"Let us formally declare war on the King of Lions!"
In the palace hall of Mountain City, Artoria〔Alter〕made this declaration in a cold voice.
"----!"
In an instant, everyone gathered in the hall fell silent, as if they had all held their breath.
Mashu naturally needed no further explanation. Her expression was already solemn as she turned her gaze toward Artoria〔Alter〕. Joan of Arc〔Alter〕and Serenity reacted in their own ways—one narrowing her eyes, the other tightening her face. Even the people inside Chaldea quietly fell silent and stopped speaking.
Of course, those present included not only Luo Zhen and the others, but one more person as well.
"..."
Bedivere remained silent. At some point, however, he had gripped his silver prosthetic arm, his palm tightening again and again.
He looked almost as if he were suppressing something.
Yet not one person present noticed Bedivere's condition.
Except Luo Zhen.
When Artoria〔Alter〕made that declaration, Luo Zhen glanced at Bedivere and noticed his reaction.
But Luo Zhen said nothing. He merely let out a faint sigh before turning his gaze back to Artoria〔Alter〕.
Artoria〔Alter〕was looking at Luo Zhen as well.
"What do you think, Master?"
Artoria〔Alter〕asked for Luo Zhen's opinion.
Luo Zhen had only one answer.
"The timing is indeed right. We should strike now."
That was what Luo Zhen said.
Clearly, Luo Zhen agreed with Artoria〔Alter〕's decision.
The reason was simple.
"If we don't set out now, we may be too late."
Luo Zhen's words caused everyone to hold their breath once more.
"Why?"
Mashu could not help asking.
The one who answered her was not Luo Zhen, but Artoria〔Alter〕.
"Because the Holy Spear is ready. The King of Lions should be about to open the Tower of the End."
Artoria〔Alter〕spoke with extreme calm.
The reason she said this was the action