The dispute was merely about differences in philosophy and belief.
To some, Lancelot, the strongest Elf Knight, undoubtedly appeared as a terrifying figure. She always radiated a tense atmosphere, spoke with a cold, clear voice, often regarded humans as evil beings, and mercilessly ostracized them. Even most of the elves were rejected by her, making her seem like a rather cold character to many.
However, in reality, Lancelot herself neither alienated nor hated humans; she didnât look down on them but merely saw them as beings with inferior survival skills.
In the eyes of Lancelot, born of dragonkin, most elves are weak, not to mention the even weaker humans.
Thatâs why Lancelot simply believed that compared to herself, everyone else was weak.
In the view of this dragonkin Elf Knight, she was undoubtedly the strongest.
If that was the case, it was only natural for the weak to follow the strong.
Based on this concept, Lancelot often said a phrase.
"Obedience to the powerful is absolute. In other words, everyone must obey me."
Regardless of whether these words truly reflected Lancelotâs beliefs, from the moment this Elf Knight uttered them, her relationship with Gawain was doomed to be strained.
At first glance, Gawain might seem like a carnivorous powerhouse, but in reality, she was the most chivalrous among the current Elf Knights, the most knightly, and the most principled.
As the lord of Manchester, Gawainâs first priority was always to manage her domain and protect her people.
As an Elf Knight of Britain, one of Gawainâs standards of behavior was to solve problems for the people and remain loyal to a worthy king.
On the battlefield, she was one who could accurately analyze the overall situation and act cautiously.
In front of her colleagues, she was someone who considered all consequences and offered counsel to others.
Thus, even if she disliked Tristanâs methods, in front of the queen and diplomatic officials, she still protected Tristan because Tristan was the queenâs adopted daughter. If things escalated, it wouldnât be Tristan who suffered the consequences, but those who opposed Tristan and even the innocent bystanders.
Therefore, she often reprimanded Woodworth, the chief of the Tusk Clan, not only because she was also an elf of the Tusk Clan but because if Woodworthâs antics continued, it would only tarnish the Tusk Clanâs image in front of the queen, causing other clan elves to suffer.
Of course, others didnât know this.
In the eyes of the elves, Gawain was always the one to volunteer first in battles and expeditions, leading from the front. Once on the battlefield, she mercilessly trampled the weak, earning the title of the Merciless Knight.
Gawain adhered to the laws of nature, upheld survival of the fittest as her principle, and declared that dominating the fragile human race was a natural order of things. However, the deeper meaning of her words was that the strong should protect the weak unless they were enemies. Under no circumstances would she abandon those who were weak.
As a lord, she was cautious and composed.
As an Elf Knight, she was firm and ruthless.
Yet, her true nature was quite gentle, easily touched by others.
This was Elf Knight Gawain, a being who could discern friend from foe, fiercely protect her own, and show no mercy to her enemies.
This was also the biggest point of contention between Lancelot and Gawain.
The former believed the weak should submit to the strong and took her own strength for granted, whereas the latter believed the strong should protect the weak, adhering to a different kind of survival of the fittest law.
The clash of views and beliefs was the primary reason Gawain disliked Lancelot.
There might also have been Gawainâs resentment toward Lancelot for her continual self-proclamation as the strongest Elf Knight and Lancelotâs indifferent attitude towards beings weaker than herself, among other scattered factors, that contributed to her disdain toward Lancelot.
But, at its core, the reason was the difference in beliefs.
Thatâs something Lancelot probably had a hard time understanding.
Despite Lancelotâs cold appearance, deep down, she was quite naiveâthe kind youâd call transcendent if you wanted to sound nice, or childish if not.
Hence, Reiger had no intention of enlightening her, simply stating,
"Letâs move on to the purpose of your visit. Itâs not just to see me like Gawain, is it?"
Reigerâs words shook Lancelot out of her dilemma.
Indeed, she had a matter to discuss with Reiger.
The gaze of the Dragon Girl then shifted slightly, resting on Reigerâs right hand.
On that hand, a ring shaped like a dragonâs claw was being worn by Reiger.
"Are you here for that?"
Noticing Lancelotâs focused gaze, Reiger raised his right hand.
Lancelotâs gaze immediately followed, fixating on the ring on Reigerâs right hand.
"What is the deal with that ring?" Lancelot hesitated a bit before asking, "I sense the aura of a dragon and Magic Power from that ring. Thatâs not an illusion, right?"
"No," Reiger shook his head, not concealing anything, "This ring is a secret treasure made by the dragonkin, hence it possesses the power of a dragon. The dragonâs aura and Magic Power you sensed are indeed from this."