Chapter 8: Imperial Soldier Camp

Ethan! What has gotten into you?

Tell you what?

You lied to the king...

Well, we did find the Holy Grail! Just 'cause it's fake doesn't mean it isn't convincing.

Does it not tear you up inside to lie?

Your Highness, it will all work out if Ethan says so.

Yeah, what she said. It's all according to plan.

Then what is the plan now?

The king said he's on the verge of war! That means there's only one attractive offer we can give.

You don't mean... Ethan, you want to fight off the Imperial Army?!

It's not great for us, but it is our way to get King Mark on our side.

Now we need the means to make it happen.

Like a way to know their movements or positioning... even their overall makeup.

Then...

We will launch a surprise attack on their main base!

There must be some military tactic documents in the camp there, so let's steal 'em!

How? There will be scores of men in their main base...

Yup.

Good luck, Ethan. I'll just be here getting my beauty sleep.

Are you crazy? We don't have enough strength without you.

If you wanna get yourself killed, then don't drag me into it.

Um... I believe I agree with Morgana...

Don't worry. We're not going about this the conventional way.

Whether this plan succeeds or not... depends completely on you, Bedivere!

... What?

Whaaaaaat?!

Attacking the base alone? Do you four have a death wish?

She came out, Ethan!

All right, and now we... retreat!

Ethaaaaaan!

Watch our back, Bedivere! Let's see that knightly pride!

Ethan, are you certain of this?

How will Bedi pretend she's a traitor? And then escape with their secrets?!

I cannot help but think this plan is too much for her...

Aw, give her some credit! Bedivere's fought alongside us this whole time.

But Ethan, what made you choose Bedivere for this plan?

She is a terrible liar. If she gets found out, it will not end with mere torture.

T-Torture? Oh my Bedi...

Relax, Elizabeth. I have a reason for picking her.

For one, neither you nor I could do it. They'd send us straight to the Imperial Palace.

As for Morgana, if she gets caught, she can't help us fight with her magic.

And as wide-range magic is the best veil for the enemy's eyes, we need her.

But...

Bedivere is a royal knight. If the enemy general wants bragging rights, Bedivere is pretty great bait for it.

Will it go as well as you say?

Trust me! Those sent to the battlefield in times like these are always itching to make a name for themselves!

Besides, this army's not even disciplined. Look how they sloppy they were earlier. The chances we succeed are high.

Even if we don't acquire any documents, we will be able to learn about their army.

Ethan, Bedivere's coming!

What? Already?!

Great going there, guardian knight of Britannia!

Bedivere! This way!

But isn't that the Imperial Army behind her?

What?

Ethan!

Good, she saw us.

There they are! Ethan and Princess Elizabeth! Right over there!

Hurry! They're running away!

... Huh?

I do not know what is going on, but I think we better run!

I-It'll be fine. We have Morgana with us.

Morgana! Tie up their feet with a spell and make it snappy!

...?

Um, Ethan... Morgana is already way over there.

That stupid fairy already ran away?!

Haaa, haaa...

Ethan, I think we lost them...

Whew, yeah.

What the hell happened? What's Bedivere up to?

Or did she actually turn on us?!

T-That is impossible...

I know. I was just sayin'.

But then again...

Gah, I have no idea. I hope Bedivere knows what she's doing.

Haaa, the bonds between humans are so fragile. Can't even trust your own compatriots.

I was just sayin', I said...

Your Highness!

B-Bedi?

Waaaah, I'm so sorry!

Hic, I am so glad you're safe!

C'mere, Bedivere. Good work.

Ethan was worried you may have betrayed us, Bedivere.

Pardon me?!

I did not! I didn't mean it like that! God, I oughta do something about that mouth of yours!

Hat huts, Ehan! Hat huuuts!

So... Ethan thinks I'm that sort of lady...

I do not! I swear I never doubted you!

You were just acting weird earlier... What were you doing, anyway?

Ah, that... I knew I could not be a convincing actress... so I tried to pretend I was serious!

I got the impression everyone believed me, so I said I would confess where you were.

You did betray us!

Please be calm, Ethan. She managed to carry out the plan because of it.

While I had them all chase you down, I took their battle map!

Really? That's wonderful news!

Bedivere... You succeeded brilliantly... I think I'm going to cry...

Y-Your Highness? What did you think of me before, then?

We should discuss this later. Bedivere's been tailed.

The Imperial Army!

You bloody rats!

What?! I thought I left without a peep! They found out?!

Fine, we'll just take 'em down. Let's go!

Tsk, is there no way out?

You pests... dare trick me to steal my map?

This is the end of the line for you!

Hey, that's my line. Look behind me. All your men are on the ground after losing their mind and chasing us.

Y-You...! Do you think I will not fight you myself?!

Yup.

Curse you!

Ungh... lost again... how...

I thought you said you didn't suck with a sword.

Ethan, behind you! The Imperial Army!

Gotta go, see ya later!

Curse you!!!

What a success!

With this battle map from the main camp, King Mark won't be able to push us away anymore.

Your last-minute tactic worked out in the end.

But Ethan, as good as the map is, are you sure it's enough to convince King Mark?

I just get the impression we need more...

Oh yeah, it's definitely not enough.

Even if the king does like it, his forked-tongue chancellor will advise him otherwise.

But we now at least have our foot in the negotiation door. And if we play our cards right with this map, we could wipe out the Imperial Army.

So it is war...

Yeah. A very important war for us.

That's great and all, but can we head back? My belly says it's dinner time.

How can you think of food at a time like this?!

Hm? You there...! Visiting hours are over!

Whoa, you scared me for a second, Tristan.

Ethan!

What's with that look of contempt?

Ethan, what eyes you have, making out Tristan's face in this darkness.

Well, yeah. There's a certain look from a woman only a man who's overcome the adversity of life can feel.

Acting nonchalant will not get you inside. The castle gates are closed now.

Oh, come on, Tristan. Just let us in. We come bearing glad tidings!

What glad tidings?

We have the battle map of the Imperial Army!

Ohh...

I cannot verify it, but I do admit I am intrigued. All right, I'll come down to check and uaaagh!

Idiot... Of course you're gonna fall rushing down in the dark like that.

The general has fallen! It's a surprise attack!

What?! From where?!

Out there! Intruders! Seize them!

You gotta be kidding me!

Huh, the streets were pretty empty, but this place is packed.

It is a pub, after all.

Man, maybe it's 'cause they're on the verge of war, but those soldiers reacted so emotionally.

Just declares it a surprise attack instantly... Do I gotta wear a giant sign with my name on it?

Do not whine. Be thankful I helped see you here.

Did you really bring us all this way as an apology?

That, and for the map. Why else would I waste my precious pay buying you drinks?

Makes sense. Here ya go.

Mmm... It does appear real...

'Cause it is. Bedivere busted her butt to steal that.

How did she do it? It cannot have been easy to get inside the camp.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. She lied saying she surrendered to them and was taken to the commander.

Normally, that kind of lie wouldn't work, but the commander of the Imperial Army, currently at war with everyone, can't miss any opportunity.

Even if it was a lie, she just needs to not report it.

So you took advantage of the weakness of Vortigern's unstable grip on usurped power.

Goodness. Ethan, you are truly...

Amazing?

Knavish.

.......

So what is your plan now? This map is wonderful, but I do not know what use it is alone.

Think up a strategy to defeat the enemy, then ask for the king's cooperation.

Will that work?

Sure. King Mark asked for a means of putting an end to the war, but what he really wants is a safe way to fight back.

That's the reason he doesn't just surrender like that chancellor guy advises him to.

... Precisely what Princess Isolde said.

His Majesty is unable to take action because of Hamann and the nobles in fear.

If you truly wish to persuade him, you need a plan they cannot outwardly talk down.

I know. I already have one, don't worry.

So how 'bout one more round?!

I don't know if that is a good idea...

My coin purse is...

Mm, what do you think is on Ethan's mind, Your Highness?

I cannot say... He only said he has a plan, but has not mentioned anything specifically, so I am uncertain.

But...

I believe in him.