There was still some time before the coup, and Lot had preparations to make.
The River of Time's energy had nearly fully replenished.
During the war against Vortigern, Lot hadn't had the chance to go fishing in the River of Time.
Mainly because we were in the middle of a battle, surrounded by people. If I suddenly disappeared for a while, how would I explain that?
But after settling in Camelot, Lot finally found some free time to fish.
As for the previous results...
Well, they were... less than ideal.
After all, the system only promised that "Angler never returns empty-handed."
It never specified what exactly would be caught.
You might reel in a silver carp, a bass, or even a carp. Hell, you might even hook a few scuba divers tangled in fishing lines.
And clearly, Lot's earlier attempts had been somewhat... unsuccessful.
Two maid outfits, one cheongsam, several pairs of stockings, and... certain undergarments.
All of which had been put to good use on Morgan.
Very nice.
One MP3, one MP4, and one MP5.
Except for the MP5, the other two didn't even come with batteries.
Completely useless.
There were a few other items, but they were even less practical.
Today, Lot was determined to try again.
Sure, Britain might have Brexited in the future, but that hasn't happened yet. I, Lot, am still technically European, right?
Shouldn't I at least get a guaranteed drop?
So before the nobles made their move, he wanted to stock up on some extra preparations.
Lot could let Artoria become Camelot's king.
King Arthur might not understand human hearts, but at least she believed in fairness.
But if those nobles took power?
You couldn't call it "good governance" more like "utter depravity."
That must never happen.
Lot thought to himself as he shouldered his fishing rod.
Earlier that morning, he'd asked Morgan to enhance it, making it far more durable than before.
Today, I will get something good.
Lot stepped into the River of Time.
The same endless river, its currents surging forward without end.
He arrived at the riverbank.
One advantage of fishing here?
No need for bait.
Lot swung the fishing line and cast it into the river.
Hmm, should I play some music?
Maybe it'll increase my chances of a good catch.
But the cheat system didn't disappoint.
The moment the hook hit the water, he felt a heavy tug.
Got something!?
Lot's interest was instantly piqued.
What is it?
He yanked the rod upward
Then immediately realized something was wrong.
Wait.
Why is it this heavy?
The weight on the line was nothing like the stockings or uniforms he'd caught before.
Is this a big one?
Size doesn't always mean quality, but bigger is still better than smaller.
The object was immensely heavy. The fishing rod bent into a deep arc under the strain.
Holy shit.
Lot strained to reel it in.
This is nothing like before.
What the hell is this?
Even a five- or six-pound fish could give an average angler trouble. But judging by the resistance, whatever was in the river weighed at least a hundred pounds.
If Lot weren't an exceptionally skilled knight
If the fishing rod hadn't been specially reinforced by Morgan's magecraft
It would've snapped instantly.
Lot was deeply curious now.
Even if it's just a hundred-pound rock, I'll take it.
"Come on !"
Lot roared, veins bulging on his arms as he heaved with all his might.
Slowly, the fishing line rose.
Then
A humanoid figure emerged.
Not a certain emergency food item.
Much taller.
Though still youthful in appearance
A teenager, around sixteen or seventeen, with handsome features, white hair covering one eye, and clad in a black-and-purple knight's attire.
In his hand was a sword with an all-too-familiar design.
Currently, having just been fished out
He looked utterly bewildered.
In that instant, the River of Time faded away.
Lot and the young man reappeared by a river outside Camelot.
The youth immediately tensed, scanning his surroundings warily.
Meanwhile, Lot stared at him, the corner of his mouth twitching.
What the hell?
I know "Angler never returns empty-handed," but I never expected to actually fish up a person.
And not just any person
Someone who shouldn't be here.
In this era, his father was still a young man.
He shouldn't even have set foot in Britain yet he should still be in France.
Galahad the Purest Knight.
Why is he here?
"How did you get here?"
Lot couldn't help but ask.
Galahad was equally stunned.
He had only recently met his father but hadn't revealed his identity yet.
That man abandoned me and my mother. I despise him.
But out of respect for his mother's wishes, he'd held back.
Before he could confront his father further
A sudden force had yanked him away.
Then
Everything went black.
Now I'm... here?
This looks like the outskirts of Camelot, but something feels off.
Where am I?
The handsome man before him seemed oddly familiar, though Galahad was certain they'd never met.
"I... don't know how I got here. May I ask who you are?"
"My name is Lot."
Angler never returns empty-handed.
Now that Galahad was here, Lot wasn't about to let him slip away.
No idea why I fished up a person, but...
A catch is a catch. Time to cook it.
Judging by his appearance
Only a sword, no shield.
He must still be inexperienced.
Not yet embarked on the Grail Quest.
Lot examined Galahad's weapon again.
This sword was originally used by that poor knight Balin. After his death, Galahad claimed it. Later, it passed to Lancelot.
And in a way, it's connected to me.
In the end, this sword killed my son Gawain.
But now that I'm here, that future won't happen.
Lot...
Galahad pondered the name.
It sounds familiar.
Wait
He looked up. "Then... the Kingdom of Orkney?"
"Indeed. That's my domain."
Lot replied without hesitation.
"..."
Galahad stared at the man before him, unable to reconcile him with the King Lot he knew.
He looks only a few years older than me.
I thought he was much older.
And why is he in Camelot?
Wasn't he one of King Arthur's staunchest opponents?
"Your Majesty Lot, I... have matters to attend to in Camelot. I should take my leave."
If Lot is in Camelot, I must warn King Arthur.
Something is definitely wrong here.
"You're returning to Camelot? Perfect. I'm heading back as well. Let's go together."
Lot added casually, as if struck by a thought.
Galahad froze.
He wasn't the Grail Knight yet still young and inexperienced, despite his purity.
"Uh... I am going back to Camelot."
He stammered.
Aren't you here to scheme?
Why are you waltzing back so openly?
"Yes, back to Camelot. Is there a problem?"
Galahad felt something was off.
"Your Majesty, may I ask why you're here alone?"
He subtly tightened his grip on his sword.
"Fishing. Is that an issue?"
Lot pretended not to notice.
"F...fishing?"
Galahad eyed Lot's outfit casual clothes, fishing rod in hand.
He really does look like he was fishing.
Aren't you the King of Orkney?
Aren't you trying to overthrow King Arthur?
So why are you fishing?
"Yes, I was fishing here."
Lot glanced at his "catch" and continued, "After handling Camelot's affairs all morning, I needed to relax. Young man, fishing is very therapeutic."
"...Handling Camelot's affairs?"
Galahad wondered if someone had bashed his head in and scrambled his brains.
"Yes, what's strange about that? After King Uther's death, with no new ruler yet, Morgan and I have been managing things temporarily."
King Uther's death?
Galahad felt like he'd stumbled into an alternate timeline.
He pressed for more details, and Lot happy to oblige gave him the official version.
How he and Morgan defeated Vortigern.
How Uther, gravely wounded, left Camelot.
How the throne was now contested.
Galahad slowly pieced together his situation.
I've somehow traveled decades into the past.
And the history I know... isn't matching up.
In this era, Camelot is ruled by Morgan?
This is... bizarre.
If King Lot is young, then the Witch Morgan must be too. And King Arthur...
As for Merlin...
Well.
He was always old.
But most importantly
That man... must still be young here.
Maybe I can meet him.
Just then, Lot made a "suggestion."
"You seem like a skilled knight. How about coming to Camelot with me? I'm sure you'll be put to good use."
"...Thank you, Your Majesty."
After some thought, Galahad agreed.
No idea what's going on, but since I'm here, I'll have to adapt.
King Lot seems like a decent man, despite his youth.
He's been sincere with me.
It'd be rude to refuse.
As for what kind of person he truly is...
I'll find out for myself.
Galahad accepted Lot's offer, expressing his gratitude for the hospitality.
Thus, on the return journey
What had been a solitary trip back to Camelot now included a companion.
Knight Galahad.
On their way back, near the city gates, Lot and Galahad spotted Morgan.
[Wife, look what I brought you!]
Even from a distance, Morgan heard Lot's mental shout.
She scanned the surroundings eagerly
Aside from Galahad, there's nothing.
Is he the gift?
Is he edible...?
Ugh, what am I thinking?
Am I getting corrupted by my little sister's gluttony?
As Lot and Galahad approached
"Who's this?"
Morgan pointed at Galahad.
"Knight of the Round Table, Galahad, at your service, Your Highness Morgan."
Regardless of Morgan's reputation, her status demanded respect.
As a knight, he wouldn't neglect courtesy.
Hearing his title, Morgan's face lit up with delight.
Oh ho!
So this is the knight my Husband found for me?
Right now, I'm the leader of the Round Table.
The other Round Table knights?
I don't know any of them.
But if he calls himself a Round Table knight
He must be Lot's recruit.
Morgan examined Galahad closely.
Hmm, a bit green.
But I trust you wouldn't bring me dead weight.
He must have potential.
Perfect timing, too.
We're about to crush those nobles' coup.
Even with our plans, it'll be dangerous.
Lot will need protection.
So
Let him join my Round Table.
He can guard him during the battle.
If any strong knights show up, he can bail my husband out.
Yes, this will work nicely.