Chapter 9: The Invincible Princess?
Ian could not believe what his eyes were seeing.
Morgan was seated upon a white horse; she was still dressed in her royal court attire, appearing dignified and extremely majestic.
However, one very striking point was that there were no accompanying knights by her side, which was why Ian was able to see her at first glance.
But this was not a reason for her to be here.
Whether it was her identity as a Magician or her status as a Princess, by all accounts, Morgan should not have been here.
This would cause her to bear many unnecessary risks.
Unless—
Morgan needed to do so for some reason.
The most loyal knight often has the sharpest eyes.
You quickly discovered that King Uther was not present in the opposing army.
You realized Morgan's intention—to demonstrate her abilities before King Uther.
Although you didn't understand why she would deliberately do this, understanding this point, you knew you had to make all her wishes come true.
You were her most loyal knight; her wishes were your wishes.
The army you led began to retreat steadily, while the army commanded by Morgan advanced triumphantly, its military might overwhelming.
This Princess, in her first campaign, gained great prominence before everyone. She was hailed by the people of Britain as the sharp blade that severs the minion, your natural enemy and nemesis.
But only you knew that all of this was merely the result of your intentionally flawed command.
You didn't expect her to understand all of this; you only hoped it would help her.
The army's losses began to mount, and people started to suspect you. Your previous abnormal behaviors were also dug up one by one by those with ulterior motives and reported to Vortigern.
But Vortigern not only did not blame you, he even executed the reporter for disturbing military morale.
Regarding your failures, he expressed no blame, only stating that military fortunes on the battlefield often reverse, and victory and defeat are temporary.
You realized that Vortigern was not the arrogant, autocratic King of Betrayal as rumored throughout Britain.
However, you were not swayed, because you knew you would only be loyal to Morgan.
But you often wondered, if you had met Vortigern earlier, would the outcome have been different?
In the camp of Britain's army.
King Uther was listening to the report of the knight before him.
"Your Majesty, by your grace, Her Royal Highness the Princess has achieved continuous victories and has now recovered more than half of the lost territory."
"Your lineage, even in future generations, will still illuminate Britain."
However, upon hearing the knight's praise for Morgan, King Uther did not show a happy expression; instead, he appeared somewhat solemn.
As the King of Britain, he seemed to have noticed something.
He stood up and asked the knight before him a slightly strange question.
"The victories Morgan has achieved these past few times, were they against the same unit?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." The knight replied respectfully, "The unit Her Royal Highness the Princess defeated was Vortigern's minion. Before this, no one could stop him."
"Her performance is excellent, and your guidance has been incredibly successful. We are sure to achieve victory."
King Uther turned his back and closed his eyes.
When he opened his eyes again, there was a hint of disappointment in them—Morgan's victory didn't seem to be a good thing for him.
"Knight."
"Here!"
"Convey my order: have Morgan relinquish command of the troops and transfer her from the front lines immediately."
"Wh-what?!"
The knight couldn't believe what he had heard—the King before him was ordering his daughter, who had achieved such great military exploits, to give up command of the troops?
Was King Uther's wisdom waning with his advancing age?
Although filled with various doubts, the knight outwardly maintained his respect for King Uther.
"Your Majesty, your decisions have always been correct and full of wisdom."
"But Princess Morgan has already achieved great military success; wouldn't transferring her now be a bit..."
King Uther turned his head, looking at the knight who was hesitant to speak.
He was no longer young.
But that didn't mean he was becoming foolish.
"Knight, Morgan is my daughter. I understand her better than you do."
"No need to doubt, just do as ordered."
"Yes!"
Watching the knight depart, King Uther sighed deeply.
A king who desires to reach the peak without sufficient character to support it—tragedy often stems from such a thought.
If such a source is not eradicated, endless troubles will follow.
But—
She was, after all, his daughter.
Even a wise king like King Uther found it difficult not to let his emotions interfere.
[Things are starting to get a bit strange.]
[You notice that the originally formidable troops led by Morgan are gradually retreating, as if they were the ones who had been defeated on the battlefield.]
[You realize that something you don't know might have happened.]
[You begin to investigate in secret.]
[This is not a secret that cannot be known to others; you quickly learn the news that Morgan has been transferred from the front lines by King Uther and will be leaving in a few days.]
[You completely don't understand why King Uther would do this—this is clearly a good opportunity for Morgan to make a name for herself in Britain.]
[You quickly realize you cannot just sit back and do nothing; you will not allow Morgan's wish to end here, even if the one ending it is her father, King Uther.]
[You have a new plan—a plan that stakes your life.]
Under the moonlight.
Ian was walking through the military camp.
Tucked at his waist was the longsword Morgan had given him when they parted ways years ago—she had instructed him to only use this sword when assassinating Vortigern.
And tonight was that moment.
Although the timing didn't feel as ripe as he had imagined, and the operation wasn't discreet enough.
But Ian knew he was out of time.
If he didn't kill Vortigern before Morgan was transferred from the front lines and present all the achievements to Morgan, she would never gain recognition.
That was absolutely not something he wanted to see.
As a loyal knight, he would not allow Morgan's future to deviate from her wishes.
[You arrive at the tent where Vortigern usually rests.]
[Although defeated by Morgan many times, due to your previous military achievements, no one finds your current behavior strange.]
[You grip the longsword at your waist, ready to deliver a fatal blow to Vortigern.]
[But things do not unfold as you imagined.]
[Upon lifting the tent flap, you find no one inside.]
[And at this moment, a figure appears behind you.]
A sigh came.
"Young man, you ultimately chose this path."
"I pity you."