Misunderstanding

Next, it was time for the heartwarming dinner at the Pendragon residence. Four women and one man. It was evident that everyone except Artorius was female. The House of Pendragon displayed a situation of decline and decay, causing some concerns about the future of this once glorious European lineage.

Artorius was still the one who provided the dinner, with Artoria, Mordred, and Morgan joining him at the table. Morgan and Artoria sat closest to Artorius, with Guinevere and Mordred sitting beside them.

This made Mordred a bit uneasy because when Artorius was still a prince, they used to sit together during meals. Now that he had become a king, it seemed like her status had diminished.

"Stupid Mordred, you should have gotten married earlier..." Mordred muttered frustratedly.

As the truth unfolded that Artorius was Mordred's conceptual big brother without any blood relation, she felt bolder than ever. She even started fantasizing about various things that may or may not happen.

However, little did she know that she was not the only one in the House of Pendragon who coveted the newly appointed patriarch, Artorius.

During this dinner, facing the various delicacies provided by Artorius, Artoria was not as revolting as before. She no longer ate her black bread in solitude as if she were being bullied. Completely liberated, she now hung onto his every word, like another Mordred.

Her gaze toward Artorius was even more gentle than that of his nominal mother, Guinevere.

On the other side, Morgan's obsession with Artorius had also reached new heights.

Previously, she liked Artorius for his temperament, his wickedness, and his abilities. She liked his glorious and handsome appearance. But now, she had an unparalleled and fanatical adoration for Artorius Pendragon's aura as a king.

Ah.

So that's how it is.

In reality...

Bad girls may indeed like bad boys.

But in comparison, bad girls actually prefer good boys a bit more.

===

Artorius naturally felt the passionate adoration the Pendragon women had for him. After all, he wasn't a dense protagonist from those Japanese light novels.

But, he was equally aware of the danger ingrained in their fervent love.

It was a terror that could easily lead to their own demise if he was careless!

But so what?!

As the savior, Artorius had long set aside thoughts of life and death, he didn't give a fuck anymore.

"After we finish dinner, follow me," Artorius said, putting down his utensils and wiping his mouth with a napkin. He looked at the Pendragon women, who were devouring their food as if they were participating in a competitive eating contest, and continued, "I have something to discuss with all of you."

Morgan: "?!?"

Artoria: "...!"

Mordred: "???"

Ignoring the strange expressions on the faces of the Pendragon women, Artorius stood up and strode purposefully toward his room, also calling for Gareth, who was still diligently studying.

The girl's heart felt heavy. After all, Galahad was not only Artorius's friend but also her own, someone who had been with them since childhood.

Now that Galahad's soul had departed to heaven, the girl naturally felt deep sorrow.

However, she didn't want to show this grief in front of Artorius. She had to put on a brave smile and ensure her sadness didn't affect his judgment.

After all, Artorius is now a king.

"I have something to say." Gareth gathered her courage and confessed her feelings to Artorius, "I can also devote myself to Your Majesty, just like Sir Galahad!"

Artorius nodded approvingly, "Very well, I can sense your determination."

After receiving Artorius's praise, Gareth hadn't even had a chance to be happy when she heard him say, "Come to my bedroom tonight."

Gareth: "...?"

After saying those words, Artorius turned around and walked away briskly, leaving the wolf girl standing there in bewilderment.

"Uhh... ehh?"

"Although I expected this—"

"But—"

"Isn't this progressing too quickly?"

The girl stood frozen in place, soon, her head quickly steaming like crazy. And then, right after that, along with her mother, little sister, and aunt, she felt deeply embarrassed due to misunderstanding the words of Artorius.

When they all appeared together in the Land of Shadows, even fools could understand that Artorius didn't mean what they thought.

This was an important base for Artorius to carry out his plan of usurping fate. Bringing them here was to help them better assist him and join this plan.

Gareth was to undergo training in spearmanship under the tutelage of Scathach, to strengthen herself. Mordred was to do the same. Artoria and Morgan were to be involved in Artorius's plan, particularly Morgan, as she was chosen as one of the executors of the fate usurper spell.

Among the other executors were the Lady of the Lake, Vivian, and Merlin—although Artorius wasn't particularly keen on having Merlin around, he called him nonetheless for the sake of caution, better be safe than sorry.

With so many people arriving at once, the previously silent Land of Shadows became lively.

But as Scathach looked at the newcomers, her mood became somewhat complicated.

'Does this kid see me as a useful tool?'

She couldn't help but think like that.

'There's another new child for me to teach again. He won't keep dragging me into teaching from now on, will he?'

Of course, there was something even more surprising to her than that.

And that was Artorius's transformation.

Before that, the Artorius she had seen had no fundamental difference from ordinary youngsters.

A bit cunning, a bit arrogant, wanting to achieve something great, wanting success and fame. But at the same time, he was somewhat lost, not knowing where his true path lay.

Now, as the Age of Gods started to end, she actually didn't want to get involved with such a person anymore. However, Artorius's talent was simply too good to be ignored. It would be a great pity to just let him go. So, she held her nose and reluctantly agreed to his nonsensical demand.

But now...

Artorius's appearance surprised her.

It wasn't just his talent and strength. Artorius's spirit and soul had also fully matured.

His soul was so brilliant, so dazzling, so bright, that Scathach couldn't help but marvel at it.

"In just a few days we didn't meet, you've become quite a great man..." Scathach exclaimed.

Looking at Artorius's resolute gaze, Scathach was briefly taken aback, and then she sighed, "I originally thought it would take you some time to find your own path."

"It's not time that changes a person, but circumstances..." Artorius calmly replied. "I met someone who could change my life, and that confirmed what was in my heart. It's as simple as that."

"I see."

Scathach nodded again. "So, can you give me an answer now?"

"Yes, I can." Artorius nodded. "But before that, I also want to ask you something, Teacher."

"Would you be willing to sacrifice your life for something or someone?"

"..."

"Can I answer your question a little later?"

"Of course."

Artorius nodded and then turned to the people he had brought along.

"Now, everyone, please share your thoughts too about my question earlier—what are the things you are willing to sacrifice for? Would you be willing to sacrifice your life for that?"