24 Jealousy

In a small grove outside the military camp, Artorius and Mordred were present.

The moonlight filtered through the bare branches, casting a pure white glow upon the snowy ground.

"Alright, alright." Artorius said with a smile, reassuring Mordred, "Don't be so nervous, Mordred. It's not such a big deal."

"Not a big deal?!" Mordred exclaimed. "But I clearly saw those women, they looked like they were going to devour you!"

"Oh, that's just a Roman specialty," Artorius replied in a relaxed tone. "After all, we'll be living in Rome for some time. It might not be such a big deal to embrace some Roman customs."

"But..."

"Try to get used to it, Mordred," Artorius smiled. "Have some fun with those noble ladies... Is it your first time? It's better to find an experienced elder sister for your first time. That's just some advice based on experience... Although it's my first time too, so I don't have much right to say such things, hehe."

He continued, "We should... no, we must experience it, so we will get used to this kind of things, and eventually our hearts will be stronger to resist women's temptations if our enemy someday uses them on us."

After saying that, Artorius turned around and pulled Mordred along toward the banquet area. "Come on, we still have plenty of time... Mordred?"

As expected, Mordred wasn't budging. She remained standing in place, head bowed.

"Um... Well, if you don't want to, I won't force you, of course. Would you like to go back to the camp instead?"

Artorius asked, and at the same time, Mordred felt extremely uncomfortable. According to logic, as his 'brother', she had no right or reason to interfere in her big brother's personal life.

But the moment she imagined her dear big brother being devoured in various ways by those Roman witches, she felt a strong sense of anger and dissatisfaction.

This emotion was so strange that Mordred couldn't comprehend it.

"..."

"Mordred?"

Confirming that Mordred neither obediently returned nor said anything else, she just stood there with her head down. Artorius became somewhat worried and curious, so he halted his steps, turned his head, and looked at her. "What's wrong? Do you have any other questions?"

"I..."

Mordred didn't know what to say, but she felt a sense of grievance and wanted to cry.

"Alright."

Artorius smiled, took off her helmet, and gazed at her delicate face, as beautiful as their mother's. The refined chin, eyes that shined like morning stars, and an innocent expression like that of a child.

"I'll stay behind then."

"U-Umu!"

Hearing Artorius's words, Mordred's smile returned, and she happily pulled him back to the camp. They went about their usual routine of removing their armor and lying in the same tent, covered by the same blanket, seeking warmth from each other on cold nights. It had become a habit since they arrived on the European continent from Britain.

Before falling asleep, as the big brother, Artorius would tell Mordred bedtime stories—like Hachi the bee finding his mother, Beauty and the Beast, or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

As the 'little brother', Mordred would always be fascinated by Artorius's imaginative mind and show a longing expression.

For the first time in her life, Mordred received 'affection' from someone.

Her mother only relentlessly instilled hatred in her, and her fellow knights held her in disdain.

Her half-sibling, like Agravain, always saw Mordred as a threat, even an enemy. Artorius was the only one who treated her so well.

But...

"I'll probably find a Roman woman to be my wife."

...But at that moment, Artorius was describing to her his future plan of him being taken away by a woman.

"Of course, Germanic women would also do. It depends on our future development plans. Or perhaps, like King Solomon, I could marry several wives to win over other tribes... Oh, right, the Church doesn't allow that... So, Mordred, you'll have to work hard too."

"Me...?"

Listening to Artorius talk about marrying wives was enough to annoy Mordred, but she hadn't yet understood the topic.

"I don't want to get married!" Mordred said, frustrated. "I want to stay by my brother's side forever!"

Being away from Britain, away from King Arthur, Mordred's mindset underwent subtle changes.

In the spotlight, shining brightly, the person who filled her heart with longing was no longer her father King Arthur, but her brother Artorius.

To Mordred, this was a more beautiful world.

Unlike King Arthur, who was unattainable.

Her brother cared for her, loved her, and took care of her. All of this made Mordred feel incredibly satisfied.

But now, Artorius told her that they would eventually part ways. They would separate and form different families.

There would be other women to replace her, appearing by Artorius's side, enjoying his tenderness and love.

With these thoughts, Mordred's negative emotions intensified to an unbearable degree.

"Hmph... I want to stay by your side..." Mordred said, but Artorius dismissed it as a childish outburst, not taking it seriously.

"Alright, alright, I understand. It's getting late now, let's go to sleep." Artorius said to her, making Mordred feel extremely uncomfortable.

"I'm serious!"

"Umu, umu, really, really, serious..."

Artorius's voice sounded a bit drowsy as if he was about to fall asleep.

This situation made Mordred feel like crying.

Even she knew how dangerous the situation was. If she didn't do something, her big brother would truly be taken away by those shameless women outside.

But the problem was, what should she do?

'Think of a solution, Mordred. Although you're not very clever, please try to think of something.'

After desperately racking her brain, a brilliant idea flashed in Mordred's mind.

'I've got it!'

'If my brother wants to get married, why not marry me to him?'

'Hehehe, Mordred, oh Mordred, you're truly a genius.'

Mordred praised herself.