Chapter 67: The King Does Not Have It Simple
After hearing Arthur's words, King Leodegrance controlled his anger somewhat.
Indeed, he was a major beneficiary of Camelot's support.
But that was not enough. Whether the marriage or this visit, all had one goal.
"So, you refuse the marriage?"
He raised his voice, face hardening.
Naturally, Camelot's true strength remained hidden. Its one boast was repelling 10,000 Saxons, but to neighboring warlords, that was mere trickery unfit for the stage.
King Leodegrance believed with cautious marching, he could defeat Camelot's army.
Even if meaningless, the conflict could trouble Arthur at the British Kings' Council.
"Calm down," Arthur smiled.
If Arthur knew what Leodegrance thought, he'd laugh.
Camelot's military power was weak; causing trouble at the Kings' Conference was impossible.
If anyone stirred trouble, Arthur would personally end them.
The Kings' Conference was essentially a trade platform where all kings profited.
Any who threatened this stable balance were enemies of all.
If Leodegrance dared deploy troops, all kings would attack him first.
Even at the cost of Saxon plunder, he'd be eliminated.
Leodegrance's thinking was naïve.
But was it really?
"This matter impacts both of us. It requires careful thought. Please let Princess Guinevere rest one night in Camelot—I will reply tomorrow." Arthur put the topic aside.
Once Leodegrance took Guinevere away, the knights spoke.
"I can't agree! This is the only thing I insist on. Absolutely not!" Skadi stared at Arthur with red eyes and a pout.
No, she was angry.
"Usually it wouldn't matter—but this time, no. Life is comfortable as it is. I don't want to change it for that king." Kikyo spoke rarely but firmly.
Everyone saw Leodegrance's trip had a strong motive.
He wanted Camelot's technology and resources.
But if the marriage tilted resources to one side, it would damage Arthur's prestige as British trade's initiator.
Without guarantees, the alliance to resist the White Dragon would be empty words.
That would plunge the British Isles into chaos.
Kikyo wanted none of that.
Born with a mission of protection, she just wanted peace.
Now… she wanted to protect Arthur and their friends, so they could grow old and smile together.
Others disagreed.
"My king, perhaps this is a rare opportunity. An alliance sends a message to other kings, making them more obedient." Agravain ignored hostile looks from Morgan and others.
"Hmph! Women who don't see the situation clearly."
They didn't even know what Arthur wanted.
"Okay, quiet down," Arthur patted the table.
He nodded at Kikyo and Agravain, appreciating their independent thinking.
This was a good start.
If it continued, he could gradually delegate power.
But while he didn't want to dampen their enthusiasm, their thinking was too conservative.
"Lord Agravain, do you remember what you learned about King Leodegrance?"
"Of course."
"King Leodegrance's territory lies in a resource-poor border area, caught between northern kings and Saxons. It's a small border country with limited resources and population, repeatedly affected by war—severely restricting development. What does such a country need?"
"Equipment, soldiers, food, technology—"
Agravain paused, overwhelmed by the list.
"Yes, they need everything—endlessly—because they're weak. This is the root cause. But what they need most is recognition, status, and a place in the line." Arthur sneered.
"This small country is irrelevant. Against powerful northern kings and the Saxons led by the White Dragon, Leodegrance's existence is negligible. He neither helps nor shares the burden. Even if he plunders, his resources are scarce."
Many such tribes existed across the British Isles.
In this era, weakness was original sin.
Weakness meant survival depended on charity from the strong. It meant existence might be ignored unless convenient.
Tragic as it was.
True, Leodegrance had survived despite all this and shouldn't be underestimated. But many, unlike Arthur, didn't take him seriously.
Even before Arthur organized trade, powerful kingdoms had ignored him.
Most didn't recognize Leodegrance as a British king.
In short, he barely protected himself. He was transparent.
"Whether he seems strong or foolish, his only purpose on this trip is clear. Camelot leads British trade, with influence exceeding northern kings somewhat. If this marriage succeeds, it sends a message to other kings: I recognize him as a British king."
"But a title without meaning," Agravain was puzzled.
Arthur liked her enthusiasm.
"Of course it has meaning. Don't forget, trade thrives across Britain. There are many benefits. Even if we give nothing, they gain plenty. But if they become British kings, they are taken seriously. Neighboring northern kings will think of them first when trading. They can then resell goods under our name."
-End Chapter-
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