Chapter 71: Iron-Willed Wakuri
The Picts were defeated, and the main force of the Picts—essentially all their able-bodied fighters—were captured.
Under such circumstances, how to handle these Picts became a moderately significant issue.
If you were to keep them fed, it would certainly be manageable in the short term.
After all, Britain still possessed the Divine Era Blessing, which provided terrifying boosts to food production and prevented spoilage.
But they couldn't just be kept idle without purpose.
Thus, how to arrange for these Picts became a topic requiring discussion.
After settling the Picts, Rivalen asked Noah about this matter. Hearing Rivalen's question, Noah smiled and spoke.
"The Picts were able to unite to this extent partly because of their leader—a warrior named Wakuri—and partly because food availability in Pictavia has declined, compressing their living space."
At this point, Noah looked at Rivalen.
"I've looked into this. Initially, this situation only occurred on the outskirts of Pictavia, but the scope of the atrophy has been gradually expanding... Lands affected by the atrophy can no longer yield abundant food, water sources are no longer sweet and pleasant, food turns sour and rots, and without proper farming methods, harvests may fail entirely. Even animal meat can no longer be consumed with simple preparation."
Hearing this, Rivalen frowned.
"Your Majesty, are you suggesting this situation could affect our Britain as well?"
The scenario Noah described was something Rivalen dared not even imagine.
If such a thing truly happened to Britain... Britain would likely fare no better than the Picts.
But upon hearing his words, Noah shook his head slightly.
"Rivalen, it's not that it might affect Britain—it already has, hasn't it?"
"Hmm... Are you referring to the Picts attacking us?"
"No."
Noah stood on the city walls, no longer looking at Rivalen but gazing at the boundless wilderness of Pictavia before him.
"Now that all the able-bodied forces of the Picts are in our hands, and Wakuri, the warrior who united these forces, has been captured by us—who do you think is the master of Pictavia now?"
Hearing this, Rivalen, who hadn't grasped it at first, now understood.
His eyes widened as he stared at Noah.
But before Rivalen could voice his answer, Noah continued.
"Pictavia now belongs to me, and thus to Britain!"
"So it has already affected Britain—under these circumstances, how to deal with the expanding Land Atrophy is a subject requiring study. But before tackling such a complex issue, we must prepare for the worst. At the very least, we need to research methods to ensure our people can survive even if all of Britain becomes like this, don't you agree?"
With that, Noah smiled.
"So aside from the portion of these Pictavians I need to utilize, the vast majority will naturally be sent back to study this issue."
Rivalen visibly furrowed his brow, while Noah began speaking before he could voice his question.
"Don't worry, I won't send them back empty-handed. I will incorporate Pictavia into Britain, and simultaneously appoint someone to oversee all of Pictavia. I believe as long as she is there, no problems will arise in Pictavia."
Before Noah arrived at Selkirk Territory, he had sent Artoria to find Kay and Scáthach.
After Artoria's arrival, she and Kay would be able to stabilize Camelot's situation, making Scáthach's presence there unnecessary.
Thus, at that time, Noah had Artoria deliver a new appointment to Scáthach.
And now...
"She should have arrived."
...
Wakuri's feelings were complex.
On one hand, he was displeased about being captured, yet this displeasure couldn't stir any rebellious thoughts when facing Noah...
So he found himself in a state of extreme internal conflict.
This Wakuri felt that the warrior's pride his teacher had instilled in him had been completely discarded. Now he was like a dog with a broken spine—unable to stand up, unable to lift his head, only capable of lying prostrate on the ground...
Yet even in this state, he had no intention of swearing fealty to King Arthur.
He clearly understood that with so many of his comrades captured, King Arthur would need to deal with this sudden surplus of prisoners.
The best approach would naturally be to start with him, their leader.
But even though he'd been beaten into submission, surrender was the one thing he wouldn't do.
Because he knew perfectly well that he had brought nearly all of Pictavia's fighting forces with him. If he surrendered now, it would mean handing over all of Pictavia to King Arthur!
This was absolutely unacceptable.
During these days when Noah had left him languishing in the dungeon, Wakuri had mentally prepared himself for everything.
He would never surrender!
Even though Pictavia had lost its fighting capacity after this battle, he believed that as long as he didn't surrender, the remaining Pictavians would fight and resist with everything they had.
Surrender would mean all Picts becoming slaves to the Britons.
Better to resist to the death than accept that fate!
If he must die, let it be with dignity!
As for defeating that King... Wakuri no longer entertained that possibility.
Because it was basically impossible.
Sigh.
Thinking of this, remembering Noah's kingly authority, Wakuri sighed inwardly three times.
Just then, he heard footsteps approaching from the prison corridor.
It seemed that after leaving him for several days, King Arthur had finally found time to deal with him.
Hah.
But he had trained in the Land of Shadows under his teacher!
He had already seen death, and things more terrifying than death.
So—bring on whatever methods you have!
Even if I can't win, I, Wakuri, will make you Britons witness the unyielding spirit of us Picts!
With such thoughts in mind, Wakuri watched as the dungeon door swung open.
Then...
The moment he saw the figure with long purple hair clad in leather armor step inside, the iron-willed Wakuri felt his legs give way, collapsing to his knees on the spot.
"T-teacher!?"
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