"There are not even any Saxons left to defend this place."
Arthur entered the city on horseback while the army following behind him advanced through every street, rapidly occupying each strategic point in the area.
His gaze carefully swept across the surroundings.
Not to mention Saxons, they had not encountered even a single human figure since entering.
The streets were empty—far too silent. Abandoned houses, open gates, carts left at random, and flags swaying in the wind created a strange and unsettling atmosphere.
By all appearances, the information brought by Morgan was true; this territory had also been abandoned by the Saxons.
"In that case, let us continue all the way and head straight for the next territory to discover what is happening," Arthur said, turning to look at the group of knights behind him.
"I accept the proposal." Duke Bell nodded lightly.
Among those accompanying Arthur were three tribal chiefs, who had come to witness with their own eyes how the King would swiftly repel the foreign invaders, just as stories and rumors had already begun to spread. Duke Bell was among them.
"I agree as well." Scott, another tribal chief, nodded immediately.
"Agreed."
A chorus of approving voices echoed around them, and no one raised any objection.
Not only Arthur, but everyone present was extremely curious, because all of this was too strange. These lands had been occupied for so long, yet now the Saxons had simply abandoned them entirely.
Arthur rode out of that territory, and Artoria followed close behind. Her white horse was indeed powerful and swift, catching up to Arthur with great ease. If Dong Starion had not deliberately limited its speed, it likely would have surpassed Arthur in the blink of an eye.
"You have reconquered the fourth territory, so why do you look so troubled?" Artoria caught up to Arthur and turned to observe him. Her golden hair was tied into a simple bun, while a few loose strands swayed gently in the wind, giving her an almost dazzling appearance.
"It feels strange that we recovered our territory so easily... But well, it is still a good thing." Arthur shook his head, trying to dispel his confused thoughts.
"They were probably intimidated by the king's aura. After all, the day you drew that sword was truly impressive. Those Saxons must have seen it as well."
A fragrant breeze passed by, and a pink-haired girl approached on horseback, following Arthur with a sweet smile on her lips.
Milo was one of the tribal leaders accompanying Arthur on this mission.
"I hope so," Arthur sighed helplessly.
Deep down, he had always felt things were not so simple, but at the moment he could not imagine any reason why his side could lose.
"There is certainly no problem at all." Milo brushed a strand of hair from her face, maintaining her charming smile. "Just like now, the Saxons fled simply from seeing you after hearing of your arrival. I assume that White Dragon also ran away like a stray dog after learning of your return."
Arthur wore an awkward expression and thought to himself:
Girl, if you do not know how to compliment someone, then do not.
Every time you try to flatter someone, something goes wrong. Why did you have to mention the White Dragon?
Look at how comfortable Lily's life is here...
"Hm?"
Just as Milo smiled at Arthur, she suddenly seemed surprised. She raised her hand and touched the red mark on his neck with her fingertips, and a flash of surprise appeared in her beautiful eyes.
"We are still traveling. Could you please focus? Doing that while riding could easily cause a fall." Artoria looked at the girl beside Arthur, frowning slightly.
Milo completely ignored Artoria and, after staring at Arthur's neck for some time, her smile became even more seductive.
"So, the King likes this kind of game? That is hard to believe. You look so young, yet you are already doing this."
Arthur: "???"
What is she talking about?
Could it be that even Milo knows what this mark on my neck is?
Seeing the expression on Arthur's face, Milo looked surprised for a moment, but soon smiled again.
"Your Majesty, this is no time to pretend ignorance. You must know the truth about it."
Arthur still looked thoroughly perplexed.
In truth, he had a vague suspicion of what the mark might mean... but he still preferred to believe Morgan for now. Even if it had been left by her lips, according to Morgan herself, it could very well be the Mark of the Goddess of Death.
Milo widened her eyes slightly.
"You really do not know?"
"I am not sure, but it is not what you think," Arthur said, shaking his head.
Upon hearing that, Milo's smile widened.
That girl was clearly not yet twenty years old, yet the way she behaved gave the impression of someone who had lived through countless experiences. Her smile at that moment was dangerously captivating.
"I will tell you when we return," she said with a smile, moistening her lips.
Why do we have to wait until we return?
Can't you just say it here?
Could it really be...?
Although he wanted to confirm his suspicions immediately, Arthur did not press the matter, because before they realized it, they had already arrived at another unfamiliar territory.
"It seems there is no one here."
A group of people passed through the city gates, yet still found not a single living soul.
It seems the Saxons truly abandoned these territories?
Arthur gazed at the scene before him, lost in deep thought.
"Your Majesty, should we take this opportunity to enter the sixth territory? If the Saxons have truly abandoned all their lands, perhaps we can drive them out in only one week," Duke Bell asked Arthur.
He looked extremely excited.
Although he did not wish for his troops to be completely controlled by Arthur, if those territories were reclaimed, then as one of the leaders who joined the campaign, he would certainly gain great benefits in the future.
Arthur fell into deep contemplation.
There is still plenty of time. Taking this chance to explore further was undoubtedly an excellent suggestion.
"I think it is a good idea." Gawain nodded in agreement. "Our forces have suffered no casualties, but the journey has left everyone somewhat exhausted. It would be better to rest for a while before continuing the advance."
After thinking for a moment, Arthur agreed with Gawain's statement.
"Very well, let us rest here for a while before departing."
Seeing the group spread out to rest, Arthur walked to a nearby spot, leaned against an old wall, and sat down.
A fragrant breeze passed nearby.
Milo approached with light and elegant steps, smiling flawlessly.
"May I sit here?"
Arthur looked at the girl before him.
She wore a friendly smile. Her posture was refined, and her manners impeccable.
Just as expected of a noble lady.
"Please, go ahead," Arthur replied.
After all, the other party was a tribal leader. If he could build a good relationship with her, it would certainly be useful for unifying those tribes in the future.
Milo sat beside Arthur and, even after settling down, continued staring fixedly at him.
"Miss Milo, do you truly know what this mark is?" Arthur felt uncomfortable under that constant gaze and had to speak to divert her attention.
"Yes, and it is quite obvious." Milo tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, still smiling.
Though Artoria's expression remained calm, she discreetly sharpened her hearing.
"You cannot say it now?" Arthur continued asking.
"Could it really be lips...?"
Milo raised a finger to her own lips and blinked.
"It is not that I cannot say it, but I feel it would not be appropriate... and you probably would not understand if I explained it directly, so I think I will have to take action."
When she finished speaking, a predatory gleam appeared in her eyes for the first time.
It was like the gaze of a wolf watching a rabbit.
"Take action...?" Arthur repeated.
"Yes, take action." Milo nodded confidently, raising her misty eyes to look at Arthur. "If you do not mind, I can tell you right now how this mark was created."
"How about it?" she asked.
This would only explain the origin of the mark, so why does it feel so terrifying?
"You may speak," Arthur said, forcing himself to answer.
If I dare fight even the Saxons, why would I fear a girl?
"Very well. Since you agreed, then I shall not waste time with formalities."
Milo knelt before Arthur, slowly bringing her face closer to his.
Under Artoria's silent gaze, her lips pressed against Arthur's neck.
(End of Chapter)