"Alright."
Lot nodded in agreement.
He was quite pleased that Morgan had actually been on the same wavelength as him just now.
As for whether Morgan had been using mind-reading magic on him, Lot didn't suspect that at the moment.
What reason would Morgan have to use mind-reading on him?
If she didn't understand something, she could just ask him directly.
It wasn't like he'd refuse to tell her.
Even if Morgan didn't grasp something, he'd explain it to her himself.
So why would she resort to something like mind-reading—assuming she even had such an ability—for something he'd willingly clarify?
That made no sense.
He wasn't some paranoid guy to be that suspicious.
Besides, they were going to live together for a long time. If she used mind-reading all the time, it would only create friction between them.
What reason would Morgan have to do something like that?
So, rather than suspecting her of using magic on him, Lot was simply impressed that his wife had thought the same thing he had.
Morgan picked up the map and traced a line across it with her slender, elegant fingers before saying to Lot:
"Our territory is far inferior to Father's, so we can't afford to serve as the main force in this war. Lot, I think we should gather our troops and look for an opening to strike at Vortigern's weak point while the Savage King is busy attacking my father's lands. If we can deal a heavy blow to his forces, it'll surely give Father the upper hand on the battlefield."
"When that happens, we'll become the pivotal factor that decides the course of the war."
She laid out her plan while lightly sketching an advance route on the map.
Then she looked at Lot, waiting for his response.
Deep down, though, she was quite proud of this strategy.
In past wars, Uther had often relegated his allies to defensive roles on the flanks—tasks so simple they barely required any effort.
Morgan, of course, had no intention of settling for that.
How could that possibly showcase her capabilities?
If they won, her contribution would be negligible. And if they lost? That was even worse.
I will be the decisive factor.
Only then can I pave my way to Camelot.
Moreover, after spending these days with Lot, Morgan had come to appreciate his unconventional way of thinking.
Don't approach war the traditional way.
That's why she had proposed this plan—and why she hoped for Lot's approval.
"Hmm…"
Lot studied the map in silence.
[I have to admit, this plan sounds tempting, but the risks are far too great.]
Hearing Lot's internal rejection of her idea, Morgan gritted her teeth lightly.
You horndog, I went through all this trouble to come up with this, and you just dismiss it like that?
If you don't give me a better plan right now, you're sleeping alone tonight.
Lot ran his finger along Morgan's proposed route.
From Orkney to Vortigern's territory, the path was entirely mountainous. To strike at a weak point, they'd have to march a long distance through rugged terrain.
[Asking soldiers and knights who've lived by the coast all their lives to traverse mountains? They'd be completely out of their element. And if Vortigern catches wind of our movements in advance, none of us would make it out of those mountains alive.]
Lot was firmly opposed to Morgan's plan.
Listening to his thoughts, Morgan considered his words and had to admit he had a point.
Orkney's soldiers were nothing like Camelot's.
There were no mountains here—her troops had no experience with mountain warfare.
And Vortigern?
Though Morgan was reluctant to admit it, she knew full well that the man was a seasoned warrior, more than a match for her father. To assume he wouldn't be prepared for an ambush was naive.
Her plan was a gamble.
But that didn't mean victory was impossible.
Is this horndog really going to suggest something conventional?
How boring.
Resting her chin in her hands, Morgan stared at Lot with expectant eyes.
Just then, a flash of inspiration seemed to cross Lot's expression.
[Ah, that's how we should do it!]
The moment Morgan heard that, her spirits lifted.
Come on, horndog, out with it!
Hurry up, hurry up, I can't wait!
And then—
Morgan heard nothing.
…Huh?
What?
Where's the rest?
Lot, where's the rest of your plan?!
…Wait, no—
Where's the rest of your damn plan?!
Leaving me hanging like this is not okay.
You got me all excited and then just stopped.
Are you even human?
Morgan felt deeply aggrieved.
Only then did she remember—she'd already used up all her chances to eavesdrop on Lot's thoughts for the day. The reason she'd heard him earlier was because he'd been intensely critical of her plan.
But when it came to formulating his own strategy, he must've started thinking silently.
Which meant she couldn't hear him anymore!
A suffocating frustration welled up inside her.
Of course, once tomorrow came, she'd be able to listen in on Lot's thoughts again.
But wait until then?
She'd die of anticipation.
So—
"Lot." Morgan put on her most ingratiating smile.
"From the look on your face, you must disagree with my plan, right?"
"Yeah."
Lot nodded, his expression odd.
He had wanted to object earlier but held back, unsure how to phrase it without crushing Morgan's confidence.
What kind of husband would deliberately undermine his wife's self-assurance?
That'd be downright scummy.
And if Morgan got angry, he had no idea how to coax her.
He wasn't good at coaxing his wife, after all.
But now, before he could even voice his concerns, Morgan had brought it up herself.
That left Lot flustered—what was she thinking?
Meanwhile, Morgan's thoughts were:
This horndog, still playing coy with me?
Steeling herself, she moved behind Lot and began massaging his shoulders.
She'd picked up the technique last night when he had massaged her sore back.
Now she was returning the favor.
"So, hubby," she said, her cheeks flushing, "you must have your own plan, right? Can you share it with me?"
Lot was utterly baffled by her behavior.
Morgan, something's seriously off with you today.
This isn't right. Not at all.