New Guard, Traitor, and Fake Emperor

Overall, it was Morgan's fault, but as a party involved, Artorius found it hard to say much when faced with her justified accusations. He could only awkwardly smile and pretend nothing had happened.

"...?"

Watching the interaction between Artorius and Morgan, discussing topics that Artoria couldn't comprehend, she couldn't help but feel very frustrated.

Although she vaguely knew that her beloved son had a relationship with her wicked sister, the specifics of it were completely unknown to Artoria.

At most, she could only imagine sweet kisses, holding hands, and cuddling together. Anything beyond that was a mystery to her, as she had never experienced it herself.

As for the frequency and the amount of time Artorius spent with Morgan and others, she couldn't fathom it. The extent of their intimacy exceeded her imagination.

But, not only Artoria, Morgan was also dissatisfied.

Yesterday, after spending only three minutes in Artorius's study, she already wore a sullen expression. Today, she couldn't even manage to remove her underwear, all thanks to a presence named Artoria, acting as a third wheel.

"Sisterly relationships are so troublesome."

Witnessing this scene, Artorius couldn't help but sigh, earning disapproving looks from the Pendragon sisters.

===

In any case, the personnel changes around Artorius finally settled down.

Artoria Pendragon, a new member of the Imperial Knights of the Round Table, replaced the former king 'Arthur' as Artorius's guard and demonstrated excellent performance in the subsequent series of wars to conquer Spain.

Due to the change in her status, she could no longer possess the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad, so she now equipped herself with the standard-issue gear of the Knights of the Round Table, donning a set of a Pure White Sword, a Frosteel Armor, and an Icy Blue Lance, making her indistinguishable from other Knights of the Round Table.

However, when it came to the battlefield, Artoria displayed exceptional performance.

She exhibited formidable strength that surpassed ordinary Knights of the Round Table while facing the Roman legions on the Spanish frontlines. Whether it was defeating the champion warriors of the Roman legions in one-on-one combat, slaying giants within the Roman army, or confronting the sea monsters summoned by heretic mages, Artoria demonstrated a terrifying prowess.

Her remarkable achievements made the conquest of Spain by the British-Roman seem as effortless as a military parade.

The Roman legions of the Western Empire, the local garrisons of the three provinces, the roaming Visigoths, and the Suebi people—all the forces opposing the Empire, crumbled before the great legion. Artoria was at the forefront of the imperial army, the champion of the emperor, and the embodiment of empire glory.

—"She's just like a female version of King Arthur."

More than one Knights of the Round Table couldn't help but exclaim like that.

Thus, in the year 487, after the British-Roman conquered Spain, during the commendation ceremony, the former king—Arthur Pendragon, bestowed his beloved lance, Rhongomyniad, upon Artoria.

"From now on, I entrust you with the duty to guard my son."

Arthur's face remains as attractive as ever, resembling Artoria's as if they were carved from the same mold. Though his appearance won't age, his eyes betray the weight of the years, and his body shows signs of decline.

Although there was no concrete evidence, everyone felt that Arthur's health was deteriorating.

He had once declared—"Once the fake emperor is defeated, I'll retreat to a beautiful and serene place."

That declaration seemed to be on the verge of realization.

As they witnessed this scene, many Knights of the Round Table and former retainers from Britain couldn't help but feel down, even shedding tears. But Artoria, the person concerned, had a completely different reaction.

'That sly Artorius. Always using me to entertain himself.'

Watching Arthur's affectionate yet weary expression, Artoria had to suppress the urge to punch the imposter in front of her and forced a very awkward smile.

"I understand." Through clenched teeth, Artoria told the imposter, "In the future, I will continue to serve His Majesty faithfully and remain loyal to the Empire."

"Then I can rest easy."

The gracious Arthur nodded, seemingly relieved of a burden.

Upon seeing this, tears welled up in the eyes of the Knights of the Round Table. The Pendragon had once again continued its legacy.

"Pfttt, fufufu..."

At the same time, Morgan couldn't hold back her laughter.

Although she always acted like a proper sister to Artoria because of Artorius, she couldn't help but feel delighted when she saw her sister's frustration.

The other Knights of the Round Table glared at her, but Morgan didn't care. Except for Artorius, she didn't give a damn about anyone else in this world. The world can burn for all she cares.

===

The British-Roman were ecstatic due to their victories, the influx of new territories, and the abundance of spoils. However, in the Western Roman Empire located in Italy, a dark cloud of misery hung over the land.

As the British-Roman conquered Spain, the North African provinces of the Western Empire fell completely, and the Vandals took control of these lands.

Consequently, the once formidable Western Roman Empire, which had once held half of Rome, now dwindled into a medium-sized nation confined to a corner of Italy.

The crisis in Rome had never been so immense before.

'Roman Emperor, huh... what an irony, but I won't give up without a fight.'

That was the bitter thought of the distressed Lucius. He always believed that he still had a chance for a dramatic comeback. That was when the traitor, Artorius, led his army into Italy.

Lucius planned to personally lead his troops to defeat the traitor and then kill him.

Lucius knew that the 18-year-old Artorius, who had not yet sired an heir, posed the greatest threat to his empire. If he could kill Artorius, everything would fall into place.

Artorius's generals would fight amongst themselves, and the once vast empire would crumble and disintegrate, just like Alexander or Attila's empires of old.

'This will work, this will solve everything.' Lucius thought, ignoring the growing strength of the Germanic peoples, the empire's fragmentation, and his own weakening power. He was now really desperate, with no time to worry about such matters!

'As long as I can kill Artorius, my empire still has hope. Killing him will bring rebirth to my empire!'

===

At the same time, in Brundigala, Artorius Pendragon, the so-called self-proclaimed emperor and traitor according to Lucius, had completely different thoughts.

In his study, a seemingly humble Latin man kept smiling and accompanying him.

Anyone who could make the emperor take time out of his busy schedule was undoubtedly no ordinary person.

He was an envoy, representing a group of long-established nobles in Italy, known as the 'Noble Alliance' who held influence in the Senate, the military, the imperial government, the church, and even around Lucius. Their purpose for meeting the new emperor was clear—to sell Italy at a good price.

'That barbarian general, or rather, our future Emperor Artorius, will definitely not refuse this gift. Italy is the most important gem in the empire's crown. If he wants to possess it, he must cooperate with us. Our actions will ensure that we retain enough power and influence in the future empire, hehe...'

That was the wishful thinking of the Latin nobles who appeared confident in their calculations just before sending the envoy, but unfortunately, they had misjudged the situation and encountered the wrong person.

Artorius's plan was to build a brand-new empire, free from the corruption and decay represented by these parasitic nobles.

He had no intention of maintaining their positions or ruling the country through them.

Their vineyards, olive groves, farmlands, trading workshops, countless slaves, craftsmen, servants, and even private armies, accumulated over hundreds of years, were all targets for Artorius.

These assets would be confiscated and integrated into his empire's property, used to reward deserving individuals, or distributed among the commoners to gain their support and enrich the treasury.

The empire's current officials were busy growing homunculus, while the future officials would have to undergo civil service exams after education was more widely available.

So, for these scheming opportunist nobles, Artorius had nothing but a stern warning, ordering them to surrender and switch sides. He declared to the envoy:

"I am the only legitimate and rightful emperor of the empire! The invasion of Italy is just and right! This is not the empire's destruction, but its rebirth! Before my grand army, you and those behind you have no choice—survival or destruction, it's all up to you. You have nowhere to retreat and nowhere to hide. Either take up arms and fight my army like men until the bitter end and get crushed, or kneel and obey my orders! There is no third option."

"...Y-Yes, of course..." The envoy could only nod continuously and respond to Artorius's words, swearing that he would return and persuade the nobles not to provoke this dreadful man.

In the face of such a terrifying yet authoritative emperor, their once arrogant sense of superiority as Roman nobles vanished completely.

The Roman nobles were known for their flexibility. Hundreds of years of political life had taught them how to behave in the presence of a strong ruler.

If they failed, their entire family would be ruined.

And so, in the autumn of that year, with a bountiful harvest, Artorius's fleet engaged in consecutive battles with the Italian fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, while his main army successfully crossed the Alps.

The mountain passes, controlled by the Roman nobles, opened up for the new emperor's forces.

Thus, the Roman nobles, in their ridiculousness, unknowingly aided the one who sought their downfall and betrayed Lucius, their true protector.

Under the leadership of Emperor Artorius, seven legions and an army of 60,000 safely traversed the once formidable Alps and gained plentiful supplies, secure camps, and knowledgeable guides.

The path to Ravenna was clear, and the end of the fake emperor's reign was imminent.