The worst thing imaginable happened.
Her most treasured possession—her collection—had been noticed.
Artoria's expression froze instantly. She had no choice but to follow Merry's earlier tactic: raise the price so high the buyer would give up.
"I'm sorry, but this piece is from the most renowned artisan in Britain. It's… really just here for display. If you must insist on buying it, well, it would cost a huge amount, so…"
Artoria trailed off mid-sentence.
The moment she saw the red-haired man up close, she couldn't go on.
He was nothing like the other Romans she had encountered.
Even just standing there, doing nothing, he radiated an oppressive aura that made the entire plaza feel… unnatural.
The difference was palpable.
This wasn't just some noble. No, his presence was sharper than any blade, heavier than any military rank.
This wasn't someone of high status—this was someone who ruled.
Artoria's thoughts spun. If he was one of Rome's highest officials, then raising the price too much might offend him… but if she set it too low, he might actually buy it.
"Please consider carefully before deciding. Compared to its craftsmanship, this sculpture's value lies in its prestige. And it's technically not for sale—if we do sell it, we'll be held accountable when we return."
She forced a sweet smile and stepped forward, trying to shield the statue from view.
…Which was difficult, considering her height.
At that moment, Merry stepped in, expression changing as she scanned the red-haired man.
"Oh my, such a rare visitor. I didn't expect His Majesty the Sword Emperor Lucius to appear in a place like this."
Artoria's heart nearly stopped.
Lucius?!
The Sword Emperor of Rome?
Why was he here? Was the recent surge in slave raids serious enough to bring him out personally?
Her nerves spiked. She stared at Lucius now not with annoyance, but with deep caution—and fear.
Lucius gave Merry a sidelong glance.
"Oh? So this is your true form. I didn't expect the famed Flower Magician of Britain to be… a woman."
His interest faded as quickly as it had sparked.
"I had no choice," he said, casually brushing her off. "I waited at the palace for days. The British caravan never showed, so I had to come myself. Have you been slacking off these years?"
"Please forgive us," Merry answered smoothly. "We encountered a storm at sea and had to take a longer route."
Unlike Artoria, Merry knew exactly what sort of man Lucius was.
With her clairvoyance, she'd studied Arthur's future enemies closely. Especially now—on Roman soil—she already knew that the Holy Grail had fallen into Lucius's hands.
The Sword Emperor was stronger than ever.
If things went south here, only she, Artoria, and Agravain might escape alive.
The rest of the group… wouldn't.
But Lucius ignored Merry entirely, his eyes locked on Artoria.
His gaze was so intense, so invasive, that she instinctively took a step back.
"You—"
"Wow~ I really didn't expect to meet someone so important here. You're a British princess, right? Artorius's sister? Excellent. We should get to know each other better. Come now, tell me—what does Artorius like?"
Artorius.
That was the pseudonym she'd once used…
But the name Lucius meant Arthur.
"…Please don't concern yourself with our Majesty's private affairs, Your Majesty Lucius," Artoria said sharply. "Perhaps you should keep your focus on Rome."
Her earlier nervousness vanished—replaced by righteous fury.
What did he mean? Why was he asking about her Arthur?
Shameless! Pervert! Barbarian!
"Hm? What a tone. When I first saw you, you looked like such a sweet and fragile girl. But you've got a bit of fire. Are all you Britons this entertaining? Now that I look closer… you do resemble Artorius. It makes me feel rather… inspired."
Lucius leaned closer, his eyes full of dark amusement.
"Yes… very beautiful. As expected of a Camelot princess. If the world is a gallery of art, then you're one of its finest pieces. I would love to add you to my collection."
His words sent a chill down her spine.
That gaze wasn't admiration—it was possession.
"Oh dear, this won't do at all," came Merry's voice.
She smoothly stepped between them, wand in hand, smile sharp as steel.
"Bullying our princess? Even if you're the Sword Emperor, I simply must object."
Lucius chuckled.
"No need to get so worked up. I wouldn't dare act rashly toward a relative of Artorius. Besides—though she's a masterpiece, she's still not the treasure I truly want for my collection."
The implication hung in the air.
Arthur.
He wanted Arthur.
Just then, a red-haired woman stepped from the crowd, arms crossed, her voice cold:
"The mission you assigned has been completed. There were no issues. Your concern was unnecessary."
A subordinate—but one who showed zero respect for Lucius.
In fact, her tone carried open disgust.
The moment Merry and Artoria saw her, their faces turned serious.
As high-level magi, they recognized it immediately—this woman was a Servant.
And judging by the magical residue on her, she'd already scouted their base.
Had their slave operations been exposed?
"Oh? You're sure?" Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Then I'll go check myself."
"Hmph. See with your own eyes, then," the woman snapped.
"Tch. What a waste of time," Lucius muttered—but his mood lightened when his eyes fell back on the statues.
"Oh well. Not a total waste. I did acquire some high-end art. One piece in particular… made the trip worth it."
You haven't forgotten?!
Artoria's rage surged again.
What are you planning to do with my collection, you bastard?!
But Merry grabbed her wrist, holding her back.
"Let's leave it at that for today," Lucius said lazily. "Someone will bring payment later. Prepare the remaining thousand sculptures."
With that, he turned and left, the red-haired woman trailing behind.
Just before disappearing into the crowd, the Servant looked back at them.
Her gaze was strange—still sharp, still guarded—but now it held a flicker of softness. A quiet warning.
A hint of urgency.
A flash of sympathy.
Artoria frowned.
What exactly is going on here?
-End Chapter-
Visit the Patreon!!
Read 30 chapters ahead, more on the way!
[email protected]/TrashProspector
150 Stone = 1 Bonus Chapter
15 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter