For His Highness

Later that evening, Galahad was restlessly pacing in his room when he heard a knock on his door.

"Sir Galahad."

"Your Highness."

With remarkable speed, the frail young man with thin white hair stood up and opened the door to his room, welcoming Artorius with an attitude that was more apprehensive than respectful.

"How have things been lately?"

"Thank you, it's not bad."

After this unfruitful exchange of pleasantries, Artorius and Galahad fell into silence. They sat in silence for a while until Artorius finally spoke up.

"Galahad, I assume you have heard the news about the Holy Grail."

"Yes, indeed."

Galahad nodded. After that, Artorius thought quickly to himself.

When Artoria suggested that she would be the one to retrieve the Holy Grail, the safest way would be to send Galahad to its location overnight and recreate the original plot. That would be the most appropriate course of action.

'But Galahad is one of my most outstanding subordinates and my best friend...' Artorius thought, 'If the original storyline requires a specific individual to lift the Holy Grail, a scoundrel like Merlin won't do, in the end, I might have to sacrifice Galahad.'

He was in a dilemma and already ran out of time...

"So, Your Highness..."

As Galahad looked at Artorius in silence, cruel as it may be, he had no idea that the man sitting across from him was contemplating whether to save his mother by sacrificing him or not.

The situation weighed heavily on Galahad's mind, as he worried about the repercussions his actions might have on Artorius, fearing that he might anger him.

'Whatever, let's consider Galahad as a backup option.' Artorius thought tiredly. 'I need to act fast and bring a group of expendable pawns to the location of the Holy Grail. First, let the pawns go, then let Merlin go, and then, let Galahad go. I must resolve this matter before she comes into contact with the Holy Grail.'

After thinking realistically and making up his mind, Artorius looked at Galahad with a helpless gaze.

"Galahad." Artorius said to him, "Why do you want to go?"

He continued, "We have experienced so much together. From Britain to Rome, and then to Germania. Wars, killings, governing territories, resolving disputes, creating laws, cultivating land, building castles, workshops, lumber mills, ports..."

"We have done it all exceptionally well, haven't we? You have helped me a great deal, Galahad. You are my best friend, my most outstanding subordinate, and one of the finest commanders under my command."

Artorius's tone carried a mix of helplessness and indignation.

"Are you doubting me? Do you know how much sadness that brings me?! My sorrow surpasses that of Tristan!"

Although deep down inside, he thought of sacrificing the other party, Artorius still maintained an outward appearance of grief, making Galahad feel quite embarrassed.

"Do you think I am the kind of person who would disregard justice for personal gain?"

"Do you think I would drag Britain into the flames for my own ambition?"

"Do you think I would prevent the salvation of Britain if the Holy Grail could achieve it?"

"No, of course not, Galahad."

"If the Holy Grail can save Britain, I would never hinder you."

Faced with Artorius's earnest words, Galahad's heart was filled with emotion, even more stirred up.

'Yes, that's right—this is the prince I know, the lord I serve with my utmost loyalty! It is precisely because of this that I am willing to sacrifice my life for you, Your Highness.'

In the presence of such sacredness and profound compassion, Galahad's heart swelled with excitement, completely oblivious to Artorius's hidden thoughts.

"Since that is the case, what we need to do now is to go to the Holy Grail as quickly as possible and retrieve it!" Artorius decisively said to Galahad. "If we return one day earlier, the people of Britain will suffer one day less!"

"Yes, you're right."

"The location of the Holy Grail has been confirmed, right? You know the location, don't you?" Artorius looked at him seriously and asked.

"Yes, Sir Percival and Sir Bors found the Holy Grail. However, they couldn't lift it. It is said that only someone with a noble and pure heart can lift the Holy Grail. So, I want to try."

"Good, then what are we waiting for?! Let's leave now!"

"Now?!" Galahad exclaimed.

"Yes, now!" Artorius turned to the side. "How long are you going to keep watching, Merlin!"

"..."

After being called out by Artorius, a man with long white hair strolled over with a stylish gait.

"My my~ I thought my invisibility magic was unbeatable, but it seems it has been exposed~"

"Hmph! I know that you bastard just love to join in on the fun." Artorius scoffed. "You know what you need to do, Merlin."

"Of course, of course. I'll take you all to the location of the Holy Grail, using the fastest method possible. That's why magecraft is such a convenient thing, even though I sometimes end up biting my tongue while reciting the spells."

"So...?"

"Alright, alright, I'll do it okay? Don't give me that terrifying look, Artorius. By the way, I even carried you when you were a child you know~"

Merlin's words made Artorius itch to draw his sword, but Merlin skillfully and effortlessly manipulated his magecraft, opening a portal leading to Europe, more precisely, the Gaul region.

It seemed that he also knew the whereabouts of the Holy Grail without Galahad needing to speak.

Galahad's expression became uncomfortable as he listened to the conversation between Artorius and Merlin. Perhaps it started from the moment Artorius entered his room and mentioned this matter, Galahad felt a strong sense of unease. It was as if he would have to pay a painful price, sacrificing something very important to him.

'Is it my life?'

Galahad thought so. And then quickly made up his mind.

'No, even if it means sacrificing my life, I will fulfill His Highness's wish!'

'It's not about saving Britain, but...'

He looked at Artorius, his eyes filled with emotions.

'It's about His Highness's wish.'

With such determination, Galahad walked towards the portal...

After they crossed the portal, Galahad looked around in surprise.

The air was cold, insects chirped, and the stars and moon in the sky proved they were in the midst of the wilderness.

"To be more precise, it's Burgundy..." Artorius calmly said beside him. "Southeast of Gaul, by the banks of the Seine. It's surprising that the Holy Grail would be in a place like this."

"Look over there."

Afterward, Artorius pointed into the distance.

In the vast plain, amidst the sound of the flowing Seine River, a holy, platinum light rose into the sky.

"If I'm not mistaken, that's where the Holy Grail is located."

While saying this, Artorius reached behind him and squeezed a magic crystal with his right hand.