To be fair, in terms of scale or population, the castle of Orkney was far from the most luxurious sight that Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mordred had ever seen. Whether in later eras or in the foggy streets of London, both far surpassed what Orkney Castle displayed at this moment.
Yet the Orkney before their eyes was a scene of extraordinary prosperity.
Citizens lined up to enter the castle, merchants transported goods in horse-drawn carriages, and nobles on fine steeds came and went. The bustling sight spoke of a thriving populace living in peace and contentment. Moreover, the castle bore no resemblance to the one in Mordred's memories where only her mother's quarters and her own were lavishly decorated, while the rest lay in disrepair.
What was this?
Even a Britain free of war had never looked like this.
In this era, a noble who could prevent their people from starving would already be considered a decent lord.
But here? The people didn't just eat well they ate their fill.
Was this what Britain in this age was supposed to be?
Mordred was stunned.
Yet, in her instincts, she knew this was undeniably a good thing.
"What's going on here?"
She turned to Lancelot and asked.
"What do you mean? Isn't this normal? Orkney Castle is one of the most prosperous in all of Britain. Camelot's main military force is drawn from the armies of Orkney. What, did you think otherwise?"
Lancelot shrugged, as if there was no reason for surprise.
Wasn't this how Britain was governed?
Even he had to admit that Morgan and Lot were exceptional rulers.
Was there anything strange about this?
"No, it wasn't like this."
Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others shook their heads in unison.
Seeing their astonishment, Lancelot said, "Come on, it's getting late. Let's enter the city first."
"Right."
Fujimaru nodded.
With that, the group began making their way into Orkney Castle.
At the gates, several soldiers were questioning the people coming and going.
When they spotted Lancelot and the others approaching, they immediately blocked their path with spears.
"Who are you? Show us your identification."
"Identification?"
The words left Fujimaru, Mash, and Mordred exchanging bewildered glances.
It wasn't that they didn't understand what identification was.
On the contrary they understood it all too well.
But this wasn't something that belonged in this era.
At the very least, it shouldn't exist in Britain at this time.
Nobles could simply rely on their faces for recognition, while commoners often never left their villages in their entire lives. The only ones who needed documentation were merchants, and even then, all they required was a writ from the local lord.
Something this modern how could it be here?
Just how advanced were they?
Meanwhile, Lancelot seemed entirely unfazed. He addressed the guards:
"I am a knight from Scotland. These are my companions."
He then handed them a document.
After inspecting it, the soldier immediately replied, "Apologies, Sir Knight. You may enter. However, please remember not to approach within thirty meters of the main castle. Otherwise, we will be forced to take preventive measures."
"Understood."
Lancelot nodded in acknowledgment.
The group proceeded inside.
Even after entering, Fujimaru remained deeply curious.
At this point, Lancelot explained:
"This is a unique practice in Orkney. They don't restrict the movement of the people, but every individual is required to carry identification. Everyone entering Orkney Castle must register their identity. Moreover, this system is gradually being expanded to all cities under Camelot's rule. Eventually, every citizen of Camelot will have verified identification."
"Tch, what a hassle."
Mordred scoffed.
"No, it's anything but. At the very least, it's helped catch numerous spies from other factions."
Lancelot countered.
"Who ordered this?"
Mordred pressed further.
"Probably Morgan."
Lancelot thought for a moment. Such a measure seemed like something only Morgan someone "skilled" in strategy would devise.
As for Lot?
Aside from producing unusual weapons and armor, he hadn't contributed much else.
"Morgan!?"
Mordred's voice rose an octave.
"Yes, Morgan. Is there a problem?"
Lancelot looked at her, puzzled. What was so surprising about that?
"Seems like she's the source of the issue."
Not just Mordred Fujimaru Ritsuka also seemed lost in thought.
It appeared this Morgan was the key to the Singularity.
The question was what had happened to her?
"This Morgan might have acquired knowledge beyond her time."
At that moment, Da Vinci chimed in, offering her perspective.
"You think she's the problem?"
Lancelot asked.
"Yes. Not just these policies what about Galahad, the one who came from the future? Couldn't that also be Morgan's doing?"
Da Vinci posed the question to Lancelot.
"Hmm… That is strange."
Lancelot nodded in agreement.
"So we need to investigate "
Just as they were discussing this, a group of people walked past, chatting among themselves:
"Hey, have you heard? His Majesty and Queen Morgan are returning to Orkney soon."
"You've got no memory at all, do you? Morgan is also a king not just a queen. Say that in public, and you'll be dealt with."
"Force of habit, alright? Besides, isn't our king still just His Majesty, King Lot?"
"Sure, sure just keep that talk between us. Anyway, why is King Lot returning to Orkney?"
"Listen, my uncle works in the castle. He told me Camelot's armies are marching north to conquer Scotland. Once that's done, all of Britain will be under the rule of our two sovereigns."
"That's wonderful. I've heard Scotland's suffering it's about time King Lot saved them from their misery."
"Yeah, yeah…"
The rest of their conversation faded from Fujimaru's attention.
Only one detail mattered:
Morgan and Lot were coming.
"This makes finding them much easier."
Fujimaru remarked.