In the world of Type-Moon, it all begins with becoming Morgan's husband!

"Then what exactly is your purpose?" Ian persisted.

"It's very simple."

Lancelot's hand stopped on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

It was a rounded end made of some kind of material.

Even though it is still under the sunlight, it remains perfectly calm, as if it has never been exposed to the sun.

"On the other side of the sea, I heard that the King of Knights was invincible after he pulled the sword from the stone."

"Those heroic deeds have even been turned into songs in France, which echo over the palace day and night."

"but me--"

Lancelot drew the sword, which exuded an aura of composure, from its sheath.

"That is the object of comparison for this ballad."

"I often wonder if I can really accept this kind of thing?"

"It wasn't until I embarked on my journey, crossed rivers and mountains, and met the true King of Knights, that I understood the choice that my heart was willing to accept."

Lancelot pointed his weapon at Artoria.

The heavy, lake-like blade was pointed at the young king.

"King Arthur, accept my challenge!"

You now fully understand Lancelot's intentions.

He was a knight from France who, unable to bear being constantly compared to Artoria's bravery by his people, resolutely set foot on British soil.

This is why he immediately focused his attention on Artoria.

[Because his purpose was completely different from that of the previous two knights who came because of his reputation.]

Knights who come seeking your fame will subconsciously associate the image of the invincible knight king with your tall stature, leading to misunderstandings.

For Lancelot, however, the burden of revenge was the desire to avenge his previous humiliation.

[Therefore, the image that corresponds to the title of Knight King in his mind is naturally Artoria, who seems easier to defeat.]

You realize that Artoria is being looked down upon.

You seem a little unhappy.

"Lancelot."

Ian stopped his hand on the Excalibur Galatine at his waist.

“You are a knight from a foreign land; there is no reason for you to challenge the king right away.”

"Oh?"

Lancelot shifted his gaze from Artoria to Ian.

"So, according to you, you want to stand in King Arthur's way?"

"Right on my mind."

Ian drew the Excalibur Galatine.

"How can you face the King of Knights if you can't defeat the King of Knights' shadow?"

"Makes sense."

Lancelot gave a gentle smile.

"So--"

"Let me defeat you, the one called Shadow, first."

Your duel with Lancelot is inevitable.

This is a perfect accompaniment for the knights on their reward day.

The duel between you and Lancelot has been set up in the center of the military camp.

All eyes are on the two of you.

Only Artoria is worried about your health.

She decided to prepare something off the field.

"Brother Gao Wen".

Gareth, munching on his grilled meat, turned to Gawain beside him and asked a question.

Who do you think will win this duel?

"Is that even a question?" Gao Wen was still mashing the potatoes in his hands.

"Of course, it's Father."

"Gareth, from birth until now, have you ever seen him defeated?"

"No!" Gareth took a big bite of meat.

"It seems like Father has never lost to anyone."

“Yes.” Gawain nodded. “So this time will be no exception.”

"...That makes sense."

Just as the brother and sister were talking, Artoria appeared behind them.

"Gareth, Gawain."

Upon hearing the voice of the Knight King, the two immediately turned around and became extremely respectful.

“Your Majesty,” Gao Wen quickly said, “it was our dereliction of duty that we did not notice your arrival.”

"No, there's no need for you to be so nervous."

Artoria calmed the two down.

"I just wanted to remind you of something."

"What is it?" Gao Wen replied immediately.

"that is--"

Artoria looked toward the dueling arena not far away.

"If possible, I hope you are always prepared."

"If anything unexpected happens, we will be able to react immediately."

"Ok, I see."

"Ah."

Watching Artoria walk away, Gawain felt a sense of unease.

Could something go wrong with this duel?

"Gareth, stop eating! The king told us to be ready at any time."

"Huh?! Ming, I understand!"

You have no idea what Artoria is doing in secret.

You only want to duel with Lancelot in front of you.

[But you can vaguely sense one thing.]

The blade of the sword wielded by this knight who has traveled all the way from France resonates strangely with the Excalibur Galatine in your hand.

"So--"

Lancelot raised his weapon.

"Let's agree on some things before the duel begins."

“I did not come here across mountains and seas to start a war—but only to prove to the people of France that I am no less than King Arthur.”

"Therefore, three conditions are hereby agreed upon."

"Never kill the enemy."

"I will never harm any knight who has not participated in the duel."

"And to admit defeat in the duel."

Lancelot looked at Ian on the other side.

"Are you able to accept these conditions?"

“Of course,” Ian replied immediately.

"This sounds like a pretty good agreement."

“Yes.” Lancelot smiled slightly. “French knights are always polite.”

"So--"

That's enough with the polite formalities.

Lancelot pointed the mysterious blade in his hand at Ian.

"Next, it's time for the knights to duel."

"As it should be."

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Lancelot and Ian each held their own swords, looking at each other with great vigilance.

This is perfectly normal behavior.

When the strength is equal, a duel between knights is decided in a single move.

Launching an attack rashly will only expose your weaknesses to the opponent.

This standoff alone was enough for Ian to confirm that his earlier idea was correct—Lancelot in front of him was no ordinary person.

Sunlight shone on the blades of both swords, creating a dazzling, pure white halo.