Despite how closed off Albion had become, the people were never bored. Not only did they still have access to the internet and international TV, but their own TV networks had also received plenty of funding, more than enough to produce new stuff for people to watch.
Not that people just sat indoors watching television all day.
No, that wasn't how Albion's people should spend their days.
Given that the Knights of Camelot had never done such things back in their time, they naturally valued being outside and being active far more, and promoted a healthy and active lifestyle.
This included plenty of events. Everything from walking through a forest or some other part of nature, to more knight-related things; medieval fairs were very popular.
After all, one never knew when a real Round Table Knight might suddenly show up to have some fun.
One event where people knew there would be a Round Table Knight was Sir Gareth's meet and greet.
While all Knights of the Round Table were famous and beloved, there were still some who were more beloved, more famous than others.
Mordred, despite being the Knight of Treachery and someone connected with much bloodshed during the Two-Day War, was among the most popular.
This was because, while she might seem cold at first, the people of Albion had long since learned that she was hard outside, but soft inside.
She was easy to get along with, lively, not very arrogant, down to earth, and always happy to crush any challenger in arm wrestling.
Some Knights, while beloved, were far harder to get along with, those like Galahad or Lancelot. They were kind, helpful, but there was no doubt they stood apart from normal people; there was a barrier separating them.
Mordred didn't have that, which was why she was one of the most popular of them all.
Yet even Mordred struggled to compete with Sir Gareth.
Sir Gareth was not only one of only three female knights, which already lifted her above the vast majority of them; she was also considered a national treasure due to her sheer cuteness.
She was adored by all, no matter age or sex; everyone loved Gareth. She was, after all, their little ray of sunshine, with a smile that could melt the hearts of even the cruelest of men.
She had a small frame and a bubbly personality, always with a big smile on her face.
She was also incredibly strong, a fact that many people often forgot, until they saw her lift a heavy rock with one hand as if it weighed nothing.
It was a combination that made her irresistible, a perfect example of the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover."
And today, she was in Bath.
A meet-and-greet event with this beloved icon of Camelot and Albion naturally attracted people from far beyond Bath itself, as countless fans of Gareth spent the morning in a car or on a train to go there, or even on a special bus for this event.
All in all, the event was by no means small, and as such, it would take place in Royal Victoria Park, with the stunning backdrop of the Royal Crescent overlooking the event.
Countless pavilions had been put up, shielding the people from the sun's merciless rays.
Because indeed, even the sun itself shone brightly on this day, as if unwilling to be outdone by Camelot's sunshine Knight.
Lauren Okadigbo had once been a Black Widow, a poor girl trapped in the merciless Red Room's grasp; now, however, she had been freed and lived a far happier life in Albion.
The grace she had received from Camelot and her king, Arthuria, wasn't something she could ever hope to repay.
Having her body restored, her womb returned, was a favor she could never return, yet she did her best.
As a member of the Veiled Hand, the covert secret intelligence arm of Arthuria's crown, her duties were varied.
And these days, she worked on managing the presence of the Round Table Knights, and with most of them gone off to Hell to fight, much of her attention was on Gareth.
She had pretty much become her personal assistant.
And with that came the task of checking everything, from the food that would be served to the people, to the security of the event, to the stage, and everything else.
"It's going to be hot today, so I want extra water bottles handed out, and try to keep the standing queue to no more than three hours, if not two," Lauren said to a young woman by her side.
"The people will appreciate that," the young woman, a local volunteer by the name of Cerys, said with a smile. "They are very excited."
"I know they are," Lauren replied, her expression softening for a moment as she looked at the bustling crowd. "That's why we have to make sure everything is perfect. Gareth deserves nothing less."
Cerys nodded, her eyes shining with admiration. "She really is the best."
"The best indeed," Lauren agreed, her mind already moving on to the next item on her checklist. "Is the media set up yet? I want to make sure they have a clear view of the stage."
"They are all set up, they have the best spot in the house," Cerys said. "They're already doing some test shots."
"Good," Lauren said, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let's give them a show they won't forget."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Cerys to her tasks. Lauren made her way through the crowd, her sharp eyes scanning for any potential problems.
She saw a group of children, their faces alight with excitement, pointing at the stage where Gareth would soon appear.
She saw an old couple, holding hands, their faces filled with a sense of peace and contentment.
She saw a young couple, their love for each other evident in the way they looked at one another, their shared joy a testament to the happiness that had come to this land.
And she saw the police officers, their presence a reassuring sight, their smiles friendly and welcoming.
It was a picture of a happy, thriving nation, a nation that had found its way back to the light.
And she was proud to be a part of it.
She continued her patrol, her mind focused on her duties, her heart filled with a sense of purpose and pride.
She was a Black Widow, a killer, a spy.
But in Albion, she was also a guardian, a protector, a servant of the people.
And she wouldn't have it any other way.
-----
"Gareth, are you ready?" Lauren asked as she finished her patrol and made her way back toward the backstage area.
"Always!" Gareth's cheerful, bubbly voice was the only thing that could be heard over the rustle of her dress as she spun around in a circle. She looked like a doll, a very cute, very happy doll. Her smile was as bright as the sun, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Lauren couldn't help but smile back, a genuine, heartfelt smile. "The crowd is eager to see you."
"I'm eager to see them!" Gareth said, her hands clasped together in front of her chest. "I've been practicing my jokes. I think they're really going to like them."
"I'm sure they will," Lauren said, her tone warm and affectionate. "Just remember to be yourself, and they will love you."
"I will, I will!" Gareth promised, her nodding so enthusiastic it was a wonder her head didn't fall off. She did her best to hide the fact that she was nervous; she always was for events such as this.
But she knew that it was nothing compared to the joy she could bring people. In these times, with demons lurking everywhere, just waiting for a chance to strike, it was more important than ever to spread joy.
Because any darkness left unseen in the dark was the perfect breeding ground for evil, and so, the brave Sir Gareth would help her brothers and King off in Hell, by ensuring that there was no darkness for demons to take advantage of.
A fire of determination burned in her eyes as she clenched her fist and raised it into the air.
Click.
"Great pose. This picture came out very well. I'm going to put it out on your socials, showing people that you are fired up for today," Lauren said, completely breaking the atmosphere as she fiddled away with her phone.
"Wawawa! No! That's not what it was at all!" Gareth rushed to protest, her face flushing red in embarrassment as she tried to get Lauren's phone.
"It is too late. The internet is forever, my dear Knight of the Round Table," Lauren said with a teasing grin as she held her phone high, out of Gareth's reach.
"You're mean!" Gareth pouted, crossing her arms over her chest and turning her back on Lauren.
"I am not mean," Lauren said, her voice softening as she walked over and wrapped her arms around Gareth. "I am just doing my job."
Gareth huffed, but she didn't pull away. She was a knight, yes, but she was also a young woman, and she appreciated the comfort of a friendly embrace.
"Okay, okay, you win," Gareth said, her voice muffled by Lauren's shoulder. "Just... don't do it again."
"I promise," Lauren said, her smile returning as she gave Gareth a gentle squeeze. "Now, are you ready to go out there and make some people happy?"
Gareth took a deep breath, her determination returning. "I am."
"Then let's go," Lauren said, releasing Gareth and taking a step back. "The stage awaits."
(End of chapter)
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