Chapter 154 King of Britain
"I have already accepted it. Mordred, my sister Morgan le Fay, and all those who have let go of past mistakes—I will no longer blame you. That is the king's command! I do not wish to spend time reconciling matters with you."
The girl named Artoria was no longer confused. Whether it was her saintly side or her tyrannical side, even as a Servant she would do what she wished. Thus, she obtained the Holy Grail, regained her physical body, and came to this world.
If she were the normal, purely righteous King, she might have worked relentlessly to protect and restore the world. But this girl, in this state, would pursue her own happiness.
The blonde, handsome girl glanced at the boy beside her and gave a charming smile, fleeting as a night-blooming flower or a tulip blooming at sunrise, surpassing all flowers in the world in that moment.
At this moment, the white headband on the girl's head shone like a crown. Even wearing a maid outfit, she was cool and commanding, exuding authority with no trace of confusion.
Shirou smiled appreciatively and nodded at the girl.
Mor-chan crossed her arms and pouted awkwardly, saying, "Hmph~! If the King thinks this way, then I will temporarily put aside all grudges and pledge loyalty to you. But I won't give up until you acknowledge my thoughts!" In her heart, she shouted: 'No way! Is this being forgiven? My willful, domineering father! And so handsome!'
"King… truly worthy of being a king… our strongest, invincible King of Knights" Lamorak murmured upon hearing Artoria's words, sinking into a pensive sadness.
Mordred laughed and said, "Exactly! As long as the King commands me, I will carry it out! It is my choice according to my own heart, so the King's enemies are my enemies! Pellinore, what more do you have to say?"
"I can't understand!" Pellinore shook his head violently but ultimately laid down his weapon. "I don't understand! Completely incomprehensible. Even dead, the Monster King is still a Monster King! Fine! Tell me—why exactly did you come here?"
"Lord Pellinore, I have come to form an alliance. For the purpose of slaying Vortigern the dragon, give me your strength! The Anglo barbarian king has already submitted to me. Once I gain the knights of Britain, this battle can be won!"
"What! Those Anglo barbarians?" Pellinore asked in disbelief.
"Lord Lamorak, would you serve as my knight and fight alongside me?" Artoria looked at the tall knight, extending an invitation.
"Someone like me… still has the right to be your knight?" Lamorak said in disbelief.
Even on the last day of his life, Lamorak had been advising Morgan to abandon her revenge against King Arthur. He loved that captivating woman deeply—not a mere villain—and anyone who met her could understand this.
Her beauty could reveal an enchanting, sincere smile; in private, she was innocent like a fairy; on the battlefield, magnificent as a goddess of war; and merciless as a witch to her enemies.
Yet he truly respected the King and wished for reconciliation between them, vowing never to harm her.
In reality, what he did was betrayal: he broke the rules by consorting with the already married Morgan, which was also a betrayal to fellow Round Table knights like Gawain and Agravain, as well as Morgan's sons…
After his death, as a heroic spirit, he learned of Arthur's demise and felt deep guilt. He longed for atonement but had no chance. He had sinned out of lust, was justly killed by Morgan's sons, while Arthur had been killed by Morgan's plot. Camelot, which the King had sought to protect, was destroyed. Round Table knights fought desperately, sacrificing countless lives, and the honor and peace they achieved were undone.
Artoria did not try to console the knight. She directly said, "Lord Lamorak! I order you to follow me and help me slay the dragon Vortigern!"
This icy command, like a gospel, nourished Lamorak's parched, millennia-old heart. He placed his hand over his chest, knelt on one knee, and swore: "Yes! I obey your command, my King!"
"Hey! Lamorak, are you really going to pledge loyalty to this King?" Pellinore said unhappily.
Artoria looked at the middle-aged man and said: "Lord Pellinore, as a local ruler of Britain, have you now degraded into a coward hiding in your castle when facing a powerful enemy? Do you still have the courage to follow me, the King of all Britain, to conquer the enemy?"
Pellinore raised his silver spear and shouted: "Hmph! You've become quite outspoken, King Arthur! I understand. If my territory requires someone else to protect it, then I am unfit to be a king! This time, I, Pellinore, will be the vanguard! I will also notify the other knights in the legions."
"Good. I leave these matters to you, Lord Pellinore," Artoria nodded.
"I will go alongside and proclaim the glory of the King to all the knights." Lamorak's fighting spirit was ignited, and he rode out together with Pellinore.
"Excellent. With this, our forces are sufficient. Artoria truly is the King here," Shirou said in admiration.
"Hmph, it is only natural," Artoria replied confidently. Then she looked at the boy and asked, "Shirou, which version of me do you prefer?"
"I like them all. Whether it's the you who loves to eat, the you who keeps promises and helps others, the you who follows your convictions and does what you want, or the you as King, majestic and giving your all—I like all of it," Shirou replied with a gentle smile.
"Hmph… really? Then… I must quickly resolve matters here," Artoria said, her cheeks slightly flushed as she saw the boy's normal smile, the regal king reflecting a faint blush, deep in thought.
Pellinore gathered all the knights he could contact, and all personnel assembled outside the tent.
Among them were those who had grievances with King Arthur: barbarians who attempted invasion but were killed, rebellious territories suppressed by the King, knights who opposed Arthur's governance and challenged his authority, or even those who had once followed Arthur and joined the Round Table but ultimately opposed him.
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