancelot said with a composed expression as he stood and stepped back beside Tristan.

Alaric, shaking his head, nudged Lancelot.

"Sir Lancelot, were you always like this?"

Lancelot nodded slightly.

"She's a beauty, after all."

While Alaric and Lancelot exchanged casual remarks, Alaika quietly moved closer to Alaric for refuge.

"She's here now. Does anyone else have any objections?"

Agravain asked coldly, ignoring Alaika's behavior as his sharp gaze swept across the room.

...

The sun rose as Gawain left Camelot.

The soft light of dawn turned into blazing midday sunlight, causing an uproar among the camps outside the city.

"Sir Gawain's departure is certainly spectacular," Alaric remarked, watching from afar as the radiant sun followed Gawain until he reached his destination.

"Tch, so you like Gawain, huh?"

Mordred teased with a smirk as she rode alongside Alaric.

Alaric turned to her with a grin.

"Who wouldn't? Sir Gawain is practically the original white knight archetype."

Mordred shuddered, glaring at him in disbelief.

"Ugh, stop being so gross, will you?"