174 Another One

"This fellow is seriously injured and doesn't look hopeful. Let's make it quick."

Beside Artorius, Mordred spoke calmly as she prepared to draw her sword.

Upon hearing the explosion, she arrived here shortly after Artorius. Then she saw another figure with an Artoria Face, holding onto him with a foolish smile on her face.

Even though XX was so badly injured, she hadn't forgotten to care for her son, Artorius.

This infuriated Mordred to no end, and she immediately thought of finding some excuse to roast her.

"Don't fuss, Little Mo."

Artorius rubbed Mordred's hair, trying to soothe his grumpy sister. Then he proceeded to infuse magical energy into XX's body.

No matter what, they couldn't let this woman die, right?

Even if Mordred wasn't pleased, she still obeyed her brother.

As Artorius infused his magical energy, XX's expression became peaceful, and her vital signs stabilized. It seemed like she would be fine.

Regaining her strength and peace of mind, XX smiled and then drifted into a deep sleep. Of course, even as she slept, she held on Artorius tightly.

"Tch, another one..." Mordred muttered as she received comfort from Artorius, who was petting her head.

"..."

Being comforted by her big brother was nice, but Mordred still felt vaguely uneasy.

'In the future, won't more Fathers be coming after my brother if this continues?'

With this worry in mind, Mordred pouted and went back to training. She channeled all her discontent onto her father, the original Artoria, and ended up with a head full of bruises. Her level of frustration increased once again.

At the same time, in a guest room at the Palace of Orleans, Artorius looked at the peacefully sleeping XX and pondered for a moment.

It wasn't surprise or curiosity; it was just contemplation.

Having encountered both X and X Alter, wasn't it normal for an XX to appear as well? He just wondered how she had come here.

Could it be that she also heard his prayer for help and came here to support him in defeating the Counter Force?

When he thought about it, the Counter Force seemed quite pitiful, being bombarded with the terrifying Artoria Species from that Servant Universe.

But was it really like that?

Or was there some hidden agenda?

Artorius thought about those questions.

Why?

Why would XX, a comedic yet strong character according to the setting, collapse and wait for him to rescue her?

After a few seconds of contemplation, Artorius quickly arrived at a very appropriate and problem-free conclusion:

'It must have been a clumsy fall while walking, and then her holy lance discharged a light beam and blew herself up. After all, she's a comedic character, that kind of occurrence wasn't strange for her.'

'Of course, there could be other possibilities... but what is it...'

Looking at XX, who was sleeping peacefully with her clothes already changed and covered with a blanket, Artorius unconsciously held her hand and pondered.

'Or... she might have been injured while fighting someone...'

But the probability of that was quite low.

According to the setting of the game, XX might be a 4-star character, but in reality, she was a powerful character with absolute defense from the Holy Lance Armor Aahvalon and absolute attack with the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad RL. Both her offense and defense were top-notch.

Someone like her probably couldn't have been brought to the brink of death except by getting pierced by her own lance.

Artorius came to that conclusion, but to truly understand what had happened, he would have to wait until XX woke up.

Looking at XX with that Artoria Face, his mood became somewhat delicate.

Her age was also felt rather 'delicate.'

Unlike Mordred, who exuded the beauty and youth of a 15-year-old high school girl, nor like the current Artoria, who felt a bit more grown-up like a college student.

XX was more like a woman in her twenties to thirties, just out of college, entering the work life, and gradually feeling worn out due to the demands of daily life. She would develop a penchant for beer, mindlessly munch on snacks, and let her underwear pile up all over her apartment—an 'office lady' type.

"That's nice..." Artorius muttered.

He wasn't muttering about the feeling mentioned earlier, but rather about XX's body in front of him.

It was the kind of body that had fully matured with toned muscle but hadn't gone overboard like a bodybuilder, soft and plump, without oversized breasts, yet still full of charm.

It was the type you'd happily embrace and take advantage of when she got tipsy after work.

Artoria Species truly was a treasure trove, with all kinds of women in one. Marrying Artoria Species was like having the whole world at your fingertips.

'Should I take this further?'

Artorius couldn't help but think.

'Since she's technically 'Father', I suppose she wouldn't be angry no matter what I did, right?'

'Just like when the atmosphere was really good before, with X.'

'Meaning...'

Artorius pondered for a few seconds, then lowered his head slightly and kissed XX on the lips.

"You're really lucky..." Artorius whispered to the 'sleeping' XX.

That wasn't a lie.

For XX, who, to her regret, had no love life and had foolishly stumbled into her thirties, the kiss of a handsome youth especially her own beloved son was something worth trading her life for.

Artorius left XX in the care of the Einzbern maids and prepared to return to manage his empire's affairs.

"Take good care of her. There'll be a reward when I return."

After saying those words, he pinched the rosy cheeks of every maid and went to inspect what shampoo Morgan had used this time.

Was it jasmine-scented or rose-scented? It was something to look forward to.

Of course, no matter what scent it was, Artorius could ensure it eventually smelled like boxwood flowers.

"Kyaaa~"

After Artorius left the room, XX, who had pretended to sleep from start to finish, couldn't bear it any longer, as she began to roll around in bed, exclaiming cutely while hugging a pillow.

===

At the same time.

"Artorius~"

In the office, Morgan, wearing a new alluring outfit and new black lace lingerie, hugged and kissed Artorius again after seeing him. She showed a longing gaze, seemingly unable to wait to get under the office desk again.

This time, she had to go all the way. Afterward, she would have to show off in front of that new little sister who had just appeared.

Although she didn't know any information about Artoria from another world other than the fact that she was here for Artorius, Morgan was certain of that much.

"Behave." Artorius said sternly.

"Yes~"

Seeing that Artorius showed no signs of refusal, Morgan knelt down and crawled toward him slowly with her buttocks in the air. Everything seemed so romantic and warm.

However, the next moment...

"Your Majesty."

Agravain's voice came from the door.

"We have received new information."