In the palace corridor, Artoria walked ahead while Ian followed behind.
"Um—"
After making sure no one was nearby, Artoria cautiously spoke.
"Why did you suddenly go into her room?"
"Was I not supposed to?"
Ian answered without hesitation.
"Artoria, are you upset?"
"No, it's not that!"
Artoria quickly shook her head, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"I just wanted to know."
"Because—"
"Suddenly appearing in a girl's room is kind of weird, don't you think?"
Well, not entirely.
At least when she saw Ian in front of her sister, Morgan, Artoria did feel a bit unhappy.
Especially since just last night...
Ahem.
Remembering something embarrassing, Artoria coughed lightly.
"But I figured there must've been a reason."
"Ian, tell me."
"Mm..."
The boy nodded.
"She smells like my mother."
"Huh?"
That was something Artoria hadn't expected.
"She's your mother?"
"But... according to the guards, she doesn't even have a husband yet."
"How could she have a son like you?"
"No."
"She's not my mother."
Ian replied.
"She just smells a bit like her."
"..."
"Then..." Artoria carefully asked, "Would you rather stay by her side?"
"Since her scent is closer to your mother's, wouldn't that make you feel more comfortable?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Artoria regretted them.
She didn't even know why she asked something like that.
If she hadn't asked, none of this would've mattered.
But...
She really wanted to know.
"I won't."
While Artoria was still torn, she heard his reply.
"You smell more delicious."
"I want to stay by your side."
"…"
Hearing that, Artoria felt just a little smug inside.
"Really?"
"That's nice..."
For a while afterward, Artoria was in a very good mood, even humming a little tune.
So much so that people passing by wondered if their king might be just a little too cheerful.
They moved along without any obstacles, until they stopped in front of a large, heavy door.
The two guards posted at the entrance stood straight and saluted upon seeing Artoria.
When they noticed Ian behind her, they looked visibly surprised.
Artoria understood why—news of Ian beating up Merlin had spread far and wide.
Now that she was bringing him along, reactions like these were inevitable.
But...
It might not be a bad thing.
At the very least, if Ian stayed close, these knights wouldn't dare take her lightly.
Pushing open the door, Artoria saw an elderly man seated on the throne.
It was King Uther.
But now, he looked completely frail, like a dying flame.
Artoria couldn't help feeling a little worried.
"You're here."
Uther spoke from the throne.
"Yes."
Artoria nodded, then led Ian forward to stand before him.
"I'm here."
A deathly silence followed.
The old king and the new king stared at each other in silence. Not a single word was spoken.
Eventually, it was Ian who broke the silence.
He drew the golden sword—Caliburn—and pointed it at King Uther.
"Step down."
"Let her sit on that throne."
"Wasn't that the agreement?"
"…"
"…"
Artoria was stunned.
Even though she was the rightful winner in the king-selection process, this wasn't how it was supposed to go.
Wasn't this just blatantly forcing King Uther off the throne?
However—
Faced with Ian's words, King Uther laughed.
"Hahaha~"
"If I'm not mistaken, you're the knight who beat Merlin so badly he's still in bed, right?"
"Now that I've seen you for myself, I must say you're even more impressive than the rumors."
Artoria felt slightly relieved.
In the original course of events, Merlin should have been standing beside her right now.
But Ian had brutally altered reality.
Fortunately—
Merlin hadn't pulled any tricks, and King Uther didn't seem intent on making things difficult for them.
What luck.
Yet, even after Uther offered a way to de-escalate, Ian didn't let it go.
"So you're still not getting down?"
"That throne belongs to Artoria!"
"…"
Artoria covered her face.
If she could, she wished she could cast a mute spell on Ian right now.
But...
She glanced at him quietly.
This guy really dared to say anything for her sake.
The dragon's words were direct and brash—but Uther wasn't angry.
"Ahem—"
He coughed several times, his aged body trembling.
"Of course I'll give the throne to the one who pulled the sword."
"But—"
"Now isn't the time."
"Not the time?"
Artoria began to sense something.
"Is there some requirement left to fulfill?"
"It's not a requirement."
"It's something that must be done."
With effort, Uther rose from his throne and took something from nearby.
It was a parchment map of Britain.
"Drawing the Sword means you have the power to save Britain."
"But before that, I want you to understand what Britain truly needs."
"Take a journey."
"Then return to Camelot and claim your throne."
"…Understood."
As she received the thick parchment from Uther's hands, Artoria could feel the heavy burden that came with it.
The king of Britain was the soul of the nation.
Every living being on this land was her responsibility.
"I'm just a knight from the countryside."
"My knowledge of Britain is limited."
Artoria spoke softly.
"Can I really complete this journey?"
"You have me, don't you?"
The door opened again.
Morgan walked out with a smile on her face.
"You're the one who pulled Caliburn—"
"Let me help you on this journey."
"Oh right, Your Majesty."
Morgan casually glanced at Ian, the corners of her lips curling.
"Bring him too."
"With him, you're sure to gain everything a king needs."