My Mother King Arthur

"—Answer me!"

"..."

"Will you ensure the people of Britannia survive, no matter the cost?! Even if it goes against your own will and morals?!"

"..."

Arthur's question was met with a long silence. However, after that, Artoria responded:

"I... will. Even if... it means through killing and plunder, even if in the end, the concept of Celts disappears and their bloodline merges with the Germanic people, as long as everyone can be happy, then..."

"Very well."

Arthur nodded. "Remember what you said." With that, he kissed Artoria's forehead.

"Then let's try the Holy Grail first. If the Holy Grail works, I'll stay in Britannia. If it doesn't, do as I say, alright?"

Artoria: "...Mm."

After a moment of silence, King Arthur nodded, completely reassuring Arthur.

"Yes, this is good. Though I feel a bit sorry for Galahad."

Arthur thought.

Everything would proceed as history foretold.

Galahad would fail, and then die. At that point, Artoria would completely give up.

In the original history, after the Holy Grail returned to the heavens, Artoria lost all motivation to move forward, merely mechanically doing "what should be done." But this time, Arthur had shown her a different path.

Even if her heart ached, she was sad, and it went against her will, Artoria would still follow the path Arthur had indicated.

Perhaps by then, her heart would be corrupted. Perhaps she would become a cruel and ruthless king like an alter.

But what did that matter?

After all, by then, she would be living happily with her Father King.

Humanity would be saved.

The world would be saved.

Although Galahad would die, in a thousand years or so, he would return to Chaldea as a purple eggplant. So, rounding up, wasn't that a gain?

However.

"I will go and confirm it myself, and retrieve the Holy Grail myself."

What Artoria said next plunged Arthur into shock once more.

"If it really is a trap, then let me sacrifice myself."

"Father King... But..."

"At that time, it will be up to you, Arthur, to inherit all of Britannia." Facing Arthur, who was so surprised he could barely speak, King Arthur revealed a gentle smile.

"Although I cannot fully understand... I believe you will become a better king than I. You are more suited to this era, and stronger than I. If it's you, you will surely succeed even without relying on miracles and magic."

"Father King..."

"Because you are my proud child."

She lightly kissed Arthur's cheek.

"Then, carry on my legacy, my child, and walk forward with strength. My child."

Author's Notes:

I originally planned to release the new chapter at the scheduled time. But after looking at the discussion threads and reviews, there was quite a bit of arguing, so I released it early.

Here, everyone, please remember a few key points:

Artoria's opposition to Arthur's plan had a premise: the "Holy Grail." Everyone is a spoiler expert and knows the Holy Grail is useless. But she doesn't know that. You can't demand she know what you know.

Arthur's actions of sustaining himself through killing, conquest, and plunder do have an evil nature. His actions are no different from those of the Anglo-Saxons who invaded Britannia. Artoria naturally dislikes it—her feeling is like: "Kid, my salary will be paid in two days. I'll buy you a family bucket then. Just hold on for two more days."

"What? You can't even wait two days and have to go rob someone?"

Her judgment was based on the premise that the Holy Grail would work, restoring Britannia's land to the level of the Age of Gods.

If it truly worked, and had no negative side effects, then it would indeed be better than Arthur's plan.

And after Arthur pointed out the problem with the Holy Grail plan, Artoria's attitude changed. That's all there is to it.

Chapter 70: Merlin, Raise the Holy Grail!

"But if that's the case, Father King, you will..."

"Die."

"But it doesn't matter."

She opened her eyes, as pure and transparent as crystal, and looked at Arthur gently. "Because Arthur is already here—you are a better Savior than I. You have been from the very beginning. You are my sublimation."

"Even if I die, you will take care of Britannia. You will do better than I. So I have no regrets."

She wore a pure smile, like a lily.

Artorius's heart was heavy.

He couldn't persuade his Father King.

Artoria embraced the idea of dedicating herself to her country and people. Even though Arthur had told her it was a trap, and she herself had a vague inkling of it, she was still willing to try.

As she said, even if she died, Arthur would still be there. If that were the case.

"My idealistic, foolish, lovely, devoted, and exasperating Father King."

He could only hold his gentle, petite, and adorable Father King tightly. He let out a sigh of helplessness.

From the perspective of her figure and appearance, as he held her in his arms, Arthur didn't feel the radiant Knight King, nor the Red Dragon Knight who could single-handedly defeat Vortigern, the White Dragon, and emerge victorious. He felt only a delicate girl who needed protection.

Not born as a human.

Not raised as a human.

Not educated as a human.

Not used as a human.

Never lived a single day for herself.

It was this girl who stepped forward when the Celts of Britannia were on the verge of annihilation by the Anglo-Saxons, leading them to victory after victory, reclaiming lost lands. She defeated the terrifying White Dragon.

In the original history, she had also defeated Rome and rebellious knights, defeating almost all enemies.

Or, from a later perspective with an omniscient view, one might think her actions weren't good enough, perfect enough, or outstanding enough. But from the perspective of the person involved, Artoria Pendragon, there was no one more suitable.

After all, in the original history, Artorius did not exist.

"Arthur..."

Enjoying her beloved child's affection, Artoria wore a blissful smile.

It was as if she had cast off all her burdens, responsibilities, and pressures, now content and ready to face death at any moment.

With that, Artorius left her room.

"What should I do next?"

Arthur pondered.

Continuing to persuade his Father King not to touch the Holy Grail was impossible.

So... how should he stop his Father King? Reveal Artoria's secret of being female and ascend to the throne...?

No, no, no, that's a path of usurpation and wouldn't stop Artoria.

Even if she were no longer king, she could still go to the continent to retrieve the Holy Grail. Then, she would head to the Throne of Heroes.

Then... should he place her under house arrest, control her, imprison her in a dungeon?

"Unless absolutely necessary, it's best not to do that..."

Arthur thought, "Otherwise, Father King would surely hate me forever."

"So, that means..."

Having thought this far, Arthur had an idea.

"Why not just get to the Holy Grail before Father King does?"

"If someone has to sacrifice themselves, just throw out some unimportant person."

"Not Father King, and not Galahad. Just let some random person touch the Holy Grail."

"Of course, I have to do this behind Father King's back, otherwise, she won't be at ease. Hmph, hmph, hmph-hmph-hmph..."

"I need to plan this carefully... Oh, right, why not just let that damned Merlin do it?"

"Seems like that won't work; he's still somewhat useful." This made Arthur feel quite regretful.

Having quickly devised a sinister plan, Artorius's face also broke into a sinister smile. Then, at the entrance to King Arthur's study, he encountered his nominal mother, Guinevere.

Unlike Artoria, who maintained a 15-year-old appearance, she, now nearing thirty, looked mature and dignified. She was the image of a gentle wife.

"What's wrong, Arthur?"

She asked Arthur with some concern, "I just heard a loud noise. Did you and Father King argue?"

"It's nothing, don't worry, no need to be concerned."

Arthur held great respect for his adoptive mother. He smiled and pretended nothing was amiss as he told her.

After saying this, he turned to leave.

But before that:

"Arthur!"

Guinevere called out to him.

"Be good to your Father King."

She said to Arthur in a gentle voice:

"He's had a rough time lately, so... please be understanding with him, okay?"

"..."

"Of course, after all, he is my dearest Father King."

Arthur's relaxed attitude made Guinevere uneasy.

So she entered the study again:

"What happened, my King? What did you and Arthur say just now? Did you have a fight?"

"...It was a bit of a fight, I suppose."

Artoria said, "But don't worry, we've made up." She walked towards Guinevere with a smile:

"Guinevere, you've worked hard all this time."

"…?"

Artoria's words made Guinevere feel worried, a sense of unease creeping in:

"My King, what do you mean..."

"Soon, you will be free, Guinevere." She told her gently, "You won't have to worry about me anymore. You can enjoy your life freely."

"..."

"I will go to Europe to obtain the Holy Grail. Whether I succeed or not, I will pass the throne to Artorius. And then... you can go do what you love."

She said this to Guinevere, but it didn't bring her any joy. Guinevere only felt sadness, and as she embraced her closest friend, tears couldn't help but fall.

Author's Notes: