The arrangements were in order, and Artorius turned around, heading towards the training grounds.
Before the final battle arrived, he had to ensure that his strength reached perfection.
Then...
"Got a moment?"
In the corridor, Artorius looked at Morgan, who had a smile on her face, as he calmly asked.
"Of course, I also have something to talk about."
Looking at her smiling face, Artorius pondered for a moment... Was this woman going to demand his previous promise?
If so, what should he do?
Should he fulfill the promise or not?
The physical exertion required could be disregarded since his magical energy was limitless. However, when it came to the aspect of time...
"Artorius, take a look at this."
Continuing on, under Artoria's astonished gaze, Morgan produced a treasure. It was adorned with vibrant blue enamel decorations set on golden metal, with fairy writing in the center.
It was Avalon—The Everdistant Utopia. It was also the thing Artoria had lost recently...
"You are the one who stole it?!" Artoria exclaimed angrily.
"Yes, I'm sorry about that."
Her apology lacked sincerity, causing Artoria to become even more furious, while Morgan continued to smile and look at Artorius.
"You're the King of Britain now, so this scabbard should be returned to its rightful owner."
"Even without Avalon, I can still heal quickly..." Artorius said. "But either way, I'll accept your gift."
As he spoke, he drew his own sword, Excalibur—Sword of Promised Victory, and discarded the scabbard that replaced Avalon, replacing it with Avalon itself. He confirmed that he had obtained a considerably important asset.
The true purpose of Avalon was never about quick recovery; it was an immensely powerful Noble Phantasm that possessed an absolute defensive ability akin to 'True Magic' It was capable of even withstanding 'EA' of that goldy, the King of Heroes.
Following Artoria's abdication, Excalibur became Artorius's new weapon, while she chose the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad as a substitute. Artorius bestowed Clarent upon Mordred.
Although Artorius was more familiar with Clarent, Excalibur had become the symbol of Britain's royal authority due to King Arthur.
"As long as you're happy with it."
Looking at Artorius, who wore the holy sword, adorned with frost-colored armor and cloak, exuding an unparalleled heroic aura, the flames in Morgan's eyes grew even hotter.
"So..." She almost forgot herself as she leaned closer. "The promise you made to me before..."
"I certainly remember."
Artorius reached out, embracing her waist and pulling her into his arms without hesitation. Ignoring her surprised gaze, he spoke to her with a condescending, arrogant, and aggressively assertive tone, "Tonight, make yourself clean and wait for me."
After uttering those words, he pushed Morgan away and left without a shred of remorse, leaving her alone, collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath.
"Damn it."
"Thi-This man..."
"He's truly..."
Morgan didn't know how to describe it. All she knew was that when Artorius held her, her heart raced intensely as if it were about to stop.
===
At the same time...
"Um... Artorius..."
Beside Artorius, Artoria hesitated with her words.
"Just say whatever you want to say, Father." Artorius said without even looking back.
"Between you and Morgan..."
"Morgan is useful. Her power is indispensable for our cause. And she's not the kind of person who can be swayed by words, ideals, or dreams. So, if we want her help, we have to find another way and pay a different price."
"Yes, I understand, but..."
"As long as it accomplishes my plan, I'm willing to be crushed to dust from head to toe."
Artorius's words were passionate and resolute, making Artoria feel ashamed and realize that she still had much to learn and improve upon.
And his actions were consistent with his words. That very night, he stormed into Morgan's room without a second thought, raised his 'mighty dragon spear', and pierced her repeatedly until she fell lifeless.
Faced with Artorius's fierce assault, Morgan initially tried to maintain her dominance. She provocatively spoke to Artorius like—"My, my, are you that eager for your Aunt's body, my little nephew?"
She actively fought back, but as the saying goes, good prevails over evil. Morgan's forces collapsed while Artorius remained invincible, slaying countless enemies.
No matter how Morgan boasted and how wild she behaved, she ultimately fell beneath the shadow of the great dragon. She cried uncontrollably, wailing like a bullied little girl, constantly begging Artorius for mercy. However, due to her previous arrogance, he showed no intention of forgiving her.
Thus, the next day, during breakfast in Camelot, Morgan was absent.
Witnessing this scene, the Knights of the Round Table in Camelot dared not speak or question. They simply carried out Artorius's commands efficiently.
The kings from various countries of Britain were gradually arriving. The meeting of the kings of Britain was about to commence. The entire Camelot was restless, with soldiers and knights on edge.
Artorius's wish to unite Britain had long been known through various channels.
If the kings complied, all would be well.
But if they refused, a civil war engulfing Britain would likely erupt.
In such a situation, it became crucial to discern one's friends from foes, who would support them, and who would lead the opposition. Every day, Artorius discussed with the knights, privately communicated with the kings, dispatched envoys, tested each other, devised plans, formed alliances, and even resorted to assassination, threats, and kidnappings, all to ensure the realization of his desires.
Until three days later, in the grand hall of the white castle's throne room, Artorius sat high on the throne, overlooking all.
"Britain must unite."
His voice was calm and indifferent.
"The territories must unite under the same banner."
The kings had differing thoughts. Some were panting as if they were about to voice their strong opposition, while others had flickering eyes, contemplating their next moves.
"I promise you wealth, castles, and status." Artorius calmly surveyed the surroundings. "But you must surrender your armies, people, cities, and territories. Unite everything under the banner of the Red Dragon. Only then—"
"Impossible!"
At that moment, a furious voice interrupted Artorius.