Following the minor "near-kiss" incident, Bedivere's blush had spread all the way to her earlobes. Artorius, too, found himself at a loss for words. In a bubble of subtle, charged silence, the two rode their horses into the ruins of Lorenzo.
The town had been devastated by the Saxon night raid. The survivors were currently working alongside the reinforcements sent by Count Ector to rebuild their homes. As Artorius's cavalcade passed through, the townsfolk knelt in succession. As a transmigrator, Artorius didn't indulge in shallow sentimentality by dismounting to help them; he understood deeply that in this era—where Mystery had yet to fully fade—a rigid social hierarchy was the bedrock of survival. True mercy lay in becoming strong enough to govern the territory effectively, ensuring the people were fed and clothed.
"Lord Artorius!"
A pretty young woman leading a white foal blocked their path. The knight, Moore, moved to drive her away, but Artorius recognized her as the mother clutching the infant he had saved the previous night.
"Thank you, milord, for saving me and my daughter!" the woman sobbed, her voice thick with emotion.
"It was nothing," Artorius replied, his voice gentle and carrying a natural charisma. "Your husband fell in battle. Are you facing any difficulties in your daily life?"
"The Count has already granted me a reward and offered me work as a castle maid."
The woman led the foal behind her toward Artorius. Her husband had found the horse in the eastern forest; it was suspected to be the offspring of a Phantasmal Beast, possessing incredible grace and a near-human intelligence. By offering the horse, the woman hoped to fulfill her late husband's wish and repay Artorius for saving her life.
Artorius dismounted to inspect the animal. Its proportions were perfect, and its eyes were as lively as those of a human child. When he stroked its mane, the foal nudged his chest with surprising docility.
"Would you like to come with me?" Artorius asked softly. The foal gave a clever nod.
Learning that the woman's duties at the castle involved the maintenance of weapons and armor, Artorius decided to promote her to his personal maid and arranged for her to move into the inner keep. This wasn't because he was moved by her beauty, but rather for her protection. In that era, a beautiful woman who had lost her husband's protection was easy prey for local thugs or passing adventurers. By making her his personal attendant, he ensured that no one would dare touch her.
His foster father, Count Ector, had already stuffed his small castle with a flock of beautiful young maids in hopes of encouraging him to produce heirs sooner, so adding one more didn't matter.
Mounting his horse again, the white foal followed loyally at his side. Bedivere watched the spirited creature with admiration.
"If you like it, Sister Bedivere, shall I give it to you?"
"I don't plan on going to the battlefield anytime soon; it's better if you keep it, Lis," Bedivere declined with a smile. Although her swordsmanship was exceptional, she planned to follow her brother's path and focus on internal administration.
"Then, Sister Bedivere, why don't you give it a name?"
Bedivere thought for a long moment before offering a bright smile. "Since it was found in the eastern forest, how about Dun Stallion?"
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