Most of the fairies were no longer a significant issue at this point.
The remaining cleanup work could be left to others under Lot and Morgan's command. If Gawain, Galahad, and the others couldn't even handle such minor tasks, they might as well resign themselves to being mere second-generation nobles.
The only enemies left were the fairies of the Wind Clan.
Lot hadn't forgotten just how despicable these Wind Clan fairies could be.
Hmph.
I make no promises about letting them survive.
"Let's go. It's time we check on Artoria's side see how she's progressing and whether she's managed to block the Wind Clan fairies."
After a few days of rest, Morgan spoke to Lot.
"Very well."
Though Lot would have preferred a longer break, he acquiesced to his wife's suggestion.
Besides, figuring out how to deal with Melusine was a matter worth careful consideration.
…
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
While Lot was still pondering his next move, Artoria had not been idle.
When setting out with her troops, she had been brimming with confidence and vigor.
However, she soon made a tragic discovery.
The cook she had brought along was one of Camelot's old chefs the kind who had worked there before Lot took up residence in the White Chalk City.
Realizing this, Artoria was stunned.
"What can you make?" she asked the cook.
"Black bread," the cook replied hastily, noticing the army's commander looking at him as if ready to devour him whole.
It was common knowledge that Commander Artoria had a monstrous appetite.
His own hundred-some pounds of flesh would barely suffice as a midnight snack for her.
"What else?"
"Uh… black bread without sawdust?" the cook offered after some thought.
At this, Artoria's ahoge nearly stood straight up.
If someone were to tug on it now, it might just snap off entirely sending her straight into Avenger mode.
"Anything besides bread?" Artoria pressed.
"Fried fish. Or roasted potatoes."
The cook answered truthfully.
"Fine. Then hurry up and prepare that for the soldiers."
Artoria took a deep breath.
She knew this wasn't the cook's fault, so she didn't take her anger out on him.
But still
This was infuriating!
Just as Artoria was stewing in frustration, Guinevere's voice rang out beside her.
"I have some snacks with me. Would you like to try them?"
Seeing Artoria leading the troops out, Guinevere hadn't stayed idle either she had followed along.
When it came to living comforts, Guinevere undoubtedly had the best arrangements.
On one hand, she was a princess and one accompanied by over 150 knights, no less. Though most of those knights were now fiercely loyal to Lot and Morgan, they still made sure to show some consideration to their former liege.
On the other hand, Scotland had yet to be fully conquered, and Morgan undoubtedly hoped to maintain good relations with Guinevere's father.
Thus, Guinevere had no shortage of luxuries at her disposal.
During this time, with no Lancelot in sight and Artoria's true gender still undiscovered, Guinevere's feelings for her had only grown stronger.
After all, sometimes, the unattainable is more alluring than the obtained.
So when she saw the person she loved deprived of proper food, she didn't hesitate to offer her own private stash.
However, Artoria reacted with clear reluctance to Guinevere's enthusiasm.
She wasn't stupid!
Did Guinevere actually expect them to get married or something?!
Artoria was acutely aware:
Guinevere's affection was for the male version of herself.
This was a love that could never be reciprocated.
Best to keep a level head.
Besides
Guinevere's offerings weren't even enough!
What counted as a full meal for her wouldn't even qualify as a toothpick snack for Artoria.
Not worth the trouble for such a pittance.
Moreover, as a knight, she was duty-bound to endure hardships.
"No need. Keep those for yourself."
Artoria grabbed a piece of black bread and bit into it forcefully.
Let's just finish this quickly drive out those fairies and return home for a proper meal!
Filled with renewed determination, Artoria charged forward.
Watching her like this, Guinevere felt both admiration and heartache.
Why?
Why can't you see my efforts?
Why won't you accept me?
If not for her lingering restraint, she might have resorted to a night assault on Artoria.
"Hmph. I won't give up. Let's see what excuse you'll use to reject me next time."
Clenching her small fists, Guinevere steeled her resolve.
This Artoria I've set my sights on her. Nothing will tear us apart.
…
Unaware of Guinevere's thoughts, Artoria focused on preparing for battle.
Her unit was a flanking force.
Not many fairies had noticed them yet.
All the more reason to achieve something remarkable.
Thus, Artoria led her troops in a fierce charge.
"Advance!"
Under her command, the army crushed all resistance in its path.
Motivated both by her desire to avoid Guinevere and her eagerness to return home for a proper meal, Artoria was always the first to charge into battle.
Her strength was unmatched, and with Caliburn and Excalibur at her disposal, no fairy garrison could withstand her for even a single exchange.
Even city gates were reduced to rubble under Excalibur's holy blast.
Through her relentless assaults, one after another, Camelot's lost cities were reclaimed.
All while the Wind Clan and Fang Clan were still locked in internal strife.
In the end, Artoria's forces arrived to block the Wind Clan's retreat route far sooner than Lot and Morgan had anticipated.