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

Merlin's expression remained unchanged.

"These are established facts. She has given up on these feelings, and no matter how powerful your fist is, you can't change that."

"..."

Ian clenched his fist.

But he quickly thought of something else.

"Are you sure she's given up all her emotions?"

"if not?"

“No, Merlin, you’re wrong.” Ian turned his back. “She hasn’t completely given up on these feelings.”

"is it?"

"..."

"..."

The conversation ended in silence, and Ian stormed off.

Watching his departing figure, Merlin wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

He didn't seem upset about taking the punch; on the contrary, he seemed to think that everything was going according to plan.

“Ian, let’s see what you’re going to do.”

While Merlin's words certainly angered you, you know that what he said is most likely true.

As the price for drawing the sword and ascending the throne, Artorias lost all his emotions.

The only exception is my affection for you, which I can show anytime, anywhere.

You realize you've grasped something extremely important to a young girl.

As agreed, you arrived at the city wall at dusk.

However, this time, Atolis wasn't there waiting for you as early as usual.

On the contrary, she never showed up.

You're starting to worry.

Thankfully, she showed up in the end.

However—she seemed a little different than usual.

"Mr. Ian."

A shy voice came from behind.

Ian turned around, and the view in front of her made her freeze in place.

Under the moonlight, Artorias had changed his clothes.

Her hair, which was usually tied in a bun, was now a smooth high ponytail with a large black bow tied on it.

The side hair that was originally casually resting on her cheek was carefully combed and made as delicate as a weeping willow.

She also wore a black bow tie around her neck.

The coat she was wearing had vanished without a trace, replaced by a much lighter white dress.

This allowed her body to be displayed in a hazy way under the moonlight—delicate and tender, like a lotus just emerging from the water.

Her legs were encased in white stockings, which made them appear even longer.

This is a beautiful young woman, now truly standing before Ian.

The throbbing that had been hidden deep in my heart has now surfaced once again.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Ian.”

Artorius looked very embarrassed.

"I am late."

"..."

Ian suppressed the turmoil in his heart and spoke as calmly as possible.

"It's alright, it's not too late."

"only--"

"Artoria, why are you dressed like this?"

"This one……"

Artorius lowered his head, his face slightly flushed.

She kicked her feet lightly on the ground of the city wall, looking quite shy.

"Mr. Ian, didn't you say before that you preferred me as a girl?"

"So... I dressed up a bit like other people."

"It's a little hard to get used to... I just can't accept it after all."

Ian was taken aback when he heard this.

He suddenly realized.

Atolis is never late.

After all, she had made a promise to take her around Camelot, and had been waiting at the inn's entrance well in advance.

Moreover, since she took the initiative to ask to meet, there's even less chance she'll be late.

So--

"Artoria, did you choose to meet me at night to avoid being seen by others?"

"Yes, yes..."

Artorius touched his hair sheepishly.

"If others saw me like this, it would definitely cause a lot of controversy."

"So you think you can hide yourself just by being in the dark?"

"..."

Atolis hesitated for a moment, then looked up and continued answering.

“Mr. Ian, you are right.”

"Actually, I know that this is somewhat self-deception."

"But I think that compared to the risk of being discovered, letting you see me like this... is something that's definitely worth considering!"

"..."

Artorias's words left an endless echo in your heart.

You realize that your previous judgment was correct.

The only emotion left in Artorias is his love for you.

[The drive to act born from this affection sometimes even surpasses the responsibilities she bears.]

She is the best proof of that now.

Seeing that Ian had fallen silent, Artorius became somewhat worried.

"Um, Mr. Ian, is it because I look too bad dressed like this?"

"I'm sorry! I should have told you beforehand!"

"..."

Ian hesitated for a moment, but still answered with a smile.

"Artorius, that's not true."

"You look great dressed like that."

"Yeah?!"

Upon hearing this, Artorius seemed much happier.

She twirled in front of Ian, causing her white dress to flutter.

"Mr. Ian, do you know? This is the first time I've ever worn clothes like this!"

"Ok, I know."

Ian felt his heart plunge into a complex vortex.

"That Artorius—"

"Why did you call me here? Is it simply because you want me to see how beautiful you are?"

"no."

Artorius walked up to Ian.

“Mr. Ian, there’s something I’ve been keeping from you.”

"I...I'm not actually called Artoria, but Altria!"

"Artoria?"

"Yes, it is!"

After saying this, Artoria glanced at Ian and then quickly lowered her head.

Obviously.

For her, revealing her real name to Ian was not an easy thing.

This means she has nothing to hide.

It was also the last vestige of emotion she possessed—though it might be insignificant to Ian.