"Morgan actually thought the same thing as me?"
Lot was slightly surprised.
No, maybe she's testing me.
As the marriage candidate, she was the bridge between him and her father, King Uther. If he criticized Uther in front of her, she might secretly report back.
"Princess, I'm just a small king who stays in his own little castle. How would I know about King Uther's affairs?"
Lot chose his words carefully.
"Oh?"
Morgan saw right through him.
He's lying.
She felt a surge of irritation.
I want to talk to you openly, but you're hiding things from me?
Hmph. Lot, you're too sneaky.
She shot him a sidelong glance.
"Our enemies keep growing. My father has won many battles, but Camelot's foes only grow stronger. My uncle, the Vortigern the Usurper, the Saxons—they're all major threats."
"Well, I'm sure King Uther's wisdom will lead him to victory."
Lot forced a smile.
[Victory my ass! All you people care about is winning battles. Idiots! War is just politics by other means. All you do is fight, fight, fight—no wonder the kingdom's economy is in shambles!]
[You don't even have the most basic reward system for farming and warfare. Britain's land is already scarce, and you're wasting it. How is this sustainable? If I were Camelot's king, I'd implement agricultural incentives first.]
[Farming is even more important than war. Give skilled farmers noble titles—no, that's unrealistic, but even official positions would motivate them. Once food production rises, waging war becomes easier. Develop first, then deal with Vortigern. Wouldn't that be smarter?]
Using her third and final chance for the day, Morgan listened to Lot's inner thoughts.
"Yes, I also believe my father will achieve final victory."
Her smile didn't waver.
But inside, she was fuming.
Oh, Lot, you dare call us idiots?
I'll remember this.
I never forget a grudge.
One day, I'll pay you back.
Still, aside from the insult, she had to admit—he wasn't wrong.
They had always focused on war, but why they fought was rarely questioned. At first, it was for vengeance. Later, to protect Britain.
But beyond defeating enemies, what else was there?
War is politics by other means?
Fight only to achieve political goals?
It made some sense, though she wasn't entirely convinced.
But his second point—reward farming and warfare—stuck with her.
Especially developing agriculture.
Morgan knew war required logistics. Countless times, Uther's campaigns had stalled due to supply shortages.
His solution? Tax the farmers harder.
But the farmers barely had enough grain for themselves.
Even Uther knew not to take their seed stock.
So logistics remained Camelot's biggest weakness.
Now, Lot's idea seemed brilliant.
Reward farming.
If farmers worked hard, they could earn official positions. That would motivate them to cultivate more land.
Once I take Camelot's throne, raising armies and crushing Vortigern will be much easier.
I'll tell Merlin to inform Father immediately.
Lot really is capable.
Too bad his mouth ruins it.
Unaware he had just been blacklisted, Lot thought he had dodged the question.
"We should get ready to depart. I'll organize my men. You and Merlin should prepare too—we have a long journey ahead."
"Mm."
Morgan nodded.
As Lot walked away, she turned and headed straight for Merlin's tent.
…
Before she could even call out, the white-robed mage stepped outside.
"Princess, shouldn't you be bonding with your fiancé this early in the morning? Why come to me?"
Morgan glared.
"You've been spying on us anyway. You already know why I'm here."
She was tempted to drag Lot over and beat Merlin up together.
"Actually, I don't. King Lot is… a special case."
Merlin shook his head.
To him, Lot was like a blank spot in his vision. Their earlier conversation? A complete mystery. Only after they separated could he see Morgan again.
"Yes, he is special."
Morgan recalled Lot's thoughts and nodded seriously.
Then, she got straight to the point.
"I need you to convince my father to do something."
She explained the reward farming plan in detail.
Merlin listened intently, then studied her.
"Princess, who taught you this?"
"That's none of your concern!" Morgan snapped. "Just make it happen."
"As you wish."
Merlin picked up his staff.
"I'll inform King Uther. He'll be heading this way after settling matters in Camelot. I won't have to go far to meet him."
He mounted his horse, then added with a grin:
"Oh, and Princess—since I'm working so hard, be sure to ask His Majesty for extra rewards for me…"
With that, he rode off.