Chapter 923

Why didn't Shirou come back? Why is it only you who came back?!

Artoria said with a bitter expression, "I'm sorry..."

"Is all you can say 'sorry'? Are you an idiot?!"

The blue-haired girl first screamed hysterically, then sneered.

"Shirou can't be in any danger! He can't possibly lose to anyone... Let me guess!"

That's right... it must be because you dragged Shirou- sama down that things turned out like this, am I right?

"..."

Artoria remained silent.

Hope is absolutely right.

If he hadn't taken his place, Shirou would have been fine.

"What Child of Prophecy! How stupid! He's just a country bumpkin who's been praised to the skies and is now all high and mighty!"

Hope knelt on the ground and tore the ground apart with her fingers.

"You're just like me, you can't do anything without Shirou- sama! How can someone like you be the savior!"

Why... why... you survived, but Shirou- sama died!!!

Artoria: "..."

"Aaaaaah, waaaaaah... I, no...! Aaaaaaah... Shirou- sama!!!"

Hope cried and screamed, and black spots spread rapidly from her cheeks to her entire body.

"I'm sorry, Hope."

Artoria couldn't stand it anymore.

If this continues, Hope will become like Mors; she has seen countless examples of this.

Artoria stunned the crazed girl and then used Magecraft to control the spread of the curse.

After doing all this, she held the unconscious Hope and slumped to the ground, feeling utterly empty.

"Shirou is gone... How can you be so calm? Don't you feel anything at all?"

Hope's question echoed once again in the mind of the Paradise Fae.

At that moment, Hope gave him a accusing look. "You don't have a 'heart,' do you?"

"..."

Artoria pressed her hand to her chest to check her heartbeat.

... There is indeed instigation.

Moreover, there's one more thing there than before—

It was Shirou who sacrificed his own life to create the "Holy Sword Foundation".

"How could I not feel anything at all...?"

Artoria looked pained and bit her lip.

This was not the first time she had experienced death.

The same applies to everyone in the village.

It was the same with Hector.

But...

This time it was more painful and more sorrowful than ever before.

"I'm the one who... wants to cry...!!"

Artoria screamed in frustration.

But you mustn't cry.

I already cried back in the Inner Sea of the Planet.

I already swore an oath back in the Inner Sea of the Planet.

Once I'm back on Earth, I promise I won't cry anymore.

Because he is already Shirou's successor.

I was given this life by Shirou, so I must take Shirou's place and complete his unfinished mission.

Artoria wants to fulfill Shirou's last wish.

To bring the world the right ending, to allow the fairies to atone for their sins, and to save Shirou's past companions.

There is no time left for the Child of Prophecy to weep.

The next day.

Artoria summoned Lundinium to Oberon.

"Well..."

Oberon was stunned when he saw the blonde girl in a brand new dress.

Of course, what surprised Oberon was not only Artoria's new appearance and powerful magic.

And then there were her eyes, which, though devoid of light, were remarkably sharp.

--That was a gaze that could carry out any will to the very end without wavering.

It's like you've become a completely different person, Artoria...

Shirou, is even this part of your scheme!?

"He's really causing me trouble," Oberon thought with a wry smile. "Since he's already dead, I won't complain."

"Oberon, I have something I'd like to ask you."

"Huh? What is it?"

Oberon spoke in his usual flippant tone, not wanting Artoria to notice his inner tension.

"I'd like to meet with Morgan. Can you arrange that for me?"

"I'm a wanted criminal who almost had my hometown burned down by Morgan, do you think I could possibly contact Her Majesty the Queen?"

Oberon chuckled.

But Artoria wasn't buying it at all.

She knew very well that Oberon had a vast network of connections operating behind the scenes.

For example, Aurora, and for example, Muryan.

Even the clan chiefs of the Six Great Clans treated him as an honored guest, Oberon must have also bribed many Camelot officials—even the Queen's personal guard knights.

If you want to get in touch with Morgan, Oberon would be the fastest way.

"..."

"Looks like I'm not so easily fooled, "Oberon thought.

"Okay, I'll try to figure something out, but don't get your hopes up too high, okay?"

Artoria nodded. "Then I'll leave it to you."

Shirou had warned her not to be careless with Oberon, and the girl kept that in mind.

"... Then I'll go make the arrangements."

Oberon came to the window and transformed into a moth.

Just as he was about to fly away, Artoria called out to him.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"Back in Tintagel... the one who spoke to me through the Staff of Prophecy —you were Merlin, weren't you?"

"..."

Oberon didn't answer, but his expression said it all.

"... I see."

Artoria murmured to herself and looked away.

"I'll leave the matter of contacting Morgan to you."

She quietly gave the order to see the guests off.

The girl had already confirmed everything that needed to be confirmed.

Although I don't know what Oberon's true intentions are, since Shirou has allowed him to stay by my side... it should be fine.

If they were to become enemies someday, Artoria would not show Oberon any mercy because of past favors.

A few days later, Oberon returned to Lundinium.

Queen Morgan, upon learning of the Child of Prophecy's request for an audience, granted it.

Another day passed, Camelot sent a messenger.

The messenger was none other than the girl with the conspicuous red collar around her neck— the Fae Knight Tristan.

Tristan glared at Artoria with hostility and spoke impatiently.

"I have come to greet you, Child of Prophecy, on the orders of His Majesty Morgan."

The Child of the Queen made no attempt to conceal his hostility towards the Child of Prophecy; his slender body emanated a palpable killing intent.

That's understandable, after all, she was one of the women who admired Shirou.

To ensure a favorable position during negotiations with Camelot, Artoria has completely suppressed news of Shirou's death.

Therefore, Tristan knew nothing about it.

"I came here because I heard Shirou was here. Where is he?"

The Faerie Knight looked around and asked.

Volume 11: Chapter 539 Fae Tristan: I've already thought of names for my daughter and sister's children.

"I came here because I heard Shirou was here. Where is he? Why didn't he come out to greet me?"

The Fae Knight Tristan completely ignored everyone else, looking around as he asked.

At this moment, Artoria spoke up, "Shirou won't see you."

"Huh? You won't see me? What does that mean?!"

Tristan showed a strong expression of displeasure.

Artoria did not intend to inform Tristan Shirou of his death at this time, as she was well aware that the fairy girl's mental state was extremely unstable.

More importantly, Artoria had already decided that Morgan would be the first to know about this.

Tristan narrowed his eyes, staring at the Child of Prophecy, and said, "Could it be that you're behind this... interfering with my meeting with Shirou?"

Artoria remained noncommittal and walked towards the carriage that was waiting for her.

"Aren't you going to take me to Camelot?"

"Wait a minute! You're not the only one going to Camelot, are you? Where's Shirou?"

Tristan called out to her, somewhat confused.

The Paradise Fae stopped and said, "No... Morgan should only be entertaining me."

That's what it says in Camelot's edict.