A Villainess pulled out the Sword instead of the Hero. Chapter 99

All the priests’ eyes turned toward Merlin.  

 

Countless gazes, filled with mixed emotions, focused on one spot. Though no one openly displayed intense emotions, the tension was palpable in the air.  

 

After a brief silence, she forced a faint smile.  

 

“…Do as you see fit. I am unfamiliar with matters of security, so I will defer to your judgment.”  

 

“Thank you for your understanding, High Priest.”  

 

Bedivere placed a hand over his chest, bowed respectfully, and then left the banquet hall to dispatch the knights.  

 

Only after Merlin’s response did some of the priests let out sighs of relief.  

 

The chaotic atmosphere gradually eased as the orchestra’s music filled the space.  

 

Coincidentally, a minstrel was present, and as his melodic voice joined the music, the banquet hall, which had felt like an icebox, quickly returned to its lively state.  

 

However, Arthur, Kellive, and finally Guinevere remained by Morgana’s side.  

 

To her right, Arthur stood silently, staring straight ahead. To her left, Kellive stood close, holding a champagne glass with a smile.  

 

In front of her, Guinevere, who had tactfully postponed her conversation with Merlin, stood firmly.  

 

Even Arthur’s gaze toward her was less than friendly.  

 

‘I forgot. In the original story, Arthur initially disliked the princess, didn’t he?’  

 

It suddenly occurred to her that the original story had even labeled him as ‘disdainful’ toward her.  

 

Tap, tap— 

 

Guinevere slowly tapped her palm with her fan, her gaze sharpening.  

 

“Morgana, who’s that mercenary standing behind you? Do you know him?”  

 

“We’ve known each other for a while. He’s not a bad person!”  

 

Before she could finish, Kellive nodded and locked eyes with her.  

 

“You say we know each other?”  

 

“Why are you asking that now? You know him too, Kellive!”  

 

It was a strange question, considering they had met before.  

 

Kellive placed his glass on the windowsill and asked, “Then what’s our relationship?”  

 

Guinevere intercepted the answer.  

 

“Let me tell you, Your Highness. You’re someone she met at today’s banquet and will part ways with afterward.”  

 

“Ah, so it’s about the relationship between the princess and Morgana?”  

 

Desperate to escape this awkward triangle, Morgana subtly shifted her position, but all three followed her movement with their eyes.  

 

‘They’re all so sharp—perfect candidates to protect their respective nations.’  

 

Morgana pretended not to notice, smiling innocently.  

 

Amidst this, a familiar voice called out to her.  

 

“Greetings to the master of the holy sword—”  

 

A young nobleman, approaching to exchange greetings as befitted the banquet’s purpose, suddenly stopped in his tracks.  

 

“Yes, how can I help you?”  

 

Anyone would have been relieved in such a situation. But the young noble’s eyes quickly darted around her surroundings.  

 

Morgana, with her wide eyes and overly enthusiastic greeting, held a massive sword in her hand, while three pairs of sharp eyes were fixed intently on him.  

 

He hesitated, stepping back and shaking his head.  

 

“Ah, no, nothing. Enjoy, enjoy your time!”  

 

After this young noble, no one else approached Morgana. Not even Caradoc, who was visible in the distance.  

 

Kellive, who had been observing the outside through the window behind them, remarked calmly,  

 

“It’s the first time I’ve seen so many holy knights being mobilized.”  

 

Following his gaze, Morgana glanced outside as well.  

 

Holy knights, who had been scarcely visible during the day, were now gathering from all directions.  

 

Morgana stared intently at the vast scenery of the temple.  

 

Beyond the white walls of the Holy Kingdom, an endless expanse of dense forest stretched out of sight.

 

It was nearing sunset, and darkness was beginning to descend.  

 

Gazing at the orange-tinted sky, she asked,  

 

“Isn’t the Caledon Forest quite large?”  

 

“That’s right. It’s so vast that it could easily encircle the entire temple grounds and still have room to spare.”  

 

“With so many guests at the banquet, will the temple’s security be alright?”  

 

Given the temple’s considerable size and the large number of guests, withdrawing a significant number of holy knights would naturally reduce the number of knights available for internal security.  

 

‘If it were Bedivere, he might have requested support from other countries instead of relying solely on the holy knights.’  

 

Judging by how openly he had made demands to Merlin, it seemed he didn’t trust her when it came to security matters.  

 

An ordinary holy knight wouldn’t have made such a judgment, but Bedivere had come to the temple to survive. He would prioritize solving the problem over maintaining the temple’s image.

  

Morgana quietly watched Bedivere through the window, waiting for the right moment.  

 

As expected, once the knights had been dispatched, he hurriedly strode back into the banquet hall with wide steps.  

 

Approaching Merlin, he cautiously reported.  

 

“With this number of knights, searching the Caledon Forest for the lady from Avalon and the priest will take time.”  

 

“But we can’t leave the temple unguarded. There are also many knights from outside attending the banquet.”  

 

Merlin’s gaze briefly shifted toward Excalibur.  

 

Excalibur, already in high spirits due to the crowd surrounding it, gleamed brightly and shouted toward the ceiling.  

 

— You wanted to see me, didn’t you? Saint, behold and learn! There’s no one else as worthy of worship as me!  

 

Though it seemed more like a signal directed at Nimue, who was quietly leaning against the wall.  

 

Bathed in the light of the chandelier, its finely honed blade reflected the light, creating a radiant glow.  

 

The flickering reflections caused Merlin to squint one eye and pause the conversation.  

 

“What’s the matter, Lady Morgana?”  

 

Morgana blinked, pondered for a moment, and then cautiously offered her suggestion.  

 

“Should we send some knights from Avalon as well?”  

 

Instantly, Bedivere’s eager voice chimed in.  

 

“Would that be alright? If the holy knights handle the search for the priest, perhaps Avalon could take charge of rescuing the lady from Avalon?”  

 

As if he had already considered this plan, Kellive readily agreed.  

 

“That works for us. We already have knights searching the paths leading to the Caledon Forest from Avalon.”  

 

While those who could wield swords were welcomed, Merlin, with a troubled expression, covered her mouth with the long sleeve of her high priestess robe.  

 

“This is a neutral territory. Allowing knights from another country to intervene is…”  

 

“It’s called cooperation!”  

 

Morgana quickly interjected, snapping her fingers.  

 

“Of course, that’s true, but…”  

 

“But we can’t entrust the temple’s security to another country.”  

 

It would be better to let them handle the search instead.  

 

After all, Bedivere knew the terrain and paths of the Caledon Forest well.  

 

Merlin, repeatedly cut off mid-sentence, simply smiled and remained silent. Perhaps displeased with Kellive taking the lead, Guinevere also stepped forward.  

 

“If you’re truly concerned about the temple’s neutrality, we can send knights from Britain as well. I’ll send a letter to my father right away.”  

 

She nodded to the maid who had accompanied her from Britain.  

 

Likely to deliver a message to King Vortigern, the maid quickly left the banquet hall.  

 

However, Bedivere outright rejected her offer.  

 

“The missing lady is from Avalon. There’s no need for Britain to intervene, as it would be a waste of resources. We’ll cooperate with Avalon.”  

 

“Sir Gawain is currently near the entrance of the Caledon Forest. If you could guide us on where to move, we’ll relay the instructions.”  

 

Kellive showed no hesitation in commanding the royal knights. Though the details of dividing areas and coordinating numbers were difficult for Morgana to follow, it seemed things were progressing smoothly.  

 

After a while, the British maid returned in a hurry, but she didn’t bring the answer Guinevere had hoped for.  

 

“Princess, I’m sorry. King Vortigern has denied the request for deployment.”  

 

“That man is truly useless.”  

 

The answer had been decided from the start.  

 

Why would King Vortigern, who might have to relinquish his throne, help the temple?  

 

Especially for the sake of a noble from Avalon.  

 

A neutral territory was a place where no one could intervene, but it was also a place where no one could be blamed for not helping when needed.  

 

In the end, only the knights from Avalon headed toward the Caledon Forest.

 

💫

 

The murmuring conversations of the noble ladies only deepened Morgause and Elaine’s embarrassment.  

 

“Something must be happening. I don’t understand it, though.”  

 

“It seems not just anyone can pull the holy sword. Look at how she’s making decisions even in such a critical situation.”  

 

“The prophecy about ruling the continent must be true!”  

 

All the whispered conversations were about Morgana. 

 

Though Morgause and Elaine wanted to act like they knew something, they had no knowledge to contribute in such a situation.  

 

‘If it were about magic, I’d be confident!’  

 

Morgause’s gaze drifted toward the minstrel in the distance. Her mother, who never missed a banquet, was also here.  

 

That’s why she wanted to make a good impression.  

 

‘My dress and hair aren’t even properly arranged, my accessories are tacky, and on top of that, I have to show off this bastard child running wild.’  

 

Her hands, clutching her dress, trembled with shame.  

 

Except for the noble ladies chattering behind her, she had no one to talk to.  

 

‘This is so embarrassing. How am I supposed to greet Mother like this!’  

 

After the knights were dispatched, people around Morgana were subtly vying for attention, engaging in a constant battle of wits.  

 

This was a stark contrast to Morgause, who was left forgotten in the corner.  

 

Tears welled up in her eyes.  

 

Just then, the hem of a white dress brushed against the marble floor of the hall.  

 

Looking up, she saw Merlin, who had been conversing with other noble ladies.  

 

“High Priestess, I was truly surprised by this prophecy. I had no idea it would be a woman.”  

 

“Lady Coventina embraces everyone, after all.”  

 

“Wow…!”  

 

Seizing the moment, Morgause tugged on Elaine’s arm.  

 

“Let’s go, Elaine. We need to make an impression on the High Priestess, even now!”  

 

She pushed through the crowd of ladies, roughly making her way toward Merlin.  

 

“Ouch, that hurts. Why are you pushing like that?”  

 

Complaints arose from all sides, but Morgause ignored them, smiling sweetly as she greeted Merlin.  

 

“Hello, I’m Morgause of the Fay family from Avalon.”  

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”  

 

Her gentle eyes curved into a pretty half-moon shape.  

 

At that moment, Nimue, the saint standing behind Merlin, nervously bit her nails.  

 

It was an unbecoming gesture for someone of her status. Facing Merlin, Morgause found Nimue’s behavior oddly out of place.  

 

When their eyes met, Nimue shook her head desperately.