C198

Shirou had teased Scathach time and time again. He wasn't sure whether she would seek revenge or not, as he now found himself in a tricky predicament.

"Brother, you really should consider finding a queen," Morgan said, her tone serious.

He couldn't help but feel intimidated as he looked at her. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he braced himself for what was to come.

He was no stranger to the pressure to marry. In fact, Morgan had been urging him to find a queen since last month.

He understood that he couldn't ignore the issue at hand, lest he end up in a situation like that of Mordred's.

Putting down the paperwork he had been holding, Shirou addressed his sister with a serious tone. "Sister, I understand your concerns, but I'm still young."

Morgan's expression turned stern as she scolded him. "You're not that young, Arthur! You're already seventeen this year! Our father, Uther, had a child who was four years old by the time he was your age!"

Shirou: "..."

He couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief as he heard her words. Although he knew that the legal age for marriage during this era was around twelve or thirteen, the thought of a seventeen-year-old fathering a four-year-old child was difficult to accept.

And to think, at the same age, Artoria had already been destined to take on such a heavy burden. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the thought.

Despite his youthful appearance, the truth was that he was not even of legal age to marry according to ancient laws, at least not based on his physical age. Mentally, however, he had already surpassed his years in terms of maturity.

He cleared his throat and spoke up with a serious tone. "Sister, as you know, Britain is still in a state of instability. How can I afford to spend time on marriage?"

She was quick to respond. "That's precisely why you should secure an heir while you still have the chance! Tell me which princess you wish to propose to, and I'll help you make it happen right away."

"Sister, I..."

"Oh, I see now," she said with a sly smile. "Do you have a crush on Lady Scathach? I can understand why. Her body is quite attractive, especially for someone your age. And even though she appears to be older, it's said that she's been immortal for a long time, so age is no longer an issue. If you were to have a child with her, with the blood of the Pendragon and the Queen of the Shadow Land's, the offspring would be quite impressive."

"Sis..."

"What's holding you back, brother?" she pressed on. "Are you afraid that she'll reject you? Don't worry," she added, pulling out a small pink vial from her pocket. "Sister has already prepared a love potion. Just put a few drops in her food tonight and sprinkle some on your bed. I guarantee she won't be able to resist you."

Shirou: "..."

He rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

Scathach probably never imagined that since she arrived in Cornwall, everyone had been coveting her skills, strength, and abilities. And now, someone had their sights set on something even more personal – her womb.

Shirou let out a sigh before speaking in a serious tone. "Sister," he began.

Morgan grew anxious when she saw the sudden change in her brother's demeanor. "What's wrong, brother?"

As much as she hated to admit it, Morgan couldn't deny that she had begun to fear her younger brother's serious and angry demeanor. She had always been a strong-willed person, but something about Shirou's intensity made her uneasy.

"We can discuss this matter once Britain is united."

"But..."

Shirou sat up straight, locking eyes with Morgan. "Just do as I say."

"Okay...okay."

"And whatever you do, don't drug Scathach," he added sternly. "I mean it."

"I...I understand."

She reluctantly put the vial of potion back in her pocket and left the room, muttering to herself under her breath. "I'm only trying to help him, and he's still so harsh with me. He's becoming less and less adorable by the day. Hmph."

He watched as she left the room, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over him.

"My king, are you sure that you have no interest in finding a queen?" Merlin asked, setting aside the document he had been reading. He looked around the room before leaning in to whisper, "Women are quite wonderful, you know."

He glanced at him and said, "Are you feeling itchy? Should I call for Kay?"

Merlin's smile faltered slightly. "N-no, never mind."

Shirou picked up the paperwork again and said, "You know my situation. I can't marry and have children in this era."

Merlin didn't say anything. He simply gazed at his calm expression and inwardly sighed. Oh, King... In the end, your heart still yearns to depart. Perhaps not wanting to have children in this era is because you fear being unable to leave when the time comes.

With a heavy heart, he continued to examine the paperwork in silence.

...

Outside the City's Arena.

Scathach looked uneasy.

"What's wrong, Lady Scathach?" Artoria asked, her voice laced with concern.

"It's nothing... I just had the feeling that someone had their eyes on me just now. It made me uncomfortable," she replied. "But it's gone now. Let's continue with the training. Since I promised to teach you proper spear techniques, you must be mentally prepared beforehand."

"Okay..."

"Wait, what's going on with your movements?" Scathach suddenly asked. "Why do they feel so awkward and slow?"

Artoria hesitated before responding. "I'm not sure. Lately, it just feels like my armor is chafing against my skin."

"Where is it rubbing?"

"On my chest," she replied. "Last year, it didn't feel that bad, but now it's starting to feel a bit tight. For now, let's just continue with our training. I'll go see Morgan and have the armor adjusted. She said it can be done."

Scathach nodded in understanding.

...

Several months passed, and winter finally arrived. This year, the cold was even more biting than before. Luckily, the use of greenhouse technology meant that they didn't have to worry about their crops freezing to death.

Shirou oversaw the storage of the grains that had been collected from various regions, ensuring that they were safely stored away in the warehouse.

At that moment, Agravain arrived with some news.

"My king," he said, bowing respectfully. "There are envoys here to see you from other kingdoms."

Shirou put down the paperwork he had been reviewing and smirked. "Ah, they couldn't hold out any longer, could they?"

He shifted in his seat and commanded, "Bring them to me."

Agravain hesitated for a moment before asking, "My king, are you truly planning to give them grain?"

"I'm going to sell it," Shirou clarified.

Agravain looked puzzled. "Is there really a difference?"

"Still haven't caught on, have you? No matter. You just need to keep an eye on things. In no more than three years, I'll seize their kingdoms without spilling a single drop of blood, and all shall become part of my realm!" Shirou examined the paperwork and spoke calmly, "Go and take care of it."

"Yes, my king!"

...

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