C185

It has been more than a month since the ceremony, and the recipients of the medals still feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. They hold their heads high and proudly display their medals to others, basking in the envy and admiration they receive.

Some even declare that they will pass down the medals to their descendants, so that future generations can see how their ancestors made such significant contributions to Camelot.

On the other hand, those who did not receive medals are working even harder, striving to be recognized in the future. They remain determined to make their own contributions to Camelot and earn the honor and recognition they deserve.

For some reason, Morgan's work attitude has significantly improved recently. She's been working tirelessly, pushing the magi to quickly solidify the Gae Bolg and then starting to create stone giants. What's more, she can't seem to take her eyes off the crimson gold medal on Artoria's right chest. Her eyes glow with an intense flame that makes Artoria uneasy.

The medal has ignited a sense of enthusiasm and motivation in everyone, fueled by both the honor it represents and their admiration for Shirou.

While it may seem exaggerated and even foolish, the reality is that this is a system based on human nature. When others possess something that we don't, we often feel compelled to have it as well. It's natural to feel envious when others have something we don't.

This is precisely why showcasing one's SSRs in the group chat has elicited immediate criticism and even bans.

In the real world, this system was also frequently used, such as during a company's commendation ceremony. Likewise, this system also exists in games, but it has evolved into various ranking systems such as power rankings, equipment rankings, and more, enticing high-spending players to continue spending and deceiving those with less capital into doing the same.

Shirou established this system based on his understanding of human nature. He recognized that the most effective way to tackle issues was not through human intelligence alone, but by utilizing systems and frameworks.

Thus, in theory, as the top leader, he could concentrate solely on developing the framework and ideology, delegating the implementation to his subordinates.

Nevertheless, Shirou's subordinates lack a comprehensive understanding of the concept, and are only capable of handling basic tasks. If left to work independently, it's uncertain what the outcome would be. Consequently, Shirou must supervise them closely and, in practice, teach them the necessary concepts.

As a result, nearly every member of Shirou's internal affairs team carries a manuscript, which they read and record every day, leaving Shirou speechless.

Nonetheless, the results are quite impressive. For instance, Lucan has already mastered the new farming concept and knowledge. In certain areas of agriculture, he can now function independently. Shirou has commended him in front of everyone, which has aroused envy in others.

Regarding agriculture, the residents of Caerleon have been dispatched to cultivate new fields and have already sown all the fields near Cornwall. If they can endure this winter, a bountiful harvest is expected next year, and they will no longer have to live so modestly.

Additionally, the other half of the grain promised by King Ban has arrived, and Shirou has forged a friendship with Ban's brother, King Bors.

If they persist, work diligently, and push through the challenging initial phase, a prosperous future undoubtedly awaits them.

But...

Merlin looked at Shirou's pale face and said, "Your complexion is a bit concerning. Have you been getting enough sleep? You really should rest tonight. If you keep pushing yourself like this, it could have serious consequences."

"I know, I know. I can't keep going like this much longer. Luckily, Lucan has already learned the new farming concept, and I've delegated some of the responsibility for planning the farmland to him. I'll be able to sleep well tonight."

Shirou couldn't help but ask, "By the way...hasn't Artoria been learning for fifteen years? How does she manage to endure it?"

Merlin replied, "Even though you might be the vessel of evil, deep down, you're just an ordinary human. But Artoria's core essence is that of a dragon. Can you see the distinction? You can't liken yourself to a dragon."

Shirou put down the last document in his hand and stood up, stretching his body to relieve the tension.

Suddenly, Gawain approached and placed a gold medal in front of him.

Shirou hesitated for a moment before asking, "Gawain, what does this mean? Why are you returning the medal to me?"

Gawain shook his head, "No, Your Majesty. This is Agravain's medal. He left Cornwall and asked me to return it to you on his behalf."

He was taken aback by the news. "What!? He left Cornwall? Where did he go?"

"He mentioned he was heading towards the Northern Kings."

Shirou rose to his feet, "Why is he still hesitating? Let's go after him!"

Merlin shook his head, "His heart is not here."

"Then I'll get his heart and drag him back here! Once I've got him, there's no way he can slip away!"

He asked Merlin about his location, and then he rode alongside them on Dun Stallion in pursuit of Agravain.

...

"What kind of king was he?" Agravain pondered. He couldn't be certain, for there were a thousand faces of a king. Yet in his eyes, Arthur was a king fighting for survival.

Among all the remaining kings, Arthur faced the most precarious situation. Cornwall was adjacent to Wales, and if Vortigern were to change his mind, abandon Camelot, and attack Cornwall, Arthur's kingdom would be doomed.

Even without the threat of attack from Vortigern, Arthur's kingdom was susceptible to self-destruction. Internal and external troubles, severe food shortages, manpower shortages, and a lack of soldiers created an array of unfavorable conditions for the king.

Despite these challenges, Arthur never gave up. He carried the eight swords to calm the people's hearts and united everyone under his rule.

Arthur used strategic tactics, exchanging minerals for food and even turning once-hostile Benoic into friends. He was a wise king, cultivating new lands, spreading knowledge, uniting people, and sowing hope.

Despite his successes, he still couldn't change the fact that his foundation was fragile, like a piece of white paper easily torn apart. The odds against him were simply too great!

They were so great that his only hope was for Vortigern to fight to the death against Camelot. If Vortigern were to change his mind, Arthur's kingdom would surely be lost.

Arthur's foundation was too weak to withstand the challenges he faced, and the odds were too great. Even if the king he longed to serve were to command him, he still chose to leave.

Before leaving, he ensured that he took care of everything the king entrusted to him.

As for what the future holds for the king, Agravain couldn't say. All he knew was that the king was wise, possessing a wisdom that made everyone else feel ashamed. It was reminiscent of the legendary all-knowing and all-powerful King Solomon.

However, being all-knowing and all-powerful also meant not needing anyone else. While others might not have realized it yet, Agravain had seen it clearly. The king understood people's hearts but didn't need anyone else, especially not someone as dark as him. Thus, he made the difficult decision to leave.

However--

As Agravain was eating bread and leaning against a tree trunk, an angry voice sounded in his ear. He looked up to see Shirou riding on Dun Stallion with Merlin and Gawain, looking quite menacing as they approached.

"Agravain!" Shirou shouted, prompting Agravain to be momentarily stunned. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Your Majesty? Why... why are you here?"

"You had the audacity to throw back my medal. Did you think I wouldn't chase after you?" Shirou's face was full of anger. He then turned to Gawain and commanded, "Gawain, tie him up for me!"

"Yes!" Gawain stepped forward.

Agravain cried out in protest, "Wait! Gawain, what are you doing? Wait! I'm your brother! No--!"

Despite his pleas, the skinny Agravain was easily subdued by the burly Gawain, pinned to the ground and tied up with a rope.

Shirou then commanded, "Bring him on the horse. We're taking him back with us!"

Gawain carried Agravain on his shoulder and mounted the horse.

Agravain, who was typically as calm as water, couldn't help but feel ashamed in his current state. He spoke with both sorrow and indignation, saying, "Your Majesty, what do you plan to do with me?"

"What do I plan to do? I want to know why you left me without a word."

"You don't need me."

"Who said I don't need you?"

"You are all-knowing and all-powerful ruler, a beacon of holiness. I am not needed here."

"All-knowing and all-powerful?" Shirou's laughter was filled with anger. He spurred Dun Stallion closer to Gawain, grabbed Agravain's collar, and pointed to his own dark circles. "If I'm all-knowing and all-powerful, would I be so tired like this?"

"Ywain once remarked that I was not cruel enough as a king. I disagreed with him, as I believe that cruelty should only be used when necessary. However, this time, I must be cruel as a king. I will deprive you of your freedom, Agravain. From the moment you entered my sight, you have no escape. Your only options are to remain loyal to me and aid me in my campaign. This is not an order, but a reflection of my savagery."

Agravain was stunned, "Why?"

Shirou's voice softened slightly, "I must be cruel because I need you, Agravain. You possess a certain ability that is indispensable to me."

A hint of bitterness tinged Agravain's smile, "Your wisdom and power make us all feel inferior. You are so powerful that you don't need anyone."

The king scolded him, "What kind of king doesn't need anyone? Your thinking is foolish! If there truly existed such a king, he would be a lonely soul whose country and family have been destroyed!"

"You may call me wise, but I feel like a fool sometimes. That's why I have to work twice as hard. I won't let any capable person slip away from me, Agravain."

Agravain's tone was regretful as he spoke up, "I fear that I am not equipped to stand by your side, Your Majesty. Your vision for this kingdom is beyond my understanding, and many of the things you say are lost on me."

Shirou's voice was tinged with frustration as he retorted, "If you don't understand something, ask. If you don't know something, learn. Is this such a difficult concept that I have to teach you? I had always thought you were the brightest among everyone, but now it seems like you're the one lagging behind. Look at Lucan and Geraint; they keep moving ahead and keep learning. Do you want to remain stagnant?"

His tone became softer as he continued, "If anyone has questions or struggles to understand, have you ever seen me not patiently explain and teach? One person alone cannot achieve greatness. It takes a group of capable individuals working together to hold up the sky."

He paused before asking, "Or are you afraid I might fail?"

Agravain lapsed into silence. Indeed, what he dreaded the most was Shirou's failure. The chances of success were too slim, hence he had to depart.

"Stay here for three months, and I'll allow you to witness my chances of winning," Shirou proposed.

"And after three months, will you release me?"

"You're overthinking it," Shirou dismissed. "Even if you cannot ascertain my chances of success, you cannot flee. Not due to anything else, but as a consequence of the king's cruelty. If you must place the blame on someone, then fault yourself for possessing the skill and catching my attention!"

A bitter smile spread across Agravain's face.

He had misjudged this king. How could he be a beacon of holiness? He was undoubtedly a bandit king!

But...

"...Because I need you, Agravain"

Could he feel proud of himself for making this king to utter such words?

...

Once he had bound Agravain, Shirou returned the golden medal to him and instructed Gawain to keep a close watch on him.

Gawain monitored him for three days, and Agravain eventually relented. He promised not to flee again, at least not for the next three months, and pleaded with Shirou to keep Gawain away from him. Shirou assented to his request.

Wearing a resentful expression, Agravain resumed his duties. It was apparent that he harbored some animosity towards being restrained by the king, but he worked with great diligence nonetheless.

The implementation of the new system was progressing smoothly, and the training of the officials was still ongoing.

Everything was proceeding according to plan. Shirou assessed the situation in Cornwall and began devising a one-year development plan.

...

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