The sudden plot twist disrupted Arthur's plans. While it didn't give him a headache, it certainly left him momentarily bewildered.
First, there was Iskandar insisting on sticking around. Then Berserker—Lucius—showed up out of nowhere, making everything more complicated.
And just as the situation was becoming unwieldy, Gilgamesh appeared, delivering a single comment that instantly unsettled everyone and pushed the chaos to a new peak.
Arthur didn't even have to look back to imagine the expressions on Artoria's and Iskandar's faces.
As for Lucius?
That man was clearly more interested in pestering him than dealing with any other newcomer.
And suddenly—Arthur did feel a headache coming on.
With a sigh, he pushed Lucius away and turned his attention to Gilgamesh, who stood arrogantly on a streetlamp.
"Even for someone of your status, what you just said isn't all that convincing. And while I understand your desire to flaunt your superiority, standing on a streetlamp just makes you look… cheap."
"Hmph! And what of it?" Gilgamesh replied, utterly unbothered. "Wherever I stand—be it a streetlamp or a pile of rubbish—it immediately becomes as magnificent as a palace."
He had his pride.
From an outsider's perspective, that pride might be indistinguishable from arrogance, but it was an accurate reflection of Gilgamesh's nature.
Only in this way could the identity of the "most ancient king of mankind" (self-proclaimed) be made manifest.
Indeed, the golden king carried an overwhelming sense of majesty and presence wherever he went. Even in a pitch-black, deserted place, Gilgamesh would remain as dazzling as a star.
Of course, that didn't mean other people saw him that way.
"Even so, I, Iskandar, am known to the world as the King of Conquerors." Iskandar gave a helpless shrug, then turned to Arthur. "Brother King Arthur, do you know the true name of this golden king?"
Even though they were technically enemies, he asked without hesitation.
Arthur's thought was immediate: This guy really is an idiot.
"Idiot! How could he just say that?" Rider's Master, Waver, fumed, punching his Servant in frustration.
Given their size difference, though, Waver's furious jabs looked more like a petite girlfriend playfully hitting her boyfriend.
It was… quite a sight.
Arthur was the only one present who looked inexplicably relieved upon seeing this familiar pair.
Good. At least these two were still as easy to read as ever.
"That's where you're wrong, Rider's Master," Arthur said. "The saying goes: the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The golden one and I aren't friends. So, giving away his information benefits me no matter how you decide to use it."
"Hahaha! Well said!" Iskandar roared with laughter. "Didn't expect it, but you're sharper than I thought, kid."
"Exactly." Arthur nodded. "That man's real name is—"
"Silence, you mongrel!" Gilgamesh's voice cut through like steel. "I am already displeased enough that you keep company with these lowborn scum. Those who do not recognize me on sight deserve death a thousand times over. And now you would dare reveal my identity without my leave? Willfulness has its limits. Do not presume on my tolerance!"
Arthur blinked.
What kind of warped logic is this? Since when did I have to follow your mood?
Of course, he didn't need to say anything—there was someone else here more offended on his behalf than he was himself.
"Wow… that's a strange thing to say. When did my Red Dragon become yours? You bastard—do you want to die? Then face Rome first!"
Lucius suddenly stepped forward.
Arthur was the supreme artist in his eyes—the one he pursued above all others. To target Arthur without Rome's consent was the greatest insult imaginable.
No matter who this so-called golden king was, Lucius would cut him down.
Art belongs only to Rome.
The next moment, red lightning split the air and endless golden ripples flared outward.
Lucius and Gilgamesh clashed, their blows like an explosion made visible.
"I see," Iskandar mused, rubbing his chin. "I was wondering at Berserker's calm demeanor—he didn't seem berserk at all. But in battle, his madness is plain. By the way, King Arthur, do you know Berserker's true name?"
"Ah, that's Lucius Hiberius, the Roman Sword Emperor—just an arrogant Caesar wannabe." Arthur's tone was dismissive.
"Huh? You're not worried?"
"Worried? Why?" Arthur replied evenly. "Gilgamesh can't do anything to that man. In my era, Lucius's swordsmanship was unmatched. He defeated Gawain, crushed Lancelot… A man like that isn't going to fall before the opening act is over."
"Hahaha! That's right, my Red Dragon!" Lucius's eyes shone. "Just wait, Artorius. I'll deal with this one soon—then it's your turn!"
Perhaps it was Arthur's praise, or the trust of an old rival, but Lucius's excitement burned brighter. Even while brushing aside Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasms, his gaze flicked repeatedly toward Arthur.
This blatant disregard infuriated the golden king.
The clash intensified—but for Lucius, it was barely a warm-up.
"I see!" Iskandar grinned. "Such martial prowess! If I could recruit a man like that, my army would be unstoppable."
"I'd drop that idea," Arthur said dryly. "Also, this king is not yours! Stop dreaming, all of you!"
To be honest, Arthur would have loved to swing his holy sword and clear Gilgamesh and Lucius off the board entirely.
Everyone seemed obsessed with his body.
At least turn me into a beautiful girl before making such claims.
He exhaled and decided to stop wasting energy on them. With this bunch of stubborn lunatics, a few sharp words wouldn't change anything.
"Forget it—let's end this for today. I'm leaving."
With that, Arthur sank into the shadows and vanished in an instant. Lucius reached out instinctively, but Arthur was already gone.
"Artorius—you ran away again!"
Lucius bellowed, then casually shattered a volley of Gilgamesh's treasures, locked onto Arthur's fading presence, and disappeared in pursuit.
"…"
Gilgamesh's expression soured to something truly unpleasant.
Not only had he lost the fun of having his name revealed, but he'd also been toyed with by a mad dog for far too long—without even managing to harm it. It was a complete humiliation.
Unforgivable.
He would take it out on someone—and Iskandar and Artoria were conveniently right there.
Scarlet eyes fixed on the laughing King of Conquerors and the ahoge-wearing knight now doubting her life choices after Lucius's appearance.
Both of them felt a sudden chill crawl up their spines as they turned toward the golden figure still standing on the streetlamp.
This was going to get ugly.
-End Chapter-
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