Morgan's Invitation

Inside the royal palace, Arkhan and the group gathered around a table, their gaze fixed on the invitation adorned with a twin lion emblem.

"Her Highness is actually inviting His Majesty to her banquet?" Bedivere furrowed his brow. "What could be her intentions?"

"What else could it be? That madwoman is clearly planning to confront Teacher during this opportunity!" Kay snickered.

"I don't think it'll be that extreme. After all, we've been looking after her sister for so long, and with Guinevere present, Morgan shouldn't do anything too drastic, right?" Artoria hesitated.

By the way, Arkhan had already explained to them about Guinevere's sudden disappearance, mentioning that Morgan had taken her away.

"Disappearing for over two months without a care in the world, do you really think Guinevere holds any significance in Morgan's heart?"

Kay spoke discontentedly while crossing his arms and giving a contemptuous huff.

"I've said it before, Morgan is a cold-blooded witch, a madwoman who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. I wouldn't be surprised if she's already tampered with something at the event, like poison apples or magecraft traps that could blow up an entire building."

"You're being too dramatic, Sir Kay." Bedivere wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "This time, it's not just His Majesty who received the invitation. If something happens at such a significant event, Her Highness won't escape unscathed either. Plus, Camelot has restraining magic formations in place, making all lethal magecraft ineffective here."

"That's right! I can vouch for that because I'm the one who set up those magic formations!" Merlin emerged from nowhere, wearing a proud expression.

Kay rolled his eyes. "I still don't trust Morgan's good intentions."

"In that case, Kay, why don't you accompany me to the event this time?" Arkhan suggested with a smile.

"No problem! Please rest assured, no matter what happens, I'll protect your safety."

Kay agreed without hesitation. After earning recognition from Claiomh Solais, he no longer feared Morgan even without Merlin's assistance.

"Your Majesty, are you really planning to attend this banquet?" Lamorak frowned, clearly sharing the concerns about Morgan's intentions.

"Time was short before, and I didn't have the chance to socialize with the nobles. Now that this opportunity has presented itself, how can I easily give it up?" While speaking, a hint of amusement appeared in Arkhan's eyes. "Besides, who knows, there might be some unexpected surprises at this banquet?"

Surprises?

Everyone exchanged puzzled looks, full of question marks.

"Oh, by the way, there's something I need to mention in advance." Merlin's lips curved into a sly grin. "At such an event, the men must have a female companion with them."

The group fell silent for a moment, all eyes turning towards the only woman present.

"Eh?"

Artoria gaped at everyone.

===

In the blink of an eye, night fell.

Kay waited outside the royal palace, driving a luxurious carriage.

Normally, such tasks would be entrusted to a coachman, but he was concerned that Morgan might tamper with it, so he volunteered to take on this responsibility.

Before long, Arkhan and Artoria emerged from the royal palace.

Arkhan was still clad in his majestic silver armor with a white cloak adorned with golden trim draped behind him. He stood tall and handsome, exuding an exceptional charm. His deep, abyss-like black eyes were irresistibly captivating.

Compared to his composed demeanor, Artoria appeared somewhat tense.

She had shed her usual pure white dress and donned a vibrant sky-blue evening gown, complemented by matching high heels. Her radiant golden hair was elegantly tied in a butterfly knot at the back, and she wore black lace gloves. Notably, the evening dress had a longer hem on one side, showcasing her slender and fair legs, which added a touch of maturity and sensuality to her appearance.

"Tea-Teacher, is it... is it really okay for me to dress like this?"

Artoria's voice trembled, and she seemed more nervous than she had ever been during the trial of Excalibur in Avalon.

"No need to be so tense, Lily." Arkhan reassured her with a smile. "You no longer carry the burden of a king. Show your charm like any normal woman. That's what you should do now."

"Ch-Charm?" Artoria stammered, and her fair face turned beet red.

No one had ever used that word to describe her, from childhood to adulthood.

"But... can I really do it?" Artoria asked hesitantly.

"Isn't it only natural?" Arkhan smiled and placed her arm in his own. 

She lowered her head slightly, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart. 

But then, she suddenly recalled Guinevere's figure and unconsciously glanced down at her chest. She pursed her lips, and a hint of disappointment appeared in her azure eyes.

"Wait, y-you're... Lily?!" Kay was also taken aback by Artoria's transformation, almost mistaking her for someone else.

He carefully examined her up and down and couldn't help but admire her.

"Impressive, Lily. Trust me, you're undoubtedly the brightest gem tonight."

"Brother, you're exaggerating!" Artoria said with a hint of distress.

"Heehee, I'm not joking,y'know!" Kay laughed and climbed onto the carriage. "C'mon, hop in, the banquet is about to begin."

Arkhan first helped Artoria board the carriage, and then he joined her.

"Hyaa!"

With a flick of his reins, Kay urged the horses forward, and amidst the crisp sound of hooves on the pavement, the carriage gradually rolled away along the wide street.

===

Inside a grand and opulent manor, dozens of nobles, dressed in luxurious attire, gathered in the hall, forming small groups as they chatted and laughed with one another.

Most of these individuals were seasoned partygoers, attending over a hundred gatherings each year. They were all too familiar with such scenes. However, the party they were attending today seemed to offer a slightly different taste.

"Have you all noticed that today's attendees consist mostly of high-ranking nobles, from earls and above?" A marquess remarked, holding a glass of red wine and smiling.

The others exchanged knowing glances and chuckled, their unspoken understanding evident.

With their keen senses, how could they not have noticed?

Typically, only when the host had something of significant importance to announce would they invite so many high-ranking nobles.

This piqued the curiosity of many, leaving them wondering what the princess had in mind to create such a grand spectacle.