Like an Angel

"Phew, finally out of the tiger's den."

Petals danced across the sky, carried by the wind for an unknown distance before settling to form a curtain upon the ground. As the curtain dissipated, two figures appeared on the empty meadow.

"Teacher, is that Lion King really so terrifying?"

The still-tender Artoria was seeing her teacher in such a state of panic for the first time. Even in the most urgent situations, Merlin usually maintained a maddening sense of relaxation.

"It is not a matter of terror, but of incomprehensibility..."

Recalling the sensation of facing that lion, Merlin clutched his forehead, his small head filled with immense confusion.

What on earth was that lion?

From his perspective, the existence of Lion El'Jonson was far too bizarre.

Setting aside his physique, which far exceeded that of any ordinary man, what was the deal with that inexplicable strength?

There was no magical energy supporting his body, no magecraft applied, nor any blessing from gods or gifts from fae... Given that lion's build, it was impossible for a purely mortal body to possess such power without magical reinforcement.

Merlin could not fathom it.

To him, it would have been far easier to accept if Lion El'Jonson had simply been able to draw the sword because he possessed the qualifications of a king.

What discouraged him most was that his own top-tier Clairvoyance could not see through the man.

There was nothing in the world that could escape his eyes, unless it was intentionally obscured by something of an equal rank. Yet, that lion had no magical barrier, no divine or fae blessings or curses, and still, he could not observe him!

This was irrational.

Which meant...

Lion El'Jonson is not a thing of this world... He is an outsider, an [Angel] descended from beyond the world!

It was precisely because he came from outside the world that he could not be observed.

To a magus, gods and angels were subjects of study, common occurrences in their daily lives... Merlin himself knew many of the gods and angels spoken of by common folk.

So, what were these [Angels] in the cognition of magi like him?

How could such a dangerous thing be left to its own devices?

What about the Counter Force?

Not only did it not erase him, but it actually dared to let this thing grow?

At this thought, the corner of Merlin's eye twitched, and a conjecture surfaced in his heart.

Could it be that the Counter Force has acknowledged his existence?

The more Merlin thought about it, the more likely it seemed. If the Counter Force did not acknowledge him, it would have simply erased him; that lion would never have survived, let alone been raised by humans.

Both Counter Forces must have deemed him harmless to their own existence, hence they acknowledged him—but only to that extent. They would neither sanction nor assist him; they would simply ignore him.

"Artoria, what do you think of Lion El'Jonson?"

Artoria pondered for a moment before speaking slowly: "I feel he is a man of great dignity and bearing, yet he gives me a sense of ethereal detachment, as if his feet are not planted on the ground. His gaze is unpleasant, as if he has seen right through me."

She recalled the scene where the knights knelt in allegiance after Lion El'Jonson drew the sword, and she felt he possessed the true bearing of a king.

He was far stronger than she, an immature half-measure.

Yet, thinking back to when she and her brother met him, she felt a surge of disgust at his haughty gaze—the look of one who thought he saw through everything—and the malice that flickered toward her.

"Artoria, you must remember: Lion El'Jonson is dangerous. Avoid meeting him whenever possible, and if you must meet him, never go alone!" Merlin cautioned.

As it stood, his and Artoria's attitude toward Lion El'Jonson should be one of neither support nor opposition. They would watch how he performed, and if he failed, they would have Artoria step in.

For now, standing on the sidelines would suffice.

After his conversation with Merlin, Lion El'Jonson and his party did not immediately occupy Camelot. On one hand, they were waiting for the troops, provisions, armor, and weapons from their various vassals to arrive; on the other, they were waiting to see how the city of Camelot would react.

After discussing the general plan for taking over the royal city with his father and the others, Lion El'Jonson suddenly asked Kay: "Having muddled your way into becoming the subordinate of a stranger, do you have any thoughts about the culprits—Merlin and myself?"

"It would be impossible to have no resentment in my heart, but this emotion is not directed at you, my King. You are my liege... I only harbor disgust for Merlin."

Kay had become a knight under Lion El'Jonson, and faced with his liege's soul-searching question, he remained exceptionally calm.

"Long ago, I found Merlin incredibly grating—to the point where I wanted to run him through with a spear."

"I thought you respected him," Lion El'Jonson said, curious.

"I respect Merlin, but that does not prevent me from loathing him."

Kay recalled his life with Artoria when they were young. To make ends meet, even a knight's household had to work the fields.

Artoria not only had to perform high-intensity labor but also undergo their father's swordsmanship training, sleeping only two or three hours a day... When he learned that his sister was even being harassed by that incubus during those few hours of sleep, being forced to learn the knowledge of kings and stripped of her final moments of rest, he lost all goodwill toward Merlin.

As for becoming Lion El'Jonson's knight, that was a transaction—Lion El'Jonson would spare Artoria, and he would pledge his loyalty as a knight. The parties to the deal were himself and Lion El'Jonson; Merlin was merely a witness and a messenger.

"Merlin is truly a rotten man, to be so hated even by the brother of his own disciple."

Hearing Kay's words, Lion El'Jonson chuckled and made a promise: "Rest assured, as long as you remain loyal to me, I will not harm Arthur."

In Lion El'Jonson's heart, the fully grown Kay was far more important than Artoria.

The current Artoria was still too green.

"So, you truly knew about Arthur."

"Naturally, I knew." Leon continued, "I usurped Arthur's throne; do you not resent me for it?"

"I have always hoped Arthur could cast off the responsibilities she carries. In that regard, I must thank you, my King."

She was merely a young girl in her teens, at an age where she should have been enjoying the flowers, yet she was forced by the expectations and pressures of others to shoulder the burden of an entire nation. It was far too heavy for a young girl.

If he could, Kay wished his sister would be more rebellious, more selfish, and cast aside all the responsibilities others had imposed upon her, so she would no longer suppress herself and could experience a different kind of life.

"I hope Arthur has a relaxed and happy life; that is my only wish."

"Kay, you really are a sister-complex."

Kay's answers to the two questions left Leon very satisfied.

Possessing reason, valor, and attachments—this was exactly the kind of virtuous minister Leon dreamed of.

Just as Leon and Kay were baring their hearts to one another, Luther walked in.

"My King, the troops have finished assembling."

Hearing this, a smile curled on Leon's lips. With the Sword in the Stone tucked at his waist, he walked out of the church amidst the priest's blessings.

"May the Lord protect you."

Outside, the sound of footsteps grew heavier and more dense, and the clashing of armor rang out with increasing crispness.

When Leon stepped outside, a wall of iron-clad men greeted his eyes.

"Commander of the Royal Guard, Joe, leads all 54 men to pay respects to Your Highness."

"Centurion of the First Hundred, Carlo, leads all 56 men to pay respects to Your Highness."

"Centurion of the Second Hundred, Canning, leads all 74 men to pay respects to Your Highness."

"Centurion of the Third Hundred, Leish, leads all 65 men to pay respects to Your Highness."

"Logistics Battalion, Luther, leads all 363 men to pay respects to Your Highness."

During this time, Leon had reorganized the army, dividing those who had flocked to his banner into two parts: combat troops and logistics.

He had his father, Luther, take charge of the most critical logistics and supply management, and appointed his brother as the commander of his personal guard to ensure his own safety.

His father's three close friends, Carlo, Canning, and Leish, were appointed as centurions. Leon also drafted the sons and nephews of these three uncles into the personal guard, both as a gesture of favor and as a means of keeping them in check.

Looking at the rows of knights kneeling on one knee before him, Leon felt a surge of heroic spirit.

"I shall accept and fulfill the mission bestowed upon me by the Lord with my body and soul."