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

"that is--"

Artorius lowered his head.

Did the way I acted just now disgust you?

"Hate?"

“Yes.” Artorius nodded. “Wasn’t I being a bit presumptuous in doing this?”

"Without permission—"

Artorius raised a finger and then bent it slightly.

"So I sat down."

“And what do you think, Artorius?” Ian countered.

“I don’t know.” Atorlis shook his head. “That’s precisely why I wanted to ask Mr. Ian how you feel!”

"Artorius, you're being way too direct."

"But isn't this the most effective way to communicate?"

"But sometimes, we need to be more tactful."

Ian sighed.

He really wanted to know why Artoria had become like this—even though he wanted to kill her right now.

“Artorius, since you’ve asked, my answer is indeed not very good.”

"Is that really the case?"

You notice that Atolis isn't discouraged by your words.

On the contrary, she seemed to have something to say.

You noticed that.

"Artorius, if you have any other thoughts, please speak them aloud."

“Well—” Artorius, knowing Ian disliked procrastination, quickly spoke again.

"Mr. Ian."

"I have an idea."

"How about we just pretend this never happened?"

"It never happened?"

"Correct!"

Artorius turned around.

“Mr. Ian thinks this is wrong, and I also think this is wrong.”

"Then let's pretend this never happened."

"Later... when we have a better opportunity, we can start over! Maybe then I'll be able to acknowledge the identity Mr. Ian spoke of!"

“Mr. Ian, you can change your mind this time!”

You did not respond to Artoria.

However, you know perfectly well that what she said is very advantageous to you—at least you no longer need to worry about Attorney revealing this to Kay.

You acquiesced.

However, you don't know this.

Your acquiescence planted a tiny seed in Artoria's heart.

[From the state of being without desire came selfish thoughts; from the eternally standing body came desire.]

[One day in the future, it will eventually transform into a fruit covered in thorns.]

49. The final farewell before departure

You and Artorius returned to the village.

Kai was pacing anxiously back and forth at the village entrance.

You know you're all so worried because he lost track of you.

But you decide to say nothing—playing dumb can sometimes be a form of great wisdom.

Artoria was unaware that Kay had been following him.

In a cheerful mood, she greeted everyone very warmly.

"Brother!"

Artorius, sitting in front of Ian, waved happily.

"We're back!"

Seeing Artorius and Ian riding on the same horse, Kay was already contemplating drawing his sword.

"Artoria! What are you doing! Get down here!"

"How can you just sit on the same horse as any other person!"

Before Artori could speak, Ian spoke first:

"Kay."

"I was just showing Artorias around to get acquainted with the horse."

"Are you familiar with this horse?"

Kay immediately spotted the horses beneath the two men—he hadn't forgotten Ian's promise.

Ian was well aware of this as well.

He nodded: "Yes, I plan to give this horse to Artorius."

Surprised, but not entirely surprised.

Kay initially thought it was just Ian's sweet talk, but he never expected that Ian would actually do what he said.

"Are you serious?" he asked skeptically. "You really want to give this horse to Artorius?"

"Brother!"

Artorius couldn't take it anymore.

"What's with that look?! Mr. Ian really is going to give me this horse; he even let me name it!"

"Having a name doesn't mean anything!" Kai still looked worried. "What if there are any consequences?"

“These city folks are full of cunning.”

Seeing this, Ian did not refute it.

He silently dismounted and came to Kai's side.

"Then from now on, I won't touch this horse."

"I'll be leaving here tomorrow morning too—that way you won't have to worry about any consequences, right?"

Ian didn't say those things just to appease Kay.

He truly knew he had to leave.

Atolis is currently unkillable—her magic is simply too powerful.

The correct course of action would be to go back and report to Morgan.

Moreover, the front line has been completely defeated, and chaos is bound to follow for him and Morgan. They must discuss the next steps in advance.

"..."

Kai was speechless for a moment.

Ian, with a slight smile, patted him on the shoulder and, as he passed by, uttered a seemingly casual remark that could kill at the heart.

"Your sister is amazing."

"Eh?"

Just as Kay realized what Ian meant, Atolis, who had dismounted, tiptoed and tapped him on the head.

"Brother! Honestly! Why did you doubt Mr. Ian like that!"

“He’s a good man!”

"I..." Kai was speechless.

Hearing all this, Ian couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.

The sun has temporarily departed Britain.

You've decided to rest in the same place as the knights.

They were completely surprised that someone of your stature would be willing to do this; they were both astonished and grateful.

You started chatting with them.

You learned more about the situation at the front from them.

They vividly described the prowess of Vortigern's army, while also expressing deep regret that you and Morgan were not at the front.

But only you know that even if you and Morgan were on the front lines, it wouldn't change the outcome.

This is a war destined to fail, and you and Morgan are nothing more than con artists whose scheme has been exposed.

However, you didn't gain nothing.

[At least you have gained further confirmation of Vortigern's power.]

Daylight broke.

You were the first to wake up.

It wasn't that Ian didn't want to sleep longer, but he simply had too many things to think about.