The army of Camelot stood ready.
A force undefeated in a hundred battles, their armor polished to a brilliant sheen, glinted dazzlingly under the sun's radiance. Their blades and spears, honed to a razor's edge, faintly revealed a bloodthirsty ferocity.
Ever since crossing over and beginning to command these soldiers, Lot had placed great emphasis on pre-battle preparations. Before war, swords must always be properly maintained to prevent failures mid-combat.
At this moment, the ones leading these troops were not Artoria, but Lot and Morgan.
On this day,
Artoria had not left her tent.
Morgan knew her younger sister was contemplating whether to take up the Holy Lance.
"Your Majesty Morgan, what is wrong with Sir Artoria?"
Just before the battle commenced, Guinevere asked Morgan with concern.
"Nothing. He is merely pondering matters of his own."
Uncertain what decision her sister would ultimately make, Morgan continued referring to Artoria with male pronouns, concealing her true gender.
"What matters?"
Guinevere pressed curiously.
"That will depend on the choice she makes for herself later."
Morgan did not answer Guinevere's question.
Instead, she turned her gaze toward the opposite side of the battlefield.
"For now, let us focus on meeting this battle head-on."
Morgan smiled.
Even if Artoria did not take up Rhongomyniad, she had her own methods to deal with the fairies of the Wind Clan.
But after resolving the Wind Clan, there would likely be many more matters requiring her attention in the future.
Artoria's strength was not to be underestimated.
So she thought to herself.
...
On the opposing side, the Wind Clan had arrayed their forces row upon row.
Yet, they showed no intention of charging.
"Fighting is out of the question we'll just laze around in the back and get by as usual."
Seeing this, Morgan understood the nature of these fairies all too well.
"If these lot were in Camelot's army, we'd have them all court-martialed."
She muttered under her breath.
At the very forefront of their formation,
a petite young girl stood at the head.
However, unlike the Melusine she had seen before,
she had discarded her blue dress, which had made her resemble a noble lady,
and instead donned a suit of azure armor.
It seemed she was fully prepared for battle.
Observing this, Morgan issued orders to the knights:
"Now, prepare to break through the fairy formation by force."
"Yes!"
The Round Table knights present responded in unison.
This was the strategy devised the day before.
The army would focus solely on overwhelming the fairies
no matter the cost, the soldiers were to close the distance.
As for Melusine, Morgan and Lot would handle her.
A full-frontal assault against Melusine would only play into the Wind Clan leader's schemes.
She would not hesitate to strike indiscriminately, even at Melusine, during the battle.
Doubt not
the fairies of the Wind Clan were truly that despicable.
Thus, a direct charge was the better option.
Melusine's matter would naturally be left to the strong.
...
"Melusine, we meet again."
Before the battle began, Morgan called out to Melusine.
Whether during her own disguise or when the fairy Morgan had impersonated her, she had encountered Melusine before.
Now, on the eve of battle, it was only proper to greet her first.
"Yes, you've come."
Melusine nodded lightly.
At the same time, her gaze drifted toward the handsome Lot standing beside Morgan.
He seemed oddly familiar,
yet she could not recall where she had seen him.
No matter after defeating Morgan, she would ask him herself.
So Melusine thought.
Meanwhile,
seeing Melusine's nod, Morgan continued:
"Now, I shall grant you a chance to surrender, Melusine. Lay down your arms, and I guarantee your safety."
Before Melusine could respond, the Wind Clan leader, shielded by other fairies, shouted at Morgan with renewed vigor:
"Hah! Impossible! Listen well you've come just in time. Go, Melusine! Eliminate her!"
"You are unworthy of addressing me. Hear this your strength may suffice, but your character is so wretched I cannot even deem you worthy of contempt."
Morgan replied haughtily to the Wind Clan leader.
To speak to me? Know your place.
"Damn you! Melusine, attack now!"
The Wind Clan leader barked.
Already a despicable creature, such words only stoked her fury further.
"Mm."
Melusine nodded softly.
Then, swinging her sword with both hands, she charged toward Morgan.
In her view, once Morgan was defeated, this battle would end.
And thus, there would be no need for further bloodshed.
At this moment, Morgan began directing the army.
Facing the fairies of the Wind Clan,
she raised her hand and commanded the knights:
"Charge!"
As for her own defense
she would leave it to Lot.
She trusted he would protect her well.
Though unease lingered in her heart, the knights, honed by rigorous training, did not hesitate for even a moment as they stormed toward the Wind Clan fairies.
"Now, unleash your magecraft!"
Seeing the knights advance, the Wind Clan leader bellowed.
Humiliated by yesterday's disgrace, she was determined to stand her ground this time.
Soon, dazzling spells were hurled at the knights.
This prepared magical assault quickly inflicted heavy casualties upon Camelot's forces. Yet not a single soldier faltered they knew victory was assured if they could close the distance.
This, too, was an unintended consequence of the Wind Clan leader's retreat the day before.
Meanwhile, on Morgan's side,
as Lot saw Melusine beginning her charge,
he drew Joyeuse from its sheath.
He knew he was likely no match for Melusine.
But if he could hold out for a time,
Galahad, Gawain, and the others would soon arrive.
Preparing to meet her with his blade
just then, a figure darted out from behind him, far swifter than Lot.
"Your Majesty Lot, leave this battle to me!"
Artoria shouted as she rushed forward.
And in the eyes of Lot and the others,
they could clearly see a long case strapped to her back.
Within it
undoubtedly lay a spear.