Chapter 68: Argument (II)
"Alright... I admit that everyone has been working hard..." Artoria nodded and began with her usual talk, "But it's not a problem as long as we find the Holy Grail..."
"That's the problem. If we continue like this, merely waiting for the Holy Grail to be found, our Pendragon Dynasty will be doomed..." lamented Artorius helplessly, his gaze fixed on his mother.
"Father, do you know what is most important in such difficult times?" asked Artorius.
"The people, of course..." replied Artoria naturally.
"No, you're wrong. It's the army, the power, the strength, Father..." Artorius replied with a heavy heart.
Artoria fell silent, contemplating his words. Artorius believed she had taken them to heart and continued.
"So, our top priority is to ensure the loyalty of the army—to achieve that, we need to meet their needs and desires, at least to some extent."
"Are you suggesting we pamper them with luxuries?" Artoria resisted, her eyes glaring earnestly, as if ready to confront Artorius if he were to say 'yes.'
"Of course not. Satisfying desires too easily leads to greed. Fortunately, the standards set by you are low enough that we can gradually improve."
"We can start by providing them with something better than black bread. For example, some meat, hot soup, and vegetable rations. It would be enough to sustain their lives and make them better off than the commoner. It will be enough to barely support their families."
"We simply don't have enough resources." Artoria firmly rejected Artorius. "And even if we did, we should prioritize aiding the people!"
"That's not a problem..." Artorius took a deep breath.
He realized that continuing to argue with her would be meaningless. This person was as stubborn as a rock and completely ignorant of people's hearts.
"I can provide those supplies..." Artorius said seriously. "After all, I am still the Prince—so, Father, I am willing to supply Camelot with additional resources—a sufficient amount to sustain the entire kingdom, the army, and their families."
After all, Camelot was just one of the many countries within Britain, with only a few tens of thousands of people. It wouldn't be a burden for Artorius, who ruled over millions in the Germanic land.
"..."
Before Artoria could respond, Artorius continued.
"Naturally, these resources won't be given for free."
"My request is... the Knights of the Round Table."
"Of course, not all of them. I only want the top twelve knights. Father, I ask that you order the twelve Knights of the Round Table to join my command."
"What do you think, Father? Isn't this a good deal?"
"..."
Artorius believed it was a win-win deal.
He would gain a scarce and elite group of top-notch warriors, while Artoria would obtain the resources to improve the lives of the people of Camelot.
With this elite force, Artorius would have an advantage in facing the challenges of the Germanic peoples and the Romans. His plans would go more smoothly, and the Pendragon Dynasty would attain supreme glory.
They would replace 'Capet', 'Hohenzollern', 'Plantagenet', and 'Rurikids'.
In the future, they would substitute for 'Bourbon', 'Habsburg', and 'Romanov'.
Even as they entered a new era, experiencing Napoleon, two world wars, and countless upheavals and chaos between the outer and inner worlds, Artorius would ensure the splendor, continuity, and greatness of the entire Pendragon Dynasty through his intelligence and abilities.
Whether in the outer world or the inner world.
When all these resources and technologies matured, Artorius would go further, thoroughly saving the 'entire human race'. He would liberate humanity from the control of the Counter Force and provide true redemption and freedom.
This would inevitably involve a game with the Counter Force, battles, exchanges, and conflicts with extraterrestrial civilizations, as well as the obstacles posed by other human organizations.
But even so, Artorius would persevere.
—Forge the future, break free from Earth, and venture into the cosmos. Annihilate all the Wandering Star (Velber), Ultimate One nonsense, and other godforsaken things until his 'Human Universe' plan is accomplished. Then they can finally enjoy peace of mind!
That was the entirety of Artorius Pendragon's plan.
At this time, the so-called 'Usurping Fate Plan' seemed grand in scale, but it was just a mere part of the 'grand plan' in reality.
Even with just that 'part', it had already violated the taboos of the Counter Force. That's why Artorius hadn't even informed Mordred about the following grand plan.
Because it was simply too dangerous. The more people who knew, the greater the risk.
Rather than foolishly bashing one's head against the wall or just 'YOLO' like Artoria did, ending up with a broken head and bloodshed, Artorius believed strategy was necessary.
How did the wise ones put it?
—Protecting people while losing land preserves both people and land. Losing people while losing land leads to the loss of both people and land.
So they must preserve the living no matter what.
They had to ensure their own survival. After all, if they couldn't survive, even if they established the Human Universe, ushering in a beautiful new era, they wouldn't be able to enjoy it.
Therefore, in that round of dealings with his mother, incorporating the Knights of the Round Table into his control was the first step towards the new world!
Such a magnificent first step!
A small step for humanity, a great step for the Pendragon Dynasty!
"You agree right? It benefits both of us, doesn't it, my dear father?"
Artorius looked at his mother with delight and eager anticipation.
Artoria's expression struggled, then became calm. Then she looked at her beloved son, Artorius, with seriousness and determination.
"Your terms are very favorable, my dear child. I can tell you genuinely want to help. You truly want to contribute to Britain. However... I refuse."
Her crystal-like eyes earnestly gazed at Artorius as she asked, "Those things... Did you acquire them through plundering, exploiting, and oppressing? I know, Artorius, that in your Germanic regions, you have been implementing high-pressure policies, destroying those who defy you. Or forcing them to pay taxes and provide provisions. I cannot accept such resources."
Artorius: "..."
The Frost Dragon of Europe fell silent for a few seconds.
"Father..." Artorius struggled to control his emotions, but ultimately, he couldn't.
"I've managed my regions well!"
He took a deep breath and then angrily said:
"In my territories, anyone who works diligently can survive! All individuals of value can live well, including the military, soldiers, craftsmen, mages, scholars, and technicians. They all receive good treatment!
Farmers and laborers can support their families through their own efforts. Women are organized for textile production, and children are encouraged to contribute through labor and learning to the best of their abilities!
Even those without value, such as the disabled, those who have lost their ability to work, and the elderly, are not abandoned. Under my care, they can all obtain a luxurious 'livelihood' that is exceedingly rare in this era!
What more do you want from me?! If I were to govern Germanic peoples with your idiotic 'sharing hardships together' approach, I would be slaughtered by the dissatisfied Germanic lunatics, along with my entire people in the next second! Do you understand that?!"
Artoria shook her head, looking at Artorius with a gaze of helplessness, as if she were looking at a child who had gone astray.
Although Artorius also had a similar look in his eyes when he looked at her.
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