บท 184: C184
Shirou instructed Merlin to present the prepared medals to the crowd, emphasizing that each medal represented a symbol of glory and honor, and that only those with exemplary character were worthy of wearing them.
The people erupted in enthusiastic applause. In Camelot, and indeed throughout Europe, heroes were held in high esteem. Any soldier who had made a significant contribution during the Great Migration, even those who were retired or injured, would receive a bronze or silver medal as recognition of their service.
He took to the stage, commending the crowd for their achievements and extolling their merits. The people were moved and full of admiration, with those hailing from Caerleon shouting out the names of their comrades with fervor.
In addition, he also invited several newly-trained soldiers to the stage, recognizing their outstanding efforts and hard work in front of everyone. He presented them with a bronze medal, a gesture that further underscored their value and importance to the cause.
Among those recognized were former bandits who had once led a life of crime, but at this moment, they were filled with excitement and pride. Standing beside the king, they received his praise and acknowledgment, and were even cheered on by their friends and family members in the crowd.
Yet, despite the joyous atmosphere, some of the newly-trained soldiers who did not receive medals couldn't help but feel envious. They watched as their comrades were honored and celebrated on stage. The experience left them feeling somewhat dejected.
The sense of glory and recognition that permeated the air was transformative, inspiring all those present to commit to even greater efforts in the future.
In addition, Shirou also awarded bronze medals to the most diligent and hardworking individuals in both Caerleon and Cornwall, with the distribution based on proportional representation.
He acknowledged the efforts of those receiving the medals, saying, "I see your hard work!"
The recognition and praise they received from the king filled them with a sense of excitement and pride. For many of them, it was the first time they had received such honors and acknowledgment for their efforts.
As they returned to their seats, they were met with envious looks from those who had not been recognized. However, they were also congratulated by their families and friends, who shared in their pride and joy.
Shirou's distribution of honors was not arbitrary or capricious. He demonstrated a fair and just approach, ensuring that every group received recognition and that no individual was unfairly favored.
In due course, he presented gold medals to Gawain, Tristan, and other distinguished generals. Even Morgan and Merlin, the magi, were recognized for their contributions and awarded medals.
Interestingly, Morgan received a gold medal while Merlin was awarded a silver medal. This outcome brought great delight to Morgan, who had never been fond of Merlin. She couldn't resist waving her gold medal in front of him, much to his annoyance. The experience motivated Merlin to work even harder in the future, with the hope of achieving a gold medal of his own and putting Morgan in her place.
As Merlin contemplated the notion of striving to become better, he came to a realization - he had fallen into Shirou's trap!
"This is the power of leading by example," he muttered to himself, looking up at Shirou on the stage. Merlin recognized that Shirou's wisdom and perspective, honed over 1,500 years, were vastly superior to his own. Catching up would be no easy feat.
"Hey, you useless white-haired guy! Take a closer look - gold medal!" Morgan waved the medal in front of Merlin's face.
Merlin couldn't help but exclaim, "I know, I know! Stop waving it around already! It's just a piece of gold, what's the big deal?"
Morgan retorted with a smirk, "It's different. This is a gold medal, which your measly silver medal can't compare to. Maybe one day you'll understand what it's like to achieve greatness."
"Ah ah ah ah ah!!!"
Merlin was driven nearly mad by Morgan's taunts, while her own delight only grew stronger as she watched his defeat.
Meanwhile, Lancelot cast a covetous glance at the gold medal adorning Kay's chest. He couldn't resist asking, "Kay, can I touch that medal?"
Kay was wary of Lancelot's request and responded firmly, "Absolutely not. This medal represents my knightly honor, and no one else is permitted to touch it."
Lancelot sighed regretfully.
"Artoria, step forward," Shirou commanded.
Clad in a lion armor, Artoria approached the stage, dropping to one knee and offering a salute.
"There is a knight among us," Shirou began, "who fought tirelessly against hordes of magical beasts for six days and six nights, single-handedly ensuring the establishment of our defense line. Thanks to her efforts, we have bought precious time for the people of Cornwall to survive and flourish. Can anyone tell me who this courageous knight is?"
"Knight Princess!" cried some in the crowd.
"King of Knights!" shouted others.
Although the words differed, the united voice was as thunderous as the tide.
Thanks to his promotion, Artoria's heroic deeds were well-known to everyone present. Her valiant efforts in the battle against the magical beasts had left a deep impression on all who had witnessed it firsthand.
Now, Shirou held up a shimmering crimson gold medal, its illusionary sheen dancing in the sunlight like a river of red. The medal immediately caught everyone's attention, drawing their eyes to its gleaming surface.
"This is the highest honor medal in all of Camelot - the King's Medal," Shirou declared, holding the shining crimson gold medal high for all to see. "It is reserved for only the most exceptional individuals who have made unparalleled contributions to our kingdom. And today, I am honored to present it to our very own Knight Princess, our King of Knights!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, thrilled at the idea of their beloved King of Knights being adorned with such a prestigious honor. The people had heard countless tales of Artoria's bravery and valor, and they unanimously agreed that she was more than deserving of this recognition.
Gawain, Tristan, and the other knights were the first to applaud, their admiration for Artoria evident on their faces. Despite their own accomplishments, they couldn't help but feel impressed by the Knight Princess's exceptional deeds and the honor that she now wore.
Meanwhile, Morgan's envy was palpable. As she watched Artoria receive the highest honor medal in Camelot, Morgan couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. "I lost to my younger sister?" she thought to herself, angry at her own shortcomings. As Artoria basked in the glory of the moment, Morgan could only stew in her own bitterness.
Morgan's disappointment was obvious. As the older sister, she felt a sense of responsibility to be the best and most reliable of the siblings. But in this moment, all she had to show for her efforts was a mere golden medal, while her younger sister basked in the glory of the highest honor medal in Camelot. This realization stirred a deep sense of dissatisfaction within Morgan, leaving her feeling envious and resentful.
Merlin stood beside her and said, "That medal is simply made of crimson gold and an illusion. If you desire it, you can craft one yourself."
She retorted, "It's not the same! A medal made by my own hands and gifted by Arthur in this circumstance is utterly unique!"
"How is it any different? Aren't they all made by people?" Merlin questioned, clearly confused.
Just then, a magus standing nearby, who held a bronze medal, whispered, "Um... Master Merlin, may I touch your shiny silver medal?"
"Stay away from me!" Merlin instinctively covered his treasured shiny silver medal. He had put so much effort into getting it, even though it had no practical value. Simply gazing at it brought him joy, and he had no intention of allowing anyone else to touch it.
Suddenly, Merlin was struck with realization and let out a sigh. He gazed at Shirou with a complex expression and said, "He truly is a king who comprehends the emotions of his people."
As the king prepared to bestow upon her the highest honor of the crimson gold medal, Artoria was uncertain and troubled. She asked, "My King, am I truly deserving of this medal?"
"Absolutely! Stand tall, my King of Knights, my young apprentice knight!" Shirou laughed heartily.
Artoria nodded and straightened her posture, basking in the warmth of the sun as it illuminated the crimson gold medal adorning her chest. It sparkled brilliantly, like a beacon of excellence.
Shirou addressed the crowd, "The Commendation Ceremony is an annual event! Only those who have toiled the hardest and achieved the greatest feats throughout the year are worthy of receiving a medal! I bear witness to all of your tireless efforts. I have no doubt that next year, we shall see new faces adorned with the bronze medal, and many more will wear the esteemed shiny silver and even the illustrious golden medal! My people, let us continue to work diligently to build and enhance our beautiful home!"
"King Arthur! King Arthur!" The people roared with passion.
The crowd's reverent voice crashed like waves, one after the other. The excitement had been kindled by the promise of glory, medals, and Shirou's words in an instant!
Basked in the adoring gazes of the people, what sort of king was Arthur? Lancelot pondered this question silently in his mind.
...
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