The banquet continued. From the direction of the town center, the faint singing of knights in unison could be heard.
Meanwhile, Artoria and Souya, still sitting on the defensive wall, seemed to belong to an entirely different world from them.
One side was tranquil, the other noisy, but despite the difference, they were alike in enjoying the relaxation they desired.
"Speaking of which, I do not believe I have told you my full name yet, Lamorak."
Artoria gently swung her legs like an ordinary girl her age. It was evident she was very happy.
"You just said it, Artoria Pendragon."
Souya rested his left hand behind his head, looking at the young girl beside him with a smile.
"It is a very cute name."
Eh? Cute?
Seeming to hear someone describe her name as cute for the first time, Artoria froze slightly. But her mood quickly became joyous upon being praised by Souya.
It seemed that in front of Souya, this girl who had clearly become a King would always shed the shell known as "King," revealing the maiden hidden beneath.
"If possible, I hope you can call me Artoria or Lily in private, Lamorak."
Seemingly afraid Souya would misunderstand, Artoria hurriedly added after saying this:
"It does not mean anything else. I just want you to be closer to me, like Brother Kay and Merlin. After all, we are friends."
"Understood, Lady Lily."
Hearing the young girl's explanation, which sounded quite like a cover-up, Souya could not help but smile.
He instinctively reached out and patted her small head.
What this brought about was naturally another bout of blushing and shyness from Artoria.
Afterward, the two chatted casually, ranging from nostalgia about past events to their views on Kay, Gawain, and the other Knights of the Round Table. The atmosphere was incredibly harmonious.
It was as if they had returned to the past.
However, when Artoria talked about what kind of life they would have after defeating Vortigern, Souya intentionally avoided the topic.
"Say, Lily, what kind of person do you think I am?"
Facing the evening breeze drifting from the horizon, Souya asked this question seemingly casually.
"Lamorak is a gentle person."
Almost without thinking, Artoria answered the question immediately.
"Gentle?"
Hearing this, Souya was actually stunned. He had thought Artoria would give various other answers, but he truly had not expected this one.
After all, he bore the title of the Anglo-Saxon Meat Grinder. Furthermore, Souya felt the only time he ever displayed such a temperament was when facing Morgan and in her bed.
So why would Artoria think this?
"Yes, a very gentle person."
Artoria rested her chin on her hand, the light of memory in her eyes.
"Whether it was our first meeting or every time after that, Lamorak would always use the gentlest voice to bring me many things I had never experienced."
"Whether it was knowledge Merlin never taught, interesting stories, or the principles of life and conduct, a Lamorak like that truly feels very gentle."
As she spoke, the corners of Artoria's mouth curled up slightly.
Her smile was very happy, carrying a hint of bliss, as if those memories were glittering golden treasures to her.
Seeing this smile made Souya fall silent.
It was only at this moment that he finally understood why the 'Bond' attribute in his status window had always existed.
The so-called bond, as long as it did not disappear, would only become deeper and harder to sever with time and interaction between two people.
But Souya knew this was not a good thing for them.
If he had sworn loyalty to King Arthur from the very beginning, possessing such a bond, he and the King would certainly forge many wonderful stories.
It might even be possible to become the Hand of Britain.
But placing such a bond in the current situation would not bring a wonderful story, but the poison of sorrow.
Thinking of this, Souya instinctively asked a question.
"But Lily, do you not feel I am somewhat hypocritical? Clearly stating I would not swear loyalty to you, yet occupying the Third Seat of the Round Table and sharing glory with you all."
"How could that be?!"
Hearing this, the young girl blurted out almost the instant he finished speaking.
This time, it was Souya who was stunned.
And Artoria's explanation arrived at this moment.
"Remaining loyal to one's oath is inherently the core principle a knight must believe in. That is completely understandable."
At this point, a few traces of shyness appeared on the young girl's face, but she continued speaking.
"Actually, I have always coveted Lamorak."
Coveted?
Why does this word sound so strange...
Souya's expression became somewhat bizarre.
"Do you know, Lamorak? During these two months of life, I figured out one thing: the emotional connection between people does not necessarily have to be bound to a fixed relationship."
"Therefore, to become the person standing beside you, to become a King who understands the human heart, one must transcend secular shackles."
"W-what? Lily, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"I will no longer obsess over making you my knight, Lamorak! I want to become an existence with you that is even purer than such a relationship!"
"Therefore..."
As if making a decision, the blonde girl spoke in an extremely serious and solemn tone.
Watching her, Souya froze for a moment. Listening to these words that sounded like a confession, he finally realized something.
"No, Lily, we cannot..."
"Become my best friend! Lamorak!"
Hmm?
Did the progression of things take a slightly different turn?
Souya looked up in astonishment. What met his eyes were Artoria's sparkling cyan pupils and the unconcealable seriousness and longing within them.
"Become best friends?"
"Yes. That is a bond even more sincere than the feelings between a King and a knight."
As if thinking of something, the young girl's tone carried a hint of pride.
No matter how much you, Morgan, possess Lamorak's loyalty, isn't it ultimately just a relationship between a knight and a lord?
Such a strict superior-subordinate relationship definitely cannot compare to the closeness between best friends!
Furthermore, the affection between friends is only the foundation. As long as enough time passes, who can predict their future relationship?
When that time comes, won't it be obvious who Lamorak ultimately belongs to?
The pure Artoria thought this way, her lips involuntarily curling up into a slight smile. Little did she know, the relationship between Souya and Morgan had long surpassed the imagination of her little head.
"Just watch, Lamorak. You are so outstanding now, the most perfect knight in all of Britain. But in the future, I will definitely become a King recognized and trusted by everyone, a King worthy of you."
"No matter how difficult the process is or what perilous situations I encounter, I will not disappoint you."
Artoria spoke like this, a pair of incredibly sincere eyes shining beneath her fluttering blonde hair.
"Is that so? Then I shall wait and see."
Looking at those eyes, Souya suddenly smiled with relief.
Since Artoria viewed him this way, he no longer needed to harbor reservations.
The young girl's vision was so beautiful. Having understood his own desires, he no longer needed to waver because of this.
This was both a mutual respect and a collision and witnessing of their wills.
After all, another meaning of best friend is rival. A pitch-black will is destined to clash against a golden soul.
She, who represented the Will of the World and the future, rightfully ought to accept the trial of the old era.
At this moment, Souya would no longer hesitate regarding the impending final act. He would face this best friend and everything else with the calmest state of mind, and shatter the shackles of the world.
To win the foundation of the kingdom's future for his King.