Real or Fake?

Meanwhile, in Mainz.

This former capital of the Roman Empire's Upper Germania gradually regained its vitality under the management of Artorius.

Gathering the displaced, cultivating the land, and constructing fortresses.

Thanks to convenient transportation and its strategic location, Mainz rose once again and became the administrative center of General and Governor Artorius called the 'Germanic Military Region'.

During Artorius's absence, the one who took over administrative duties and also oversaw intelligence work was Agravain, Artorius's teacher in his younger days.

Ignoring the time and late nights, Agravain tirelessly dealt with government affairs. Rubbing his eyes slightly, he prepared to drink a few sips of hot soup to rejuvenate himself when he noticed a frost-colored crystal shining on one side of his office.

"His Highness needs at least a hundred 'volunteers', and the location is... Burgundy... this landmark, hmm..."

With great speed, he stood up and walked over to the crystal, receiving the message.

"What are you planning, Your Highness?"

Due to limited magical energy, Artorius didn't fully explain the matter to him.

However, this didn't hinder Agravain's loyalty or his execution of orders.

In this regard, he and Merlin were two extremes, in opposite ways. One was reliable, while the other was not, in other words, extremely unreliable.

===

Meanwhile.

"Sir Galahad, Lord Merlin, and... Prince Artorius?!"

Shortly after Artorius and his party set off toward the light, they encountered familiar faces.

Bors and Percival of the Knights of the Round Table remained in their original location, sending messages back to Camelot. They established a camp.

Inside the camp, in addition to them, there were their squires and other Knights of the Round Table who had gathered after receiving the news, as well as local guides.

Because of the light emitted by the Holy Grail, they even saved on building a bonfire, instead gathering around the Holy Grail and establishing a small camp.

When they saw Artorius and his group approaching, the Knights of the Round Table were somewhat tense until they confirmed that it was their people, at which point they breathed a sigh of relief.

"I see, Sir Galahad has come to retrieve the Holy Grail."

Bors, who said these words, felt a slight sense of disappointment. He said to Artorius and his party, "Sir Percival, the other Knights of the Round Table, as well as our squires, have all tried. The Holy Grail is as if it's rooted there, unable to be moved. So we stayed here and sent someone back to Camelot to report, and then..."

"Your Highness, forgive me for being straightforward, but are you sent by the King?"

"Not exactly," Artorius said, "but we do intend to bring the Holy Grail back to Camelot."

Upon hearing Artorius's statement, the Knights of the Round Table exchanged glances; however, they did not voice any objections. After all, Artorius was still the legitimate heir to the throne. They would continue to live under Artorius's rule in the future, and even if they didn't, at least their sons or grandsons would.

The seasoned and pragmatic Bors remained silent, while the straightforward Percival spoke up.

"Of course, Your Highness. If you can really accomplish that, it would be a great help."

"Because it is said that only someone with a noble and pure heart can wield the Holy Grail. So initially, we thought the person who came would be the King himself."

"..."

Hearing them speak like this, Artorius's internal vigilance increased once again.

The closer he got to the Holy Grail, the more he could feel the terrifying power contained within it.

It was different from the Holy Grail created by the Three Founding Families or the Holy Grail spun by a certain Gaia.

The Holy Grail Artorius faced was genuine. It was the true, legendary treasure held by the Son of God, containing boundless power and terrifying potential.

If one were to gauge the influence of 'Catholicism' based on the premise that 'Buddhism's influence permeates the universe,' it is highly likely that the authentic Holy Grail's level surpasses the Counter Force which is on a planet level. It would potentially reach the cosmic level, or at the very least, the galactic level or even the cluster level.

'Which means, if this thing is truly the True Holy Grail... If I can truly grasp this power, then I possess a trump card to counter the Counter Force, or even...'

Thinking this, Artorius turned his head and looked at Merlin. Although he didn't speak, his meaning was clear—Merlin should come and observe whether this Holy Grail was real or fake.

"..."

In response to Artorius's gaze, the mage of flowers paused for a moment, then rubbed his nose and showed a shy expression.

"Iyaa~ Artorius~ Even if you look at me like that with such intense eyes, I cannot reciprocate your feelings~ Although you are indeed an exceptionally handsome youth, I, on the other hand, only have an affection for cute girls. Why don't you try Galahad who's standing next to you? Although he may not be as gorgeous as me, Galahad is quite decent you—"

When this guy was halfway through his sentence, Artorius gripped the hilt of Clarent, almost unable to resist decapitating him.

Of course, he managed to hold back in the end.

Not because Artorius had a good temper or any other reason. It was simply because Merlin was powerful. The odds of decapitating him weren't high. It was better to bide his time and seize the opportunity to strike hard later.

"What I mean is... is this really the True Holy Grail?" Artorius asked directly.

"Well... even I can't say for sure." came the reply.

"..."

'You dick wizard, your Clairvoyance is utterly useless!'

As Artorius continued to mentally curse him, he couldn't help but feel a bit of regret. If he had known that teaming up with Merlin would be such a headache, he would have been better off seeking out Morgan earlier.

"Hahhh... then..."

Artorius sought a compromise. "Does this Holy Grail indeed contain immense power?"

"That much is true."

"Can you release a portion of its power?" Artorius asked further.

"Well... that's not something I'm skilled at~"

"..." Artorius narrowed his eyes and ran out of patience with the so-called greatest mage.

"Calm down, Your Highness, calm down."

"Just get used to it, just get used to it."

"Your Highness, Lord Merlin isn't worth your time. Let him be."

When Artorius couldn't resist drawing his sword again, the prepared Knights of the Round Table immediately rushed forward and separated Artorius and Merlin.

Seeing how skillfully these guys acted, it was clear they had experience with this kind of shenanigans. It wasn't the first time they had done this before.

"Is it really impossible?"

After managing to calm down reluctantly, Artorius looked at Merlin and inquired.

"It really is impossible~ How about changing the request then? I can teach you how to pick up girls. I guarantee you'll be satisfied~"

The next moment, Artorius once again unsheathed Clarent.

Damn it, he was beyond mad.

Does this Prince really need you to teach him how to pick up girls, you dickhead?!