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

He knew he had to get Artorias to admit this—which would also mean that the magic around her wasn't unbreakable.

Once in the lake, Ian became even more radical.

He held the girl's hand, preventing her from straying too far from him and keeping her in the same position as before.

His gaze remained fixed unflinchingly on the other person's body.

of course.

Ian didn't do anything more than touch her like that—otherwise it would have meant a complete betrayal of Morgan.

But this was enough to give Artorius, who had never been exposed to these things before, a profound shock, both physically and mentally.

Ian felt the time was right.

"Artorius, you should understand now, right?"

"No matter how much you deny it, your body's instincts are something you can't reverse."

“But Mr. Ian…” Artorius’s chest heaved, showing his nervousness, “although I did exhibit many instincts that I could not hide.”

"But that doesn't mean I don't have the same persistence as you."

"I--"

Artoris turned his head slightly, his flushed cheeks showing a resolute expression.

There are some things that must be done.

"I absolutely do not consider myself a girl."

"So, Mr. Ian—"

Even so, it won't shake my resolve!

Atolis sat down voluntarily.

[Only after she tilted her head back and let out a soft moan did you realize what had happened.]

Your proof has failed.

But you've also realized something.

During their separation, Artoria's understanding underwent a significant change.

She neither denies her femininity, but at the same time pursues masculine strength.

All of this is inextricably linked to the magician who used flower petals.

This is extremely important intelligence.

48. If only we could pretend it never happened.

"Can you still walk?"

"Yes, it's okay."

Even the toughest words can't make weak legs hold on.

Having just finished showing off in front of Ian, Artorius almost tripped and fell.

Fortunately, Ian reacted quickly and caught her.

"Ha, Artorius, is this what you call 'able'? An eighty-year-old man might be more stable than you."

"..."

Artorius lowered his head.

"Excuse me, Mr. Ian, I can't walk anymore."

"I know."

Ian hadn't forgotten how Artorius had struggled up and down.

Her long, golden hair flowed like waves.

"It would have been better if you had said it earlier."

You picked up Artorius.

You carried her towards the direction where the horses were.

You and she mounted the horse together.

To be honest, Ian is feeling a strong sense of frustration right now.

He desperately wanted to kill the incredibly fragile Artorias before him, but the overwhelming power of the magic made it impossible for him to move an inch.

He had no interest in her frail body, but he still managed to leave something behind through her persistent efforts.

He believed he could be ruthless towards women other than Morgan.

But now it seems that's not the case.

It won't be easy to explain this to Morgan when I get back.

"Mr. Ian?"

"what happened?"

"It's nothing." Atolis, sitting in front, lowered his head, looking somewhat nervous.

"I thought you were angry because you hadn't said anything for so long."

"Angry? Why should I be angry?"

“I…in the end, I still couldn’t accept what you said, Mr. Ian.” Artorius’s voice was still very soft.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't be the person you wanted to be."

"The person I hope to meet?"

Ian gave a wry smile.

He had no interest in making her into someone he wanted to see;

If I had to name one, a dead person might be included.

of course.

Such words should absolutely not be said.

Having realized he couldn't break the spell, Ian knew he could only continue this pretense of goodwill towards Artorius.

“Artorius, your thinking is wrong.”

"What kind of person you should become is not determined by me, but by yourself."

"You have the right to go north and the freedom to go south—all of this is permitted on British soil."

"So--"

Artorius tilted his head back.

“Mr. Ian, do I also have the right to ask you to take me around again?”

"I don't want to go back to the village yet."

be cheated.

This guy is actually quite cunning.

"...Where do you want to go?" Ian asked.

“Anything is fine.” Artoria touched Ian’s hand, this time she was noticeably bolder.

"Mr. Ian, it's enough that you're here."

You did not respond to Artorius and withdrew your hand.

But you did turn the horse around as she asked.

As the sound of horses' hooves faded, you gradually moved further and further away from the village.

If Kai were here, he'd probably be furious at Atolis's overly proactive attitude.

You've stopped on a hill, offering a panoramic view of a large surrounding area.

The breeze blowing in your face made you feel a little more comfortable.

“Mr. Ian.” Artorius looked at the land before him, his beautiful green eyes shining even brighter.

"Britain is a beautiful land."

"Is that why so many knights are willing to give their lives to protect it?"

Ian nodded.

“Artorius, you’re right.”

"Mr. Ian, is the situation at the front very bad?" Artorius asked, looking towards the village.

"So many knights have escaped back; is the enemy stronger than we imagined?"

"..."

Ian really doesn't know how to answer that question.

After all, he had actually fought against Vortigern before—not only did the opponent guess all his intentions, but his counterattack was also swift and fierce.

But you can't say discouraging things, can you?

"Artorius, although the enemy is indeed very strong, I believe we will eventually win."

"is it?"

Artoria smiled, her hair loose, and she looked perfectly beautiful for her age.

“Mr. Ian, I’m relieved to hear you say that.”

"Really? That's great."

"By the way, Mr. Ian, I have a question."

"Well, you ask."