บท 183: C183
Everyone, including Agravain, Geraint, Lucan, and other officials who were highly attuned to political matters, were all wondering the same thing: what was King Arthur's true intention?
Even Morgan, who was observing the situation, couldn't help but furrow her brows and question what Shirou was planning.
As someone who had previously held power over Orkney and held a high leadership position, Morgan was well aware that the appearance of someone with significant military prestige was a matter of utmost concern for any ruler.
And now, a king himself had personally promoted such an individual.
This left Morgan wondering, What does he want to do?
"Arthur, my brother. Surely, you wouldn't play such a game even with your own sister, would you?" Morgan said as she put down the completed Gáe Bolg. She couldn't help but mutter to herself, "What is it that you're trying to accomplish, Arthur?"
It wasn't just Morgan who was pondering King Arthur's intentions. Artoria, who was on her way back, also learned about her unofficial title as the King of Knights within the army.
The first time she heard this title from someone else's mouth, she was left feeling perplexed for quite some time.
Lancelot respectfully exclaimed, "So, you are indeed the King of Knights!"
She quickly responded, "No, no, no... I am merely an inexperienced apprentice knight of the king, not even worthy of being called a true knight. How could I possibly be considered the king among knights? The title of the King of Camelot belongs solely to our king!"
"Don't be so modest," Lancelot laughed. "When King Arthur came to Benoic, he mentioned that he had a knight under his command who was even more powerful than Arax. At the time, I didn't believe it, but now I do."
Lancelot spent several days on the front line, captivated by Artoria's tales of King Arthur and eager to prove himself by slaying monsters alongside her. Eventually, he became convinced of her abilities. After all, Artoria wielded the Caliburn, while he possessed a holy sword of his own.
While Artoria could navigate her way through magical beasts with ease, Lancelot relied on his mastery of martial arts to dispatch them. However, he couldn't help but feel envious of Artoria's trusty mount, the mighty Dun Stallion, which far surpassed his own steed.
Although Lancelot felt envious of Artoria's powerful horse and her weapon, Gáe Bolg, he was taken aback when he learned that all of her equipment, including the Caliburn and Dun Stallion, had been entrusted to her by Shirou.
Overwhelmed by a rush of emotions, Lancelot let out a deep sigh of admiration and spoke, "What a generous king."
However, Artoria's thoughts were troubled. How had she earned the title of "King of Knights"? She was merely a young, inexperienced knight serving under the king. More importantly, would this title threaten the king's own authority?
These concerns weighed heavily on her mind. What would happen when she returned?
...
Shirou set down his documents and turned to Merlin. "Artoria will be returning soon, correct?"
"Yes, she should arrive around noon today," Merlin replied.
"And have you prepared everything I asked for?"
Merlin sighed, exasperated. "Honestly, can you spare a moment to pay attention? I've already laid everything out for you." With a nod towards the nearby table, he added, "Take a look."
Shirou turned to the table and saw a pile of medals. Each medal was crafted in the likeness of a dragon, and they came in four different materials: bronze, bright silver, gold, and red gold.
The medals were sorted by material, with the most numerous being bronze, followed by bright silver. The gold medals were few in number, while there was only a solitary red gold medal.
Merlin looked at Shirou quizzically. "So let me get this straight: you had Gawain promote Lily, and then you had the craftsmen turn these stones into medals. What's your plan?"
Shirou frowned. "They're not just stones, they're medals. They represent honors and recognition."
"Fine, they're medals. But what's your ultimate goal?" Merlin pressed.
"To inspire," he replied. "Whether it's the army or the common people, managing a large group of individuals requires a strong role model to set the standard."
Shirou set aside his documents and inquired, "When can I expect my King of Knights to return?"
Merlin rolled his eyes. "I already told you, at noon!"
With a nod of acknowledgement, he returned to his work, the minutes ticking away slowly. When noon finally arrived, Merlin informed him that Artoria and the others had returned. Shirou wasted no time in hurrying to the city gates to welcome her back.
As soon as she dismounted from Dun Stallion, Artoria bowed in a knight's salute to Shirou. "My King," she said respectfully.
"Ah, my King of Knights has returned at last," Shirou replied, a smile spreading across his face.
But Artoria shook her head. "My King, I'm just an inexperienced knight, far from deserving the title of 'King of Knights'."
He simply patted her shoulder, still smiling. "Well, regardless, why don't you head to the palace and take a bath first?"
Artoria nodded in agreement, and Shirou turned to Lancelot. "Prince Lancelot, how have you been faring in Cornwall?"
"Very well, Your Majesty," Lancelot replied, his tone filled with admiration. "As a wise king, I have a humble request to make. I would be honored to remain by your side for a time and learn from your wisdom. Would you be willing to accommodate my request?"
Shirou chuckled softly. "I wouldn't say I have any particular wisdom. I'm simply occupied with my duties day in and day out."
Lancelot shook his head. "Your every action displays a great deal of wisdom. I'm eager to learn from you. Please permit me to observe."
"As long as you don't disrupt my work, I don't see why not."
...
Upon returning to the palace, Shirou urged Artoria to rest while he attended to his duties. Shortly thereafter, Bedivere and his team arrived with the workers responsible for building the defense line.
Shirou organized their efforts and then summoned Agravain, instructing him to assemble all the residents of Cornwall in front of the palace the following day.
Though Agravain appeared perplexed, he consented with a nod. Still, he couldn't resist asking, "May I inquire, Your Majesty, why you wish for Gawain and his men to promote the King of Knights?"
Shirou smiled in response. "It's simple, really. Whether it be knights, soldiers, or even ordinary citizens, everyone needs a role model to emulate and learn from."
"A role model for learning?" Agravain furrowed his brow in contemplation, pondering Shirou's words.
The following day at noon, Agravain gathered the populace in front of the palace.
Shirou positioned himself at the center of the palace, flanked by Agravain, Bedivere, and other officials on his left, while Artoria, Gawain, and other knights stood on his right. Morgan and Merlin, the magi, lingered to the side.
The newly outfitted soldiers were maintaining order under the direction of experienced veterans.
A crowd had assembled in front of the palace, their eyes trained upon Shirou as he stood before them. The setting was modest and lacked the grandeur of the coronation ceremony in Camelot, but for Shirou, it marked his first public ceremony.
Shirou took a deep breath before beginning his address. "Recently, we faced a great tragedy. Our beloved kingdom of Camelot fell, and the Saxons led by Vortigern pillaged our land and claimed our possessions as their own. However, thanks to the valiant efforts of these heroes, we were able to make a successful migration to the south. They may be unknown to us, their backgrounds and origins shrouded in mystery, but their deeds and accomplishments will never fade. Any hero who has fought for Camelot and made significant contributions deserves to be remembered!"
He delivered an impassioned speech, but Lancelot, standing beside him, listened with a sense of bewilderment. He turned to Kay and whispered, "Kay, didn't you drive Vortigern back to the North? Why does King Arthur make it sound like we were the ones who had to flee to the South?"
Kay cleared his throat and whispered back, "Don't forget, there are still people living in other cities to the North. They need to migrate as well. We can't simply abandon them and leave them to be preyed upon by magical beasts."
"Ah, I understand now," Lancelot nodded.
...
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