Chapter 910

"No... no, I just..."

"I'm so happy," the female knight thought shyly.

I'm such a clumsy person, I can't express my feelings directly... At this moment, I really envy Tristan's personality.

Barghest put the collar around his neck.

The collar glowed, and her Spirit Origin, which had become extremely unstable due to the frequent release of her A-Ray, stabilized.

Barghest stroked the collar that served as proof of the connection between him and Shirou, a faint smile of happiness appearing on his face.

At that moment, Shirou felt a bump on his shoulder.

"Would it make sense to make it into a collar?"

Despite receiving a disdainful glare from Artoria, Shirou remained unmoved.

"Actually, it's quite meaningful... In fact, I also think this taste isn't very good, so I've tried other shapes."

However, the results were not very good.

After all, Barghest's true identity is the Calamity of the Beast, and if it weren't in the form of a collar, it wouldn't have enough restraint strength.

Whether viewed from a Magecraft or conceptual perspective, binding the neck—the most vulnerable and delicate part of the human body—has a significant effect in itself.

The reason why the formal attire Shirou gave to Barghest was made into a collar is because of this.

Moreover, the collar's shape is particularly effective on animals, especially those with canine attributes, and the amplified effect is not to be underestimated.

It should be said that restraining the black dog fairy Barghest, who possesses the potential for calamity, is necessary.

"He doesn't seem to be lying..."

Artoria narrowed her eyes.

Lately, she's been reluctant to use her Fae Eyes Shirou, but those eyes are never something she can simply close on her own.

The Child of Prophecy felt somewhat guilty, even though he considered Shirou someone he could rely on, he was still using a lie-detecting Magecraft to observe him.

"Sorry, please forget what I just said."

Moreover, Shirou, you yourself must be very unwilling to bind your former comrade with a collar.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have suspected you of having some strange fetish."

Although Artoria apologized sincerely with a look of regret, Shirou didn't intend to blame her.

"No, I wanted to avoid it because I considered various factors such as the visuals."

I know there's nothing I can do about your complaints, so don't worry about it.

If Artoria remained silent and indifferent, Shirou would feel uneasy.

So.

Now that Barghest's unstable state due to the loss of his name has stabilized, it's about time for Shirou to leave.

"Huh...?"

Barghest's eyes widened when he heard Shirou announce his intention to leave.

That expression, no matter how you look at it, is exactly the expression of a puppy when its owner leaves for work in the morning, Artoria thought.

"If you stay here, Morgan might come knocking on your door and cause trouble, which would also implicate you, Barghest."

"I... I'm fine! Shirou, please stay in Manchester for a few more days!"

Barghest said hesitantly, "Um... I also have a dish I'd like you to try..."

For example, if possible, that...

"There will be plenty of time after everything is over."

Shirou smiled and patted her on the shoulder.

He had originally intended to pat her head, but Barghest was taller than Shirou, so he wisely gave up halfway through reaching out.

"Barghest, I hope you will continue to strengthen Manchester's defenses... in preparation for the great calamity that will soon befall us."

"... I see."

Barghest lowered his head obediently.

"In a couple of days, I'll probably be summoned to Camelot by His Majesty to be questioned about the Wales Forest incident."

At that time, I will find a way to clear up the misunderstanding between you and His Majesty...

She spoke meticulously.

"Shirou had no intention of harming Britain; in his heart... His Majesty still held an irreplaceable place."

"..."

Artoria's expression twisted slightly.

I've heard how close Shirou and Morgan were 2000 years ago, but... uh, could it be?

"I don't think Morgan will listen to any advice, even from a loyal minister."

Shirou glanced at the collar around Barghest's neck and said with a complicated expression.

After that, they discussed their route after leaving Manchester.

"Is the destination Orkney? Which route are you planning to take?"

Well, Shirou has a few ideas, but judging from the current situation...

"It should be a route that bypasses Sheffield and Edinburgh, crossing the Lake District from the former territory of the Mirror Clan."

The lords of Sheffield are a strange Fang Clan called the Boggart.

That guy lost the clan chieftainship to Woodwose years ago because of his wife's betrayal.

Later, he was defeated in a political struggle with Spriggan and fled in disgrace from Norwich to Sheffield.

However, according to Barghest, Boggart is actually a very powerful fairy who has not given up his ambitions and there are even rumors that he plans to rebel.

The rumors that Shirou had taken Norwich from Spriggan must have reached his ears by now.

Shirou sensed that he and Artoria probably wouldn't be welcomed by him.

As for Edinburgh, it is the territory of the Northern Fairies... the King Clan.

Unlike the traditional Six Great Clans, the King Clan are considered to be fairies who are not actually Britain fairies.

Although they replaced the Rain Clan in the list of the Six Great Clans, they are not descendants of the original Six Wings; simply put, they are alien races with ulterior motives.

Now, the Queen of the King Clan is eyeing Morgan and wants to become Queen of Britain herself.

Shirou felt that he would eventually have to meet someone Knocknarea, but the time was not yet right.

"After all, there are frequent military conflicts between Sheffield and Edinburgh, and the King Clan is mobilizing troops now, isn't it?"

Barghest nodded in response to Shirou's words.

"Yes. I heard that Knocknarea is using military training as a pretext to move troops to the border of her territory."

The difference from the FGO world line has caused the craze for the Child of Prophecy to gradually subside, and the timing of the rebellion against Morgan has not yet been clearly determined.

Morgan's tolerance of Boggart's rebellious attitude was likely intended to allow him to confront Knocknarea from the North.

Sheffield was originally a city with very strong defenses.

Originally intended to suppress the northern Knocknarea, though this couldn't be openly stated, it was suspected of being a prelude to rebellion.

Although the reasons are not very appealing, considering the great calamity that will soon befall the Fae Kingdom, it might become a powerful ally.

"May I entrust the negotiations with Sheffield to you?"

Shirou is considering how to contact Sheffield, and if Barghest could take on this task, it would be a perfect opportunity.

"Of course, if there's anything I can do for Shirou, please don't hesitate to ask."

The female knight said with a bright expression.

If Barghest had a tail, it would be wagging it vigorously right now.

"I'm sorry, I'd like to ask you for help."

"Not at all, Shirou is my master..."

Barghest said somewhat shyly, Shirou immediately corrected him.

"Your current master is Morgan, isn't he?"

"His Majesty Morgan is the one to whom I have sworn my loyalty, and so is Shirou..."

"What a womanizer, Bageko."

Artoria smiled slyly and said in a sarcastic tone.

"Hey! Don't ignore me, Bageko!"

Barghest ignored the Child of Prophecy's taunts, as if she hadn't even noticed him because of her short stature.

"But really, we have to cross the Lake District? Although it's better than Edinburgh, where the troops are stationed..."

Barghest looked worried.

The Mirror Clan's territory and the Lake District are both problematic lands.

There are many Mors, and they are stronger than in other parts of Britain.

"... However, since Shirou is here, there shouldn't be any worries."

That's true.

"What does this completely disregard for me mean?!"

Artoria jumped up angrily, only to find that her ahoge (cowlick) on her head only reached the other person's chin.

Barghest: "Huh? Oh, you're here, Artoria. Sorry... I'm too short to notice you."

Artoria: "W-What did you say!? Once I ring the bell of Orkney, you'll be looking up at my knees!"

I'm really looking forward to seeing your regretful expression! It's not too late to apologize!

No, no, no, that kind of thing will never happen, Shirou thought to himself.

Artoria and Barghest really don't get along.

Surprisingly, she was more insecure about her height than about her magic.

Well... if Artoria rings the bell, her magic will become unmatched by any other fairy.

In terms of combat, thanks to Shirou's careful instruction and her own insights, she has become able to use Projection Magic.

During his stay in Manchester, Shirou did some testing.

It was discovered that Artoria could not Projection weapons from other worlds, such as the "Blades of Chaos," but she could Projection swords from Pan-Human History other than Ea.

Besides that, there is another surprising thing about Artoria.

That is the Sword in the Stone she Projection, and it does not lower one's social class.

In other words, the Sword in the Stone Projection by the Paradise Fae was not a fake, but the real thing.

Well... thinking about it carefully, that makes sense.

Since it can perfectly Projection the Sword in the Stone, then...

Shirou then took out the Excalibur Sword of the Lake and had Artoria try to analyze the Projection, but it failed.

It seems that the Holy Sword of the Stars cannot Projection because the total amount of magic power is too low.

Shirou tells the somewhat discouraged Artoria that as long as the bell is rung, she too can Projection the sword.

Upon hearing this, Artoria perked up and began to harbor some unrealistic fantasies about the Bell of Pilgrimage.

It's as if simply ringing the bell could transform me from a little kid into a tall, curvaceous beauty like Morgan overnight...

"..."

Shirou patted the hat of the Child of Prophecy with regret.

"Barghest meant no harm. Let's go, let's not linger."

Shirou took the Paradise Fae's hand and started walking.