Chapter 25: The Arrival and Preparation (rewrite)

The Arrival and Preparation

As Altria considered the new name for the knightly order, she thought, If there's no round table, then it's called a round pot. There's always a name, isn't there? She decided to shift her focus. Rather than worrying about names, I should think about what food to prepare for Morgan tonight. A candlelight dinner on the ship sounds perfect.

Morgan, having named the order as the "Knights of the Round Table," conveyed this to Altria and Kai. "Our knights are officially named. From now on, we will be known as the Knights of the Round Table."

Both Kai and Altria agreed without hesitation. Altria felt particularly enthusiastic about the name, even though she wasn't entirely sure why. It just felt right to her.

Morgan then shifted the discussion to their next steps. "Now that we have our name, we need to focus on expanding our numbers. I have a challenging adversary, and I'll need your help to confront her."

Altria, resolute, nodded. His Majesty Lot and His Royal Highness Morgan are very kind to me. Their enemy is my enemy as well.

Morgan turned to Kai. "Kai, find qualified knights to join us. They must be neither too old nor too weak."

"Yes, Your Highness," Kai replied with a nod.

Morgan then looked at Altria. "As for you, Altria, you need to increase your training intensity. Starting today, double your training hours."

Altria's face showed confusion, quickly turning to embarrassment. "Your Highness, I already train for about nine hours a day. Doubling that would mean eighteen hours of training. With only six hours left in the day, there won't be enough time for rest, let alone eating."

Morgan thought to herself, I just want to make sure you have no time to eat. I don't want my Knights of the Round Table to become the Knights of the Dining Table.

Morgan explained seriously, "Our enemies won't be ordinary soldiers. We might face the formidable Humble King Vortigern or even the Romans, not to mention fantastical creatures. You need to be prepared."

Altria agreed, though internally she felt disgruntled. I need to find a chance to eat!

"Understood, Your Highness. I'll work harder," Altria said, determined.

Morgan, not giving Altria a chance to argue, left immediately. Kai watched Morgan leave and remarked, "It seems His Royal Highness Morgan has strong opinions about you."

Altria panicked. "Does she dislike me?"

"No," Kai reassured her. "It's not about dislike. It's just that you seem to eat more than expected."

"It's just a bit more," Altria replied defensively.

"A bit more compared to a team of soldiers," Kai said, unimpressed.

Altria justified, "As a knight, extra nutrition is normal."

Kai let it go, realizing it wasn't his concern anymore.

...

In the following days, Altria's training intensified. She practised swordsmanship relentlessly for over ten hours a day, leaving only a small window for rest and meals. Her commitment led her to learn how to eat while barely sleeping.

Morgan observed Altria's dedication with a mix of admiration and resignation. You are dedicated, even if it means I can't compete with you on this front. I'll focus on preparing for the upcoming battles instead.

Morgan's other focus became the mysterious lemon she had been studying. The crew had suffered from bad breath and wound infections, leading Morgan to admire Lott's ingenuity. She decided to delve deeper into her research.

Despite days of effort, Morgan couldn't pinpoint the benefits of the lemon. Could it be further subdivided? She resolved to seek Lott's guidance.

When Morgan found Lott, he was gazing out at the shore. "Lott, have we reached the territory of the Humble King?" she asked.

"Yes," Lott confirmed.

Morgan prepared for the imminent battle. This fight will be complex.

Morgan agreed that the greatest threat was not King Uther but Vortigern, the Humble King. Vortigern's realm was prosperous, his forces numerous and well-equipped, and his combat skills formidable. Lott knew well that defeating Vortigern would require more than just force; it would demand the combined efforts of King Arthur and Gawain.

Morgan, hearing Lott's assessment, felt conflicted. It's correct that Arthur and Gawain are strong, but why must my sister face Vortigern? She couldn't understand why her sister should be involved in this battle.

The stage was set for a confrontation that would test the strength and unity of the newly formed Knights of the Round Table.