3 Hopeless

"Haha, that's a good answer," chuckled Galahad happily, standing up and pulling Artorius up with him.

As he did so, he mentally ran through a list of women he knew who had 'big boobs' and 'busty' figures. He hadn't decided yet who Artorius admired.

"Do you have a plan after this?" Galahad cheerfully asked Artorius.

Being around the same age as Artorius and having grown up together, they could be considered a childhood friend. Of course, their relationship wasn't on the same level as Nagisa Kaworu and Shinji Ikari from Evangelion.

"If not... I'm going hunting next, care to join me, Your Highness?" Galahad extended an invitation to Artorius, only to be rejected.

"Instead of that, how about you answer a question for me, Sir Galahad?"

"I will speak what I know."

"Do you know how to save... this country?"

"..."

Upon hearing Artorius's question, Galahad's expression became somewhat... no, very peculiar.

"The Age of Gods will end eventually. It's the trend of history. Except for the City of Camelot, True Ether throughout Britain is fading. This has led to a series of consequences. Crops are declining... diseases and even plagues are spreading. The weather is gradually becoming colder. Our country is suffering... So, Sir Galahad, what is your opinion?"

After saying this, Artorius looked at Galahad with hopeful eyes.

Unfortunately, Galahad's opinion wasn't much different from that of the Knights of the Round Table or the average person in Britain.

"The King is working hard to save the country," Galahad said matter-of-factly. "As long as we defeat those foreign barbarians, and that despicable king, we can save this country, right?"

"Do you truly believe that, Sir Galahad?"

"Isn't that the case?" The white-haired young knight answered matter-of-factly. "I have complete faith in the King. He is the best commander, the best leader, the perfect knight. I, along with all the members of the Knights of the Round Table, take pride in being his knights and am willing to fight for him for the rest of my life."

Artorius looked at the white-haired boy seriously, confirming that these words came from the bottom of his heart. Then he smiled happily, patting his shoulder.

"Just as I thought, Sir Galahad." Afterward, he extended his fist, bumping it against Galahad's fist. "You truly are my best friend."

"I'm honored." Galahad smiled. "So, hunting?"

"Nah, forget it. I'm planning to go back to my room for a while. Sir Agravain was really heavy-handed."

"Well, Gareth will be disappointed."

"Then, please apologize to her for me," Artorius replied. "See you later, Sir Galahad."

"Until we meet again, Your Highness."

After bidding farewell, the two boys went their separate ways. Galahad headed toward the direction of the stables, where he joined his attendants.

"Gentlemen, go fetch our horses!" Galahad declared loudly, greeted by a small cheer.

Meanwhile, Artorius proceeded toward the castle.

After a burst of light, a notebook appeared out of thin air, floating beside Artorius, and it opened automatically.

On the notebook's page were the names of the Knights of the Round Table, with most of them marked with a cross.

"Galahad is no exception huh."

With Artorius's words, the name of the white-haired knight was also crossed out.

"Why is it so difficult to do something? Even if you all believe in that warrior woman, she can't save Britain, for fuck sake. I can't do it alone; I need assistance to accomplish things, but these Knights of the Round Table are all hopeless. Must I resort to cloning hundreds of my mother like Morgan to form a Saber team?"

Artorius couldn't help but mutter as he moved forward.

Afterward, the young prince seemed to sense something. Following his intuition, he discovered his 'Father' standing on top of Camelot's battlements, their gazes meeting directly. Behind his father stood Agravain, his teacher. On the other side was the Knight of the Lake, Lancelot, with pale violet short hair and a facial resemblance to Galahad.

The 'Perfect King' nodded slightly at him, and Artorius responded with a joyful smile. This smile brought about a complex mix of emotions in King Arthur—no, in Artoria Pendragon, his so-called father that was actually a mother, and the reigning ruler of Britain, who secretly live as a man. Even now, she didn't know what kind of emotions to use when facing her 'son'.

"His Highness has progressed quickly." Beside her, Agravain spoke calmly. "Among his peers, only a few like Gareth and Galahad can compare. Not to mention, His Highness has shown considerable talent in mathematics, management, rhetoric, and literature."

"Well, isn't that great?" Lancelot spoke in a gentle tone. "We have an excellent heir."

"Sir Agravain." The seemingly young king said calmly, "It seems like you have something more to say?"

"Yes."

"About Artorius?"

"Yes."

"Tell me."

"Yes."

Without hesitation, Agravain revealed the incident where Artorius had used a strange alchemical device during their battle, as well as the prince's 'issues' concerning his 'conduct'.

Compared to the noble and righteous knights, Artorius's character was closer to that of a commoner. He had stronger material desires and enjoyed indulgence. He spent a considerable amount of time each day staring at the bosoms of various noble ladies.

In addition, he had lied and played harmless pranks and had significant involvement with the fairy of Avalon.

He calmly stated the collected information, causing the other side, Lancelot, to glare angrily.

Unlike the Iron Knight, the Lake Knight didn't hold a low opinion of Artorius.

In his eyes, the prince was a dashing boy, attractive in appearance, humble and talented, and his son's childhood friend. If only he had a daughter, he would certainly marry her to Artorius to strengthen the alliance between Britain and France.

As for the issues Agravain mentioned, liking alchemy and magecraft was just a minor hobby. Lying and playing pranks showed that he was lively.

And as for liking women, what the hell was wrong with that? Just because you're frigid doesn't mean the rest of the Knights of the Round Table have to be eunuchs with you, you bloody bastard.

Agravain was supposedly Artorius's teacher, but he acted like a petty person, reporting bad things to the King. If he had the chance, he would make sure to confront such a petty person.

Not to brag, but he could knock down scum like Agravain with just one hand.