The World War Begins / Sita, the Married Woman

Astolfo, dressed in men's leather armor, shook his head repeatedly and said:

"Shirou, what nonsense are you talking about? You are Angelica Shirou, the prince who was brought to Europe from the East by Charlemagne! As the world's number one prince, if you swagger out like that, someone will immediately come and snatch you away."

Shirou asked, dumbfounded, "Huh? Me? A prince? Or the world's number one?"

"Yes! The most popular in the world! Right now, the Arabian Empire, represented by Islam, the Holy Roman Empire, represented by Christianity, as well as the barbarian tribes of the Uyghurs, Denmark, and Saxons, are all vying for your favor."

Astolfo chuckled and warned, "So! Don't run around anymore, or you might really get captured by some barbarians who just appeared out of nowhere!"

Shirou asked in surprise, "Wait? The Arabian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire? Is this the 8th century AD? The era of Charlemagne?"

In the 8th century AD, the Tang Empire was ruling the East, spreading Han Culture, and developing the Silk Road in the Western Regions. Meanwhile, Central Asia, parts of Europe, and Africa were occupied by the rapidly rising Arabian Empire, and the backward, feudal Christianity regions of Europe faced the threat of invasion.

The Arabian Empire, also known as the "Great Food Country" along the Silk Road, rose rapidly after the fall of the Persian Empire.

During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, they were already a super empire that traded with and competed with the Tang Dynasty. Together with the Tang Dynasty, they defeated the powerful Turkic and divided up large tracts of land.

For a time, the Arabian Empire was the largest empire on Earth, with most of its land consisting of barren deserts and uninhabitable grasslands. This is similar to how Xinjiang Province was almost ten times the size of Guangdong and sixteen times the size of Jiangsu. However, it must be acknowledged that the Arabian Empire's land area did indeed exceed that of the Tang Empire.

However, a truly capable great power never thinks it has too much land and must fight for every inch of it. No one knows how much rare earth, mineral, or oil might be hidden underground. With advanced technology, even barren land could be turned into a gold mine.

Even if it's a desert with absolutely nothing in it, future generations can still use it to make mushroom bombs for fun.

Like the Imperial Examination System of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, religious faith gave them a very strong sense of cohesion, which enabled them to maintain the continuation of a Great Emperor. In terms of cultural brilliance and freedom, they were far inferior to the Tang Dynasty, but in terms of developed commerce and military status, they were roughly equal.

However, unexpectedly, during the Battle of Emperor Xuanzong during the reign of Battle of Talas, the Tang Dynasty was defeated by the Arabian Empire and forced to abandon its westward expansion. Although it still managed to preserve its original territory, it also lost the opportunity to spread its culture.

At that time, due to the long period of war and instability following the fall of Persia, the people of Central Asia were most receptive to foreign cultures. Since they did not receive the spread of Han Culture, they turned to Islam, which continues to this day.

On the Western European side, the emergence of Charlemagne, to some extent, unified the Germans barbarians, established the Holy Roman Empire, and upheld Christian culture, ensuring that Europeans and Americans today remain Christians. Without him, the current West, with its rampant alcoholism and herbivorous lifestyles, might very well be at least half Muslims abstain from smoking and alcohol.

Although the territory he ruled throughout his life was only Western Europe, which was just over 1.1 million square kilometers, it was precisely because of his leadership that Christianity countries resisted foreign invasions and preserved the Christianity culture passed down from Rome, preventing it from being overthrown by the Islam culture of the Arabian Empire.

He is the King of King of Hearts in playing cards. The other Kings are Conqueror King Iskandar of Clubs, Caesar the Great of Diamonds, and King David, the father of Spades, the King of Solomon. It can be seen that Charlemagne's status in Europe was exceptionally high.

In the eyes of the French, he was one of the most enlightened rulers after Napoleon. Now, Astolfo was ordered by Charlemagne to return to the Holy Roman Empire with Shirou from the East in order to establish a marriage alliance.

"Speaking of which, Astolfo, you used to dress properly, didn't you? You're not wearing women's clothes today," Shirou said, looking at the cute boy with braids.

"What are you talking about, Shirou! I'm a girl! Feel it if you don't believe me!" Astolfo said, grabbing Shirou's hand and pressing it against her chest.

Whew, Whew, even though she's small-breasted, she's really soft.

Shirou looked at the boy... no, the girl, with an expression of utter disbelief.

Astolfo responded with a bright smile, "Right! I'm a real tough woman, now you can rest assured! I'll escort you to the capital of the Holy Roman Empire!"

"Come on! Shirou, you must be tired from running all this way. Have some water first."

"Okay, thank you." Shirou realized he was indeed tired and thirsty, so he took the water bag.

"You're welcome." Astolfo watched the boy gulp down the water, then smiled with relief and exclaimed, "It's so good to have found you! If you had disappeared again, Roland would have gone crazy!"

"Pfft!!!" Shirou's eyes widened in horror, and he spat out all the water he had just drunk.

Astolfo was facing Shirou, so he got sprayed directly, his face was covered in water, and even his pink bangs were soaked and stuck to his forehead.

"Ah! I'm sorry, Astolfo!" Shirou said apologetically, quickly reaching into the pockets of his clothes and pulling out a handkerchief that smelled of balsam and lilies.

'Why would I have such a fancy handkerchief?' Shirou wondered, but he still wiped Astolfo's wet face clean first.

"It's alright! It's alright!" Astolfo let Shirou wipe the water droplets from her face, revealing a bright smile. She patted her chest and, in turn, considerately comforted Shirou, saying, "As an elegant lady, you must take care of a lovely gentleman."

"Thank you." Shirou smiled and thanked the girl, then paused for a moment, "Hmm? Something seems a little off?"

"Well, I can understand you Shirou." Astolfo crossed his arms and said with great disappointment, "Roland is really outrageous. No matter what, she is the strongest Knight Princess in France. How can her heart be so fragile?"

"It can't be true, can it?" Shirou said in surprise.

"I didn't lie to Shirou! The Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne would never do something as tasteless as deceiving a lovely gentleman!" Astolfo swore with wide eyes.

Shirou felt his eyelids twitching uncontrollably; the world seemed like it was going to be incredibly troublesome.

Chapter 315 The World War Begins

The clatter of hooves echoed as a white horse pulled a white carriage adorned with gold patterns. Silver-armored soldiers with long spears stood guard on either side. The carriage slowly emerged from the lakeside path, passed through the wilderness, and returned to the barren, muddy official road.

They were now heading to Aachen, the capital of Charlemagne's empire, located on the western border of what would later become Germany, close to Belgium and the Netherlands. The outline of the city could already be seen in the distance.

Originally, Astolfo, the horse leader, was worried that Shirou would be bored, so he also got into the carriage and chatted with him.

"Here, Shirou, these are wild strawberries I picked this morning from nearby. They're especially fresh."

"Are you thirsty? Would you like some water? This is a spring from the mountain, it's very sweet."

"This rose suits you perfectly."

Shirou, sitting in the carriage, was being taken care of in an extremely meticulous manner. Astolfo's attentiveness was so great that it gave him goosebumps, making him feel so embarrassed that he felt uncomfortable all over.

Through his conversations with Astolfo along the way, Shirou gained some understanding of the basic situation of this world, aside from the fact that the genders of many people in this world have been reversed, and their views on men and women are also reversed.

The noblewomen served as knights, fighting on the battlefield, while the men stayed at home taking care of the children and managing household affairs.

Well, apart from that, it's very similar to the history Shirou knows from the 8th to the 9th centuries. However, the roar of the Wyvern flying overhead outside the carriage shattered Shirou's guess.

This is the world of Charlemagne Legend, a legendary world filled with Demonic Beast, Phantasmal Beast, and holy swords.

Although Charlemagne was not deified as Roland's uncle in novels, living decades longer than Roland and reaching over 200 years old, he was a robust middle-aged King in his forties. However, his power was formidable, a completely different level from his historical counterpart, representing the Christianity nations of the world.

Throughout his life, Charlemagne's territories never reached half the size of the Roman Empire. Territories like Britain and southern Italy, which were formerly under Western Roman control, were never under his jurisdiction. Although he once invaded Spain, he ultimately only managed to secure a small vassal state on the border.

However, he also conquered new territories, such as Germany, which was never ruled by Rome.

Although Astolfo was a prince of British State, he was merely a knight who had come to serve the King of France out of admiration. His father, the King, was not, in principle, under Charlemagne's rule. However, the whole of Britain had now become a vassal state of Charlemagne's control over the Christianity world.

Meanwhile, the Second Umayyad Caliphate had defeated the once-invincible Tang Dynasty at the Battle of Talas, Tang Empire that had relentlessly expanded its borders since its founding. With no powerful rivals left in Central Asia, it was at the height of its power. The Abbasid Dynasty, which had established its capital in the heart of Iraq, even sent its main army on expeditions as far as the Eastern Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire, forcing them to pay tribute.

Historically, this part of Spain should have belonged to the defeated First Dynasty, but now it has become a unified alliance of the Arabian Empire, a super empire spanning Asia, Europe and Africa.

At this time, both sides were caught in a chaotic war. Charlemagne hoped to convert Spain to Christianity after conquering it, while the Arabian Empire could not give up its desire to expand its territory. As a result, the two sides were constantly in conflict.

It's so exaggerated it's practically on the scale of a world war.

Shirou is now a noble prince from Eastern Country. He has come here to find the strongest warrior to marry, and because of his charm, he is sought after by various forces, much like Helen, the beauty in Greek Epic who caused the war between Greece and Troy.

Astolfo's purpose on this trip was to bring her back to the Charlemagne Empire for a marriage alliance. Like the legendary Princess Angelica, he possessed a charm dozens of times stronger than Diarmuid's cursed beauty mark; almost no one who saw him could resist being captivated by him.

Therefore, having traveled all the way from the East, he now has countless suitors. Even among Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne, apart from Ruggiero from Africa, the only ones who don't like him are women.

"How terrifying..." Shirou sighed, thinking to himself.

"Shirou, are you getting used to it now?" Astolfo leaned over, resting against Shirou's chest, and asked with a smile as he looked at his face.

"No, it's not a matter of getting used to it or not," Shirou said with a wry smile.

Only after losing something do we realize how important it was. His connection with the white god was severed; he could no longer use his Magic Eye to unleash the Creative Power; the Holy Grail was removed; and his body shrank.

Although some magic power still remained within him, the battlefield of this world was filled with heroes of the Servant level, which was still far from enough.

Although she was very uncomfortable in various places, and the genders and concepts were reversed, with Astolfo becoming a girl, if the people in the FGO mobile game saw this, I wonder how many people would feel sorry and saddened.

Shirou's only consolation was that there was at least one advantage to being here: on the battlefield where the Twelve Holy Knights fought against Islam heroes and barbarians, he could witness all sorts of incredible Noble Phantasm.

The Charlemagne Empire of Europe possessed three of the most famous holy swords, all of which were as well-known as Excalibur, Britain King Arthur's Excalibur, making them truly worth anticipating.

The first sword, Durandal, the immortal sword of the Roland, was a sword that could not be destroyed by any means. In the end, when they tried to insert it into a stone to prevent it from being pulled out, they easily cut the boulder in half.

The second sword is Curtana, the sword of mercy. It is a sword with a severed head, and legend has it that an angel descended and deliberately cut off its blade.

This "sword that never sharpens" was forged from the same steel as Roland's Durandal. It possessed immense power, but its blunt blade prevented it from killing anyone. In later generations, it was passed down to Britain and became an essential symbol of royal power for the coronation of the British monarch.

The last one is the Joyeuse, the sword of pleasure Joyeuse Charlemagne, the founder of the Holy Roman Empire. Various legends surround it; some say it was a golden sword forged from the tip of Longinus's spear. Others claim it was actually the Scourge of God, the Photon Ray Attila, the great Great Emperor of the Huns.

The Scourge of God wielded this sword and destroyed Rome centuries ago. After Charlemagne obtained the sword, he led the Germans armies and conquered almost all of Western Europe. A century later, Otto I claimed to have succeeded Charlemagne to the throne and established the Holy Roman Empire.

Charlemagne was indeed remarkable, historically hailed as the Father of Europe. He provided a link for future Europeans, facilitated the formation of the European Union, and tightly bound Germany, France, and Italy together, an influence that can never be escaped, whether for better or worse.

After some time, they arrived at a castle.

"Come on, come on, this way." After getting off the carriage, Astolfo smiled and took Shirou's hand, skipping and hopping as they walked inside.

Inside the castle were heavily guarded and fully equipped female soldiers, but Astolfo waved to them with a smile, and Shirou felt as if their gazes were fixed on him with intense intensity.

Then they came to a giant golden door.

Pushing open the door, one sees Charlemagne sitting on a high Golden Throne. He is a tall, imposing middle-aged man with a full beard, wearing a magnificent robe embroidered with crosses.

"My king! I have brought the prince back!" Astolfo shouted, raising his hand and playfully making a horizontal V-sign.

Charlemagne, who was seated above, said, "I understand. You may leave now."

"Yes, yes! See you later Shirou," Astolfo replied.

"Wait, Astolfo? Why did you bring me here?" Shirou asked.

"Shirou, I'll go to the kitchen and see what good food we have, then I'll bring it back for you," Astolfo said as he ran out.

Emperor Charlemagne, wearing a round crown with a cross, sized up Shirou and said, "I didn't expect even Astolfo would fall for you. You are indeed a prince with unique charm; no wonder King would give up his city for you. But you are a bit too young."

"As a prince of an Eastern kingdom, the empire will respect your choice. However, you must go on blind dates with women within my empire. I will find all the outstanding talents in the empire for you; you only need to choose the one that interests you."

Charlemagne said to Shirou, "If you feel you're not ready yet, I can give you some more time, but you must first join the church, and I will take you as my godson."

"Huh?" Shirou exclaimed in surprise, his expression showing that Charlemagne was very serious when he said that.

In Western religious beliefs, there is a strong bond between Godfather and godsons. For example, after Harry Potter's parents died, the only family he recognized was not his foster aunt and uncle, but Sirius Black. His Godfather, or God, is another father acknowledged by God, and legally has the right to support Harry, having been baptized by him.

This isn't the kind of casual, verbal acknowledgment of kinship or siblings. It involves a formal ceremony, much like an Eastern wedding where, after bowing to heaven and earth, one bows to each other's parents (in ancient times, this involved kowtowing). In a Western wedding, the bride is taken from her father-in-law, and the groom vows to take care of her for life.

However, if after marriage one turns their back on their spouse and denies any connection to their elders, unless the spouse is a heinous criminal, then such a person will be condemned by society in both the East and the West.

If Shirou agrees to Charlemagne's request now, Charlemagne will definitely hold a grand ceremony and inform the opposing forces that Shirou's Eastern Country has formed an alliance with him. This will boost morale and help them strike at their powerful enemy.

From a political perspective, it makes no difference which choice he makes—whether he becomes Charlemagne's adopted son or marries an imperial woman. As long as Shirou is on his side, he will gain just as much prestige and morale.

Thinking this, Charlemagne looked at Shirou with even more admiration.

"Hmm, indeed a very beautiful and intelligent child. Perhaps adopting you as our son and having you stay in this palace for the rest of your life is an option. Perhaps we can do that after we have eliminated all our enemies." Charlemagne looked Shirou up and down, revealing an expression he had never shown before, as if he were admiring a plaything.

"Um..." Shirou looked at the Great Emperor, who was radiating murderous aura, with surprise. He wanted to ask a question, but the Great Emperor gave Shirou a cold look and didn't seem to be willing to listen to him.

"Roland and the others will be back soon. Until then, you should rest in this room and think it over carefully," Charlemagne interrupted, speaking to Shirou in a tone that brooked no refusal.

"Someone, escort the prince to his VIP room to rest."

"Yes!" the guard who entered replied.

The guards escorted the silent Shirou to a guest room.

The moment the door closed, Shirou felt a chill run down his spine. His eye contact with Charlemagne had made him feel like he wasn't being treated as a human being at all, but rather like an object.

Right now, all he wants to do is escape. If he waits for the knights to return, he really won't be able to escape. He'll either be taken in as a godson by the Great Emperor, who looks like a very dangerous person, and then he'll have to endure the dreaded hell of arranged marriages.

"But where do we get out of here?" Shirou looked around the room. Apart from the tightly guarded door, the windows were completely sealed off, making it seem like a secret room. Shirou said helplessly.

Just when all hope seemed lost, a voice appeared.

"Shirou... Shirou..."

"Who?" Shirou looked around in surprise.

"Hey... Shirou, look up, I'm up there..." A square wooden panel was lifted from the ceiling, revealing the head of a red-haired girl.

"Who are you...?" Shirou asked, puzzled.

"I'm here to rescue you. Hurry up and climb up," the girl said, throwing down a rope from above.

"I know!" Shirou felt that the girl did look very familiar, and he really didn't have time to think about it anymore, so he grabbed the rope directly. The girl above was very strong and easily pulled him up after he shrank.

"Thank you! Um..." Shirou struggled for a while before finally climbing onto the ceiling, which was less than half a meter high. He could only lie on the ceiling like the girl, then peered at her and whispered his thanks.

"Don't mention it, I'm Pakistani Sita! Anyway, let's get out of here first," the red-haired girl said.

"Okay, thank you, Sita!" Shirou followed the red-haired girl as she crawled outside.

They had to climb dozens of meters up the ceiling. When they reached the edge, it took them almost an hour to figure out how to get out. Finally, they managed to avoid the patrolling guards and escape outside. They opened a cover in a secluded corner of the roof, slid down to the ground with ropes, and climbed out through a hole they had made in the ground.

Chapter 316 Sita, the Sita Woman

Soldiers dressed in identical armor were divided into several groups and moved around the castle in a regular pattern. However, there were gaps of several minutes between each handover. Taking advantage of these gaps, Shirou and Sita crawled out through a tunnel they had dug in the hidden bushes.

After climbing ceilings and crawling through tunnels, the two finally escaped Charlemagne's castle. They ran for several hundred meters, then disappeared from the green grass into a dense forest before finally stopping.

"Phew, finally escaped." Shirou leaned against the big tree, let out a long breath, nodded gratefully to the red-haired girl, and said, "So now can you tell me why you came to save me? I might have some companions who have also come to this world, and I need to find them."