Defending Londinium

Wow. Seeing all these soldiers eating together in the town square like this really drives home the idea that they're about to go to battle.

And you're all here too. How come? I thought you weren't gonna be fighting just yet.

We're not. We just didn't think it'd be right to be the only ones relaxing in the war room.

Want some of this bread with jam, Habemeow? It's really sweet.

Nnn, no thanks. Looks like it'd give me heartburn. Anyway...aren't we missing someone?

Hey, Muramasa. You look like you're about to nod off, but before that, can you tell me what happened to Oberon?

Hm? Oberon? ...Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him for a while now.

Thought that might be 'cause I was holed up in the forge all last night workin' on something a little outta my wheelhouse.

Ain't exactly the first time he's just flown off on his own.

Not a whole lotta women in Londinium, you know?

Knowin' him, he's probably off in Salisbury putting the moves on Aurora or something.

Nnn. I wish I could say he'd never do that since he's not a lowlife like you, but

Hmm. Close, but no cigar, Muramasa. Coral's more my type.

Oh hey, there you are, Oberon! How's it going!?

Good morning, Oberon!

Good morning, Gareth. My, my, you and Habetrot are like bright rays of pure sunshine.

I hope you don't grow up to be a couple of gossipy grown-ups like some others I could name.

All right, sorry 'bout that. But don't try to play innocent either.

It's okay when I play the field. Nobody would even know who I am if it weren't for a romantic comedy.

My whole job is selling dreams to people who love stories, wouldn't you agree, Fujimaru.

Huh, I didn't expect you to take this so seriously. All right, let's see...

People who love stories are people who love their livelihoods, who know how valuable those livelihoods are...

...and yet can still dream of what it would be like to live a very different life.

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Yup. Percy's gang should just be making their way out of the river now.

With any luck, all the soldiers we've placed around the ramparts to make it look like we're entirely committed to defense...

...will be enough to keep Woodwose from realizing we've sent out too many soldiers for us to be able to actually defend Londinium if he were to attack now.

Let's just hope this army-level staring contest keeps up until evening.

Woodwose is the head of the Fang clan, which I'm told means he has to be very cautious.

By now, I'm sure he must know about the Norvician refugees who came here from Salisbury...

...as well as the volunteer soldiers that came directly from Norwich bolstering our ranks.

So barring some exceptional circumstance or other, it seems pretty unlikely he'd try to make a move on Londinium with his curren

Emergency! The enemy's on the attack!

Woodwose's main force is headed our way right now!

What in the world could they be thinking!?

They must know there's no way they could take down Londinium with only two companies!

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We know! We can't stay holed up any longer! We'll head onto the field to meet them!

Our archers almost ran out of arrows yesterday! They won't even be able to maintain fire for an hour now!

Auralia, have your platoon charge straight into them! Landon, have your platoon ride out from the east gate! And hurry!

Count, do you think you can command the volunteer soldiers from Norwich!?

Leave it to me, hon. I'll send them out from the west gate and have them flank Woodwose's forces.

I don't think they'll be very effective, but they should take some pressure off the other two platoons.

So as long as Auralia and Landon's troops can buy us some time

That'll give Percival's squad a chance to sneak up behind Woodwose!

That's right. If Woodwose is attacking because he's getting antsy for a victory, then we'll just have to keep him from scratching that itch!

If they make it through the main gate, we'll lose! If we can keep them out of the castle, we'll win!

Altria, Fujimaru! I'd like you to back up Auralia's

No, on second thought, I'd like you two to defend Londinium as our primary fighters!

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Our forces are in position in front of Londinium, sir!

The Round Table Army is sending out platoons of two hundred soldiers each from the north, east, and west gates...

...and appears to be gearing up to attack us from three directions!

Understood. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders, at least for a human.

Tell me, then, human. What do you make of the situation?

Do they seem like they're about to fight a quick skirmish and run back into the castle again, like they have been?

Um... No, sir. I can't explain it very well, but they seem...much more serious this time.

I don't think they plan to retreat at all.

It feels like they're hell-bent on holding you back here no matter what, sir.

Ha...

Hahahahahahaha! Exactly! They're clearly just stalling for time!

Percival's nowhere to be seen, right? I know all about his pathetic plan to get the drop on me with a separate squad.

I'd do the same in his position, but he's a day too late at the least.

I can just imagine the look on his face at seeing the empty remains of our old camp where he thought our forces were still stationed!

And that's not all. Even if he attempts to hurry back here, he'll run straight into the queen's reinforcements.

And even if he manages to temporarily give them the slip, he'll only end up sandwiched between them and my own forces.

He has no chance of making it back to Londinium.

And with him gone, the Round Table Army is no more than a glass bauble waiting to be smashed.

Now, rally our soldiers! Forget about the riffraff from the west gate!

Apart from the main gate, the ramparts should be thinly guarded now. Have our nimblest scouts sneak in wherever they can!

Tell the soldiers to show Londinium's inhabitants no mercy. Man, woman, child...makes no difference!

Anyone who would spurn Her Majesty's protection after she has kept Britain safe for two thousand years is no more than a common criminal!

Kill them all! Don't let a single one of Londinium's residents escape with their lives!

The battlefield's too big for my enchantments to reach everyone! Those troops over there may as well be sitting ducks!

Crap, Landon's platoon is fighting off a second wave! And they've got siege troops mixed in with them!

Altria can't take care of them without leaving her current position! Muramasa! Fujimaru!

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Okay! I'll be right back as soon as I've cut that thing down to size! You come too, Habetrot! We need all the help we can get right now!

This really isn't my thing, but all right!

I guess I can kick some ass and still keep Fujimaru safe!

That thing really didn't look like it belonged here. Did Koyanskaya sell it to 'em!?

I swear, is there anyone that damn fox WON'T sell to!?

Never mind that now, Muramasa! We've got three more headed this way!

Dammit, we'll never be able to defend the east gate against all of them! They just keep coming!

Some of the Fang clan soldiers have already made their way past the gates and into the castle!

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Too easy. You humans are nothing without your poisoned weapons.

Saboteurs, find a way to remove the ramparts' magical energy barriers! There must be a control board somewhere around here!

Tear any human who tries to interfere limb from limb! They don't have much longer to live, anyway!

Hm? ...Aha, perfect. There's a human who should be willing to talk.

You there, boy. Where is your commander? Tell us what you know, and we'll make your death quick and painless.

(Gasp... Gasp...!) Eek! Ulp... Ulp...!

(Oh man, they're headed this way! What do I do!? What do I do!?)

(I-I-I have to find a way to get rid of them before they find Nan and Yuri and the others!)

...Never mind. You're shaking so much you can't get a word out. This is a waste of time.

I'm amazed a defective one like you survived this long outside of the ranch.

So, all your scurrying about finally led you to this rat hole of a city. How revolting. Even in the last moments of your miserable life, you just can't help but make trouble for us.

Ee

Get out of here, you horse-faced bastard! Sink into the pit and don't you dare come crawling out of it ever again!

M-Ms. Gareth! Whoa! That was amaaazing!

R-really? So, does this armor and shield you all gave me look good on me then!?

You bet it does! But you were already amazing regardless!

That was one of the queen's own knights, and you just sent him flying like he was nothing!

Hehe, right? Now, hurry up and hide with the others! I'll take care of any other soldiers that make their way in here!

Okay! We're counting on you, Sir Knight! Thanks so much for saving me!

...That's right. This is war. Death is an unavoidable part of war.

But the ones doing the dying should be soldiers, not unarmed children!

If there aren't any true knights left in Britain, then I'll just have to fill the role myself!

Now come on, you cowards! You're not laying a finger on Londinium's people as long as I'm around!

The Round Table Army soldiers are doing their best, but there's nothing more we can do!

We're overmatched and outnumbered! We have to retreat to Londinium!

We can't! If we fall back now, the castle's as good as theirs!

Once Percival gets back, he'd have to lead the Round Table Army in a siege against their own castle!

Besides, Woodwose isn't taking any prisoners! If he makes it inside, there won't be anyone left to protect!

Y-yeah, you're right. Then we'll just have to fight to the last!

Oh man, I can't believe it! How many times am I going to have to do this sort of thing!?

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YOU calm down, Fujimaru! How am I supposed to stay calm under these conditions!?

I mean...how much fighting have you DONE if this doesn't phase you!? That's not normal, you know!!!

Ugh, just look at Woodwose smirking over there standing in the middle of his troops in his stupid suit!

Ugh, he's pissing me off! He'd better hope I don't throw a bomb at him! I can totally reach him from here, you know!

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Ah.

That's right! I can! Woodwose is so confident, he's come to the front himself!

Wait. Then, does this mean those troops heading toward the enemies by the main gate aren't actually Woodwose's main force...?

That's right! It's Percival! Percival's company made it!

Hahahahaha! That's it! Don't leave a single one of them alive!

This so-called army is nothing without Percival! They're no more than rabble!

Heh, the Child of Prophecy must be hiding in the castle, trembling about now.

At last, I can finally make up for my mistake in Tintagel and put that accursed village behind me!

Hey, you there. Has there been any word from the soldiers who snuck into the castle ahead of us yet?

Not yet, sir! We believe they're still busy looking for the Child of Prophecy!

...Um, Lord Woodwose? May I ask you something?

You described the Child of Prophecy as an evil-looking faerie girl of sixteen, right? Is there anything else you can tell us about her?

No. I don't know what she looks like.

I wasn't allowed to attend her audience with the queen, after all.

I-I see. Well, what about in Tintagel? Did you see her there?

No, I didn't. I never even got a look at her as she fled.

Well, no matter. I'll find out once the castle is ours. Now don't let up until the Round Table Army is completely

Wait. What are those footsteps? They sound like they're coming from behind us...

The queen's reinforcements? ...No, they can't be. This frivolous, insignificant thumping of boots can only be

L-L-Lord Woodwose! Lord Woodwose!

Percival's forces are attacking us from behind our lines!

No, they're practically on top of us! We don't have time to regroup!

I don't understand! You said we wouldn't have to worry about an attack from the rear!

What!? Are you telling me they already defeated the queen's reinforcements!?

No, that can't be! That's just not possible!

All I can tell you, sir, is that they're definitely here, and they're completely unharmed!

But our soldiers are exhausted from throwing themselves at the ramparts! We're outmatched now!

If we don't do something soon, they'll have us surrounded!

What are your orders, Lord Woodwose!? We need you to lead us in battle!

Surrounded...? THEY have US surrounded!? And now you want me to wade into the fray myself!?

Auralia! Landon! Have your troops move around the enemy's right flank over by Londinium!

Squad two, make your way over to Londinium as well! Keep attacking the right flank on your way!

Squad one, we'll attack the enemy's main force and take out their commander together, before they can rebuild their formation!

The Child of Prophecy will definitely take advantage of this opportunity! Now, with me! Let's end this fight with Woodwose's army once and for all!

Yeaaah! We're with you, Commander Percivaaal!

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Looks like we don't gotta worry about the ramparts anymore! Now we can just focus on Woodwose's army! You hear what he said, Altria!?

I heard! He wants us to come out and fight with him! Are you all good to go!?

You know it! The Fang clan's a formidable bunch! We can't pass up this chance to rein them in!

Come on, Fujimaru! We're going in for the kill!

It's over, Woodwose! We've got you completely surrounded!

This can't be happening! How did you get here so fast, Percival!?

How did you shake the high queen's reinforcements!? Did you have help from the King Clan!?

...Reinforcements? I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about.

You figured out our plan to attack from behind your lines and tried to capture Londinium before we could act.

You nearly succeeded, but luckily, the others managed to hold out long enough for us to make it.

That's all there is to it. Now, please surrender, Lord Woodwose.

If you surrender, I promise you will be treated well as our prisoner of war.

We have no wish to spill blood unnecessarily. Our only enemy is the queen.

Impossible... You say you never even saw the high queen's reinforcements? I mean, that would explain how you got here so fast, but... No, it can't be!

That can't be right. It can't be! That...that would mean the high queen has forsaken me...

And she would never ever do thaaat!

That does it! To hell with propriety! How dare you mock the high queen's trust in me!?

Hnnn... Hnnn... HnnnNNN!

Hraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Hnn... Hnn...

...Very well, humans. You want to fight me? So be it.

I, Woodwose, Head of the Fang clan, shall kill you all with my own hands!

...Just as I expected.

Dust piled to the peak of a mountain will still never be more than dust. Wars are fought between faeries with true power.

Soldiers only exist in Her Majesty's Faerie Britain to give otherwise useless faeries something to do.

You pissants could never hope to kill someone like me, no matter how many of you there are.

Now then, staying in this form uses a lot of energy, and it's left me a bit peckish. Forgive me if my table manners are...lacking.

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(...I'm definitely going to get another earful about this later...)

(Inhale...) (Exhale...)

...Oho.

(He really does have the power of a king. He embodies the beauty of the wild itself. Truth be told, we humans should never have challenged him in the first place...)

(...But I've come too far to let it end here!)

Hear me, sacred spear, and pass judgment on mine actions!

(Inhale...) (Exhale...)

...Oho.

Haaa...!

Hear me, sacred spear, and pass judgment on mine actions!

...!

Of course I know of that spear's power. Aurora told me all about it.

Personally, I wish you had used it during the Robin Redbreast tournament, so I could have seen Lancelot begging for mercy.

Speaking of that tournament, did you know I gave it its name, you pathetic worm?

I named it after a toy bird who dreamed of defeating a dragon. Seems unlikely to happen now, though.

Heh... Hehe, hehehe.

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

Urk! Gack! Ah... Aah... Aaah!

What is it, Gareth!? Did an arrow hit you!? Let me see!

It's not that! I don't see a single arrow in her back or head! That said, something's obviously not right!

Hang in there, Gareth! Stay calm! Deep breaths!

...Redra? Oberon? You're both alive. Thank goodness...

No, what am I saying! That was obviously another vision!

Come on, Gareth, think! What can you do to stop everyone from getting killed!?

Gareth? What are you talking abou

Aha! I've got it! Redra, I need your help! Please!

You've been jealous of Percival for the way he fights on his faerie steed, right!?

Well, now's your chance to be the Kundry to my Percival!

Bwa!?

(...I'm definitely going to get another earful about this later...)

(Inhale...) (Exhale...)

...Oho.

(He really does have the power of a king. He embodies the beauty of the wild itself. Truth be told, we humans should never have challenged him in the first place...)

(But I have to defeat him, or I'll never be able to save her! Forgive me, Head of the Fang clan!)

Hear me, sacred spear, and pass judgment on mine

Stoooooop!!! I know you're about to do something cool, but hang on just a second!

Gareth!?

No, it's me!

And me!

...! (Redra Bit!?)

(Why would one of the servants I gave to Aurora dare to defy me!? Unless... No... It couldn't be...)

(Aurora... Don't tell me you of all faeries have chosen to side with the Child of Prophecy!?)

Yaaaaaah!

You fool! Not even iron weapons can hope to defeat me! I'm simply far too strong for the likes ofOw!

That actually hurt!?

Now, Percival!

Got it! Thank you, Gareth!

Hear me, sacred spear! In light of my friend's bravery, please, forgive mine actions!

Ghh! What is this? Chills...? Dizziness!? How insolent...using the Spear of Selection!?

You would pass judgment on my clan, with your filthy voice of paradise!?

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Right! We can't waste this opportunity Gareth gave us! Come on, everyone!

Gaaaaaah!

Impossible... Impossible!

I'm a grand duke! The head of a clan! I can't be defeated by humans...!

This will never stand! Never!

He's getting away! He's headed for...the River of Tears!

Dammit, if we lose him now, we'll never get another chance! Somebody! Go after him!

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Gnn... Rrr... Raaaaaah!!!

Guh... My demonic blood...the bleeding won't stop! I can't...last much longer!

Stay away... Stay away from me, you lousy good-for-nothing! Where would you be if it weren't for me!?

Did you forget how I chose you!?

You were just another piece of human trash before I found you!

I saw your talent for fighting! I recommended you!

I know that! I know I wouldn't be here now if not for you, and I'm grateful to you for that!

You saved my life, yes. But I still have to take yours!

Forgive me, Duke of Oxford!

Stop it! You can't kill me! You can't kill Britain!

Without the Fang clan, who will be left to protect it!? ...Stop! Stoooooop!!!

...Farewell, Father. I will pay for this sin in paradise one day. I promise.

Woodwose's army is on the run! The battle is over!

All noncombatants can come out from hiding. All medics, assemble at the main gate!

Any enemy soldiers who surrendered peacefully will be taken to the site of our future western residential district! Those who wish for a visit, please speak to the Kenwood brigade!

I repeat, Woodwose's army is on the run! Victory is ours!

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Yes... Somehow... Thank goodness everyone is oka

No, wait! Everyone's NOT okay! Percival still hasn't moved since he collapsed!

We have to treat him right away! Gareth! Gareeeeeeth!

Could you bring Redra Bit over here now!? We have to hurry to Percival!

...Woodwose died in battle.

Around twenty percent of the Fang clan attackers have surrendered, and are now POWs of the Round Table Army.

The rest fled toward Oxford.

Without Woodwose to lead them, I doubt the Fang clan will continue to function as an army.

We've made it past our second big obstacle, though not without sacrifice.

I'd say that takes care of most of the obstacles here in the south. What do you think, Count?

Hmmm, I'd say so. I think we have enough of a foundation here to make a move on Camelot if we have to.

Altria's rung two bells, and with her companions, she defeated Woodwose.

And most importantly, it's wonderful how she didn't mistreat the Fang clan after winning.

She didn't pursue the faeries who fled, and she's treating those who surrendered with care and respect.

She truly embodies the Round Table Army's vision:

A world where humans and faeries can coexist in peace, free from the queen's oppressive regime.

I'd say this puts the Child of Prophecy on, at minimum, equal moral footing with the queen.

That's right. We have no desire to kill all faeries.

We had no choice but to fight Woodwose since he aligned himself with the queen, but the Fang clan is still essential for keeping Britain safe.

I can't imagine Norwich is the last we'll see of the Great Calamity, and no matter how strong they may be, the Tam Lin are still just individuals.

If there's going to be a large outbreak of mors, then we'll need the Fang clan to combat them.

So, once the Round Table Army regroups and officially occupies Oxford

Indeed. The question is: Who will lead the Fang clan?

Percival would be the best choice, if he hadn't been the one to kill Woodwose. The Fang clan won't follow him now.

Lord Boggart, who was banished to Sheffield, would have been a good choice too, if he were still alive...

Well, don't you worry. I'll find someone who can fill the position.

After all, Altria's now the Child of Prophecy who will defeat the queen in both name and deed.

So we're only going to get more supporters, and not just from Norwich and Salisbury.

All we have to do is find a natural leader who's familiar with the Fang clan from among them.

No, the real question is what comes next. We may no longer have to worry about being backstabbed, but

But we do need to decide whether to march on Camelot, or go ring the other bells.

You do have to weigh your options very carefully when you're only working with half an army...

...

Sorry to keep you waiting, Lady Altria.

Don't worry, I have good news. Commander Percival has regained consciousness.

He's recovered at an incredible rate. In fact, he says he's as good as new. He really has reached the limits of human ability!

Anyway, when I told him you'd like to see him, he asked me to let you in right away.

Oh, thank goodness. He really had me worried for a while.

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Yeah! He deserves all the credit in the world for securing the Round Table Army's victory!

Thank you for coming all this way, Altria, Fujimaru.

The soldiers already told me what happened after I collapsed.

I'm so relieved the battle ended almost right afterward, and with no more loss of life.

The Round Table Army did a great job living up to our ideals. We may even still be able to make peace with the Fang clan.

Hm? Is something wrong? Why do you both look so shocked?

Oh, gosh, you're not worried I'm a ghost or Nightcall or something, are you? Come on, you know we humans don't stick around like that once we die.

I'm perfectly fine, as you can see. Really, when you get right down to it, my sturdiness is all I have going for me.

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You don't look perfectly fine at all! What happened to your hair!?

Huh? What about my hair?

Teehee. All those cheers I'm hearing throughout the city must mean the Round Table Army won.

Now that all of Salisbury is firmly on the Child of Prophecy's side, I can openly welcome Altria anytime.

I do feel a little bad about Woodwose, though...

I know I accepted Oberon's request to keep him occupied while the Round Table Army advanced on Norwich, but...

I can't help but wonder if maybe I went too far... Still, he was just so cute, being all shy, that I couldn't help myself....

It's not your fault, Aurora. Woodwose lost because he wasn't strong enough. That's all.

He took Morgan's faith in him at face value, to a fault.

He was also overconfident in his power as an A-ray. He should have taken the humans more seriously.

Now, now, my darling. Even if it is just the two of us here, you still mustn't speak ill of the queen.

The Wind clan's ears aren't just for show. You never know who might be listening.

...You're right. I'm sure Coral would give me an earful if she heard me.

Where is she now, anyway? Isn't she your right hand?

Coral went out to greet the envoy from Gloucester.

It seems Murian has a special message for me. Teehee, I can't wait to hear it.

Murian's always been on top of the hottest trends, after all.

She must be planning a very special event to commemorate the Child of Prophecy's victory.

...What about you, Aurora? Are you going to accept Murian's invitation?

Well of course. Murian is one of my dearest friends. I'll always be there for her.

You'll come with me too, won't you? I couldn't possibly go without my knight.

...Good point. I can't let you fend for yourself in Gloucester.

Oh goodie! Then we'll have to find a lovely new outfit for you!

Your usual armor would positively terrify the other faeries.

What about this dress? Or maybe this one? Ahh, I can't wait to see how adorable you'll be!

Goodness me, you really haven't changed a bit since we first met!

You're my precious treasure, the most darling princess in all of Britain! I love you so much, ■■■■■■■■!

...Thank you, Aurora. But you're wrong. You're the most beautiful being in the world.

Remember, I am your knight. I exist only to serve you, not Morgan.

...

You're right. That's true, isn't it? I am so delighted to hear you say that.

But you really shouldn't say such things. You're misunderstood enough as it is.

Britain is about to enter an age centered on the Child of Prophecy. You can't say I'm the most anything.

Please, dear one, don't back the wrong horse here, especially not when Morgan's reign is near its end.

None of that matters to me. You are my only star, Aurora. I don't know anything about faerie trends or authority, and I don't need to.

As long as you're all right, that's all I

Oh, you. You really are still a child, aren't you?

But then again, that might make you the purest judge of the Child of Prophecy's character.

Please, ■■■■■■■■. I'd love to know your thoughts.

Do you think the Child of Prophecy will truly shine brighter than anyone else in Britain, like the prophecy says?

...

Lady Cnoc na Riabh, you've received an invitation to a ball from Murian of Gloucester...

Wh-what would you like to do?

Huh!? She wants to throw a ball now, of all times!?

...Ahh, I see. She just wants to toy with the Child of Prophecy.

She's still just as nasty as ever, I see.

Tell her the King Clan will not be attending. Besides, do you really think I'd be caught dead in a city full of humans?

U-understood, milady.

Milady! We have a report from the soldiers who have been monitoring the south!

The Round Table Army and the Child of Prophecy have defeated Woodwose and his army!

The Round Table Army lost a fifth of their forces, but they've also been getting more than enough new recruits to make up for that.

We expect them to finish training the new troops and go on the advance in about a week!

I see. So Woodwose was all bark and no bite, after all.

All right. If nothing else, this means one of Camelot's walls has fallen.

Tell the other officers we'll be crossing the southern border as soon as the giant corps finishes training.

Woohoooooo! Er, p-pardon me, milady.

But I just can't contain my excitement. At long last, we're about to march on Camelot!

We're just getting things ready.

This plan has been in the works for a thousand years, since the last of the King Clan put it in place. Make sure neither you, nor the other officers, get ahead of yourselves.

Though of course, if you're eager for a punishment that's simply out of this world, I won't stop you.

Just make sure you're ready to be turned into chocolate and skewered on my stiletto heels for at least a thousand years first.

U-understood, milady! Not a single one of the northern faeries will make a move until you say so!

...So, those kids really beat Woodwose, huh...

Morgan's most powerful guard, the A-ray who defeated the king of mors and who is way more trouble than the Tam Lin...

Heh. Nice job. I'm actually impressed!

That's the kind of competition I'm looking for, Altria!

If you're going to compete with me for the throne, you have to be able to make a good fight of it!

I'm back, Lady Murian. Did anything happen while I was gone?

Oh yes. Preparations for the ball are coming along nicely. In fact, I just sent out the invitations.

What about you? Were you able to handle the job, even on such short notice?

But of course. I haven't let my...true colors show like that since Olympus.

Between the bone crunching, the screams of terror, and their abject despair, I enjoyed myself immensely.

Of course, it also seems Lord Woodwose is no longer with us as a result, but that's hardly my concern.

I'm sure the Child of Prophecy and the Chaldeans came through just like they always do.

Much as I loathe this expression, it certainly does seem that a cornered rat will bite the cat.

At any rate, are you quite sure you're okay with this? That's another clan leader gone for good.

True... It's too bad about Woodwose. I never thought he'd die in battle against humans, of all things...

But, the Fang clan is still alive and well.

If the stragglers are hiding in Oxford, they won't be so quick to join the Round Table Army.

They need time to regroup, so I'm going to give it to them.

Britain's guardians, the Fang clanthe one deterrent that will free us from relying on the queenis mine.

I'm not going to let the Child of Prophecy have them, much less an outsider from who knows where.

Then would you mind if I took a leave of absence for the time being?

I've been very curious to follow up on the lead Lord Oberon gave me about the dragon remains, you see.

...(Sigh) I do mind, but I also understand.

I would have liked to talk with you more, but that's really not why you came to Britain, is it?

So as your friend, I won't try to stop you. Good luck on your search.

Still, do try to come back as soon as you can, okay? I can't wait to hear all the horribly good news.

But of course. I always make it a point never to waste my time♡

Hnn... Hnn...!

Y-you can't kill me... You can't kill me! Who the hell do you think I am!?

I'm the son of Grand Duke "Waste Heat" Wryneck! I'm the warrior who defeated the king of mors in the war!

I'm the pride of the clan that has protected Britain alongside High Queen Morgan longer than anyone!

There's no way I could be defeated in... in...in a trifling battle like that!

Guh! Arrrgh! My wound! My wound refuses to close...!

That insolent Percival...! No, it wasn't just him. That faerie girl is responsible for this!

How did her lance manage to pierce me...? The only possible explanation is

No, it's not just that... Redra Bit... Aurora's escort...

If he's allied with the Round Table Army, then...

You deserve better, Woodwose. As the high queen's personal guard, you've seen it for yourself, right?

High Queen Morgan has changed over the last two millennia. First, she brought in the Tam Lin...

...then she adopted a faerie girl from who knows what clan...and now, she's chosen an outsiderand a human at thatas her husband.

Personally, I've always thought you would be a perfect partner for her.

Now I feel like such a fool for stepping back to let your relationship with her flourish...

Aurora... Do you really mean that? I always thought you despised me...

Oh silly. Why would I ever despise you?

You're a hero. You've saved Britain from disaster countless times. Of everyone in the six clans, you're the closest to the primordial faeries.

There's not a faerie out there who doesn't admire you. But...you swore loyalty to the high queen.

It wouldn't be right for a faerie like myself to come between you and Her Majesty...

Still...I never stopped thinking of you as the one who has truly kept Britain safe all these years.

I don't know what Ainsel was thinking with that prophecy. It can't possibly be true.

The true king of Britain is neither High Queen Morgan, nor the Child of Prophecy.

It's you, Woodwose. You're the one who truly deserves to be our king...

No... No, that can't be! Aurora of all faeries would never betray me!

Redra Bit must have gone over to the enemy's side on his own! Yes...yes! He always was an odd one!

...That's it. I can go to Salisbury... I'm sure Aurora will put me up there...

Now that I've been defeated, I'm sure Oxford will soon be occupied...

But once I've recovered from my wounds, I'll go right back there and give the Round Table Army the thrashing they deserve!

I am Woodwose! The head of the Fang clan, and the strongest warrior in all of Britain!

We don't need the Tam Lin. If I kill them all myself, High Queen Morgan will see that I'm the one to

Oh please. That's never going to happen, Woodwose.

What kind of chick do you think's gonna take you in after you had your ass handed to you this miserably?

Beryl Gut! What are you doing here?

Have you come to laugh at me!?

What, you think I have time for that? Ha! I swear, you've got muscles for days, but nothing between your ears!

That right there's why Morgan lost all faith in you. When're you gonna get it through your thick skull that you're yesterday's news?

Wha... What are you saying, you bastard?

...No. Never mind. Shut up. Just shut up! You're wrong! Her Majesty would never

Ugh. You still don't get it?

Here, let me spell out for you why Percival was able to sneak up on your forces.

The high queen never sent any reinforcements.

An overgrown mutt who can't do what he's told and goes sniffing around other women is an obstacle, not an asset.

You were cut loose, just like the Round Table Army.

Stop it... Stop it! Her Majesty would... She would never...

Ghh... Aah... Waaaaaaaaaaaah!

Now, Tristan. Do it.

Yooou got it!

Guh... Gah... Ah... Ah... ...Ah...

All riiight! Way to go, Lady Spinel! That was perfect!

I knew you had the makings of a witch in you! You pulled off my granny's old curse like it was nothing!

R-really? I'm glad to hear that, but also kind of...not?

Whatever I just did, it felt super gross. I don't think I wanna do that again...

Don't worry! You can't! It was a secret art, and you can only cast it once in a lifetime!

('Cause casting it literally rots your soul. If you want to try it out, best to let someone else do it.)

Now here, let me have that, Princess. It's still beating pretty strong, right?

That's not the kind of thing you should be carrying around with your beautiful fingers.

...Okay. I really like the way this thing feels, but if you insist.

What is it, anyway? Woodwose's liver or something?

Oh, something like that.

Remember when I told you about how Proper Human History witches can turn into animals?

There's a lot of pieces that go into that spell, and it's not the kind of thing you can cast in a day...

But where there's a will, there's a faster way. Like so.

It's not easy collecting and eating the parts of the creatures you want to become, but it's definitely the quickest way.