The Plan

The next morning.

Galahad observed the energetic Gareth then Artorius, who appeared as if he hadn't slept well, yawning. He couldn't resist saying something.

"Your Highness."

"Hmm?"

"Please... exercise restraint."

"Restraint? O-Oh... I will be mindful of that."

Because the previous night, Artorius had quietly entered his tent and said, "Galahad, I trust you the most. You're my best friend, come with me!"

Yes, that night after Artorius's talk with Mordred, he came to his most trusted people's camp and asked for their assistance on his plan.

And so, Galahad who agreed felt responsible for Artorius. Of course, Gareth and Mordred felt the same way.

While gaining assistance and loyalty, Artorius also acquired certain obligations. Choosing this path meant sacrificing some of his freedom as he took on significant responsibilities. Throughout the day, he had to discuss his goals and ambitions with everyone, and during the night, he had to provide massages for his two sisters, Gareth and Mordred.

All of those deprived him of rest time, perhaps this was the price he had to pay to become a ruler.

===

Later on, in the City of Camelot, the location of the Knights of the Round Table.

Artorius Pendragon spoke confidently before the smooth round table.

The young prince exuded confidence and was brimming with vitality.

Unlike the majestic and perfect appearance of King Arthur, he appeared more radiant and gentle. His recent victories and the subjugation of the Saxons significantly elevated his youthful charm. Just by looking at him, many female knights and noblewomen of Britain couldn't help but feel delighted.

"In conclusion, I believe it would be beneficial to accept this group of Saxon immigrants as subjects of Britain."

After Artorius finished speaking, he surveyed the surroundings and then smiled at his mother.

Artoria remained calm and silent. On her face, which resembled Mordred, it was hard to discern her emotions. However, it was Gawain who spoke up first.

"From the perspective code of chivalry, we should indeed not abandon those people. However..." Gawain hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Britain's land is struggling to sustain even our own people. We don't have surplus food to provide for the Saxon immigrants."

"What about purchasing food from the south?" suggested Percival, one of the most loyal knights. He didn't want to see the kingdom's ruler in distress.

"In reality, our treasury is also strained," interjected Agravain. Despite being Artorius's teacher, he remained impartial when assessing the issue. "We cannot afford to spend too much money and resources to buy food. Not to mention..."

Without him needing to say it, everyone understood his meaning. The embargo policy of the Roman Emperor Lucius Tiberius forced Britain to allocate more money to purchase food. This strained Britain's finances even further.

In such circumstances, it was already challenging to ensure the country's food supply.

However, apart from individuals like Agravain, who possessed an iron will and were ruthless, none of the knights present could utter words like, 'Let's not care about the lives of those Saxon people.'

"In fact, we can attempt to reclaim more land."

When the Knights of the Round Table found themselves in a predicament, Artorius spoke up and presented his 'plan'.

"Britain's land... is actually abundant. Those forests, grasslands, and marshes have many fertile areas. With a little cultivation, we can obtain sufficient returns."

"That would be the destruction of nature!" shouted one of the knights, visibly frustrated.

As a descendant of the ancient humans contaminated by True Ether, the Celts had a much better attitude towards 'Nature' and the 'Earth' compared to future generations. Despite the earth and nature treating the Celts ruthlessly and without mercy, intending to kill them all.

The ancient humans in Britain had such an attitude, but Artorius was different. His attitude towards destruction, cultivation, deforestation, land acquisition, and transforming the natural landscape was more relaxed than all the Celts present.

Ensuring human survival came first.

Humans came first.

It was wrong to let humans die in order to protect nature.

That was a misplaced priority.

Even if they tried to protect it, London in the 18th century would still turn into a city of fog. Industrial pollution would explode, and the entire River Thames would become a foul-smelling sewer.

That was also the choice of fate.

So now, Britain was on the verge of destruction. It was ridiculous to worry about such trivial matters and shout 'How dare you and blah blah blah'. Artorius felt that those fools should be thrown into the River Thames to drown.

"That's the problem!" Artorius said loudly, "Starve or cultivate more land! Do we choose humanity or nature?!"

He looked seriously at the knight who spoke, "Before you speak, think about who you are, knight. Are you on the human's side?"

As Artorius spoke, Mordred, who was sitting not far away, narrowed her eyes slightly and gripped the hilt of her sword. It was as if she would strike out with her sword if that person dared to oppose her dear brother.

"No objections?" Artorius looked around and then said, "Then let's do it, Father, and all the Knights of the Round Table!"

Artorius proclaimed loudly:

"We should have done this a long time ago!"

"Britain's production decreases every year!"

"If the average yield per acre of land is decreasing, then we should increase the area of cultivated land!"

"We all know that agriculture brings more food than hunting and gathering!"

"From today on, Britain needs deforestation, land reclamation around lakes, and fighting for land in the wilderness!"

"From today on, Britain can no longer rely on the favor of True Ether. We must use our hard work and wisdom to feed ourselves!"

After finishing these slogan-like words, Artorius looked at Artoria, "I have prepared a complete plan, Father. I would like you to take a look at it."

The 'plan' Artorius mentioned was a series of research achievements he had made before. It included waterwheels, dams, and canals for water management, drought-resistant and cold-resistant wheat breeding, convenient and deep-plowing plows, various agricultural tools, and so on.

Of course, all of this couldn't save Britain. But it could delay Britain's decline and buy time for Artorius's next step, the racial integration plan.

"But all of this will take time." Sir Kay, Artorius's uncle and one of the Knights of the Round Table asked somewhat helplessly, "What should we do before your cultivation plan is implemented?"

"That's what I'm going to talk about next, Uncle Kay." Artorius smiled at him and said, "I propose that we mend our diplomatic relations with Rome."