Chapter 269: Training and Family Matters

Da Vinci, observing the situation, couldn't help but smile approvingly at Gawain and Agravain. "The greatest respect you can show your opponents is to defeat them completely," she said, her tone both light-hearted and firm.

"Of course," Gawain nodded solemnly. He then looked at the soldiers assembled before them. "Are these the troops we're supposed to train?" he asked Ritsuka Fujimaru.

Ritsuka nodded. "Yes, these soldiers belong to the local kings of Ireland. We've managed to unite the various kings, but their armies are in poor shape. They need to be trained and organized."

Agravain observed the men critically. "The civilization on this island is still quite primitive compared to England. The combat skills of these soldiers are far below our standards."

With that, he began walking towards the troops. Gawain, never one to miss an opportunity, followed him with a grin. "I'll give you a hand, Agravain," he called back to Ritsuka.

The two knights soon found themselves at the forefront of the training ground. The Irish troops were ill-equipped, disorganized, and uncoordinated—a stark contrast to the well-trained armies of Camelot. There was much work to be done, and both Agravain and Gawain knew it.

Agravain's focus never wavered as he began to drill the soldiers, his instructions precise and relentless. Gawain, while also committed to training, occasionally glanced towards the distant shores of England, where his parents, Lott and Morgan, resided. Now, they were on opposing sides of a brewing conflict.

Despite this, he felt no inner turmoil. In his previous life, he had made his choice to stand apart from Morgan, and he would do the same now, no matter the circumstances.

What puzzled him, however, was why the Gawain of this world—a female version of himself—had chosen to side with their parents. What had led her to take that path?

...

Meanwhile, back in Camelot, Lott was approaching Gawain with a mischievous smile on his face, holding little Agravain in his arms.

"Come on, Gawain," Lott said cheerfully, handing the baby over to her. "For the sake of family bonding, it's better for us to take care of Agravain ourselves rather than leaving him with the nurse. Your mother and I have some matters to attend to, so you'll be in charge."

Gawain looked at her father, appalled. "I think the nurse is much more suitable for this," she protested, trying to push the baby back.

Taking care of a child was not something she relished. And especially not this child. Agravain, unlike other babies, rarely cried or laughed. He just stared blankly, as if judging the world around him. Where was the fun in that?

"This is necessary to strengthen family bonds," Lott insisted. "Altria, your mother, and I have had plenty of time together as a family—except for you."

"I'm busy too!" Gawain exclaimed, desperate to find an excuse.

"With what?" Lott asked, his eyes narrowing playfully. "All your commanding duties can be handled by your aunt. You've got no excuses now."

"I can handle the government affairs!" Gawain tried to argue, clutching at straws.

"Really?" Lott raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"Yes… well…" Gawain hesitated, seeing her father's look, and finally nodded reluctantly. "Fine. I can."

Just then, Morgan entered the room. "You can go handle the paperwork, Gawain. I'll take care of little Agravain. And remember, you agreed to this yourself, so don't complain later," she added with a smirk.

"Okay, fine," Gawain muttered, feeling cornered. She turned to leave but paused when she saw Morgan handing Agravain over to the nurse.

"Take care of him for a while. I'll be watching," Morgan instructed the nurse.

"What? Wait!" Gawain protested, her eyes widening. "That's not fair! I didn't agree to this!"

Morgan tilted her head, feigning confusion. "Didn't you just say you would handle the government affairs?"

"I agreed because I thought I was the one stuck with the baby!" Gawain's voice was filled with frustration. "Am I being tricked again?"

"Pretty much," Morgan replied casually.

"I'm not okay with this!" Gawain grumbled, feeling utterly defeated. "If I start a rebellion, everything will descend into chaos—"

Before she could finish, Lott lightly tapped her on the head. "Enough. Get back to work."

"Okay, okay," Gawain muttered, rubbing her head as she reluctantly agreed.

"This girl," Lott chuckled, shaking his head.

Morgan smiled warmly, enjoying the family moment. "Isn't it great, though?"

"Yes, it is," Lott agreed, reaching for Morgan's hand and gently caressing it. Morgan gave him a playful tap on the back of his hand, but her expression softened as she looked at him.

Lott glanced at the nurse and maids standing nearby, signaling them to leave. They immediately took Agravain and discreetly exited the room.

"Hey, it's the middle of the day," Morgan whispered, glancing at Lott.

"So what? We're the rulers here," Lott replied with a grin, pulling her closer.

Morgan rolled her eyes. "You're so shameless!"

"Isn't it one of my best qualities?" Lott teased, leaning in closer.

"Still, Gawain is right next door," Morgan said, suddenly remembering. "What if she hears us?"

"Then we just have to make sure she doesn't," Lott said with a mischievous smile.

Morgan's eyes widened. "You're incorrigible!"

But Lott had already begun to act.

...

Afterward, Morgan playfully pinched Lott a few times, but he didn't mind. His sturdy frame could handle much more than that.

Then, remembering the books, Morgan asked, "By the way, have you finished translating the three books?"

"I've almost finished the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual.' I've also made good progress on the other two," Lott replied. Thanks to his bilingual skills—enhanced by his unique circumstances—translating the books wasn't as daunting as it might have been. Despite their vast content, he was nearing completion.

Morgan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can we start using them now? Kay could use some of this knowledge to help maintain order in Scotland."

"Yes, we can begin immediately," Lott confirmed. "We'll distribute the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' to Kay first and then throughout England to train more doctors. As for the other two books, they're too complex for general use, so we'll keep them within the military for now."

"'Barefoot Doctor'… that name doesn't sound very reliable," Morgan mused.

"It might sound unassuming, but it's deliberate," Lott explained. "The name reminds doctors and people alike that these physicians are grounded, accessible, and there to help with everyday health concerns. It sets the right expectations for their role."

Morgan nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense."

Lott continued, "And as for the specialized doctors, they'll need to study properly. I won't tolerate any medieval nonsense like bloodletting or other dangerous practices. If anyone tries that, I'll personally make sure they're removed."

Morgan smiled, appreciating Lott's dedication. "Understood. We'll make Camelot a place where both its people and knowledge can flourish."

Lott grinned, feeling the same determination. Together, they were building a future that no one could stand against.