Blue-Eyes White Dragon: Adopted by the King of Knights [38]

Another two months passed.

Summer gradually faded, and a half-month stretch of drizzling rain brought the cool breath of autumn to the island.

But not even this constant rain could wash away the restlessness in people’s hearts.

“We’re going to war.”

“And it’s going to be a big one.”

Even though the king had yet to issue a formal draft order, after two whole months of military preparations, even the most oblivious could feel the stifling tension that now hung over the island.

The shadow of war had returned once more to this land called Britain.

And in a twist of bitter irony, the last major war on this island had taken place ten years prior—when Red Dragon King Uther clashed with White Dragon King Vortigern in their final confrontation.

That war ended with Uther’s death, and the fall of Camelot.

So this time—this civil war between the two sisters of the Red Dragon—what conclusion awaited?

“Eight kingdoms. Nearly thirty thousand men.”

“Gathering so many all at once… even I’m starting to feel the pressure.”

Artoria frowned as she listened to Bedivere report the latest intel.

Of course, it wasn’t the question of how to defeat them that bothered her.

Let’s not forget—she wasn’t human in the usual sense. She was a dragon. A true Red Dragon.

Whether it was ten thousand or thirty thousand—or even a hundred thousand—she could incinerate them all with dragonfire if she wished. Just a few more blasts, that’s all.

But the problem was… Artoria had no desire to kill that many people. She couldn’t kill that many people.

The thirty thousand soldiers under those eight kings represented nearly the entirety of Britain’s elite fighting force. She couldn’t just wipe them out—not when she was the prophesied king of Britain, who would one day need these very people to help govern the land.

She needed to find a way to defeat the eight kings while preserving as much of both armies’ strength as possible.

If only we could settle things with knightly duels, she thought wistfully.

She knew perfectly well that was just a fantasy.

Those power-hungry kings—who cared only for their thrones—would never give up their overwhelming advantage just to spare their own men.

“Don’t underestimate them, Your Majesty.”

“Most of them are good-for-nothings, it’s true… but among those eight kings, there is one true warrior.”

“King Pellinore—the one who inherited the legacy of the Hero. His martial skill is in no way inferior to your father’s. In fact, had he joined forces with your father against Vortigern back then… the outcome of that battle might’ve gone very differently.”

Seated on a wooden stool, Merlin idly teased a fluffy white creature that looked somewhere between a kitten and a fox as he delivered his latest intel to Artoria.

“But, despite how grim things look on our end, it’s not all bad news.”

“There are still kings in Britain who support us.”

“Who?”

“King Leodegrance.”

“Huh? Who’s that? Should I go visit him?”

“Your father’s old friend. He missed out on that fatal war because of his mediocre swordsmanship—and he’s got no real talent for governance either. But, well, he did raise a daughter who could topple kingdoms.”

“???”

“Don’t give me that look. She’s already at the village gate. Shouldn’t you be out there greeting her?”

“Or would you rather let Kay whistle at a noble princess like some common barmaid?”

…

Artoria rushed toward the village’s front gate.

Sure enough, just as Merlin had said, a beautiful silver-haired girl stood at the entrance, curiously surveying the village.

She hadn’t come alone, of course—behind her trailed over a dozen carriages, all laden with massive sacks of grain, tools like hoes and iron basins, and other daily necessities.

With that kind of preparation, she was practically the embodiment of sincerity.

The villagers peeked out, equally curious.

But the girl carried herself with a certain noble aura—the poised dignity of someone raised in a royal court.

She didn’t radiate hostility, nor did she seem cold or distant. And yet, the villagers still didn’t dare approach her directly. They could only gaze from afar at her near-unearthly beauty.

“Princess Guinevere, very well. Please wait here a moment—I’ll go inform Her Majesty.”

It was Bedivere who finally stepped forward to handle the formalities with the visiting princess.

“Thank the heavens Kay’s not around,” Artoria muttered, more grateful than ever for her brother’s lazy streak.

But the next moment, she composed herself, putting on a warm and proper smile to welcome her distinguished guest.

“Welcome to our kingdom, Your Highness.”

“Sir Bedivere, if you would, please prepare some fruit in the kitchen—and something for lunch as well.”

“…Actually, never mind. I’ll have Merlin figure something out.”

Artoria hesitated.

She was familiar with royal etiquette, sure—but this was her first time hosting an actual princess. And not just any princess, but one who had arrived bearing vital supplies, offering help when no one else would, bringing hope to a fledgling kingdom nestled in the mountains.

In such circumstances, she had to extend her highest courtesies.

But therein lay the problem: in this still-developing nation of hers, what was the “highest” level of hospitality? Salted salmon? Smoked ham made from demonic beasts?

Could this pampered royal really stomach such fearsome fare?

Artoria looked worriedly at the noble-looking silver-haired girl before her.

But the princess—Guinevere—seemed to have anticipated all of this. Her face wore a light, cheerful smile, completely at ease.

“No need to trouble yourselves, Your Majesty.”

“Father knew your provisions were running low, so he sent a cart of mutton and three barrels of wine in advance. That should be more than enough for today’s banquet.”

“And—he’s gone to negotiate with the other kings. He said… even if the outcome is uncertain, we must do everything we can to stop this war that never should have started.”

---

This is a fan translation of 综漫：青眼幼龙，被骑士王捡到了 by 歌冰丽月. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!