Unaware of what awaited her upon returning to Camelot, the young Gawain was brimming with excitement about going home.
Heh, it's been several days since I left. I really miss the palace chefs.
The food Dad makes isn't as good as his looks.
Best to leave professional matters to professionals.
That morning, she was swinging Excalibur Galatine around when she spotted Lot and Morgan stepping out, dressed neatly. She quickly sheathed the sword and hurried over.
"Dad!"
"Ah, Gawain, no need to be so diligent. We've just won a great victory it's time to celebrate properly."
As Gawain approached, Lot silently took a step to the side, maintaining a certain distance from her.
It wasn't that he disliked her.
But given her height, standing next to her would inevitably highlight the difference between them.
I have my pride, too!
After all, I'm her father.
I can't let my own child outshine me, can I?
Besides, it was also a matter of personal safety.
Lot checked the time this was the period when Gawain's Blessing of the Sun was active. During these hours, even Lancelot at his peak wouldn't stand a chance against her.
As for his own current strength? Well, he could still manage a beam attack with Joyeuse.
But in terms of raw physical power? He was nowhere near Gawain.
If she were to give him a hug…
If something goes wrong, I'll be utterly humiliated.
Imagine returning with the knights, only for everyone to see King Lot being carried back. They'd surely ask, "What happened?"
If it were injuries from battling Vortigern, that'd be one thing a glorious tale of an epic fight, worthy of respect.
But if the truth were that his own daughter had squeezed him half to death?
At that point, I might as well retire and live in seclusion.
Beside him, Morgan watched Lot's reaction with amusement. But even as she chuckled, she, too, subtly shifted away.
After all, if Gawain stood next to Lot, the comparison would only be about height.
But if she stood next to Gawain? The difference wouldn't just be in stature.
She glanced down and muttered under her breath:
"Not small at all… Usually, I'm the one looking down on others with confidence."
Then, she shot Lot a meaningful glance.
[Hey, is your family's genetics a bit too strong?]
[No way! My side's fine must be yours!]
[Mine? Impossible!]
Morgan refuted with her eyes, then glanced at Artoria, who had just walked out.
[Look, this is the proper physique for our family.]
[She's not even an adult yet!]
[And my daughter is? She's still just a child!]
Morgan argued back silently.
Sure, Gawain was 190 cm tall, could punch a bull to death, and had just slain Vortigern with Excalibur Galatine.
But,
By age, she was still just a baby.
Not even a year old yet.
[…]
Lot was speechless.
"Father, Mother, what are you two talking about with your eyes?"
Gawain asked curiously.
Faced with such a question, Lot lightly rapped her on the head.
"Adults are talking. Why are you interrupting, little one?"
Gawain obediently lowered her head to accommodate him, though her lips curled into an irrepressible grin.
Both Lot and Morgan rolled their eyes at their daughter.
[Welp, this account's ruined. Not fun anymore. Time to start a new one.]
Morgan signaled to Lot.
Mainly because she's just not fun to tease anymore.
Too big. How are we supposed to play with her now?
[Mhm.]
Lot nodded inwardly.
But in his heart, he thought:
[Still, Gawain's entertaining. Our second child, Agravain, is even more boring like a work-obsessed robot. No, I can't let this Agravain turn out the same way.]
Hearing Lot's thoughts, Morgan wholeheartedly agreed.
Indeed, if things went as Lot feared, and their child became such a dull character, it'd be a tragedy.
This must never happen.
At that moment, Morgan and Lot shared the same resolve.
Just as they were lost in thought, Artoria approached.
"Your Majesties, we are ready to depart at any time."
"Good. You and Galahad take the knights ahead to the capital. See if Bedivere and Kay need any assistance."
Lot instructed after a moment's consideration.
"But… Your Majesty's safety?"
Artoria hesitated.
"I'm hardly defenseless. With Morgan and Gawain here, do you really think we'd be in danger?"
Lot waved her off.
"…Understood."
Artoria nodded after a brief pause.
Seeing her compliance, Lot smiled.
[Perfect. With them gone, I can finally slack off properly.]
He thought to himself.
Morgan listened, both amused and heartached.
This husband of hers… Is he pushing himself too hard? He doesn't care for power he's only working so hard because he loves me.
This time, I'll make sure he gets plenty of rest.
Once Artoria left, Lot blinked and turned to Morgan with a grin.
"Alright, let's go. We've been rushing nonstop haven't had time to enjoy the scenery. On the way back, let's take it slow and savor the journey."
"Yes, let's relax properly this time."
Morgan agreed.
Just as the two were about to exchange some sweet nothings, a shadow loomed over them.
Lot and Morgan looked up
Gawain was standing right beside them.
The couple exchanged a glance, then simultaneously raised their fists
Bonk!
Each gave her a flick on the forehead.
One advantage of Gawain growing up?
Bigger means sturdier now we can hit her as much as we want.
...
Artoria and the others set off first.
Lot, Morgan, and Gawain took their time, enjoying the sights.
And during their travels, their trio became a quartet
Agravain had begun forming as a fetus.
All three Lot, Morgan, and Gawain were overjoyed.
Then one day, they passed through a town destroyed by Vortigern.
Upon entering, Lot and Morgan both frowned.
"Strange…"
Lot murmured.
"What is it?"
Gawain asked.