Capítulo 69: Argument (III)
Artorius spoke the truth.
Under his mobilization, the entire Germanic Military Region operated at high speed. Everyone was driven and motivated, striving desperately for survival and a 'better life'.
They worked hard, produced tirelessly, and engaged in 'killing and plundering'—killing and plundering those who were 'not part of the Germanic Military Region,' those who were 'not their own.'
This 'attitude of striving in life' and 'way of life' perfectly aligned with 'this era' and would continue to be the 'norm' in Europe for thousands of years to come. Even in modern times, such a situation still exists, still considered 'normal', only cloaked in layers of elaborate and highly deceptive facades.
Artorius excelled at it.
As a ruler and a leader, it was the same for him.
He rewarded and punished clearly, he was generous, and he led the way in war. He governed his territories with wisdom and insight. To his own people, he was the best leader one could have. The kind of leader for whom even on the brink of death, one could cry out—"Leader, in my next life, I'll follow you again!".
But to his enemies.
He was a demon, a calamity, a nightmare, the embodiment of terrifying destruction. In the Black Forest, he was the mad and ruthless 'Frost Dragon'—their hero, their archenemy. In this Little Ice Age, while everyone strived to survive, could one say it was wrong?
Those Germanic tribes that did not belong to the Germanic Military Region treated Artorius's subjects in the same way.
And there were also the Romans, the Slavs, and the nomadic people of the steppes.
Everyone was damn used to such things!
That was the difference between Artorius and Artoria.
Artoria, who was idealistic and taught by Uther and Merlin, was bestowed with the title of the 'Perfect King'. However, she could not accept Artorius's realism, pragmatism, and utilitarianism.
"Artorius, you're talking about 'Camelot' alone, and not 'Britain', right?" Artoria said to Artorius like this, "You can't provide resources to secure the entire Britain, can you?"
Artorius: "..."
"Yes, I can't..." He remained silent for a moment and then said to Artoria, "At least, we can't provide them freely, to those kings and lords..."
Artorius didn't finish the second half of his sentence, which was—he needed their people, manpower, knights, and army. If they wanted resources, they had to give something in return.
And then, those people and the army would become part of the Germanic Military Region, fighting to the death for Artorius's ambitions. Just like all ambitious people in this world.
But, there is a mistaken view here.
Artoria was not indifferent to the people starving to death, nor was she a fool who did not understand why her son did all those things. Instead, all of this was because she believed that the Holy Grail could save her country, restore the concentration of True Ether to its former level, and bring Britain back to its good old days.
In light of this, why must she follow her son's plan, which causes the people to suffer, turning them into tools of war and cannon fodder? They sacrifice long-lasting peace and even their lives for temporary gains, leaving their homes behind and heading to the cold and war-torn Europe.
"But, Father, can you really find the Holy Grail? What if you can't? Or what if you find it, but it doesn't possess the great power you believe it holds?" Artorius continued his questioning reluctantly, only to be met with a happy smile on her face.
"Let me tell you some good news."
Artoria showed a cheerful expression, saying, "We... have received news about the whereabouts of the Holy Grail. Sir Percival has sent word, confirming the location of the Holy Grail. Now, if a knight of pure and noble heart goes there, they can obtain the Holy Grail. Artorius, your plan has completely failed."
As she spoke these words, Artoria displayed pure delight and a sense of relief. It must be that in her eyes, the long period of endurance, suffering, and trouble was about to come to an end. Britain would return to its good old days.
Upon hearing these words, Artorius, on the other hand, felt as if he had fallen into an icy cave.
So, the Holy Grail had been located.
No wonder Galahad bid farewell to himself before. So that's how it is.
...In that case, the course of history would be exactly the same as before!
Meaning, Galahad would die.
And even that is not the worst outcome. The worst outcome is when the King truly receives the Holy Grail. That will be like the damn Sixth Singularity, the Lion King's ending! Dammit!
"Artorius."
Seeing Artorius stunned, Artoria's heart softened.
She took a step forward and embraced Artorius by the neck. "That's why, you don't have to work so hard anymore. You don't have to sacrifice yourself for the people, and you don't have to bear the weight of the nation. I have everything arranged."
Artoria gently embraced her beloved son. "You will return to Britain, back to my side, right, Artorius?"
She looked at Artorius with hopeful eyes. And the response she received was Artorius's equally gentle embrace.
Ah.
Indeed, this was his mother.
Gently carrying everything on her shoulders. Even if she was deceived, wrongly educated, and treated as a tool for saving the homeland. She was always striving for the best.
The only thing different from the original history was probably himself. She entrusted many beautiful emotions to himself, her son...
So this time, it was his turn to refuse.
"The Holy Grail plan is doomed to fail..."
Artorius calmly looked at Artoria. "The Counter Force will not allow any mistakes in the proper human history. Britain is fated to perish. That's engraved in the 'inevitability' of proper human history. That incubus should have told you that."
"Artorius?"
"If I'm guessing correctly, the Holy Grail is a trap." Artorius continued calmly, "It's a trap set by the Counter Force. There won't be a good ending by obtaining the Holy Grail."
"Artorius?!"
"So, Father, forget about that Holy Grail nonsense and be more realistic."
"Artorius—"
"Answer my question first!"
Artorius interrupted her with a louder voice than Artoria's.
"If the Holy Grail is useless, what would you do, Father?!"
"The Holy Grail—"
"Answer me!"
"..."
"Would you do whatever it takes to let the people of Britain survive? Even if it means going against your own will, ideal, and morality?!"
"..."
There was a long silence in response to Artorius, but afterward, Artoria still answered him.
"I... would. Even if... through slaughter and plunder, even if in the end, the concept of Celts disappears, and our bloodline merges into the Germanic peoples, as long as everyone can be happy, then..."
"Very well." Artorius nodded. "Remember what you just said."
After saying that, he kissed his mother's forehead.
"Then let's try the Holy Grail first. If the Holy Grail works, I'll stay in Britain just like you wish. If the Holy Grail doesn't work, then we'll do as I said, agree?"
"...Umm."
After a moment of silence, Artoria nodded, putting Artorius completely at ease.
'Well, that's good, although I feel a bit sorry for Galahad...' Artorius thought sadly in his mind.
Everything would unfold according to history.
Galahad would fail and then die. By that time, Artoria would be completely heartbroken.
In the original history, after the Holy Grail returned to the heavens, Artoria lost all motivation to move forward and just mechanically carried out 'what she should do' from then on. But this time, Artorius presented her with a different path.
Even if it hurtful, even if it went against her will, Artoria would follow the path indicated by Artorius, her son.
Perhaps at that time, her heart would become twisted. Perhaps she would become a merciless and cruel king like the Alter version.
But what difference did it make?
In the end, they would live happily together.
Humanity would be saved.
The world would be saved.
Even though Galahad would die in exchange. But in another thousand or so years, he would return as a Servant to Chaldea. So, all in all, wasn't it a gain?
However...
"I will personally confirm it and personally take the Holy Grail."
Artoria's next words once again shocked Artorius.
"If it's really a trap, then let me be the sacrifice."
"Father! But—"
"By that time, Artorius, you will inherit all of Britain." Facing Artorius, who was almost speechless with surprise, Artoria smiled gently.
"Although I can't fully understand... I believe you will become a better king than me. You are more suitable for this era, stronger than me. If it's you, even without relying on Mystery, you will surely succeed."
"Father..."
"Because you are my pride, my child, my son..."
Artoria lightly kissed the side of Artorius's face.
"When that time comes, carry my last wishes and go forward with strength. My son..."
===
Author's Note:
Here, everyone should remember a few essential points:
Artoria opposes Artorius's plan based on one premise, which is 'the Holy Grail'. Many of you are spoiler enthusiasts who know that the Holy Grail doesn't work. But she doesn't know that. You can't expect her to act, respond, and be like you who know the truth.
To sustain through killing, conquering, and plundering. Artorius's actions indeed bear the nature of evil. What he's doing is essentially no different from the invading Anglo-Saxons in Britain. Artoria naturally feels repulsed—her view goes something like this:
"Kid, my salary will be paid in two days. I'll buy you some food then. Just endure for two more days."
"What? You can't endure for two days and have to resort to robbery? Why did you do that?"
The premise on which she makes her judgment is that the Holy Grail 'will' works and restores Britain's land to its former glory as in the Age of Gods.
If it truly works and has no negative outcomes, then it's indeed better than Artorius's plan.
But after Artorius pointed out the flaws in the Holy Grail, Artoria became hesitant and a seed of doubt took root in her heart.
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