"Morgan, what are you talking about? You've already established a knight order?"
Lot couldn't hide his surprise as he questioned Morgan.
Here he was, casually eating an apple and humming a tune, when his wife suddenly dropped the bombshell that she'd gone and done something again. This time, she'd even beaten her sister to the punch by founding her own knight order.
"Mhm, that's right. I've established a knight order. Since our regular soldiers can't easily improve their combat strength, I thought it'd be a good idea to gather a specialized group of elite knights into a dedicated fighting force. What do you think?" Morgan spoke as if it were nothing, but her eyes flickered toward Lot, eagerly awaiting his praise.
Come on, Horndog, my dear Horndog—praise me already!
"...Alright."
Lot nodded lightly.
At the same time, a strange thought crossed his mind:
[What the hell? Is founding knight orders just a habit of the Pendragon women? Arthur made one, and now Morgan's gone and created her own.]
Hearing his thoughts, Morgan narrowed her eyes.
What?
My little sister already did this before me?
And you, Horndog—you knew about her plans but didn't tell me?!
Tch!
Still, this only fueled Morgan's competitive spirit.
Whoever acts first doesn't necessarily win.
The one who laughs last laughs best.
"Lot, come up with a good name for my knight order."
With this unyielding determination, Morgan made her demand.
No matter what kind of knight order her sister had founded, Morgan would surpass her in every way.
Even if her own order currently consisted of just two people, she would start by giving it a grand, imposing name.
Horndog's naming sense isn't bad.
Gawain, Agravain, Gareth—all solid names.
I trust your judgment.
Definitely better than the "Round Pot Knight Order" that's been echoing in my mind nonstop.
However—
Hearing her request, Lot's face immediately twisted in distress.
Naming things? You're asking me, a certified naming disaster, to come up with something?
What do I even call it?!
Well...
"How about... the Knights of the Round Table?"
Lot ventured the suggestion hesitantly.
[After much deliberation, this is the only fitting name. If it were up to me, Morgan should've founded a "Fairy Knight Order"—but she probably wouldn't like that. So, Round Table it is.]
In this era, "fairy" wasn't exactly a flattering term.
Morgan gritted her teeth lightly upon hearing his thoughts.
Hey, Horndog, what are you implying? Comparing me to a fairy?
Hmph. Good thing you didn't say it out loud.
Otherwise, I'd...
I'd...
...Just add it to your tab for now.
We'll settle this later.
"But... is 'Knights of the Round Table' really that great of a name?"
Morgan voiced her doubts.
It's only slightly better than "Round Pot Knight Order," right?
"Round Pot" is just eating straight from the pot.
This one's like bringing the food to the table first before eating.
Still just gluttony!
Sounds like a waste of resources.
"I think it's a fine name," Lot argued, puzzled. "A round table has no head or tail—no beginning or end. It symbolizes equality and unity. All knights seated at it are equals and comrades. The meaning is perfect, no?"
"Ah!"
Hearing his explanation, Morgan's face flushed red.
I thought it was just about eating...
Ahem...
"Well, husband, you're absolutely right. Upon reflection, your reasoning is sound. Very well—from now on, my knight order shall be known as the Knights of the Round Table."
Morgan would never admit her initial thoughts to Lot.
No way I'm telling him I was just thinking about food.
He'd laugh himself to death.
Deny, deny, deny!
Besides, this is all Artoria's fault for polluting my mind.
Normally, I'd never think like this.
Starting now, I'll train her so hard she forgets about eating.
I don't hold grudges against people.
I settle them on the spot.
With this in mind, Morgan declared, "Alright, I'll go train my knights now. Lot, prepare dinner—I'll be back by evening."
"Got it. Go ahead."
Lot agreed readily.
Morgan strode off without another word, her competitive fire burning too fiercely to waste time.
Watching Morgan leave, Lot scratched his head.
"King Arthur's still playing scout, and here I've already created the Round Table for her. Oh, forgive my sinful soul."
His last remark held not a shred of sincerity.
He felt zero guilt over "plagiarizing" Arthur's future legacy.
What's Arthur going to do about it?
Not my problem.
No Round Table? Just call it the Round Pot instead.
She'll figure something out.
Right?
"Rather than worrying about that, I should plan tonight's dinner for Morgan. A ship under the night sky… truly the perfect setting for a candlelit meal."
Lot mused aloud.
Meanwhile, Morgan had gathered Artoria and Kay.
"Our knight order now has a name. From this day forth, we shall be known as the Knights of the Round Table."
Kay and Artoria showed no objections.
In fact, Artoria wholeheartedly approved.
Though she couldn't explain why, her instincts told her it was an excellent name.
"Good. Now that the name's decided, we'll focus on recruitment. I have a formidable enemy to face, and for that, I'll need your strength."
Artoria nodded solemnly.
King Lot and Queen Morgan have treated me with great kindness.
Their enemies are my enemies.
Morgan then issued her orders:
"Kay, seek out worthy knights to join our ranks. Remember—no older recruits, and their skills must be exceptional."
"Understood."
Kay acknowledged.
Morgan then turned to Artoria.
Time for payback.
"As for you, Artoria—your training intensifies. Starting today, double the drills."