"By the name of the Knight King, I bestow upon you the title of the Thirteen Knights of the Round Table!" Holding aloft a golden sword that was clearly not a ceremonial blade, Artoria showed no hint of reluctance. It must be said that her lifelong rigorous training found its perfect expression at this moment.
"Gawain, I pardon your father's treason and bestow upon you the position of First Knight. I hope you will continue to make more contributions to the King." Just pardoning his father's sins was enough to make Gawain endlessly grateful, let alone directly bestowing the honor of First Knight?
Gawain's eyes were red, his voice choked. Without another word, he knelt before Artoria, bowing his noble head, allowing Artoria to crown him.
"Gareth, I wish for you to lead the Knight Order and achieve various glories for the King." This was clearly the Second Knight.
"etoque, I..." He was, after all, a Grand Duke and a father-in-law. If he wasn't among the top three, there might be trouble later.
Kailar stepped forward at the opportune moment and announced loudly, "The three individuals above, each leading two thousand knights, shall be the first vanguard for external wars!"
Knights, in the traditional sense and in Kailar's concept, were heavy cavalry.
The knights all became nervous. Two thousand for each person.
There were only three people mentioned above. In other words, the entire Knight Order of Camelot only needed six thousand!
The lords all showed scornful smiles. What could six thousand knights do? They could only defend one direction!
"What about the Romans below and the restless ones within our country?" The lords laughed.
"Bedivere!" Artoria shouted.
"Here!" Because this girl had lost an arm, her other arm became even more delicate. Many people admired her, not just women, but also her indomitable spirit: "I hope that in the future, you will serve as an example for women, letting the world know that women can also become mighty and brave knights!"
Kailar's first thought was, when talking about an example for women, who could be a greater example than you? His other thought was that he finally understood why only Bedivere remained by Artoria's side at the end of the Battle of Camlann: as fellow women, Bedivere must have been Artoria's personal guard.
"Gaheris, I hope you..." Artoria called out names one by one, until there were five Knights of the Round Table.
Kailar, with perfect understanding, stepped forward, tapping his staff on the ground: "The five Knights of the Round Table mentioned above, each leading three thousand light cavalry, shall patrol the country! All supplies shall be provided by the lords within the country! The important task of guarding the safety of Camelot is entrusted to you!"
Although they were somewhat dissatisfied with light cavalry, they were still knights, and the duty of defending the homeland made them feel very good, like guardians. So, they didn't fuss about traditional armor.
The lords, however, gritted their teeth: "Taking our money to raise your troops, isn't this just getting something for nothing!"
"Laulan! I bestow upon you..." Artoria continued. These matters had all been discussed by the two of them in bed the previous night—with Artoria's change in status, both of them would feel a sense of restraint if they discussed things outside of bed, so it was better to just settle everything there.
"The five individuals above, each leading two thousand mounted archers, shall serve as the five pillars of the King, rotating every month!" This was only the initial arrangement.
The strongest one hundred and fifty knights were naturally treated as Knights of the Round Table.
Kailar clapped twice, and two strong men naturally carried a huge round table to the plaza below.
Artoria, majestically, waved her hand: "Gentlemen, please be seated!"
The thirteen knights then took their seats around the Round Table, of course, from left to right. It had always been customary to honor the left, so Gawain naturally sat on the left. But Gareth, as a junior, absolutely refused to sit above Grand Duke Andre, so he demurred. Grand Duke Andre had no choice but to take the second seat. At this point, he finally blushed with embarrassment, which made the other three Grand Dukes laugh heartily, telling the old man to meddle in the affairs of youngsters. Now even Gawain wanted to demur: after all, Grand Duke Andre was his uncle!
Grand Duke Andre was about to get angry, but Kailar came over to appease both of them, giving Gareth a grateful look, which finally prevented a farce.
Artoria sat on the throne, which was only one or two steps higher than them, but Kailar was presiding over this meeting.
Kailar tapping his staff signified that the meeting had begun.
"First of all, all of you are outstanding individuals of Camelot. You have fought more battles than I have eaten rice. I will not, as an amateur, direct professionals here." Kailar's humble words, while true before his strength was displayed, with the precedent of three thousand infantry defeating cavalry, even the Knights of the Round Table dared not be presumptuous. Beowulf, however, was very boisterous, apparently not having heard of Kailar's great name.
"So, first, let me tell you about the reform plan this time:" Kailar swept his gaze over them with a calm and gentle smile, but a formidable aura emanated directly from him. With Mordred and Merlin still tied up in his bedroom, Kailar, who had completely replaced Merlin's position, already possessed the initial authority of a Chancellor.
"First, invasion! Grand Duke West! I will not touch your heavy cavalry! Please immediately bring your two thousand knights to Red Leaf Ridge! Defend against the invasion of the Romans!" Kailar's gaze fixed on the Grand Duke of the North, even his address changed: "The food and supplies for these two thousand knights will all be provided by Red Leaf Ridge. The safety of the East is entrusted to you!"
"Yes!" He roared with full vigor. As the personal guard of the previous King, West would not put on airs in front of his new liege just because he held the title of Grand Duke, even though Kailar was a man of no rank or title. But who knew what he did in the palace last night... "Then I'll leave it to you! Next is the war order!" Kailar's expression was stern, but he was thinking of something else. The academy was originally planned to be established after the Harvest Festival, but it was completely delayed because of the sword-pulling incident. Now, another expedition was about to begin... So be it.
Kailar sighed inwardly: "Take all the students to participate in this war of conquest. If it is handled well and everyone benefits, then a military academy will be established in Camelot, the capital city of Camelot, corresponding to the art academy in Red Leaf Ridge. This will not only demonstrate Britain's stance on separating politics and military but also promote mutual growth..." Thinking of the wonderful possibilities, Kailar's face instantly broke into a smile.
"Then, gentlemen, please begin selecting your troops!" Kailar's spirited words filled the twelve young knights present with a murderous intent that soared to the heavens.
The glory of a knight is forged with the blood of enemies!