In a corridor of the royal court, Artoria walked ahead, with Ian following behind her.
"Um—" After confirming there was no one else around, Artoria finally spoke cautiously. "Why did you suddenly go to her room?"
"Was I not supposed to?" Ian quickly replied. "Artoria, are you unhappy?"
"No, that's not it!" Artoria quickly shook her head. Her face flushed slightly as she said, "I just want to know. After all, appearing in a girl's room for no reason... that's very strange, isn't it?"
Actually, that wasn't entirely true. At least, when she saw Ian appear before her sister, Morgan, Artoria had felt a little unhappy. After all, just last night they had... cough, cough. Recalling some shameful things, Artoria coughed a few times. "But I know you must have had a reason. Ian, tell me."
"Mmm..." the boy nodded. "She smells like my mother."
"Eh?" This was something Artoria had not expected at all. "Is she your mother? But... according to the guards, she doesn't even have a husband yet. How could she have a son like you?"
"No. She's not my mother," Ian replied. "She just has a somewhat similar scent."
"..."
"Then..." Artoria cautiously probed. "Would you rather stay by her side? After all, if she smells more like your mother, you would be more comfortable, right?"
The moment she said it, Artoria regretted it. She didn't know why she had wanted to ask such a question. If she hadn't asked, everything would have been fine. But... she really wanted to know.
"I won't go."
In the midst of her turmoil, Artoria heard his answer.
"You smell more delicious. I want to stay by your side."
"..."
Hearing this answer, Artoria felt a little flicker of pride. "Is that so? Well, that's good..."
For a while after that, Artoria seemed very happy, even humming a little tune. It was a display that would make any passerby think this king was perhaps a bit too lively.
They proceeded unimpeded and finally stopped before a thick, heavy door. The two soldiers standing at the entrance bowed respectfully upon seeing Artoria. But when they noticed Ian following her, they gave him a surprised look. Artoria knew why—the story of Ian beating Merlin had spread far and wide. Bringing him along now would naturally cause such a reaction. But... it didn't seem to be a bad thing. At least with Ian by her side, these knights wouldn't dare to look down on her.
Pushing open the heavy door, Artoria saw an old man sitting on the throne. It was King Uther. However, he now looked completely decrepit, which made Artoria a little worried.
"You've come," King Uther said from the throne.
"Yes." Artoria nodded and then led Ian before him. "I've come."
A deathly silence. The old and new kings just looked at each other, not making a sound. It was Ian who finally broke the silence. He drew Caliburn and pointed it at King Uther.
"Get down. Give her that seat. Isn't that what was supposed to happen?"
"..." "..."
Artoria was stunned. Even if she was indeed the final victor of the selection, this was not how Ian should be doing it. Wasn't this blatantly forcing King Uther to abdicate?
However, faced with Ian's words, King Uther laughed. "Hahahaha~ If I'm not mistaken, you must be the knight who beat Merlin so badly he's still lying in bed, right? Seeing you today, you seem even more impressive than the legends."
Artoria felt slightly relieved. According to the original plan, Merlin should have been the one standing by her side right now. But Ian had very simply and brutally changed that fact. Fortunately, Merlin hadn't played any tricks, and King Uther didn't seem to want to make things difficult for them. It was extremely lucky.
However, faced with the olive branch King Uther extended, Ian didn't just go along with it. "So are you still not planning to come down? The throne belongs to Artoria!"
"..."
Artoria pressed a hand to her forehead. If she could, she would learn a silencing spell right now. But... Artoria secretly looked at Ian. This guy really dared to say anything for her. A dragon's words were indeed direct and reckless.
But King Uther still did not get angry. "Cough, cough—" He coughed a few times, his old body trembling violently. "Of course I will hand over the throne to the one who drew the sword. But—now is not the time."
"Not the time?" Artoria vaguely sensed something. "Is there some other requirement?"
"Not a requirement. It's something that must be done." King Uther managed to rise from the throne and took out something from the side. It was a map of Britain drawn on parchment. "Drawing Caliburn means you have the ability to save Britain. But before that, I want you to understand what Britain needs. Go and complete this journey. Then, return to Camelot and take back your throne."
"This..."
Taking the thick parchment from King Uther's hands, Artoria felt that she had also taken on a heavy responsibility. The King of Britain was the soul of Britain. Every living being in this land was the King's responsibility.
"I... am just a knight from the countryside. I only have a partial understanding of Britain," Artoria said softly. "Can I... really complete such a journey?"
"Aren't I here?" The great doors were pushed open again. Morgan, whom she had seen earlier, walked out with a smile. "You are the one who drew Caliburn. Let me help the King complete this journey. Oh, and by the way, my King," Morgan glanced nonchalantly at Ian, a slight smile on her lips, "bring him along too. With him, you will surely obtain everything the King needs."
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