That said, Manaka actually holds a very high position in Arthur's heart.
After all, Manaka shields Arthur from the constant harassment of those two bastards, Merlin and Merry—the half-demons.
She had been by Arthur's side since his earliest years, offering the utmost help in matters both great and small. Her care for Arthur was meticulous, extending from daily necessities to the larger affairs of national development.
Such a gentle "love song" was naturally endearing.
Of course, she had her shortcomings as well—most notably, a strong possessiveness. If not for this, Britain might not have gone without a princess for so long.
Still, this wasn't something unique to Manaka alone.
In short, because Arthur valued Manaka so deeply and cared so much about her opinion, he had to seek her counsel in this matter.
In truth, Arthur himself found it difficult to make this decision. He needed Manaka—the most "normal" girl among Britain's upper ranks—to help him make the right judgment from a woman's perspective.
As for Artoria—
To be honest, his younger sister truly was the most suitable candidate. But Arthur feared the "princess" might collapse upon seeing him return with an identical counterpart.
And so, the matter fell to Manaka.
"Um, Prince, what is it?" Manaka asked shyly as Arthur stared at her intently.
Even though they were separated by worlds and only communicating through an image, Manaka could still feel the heat of Arthur's gaze (though not really).
Really now, Prince… if it were just the two of us in private, it wouldn't be impossible to do something more… extreme to Manaka… oh, how embarrassing!
"I already told you, I'm not a prince anymore—I'm a king."
"Yes, my prince."
"...Forget it, Manaka. This time, I truly have something important to consult you about. Or rather—you are the only one who can."
"Eh? Eh eh eh! S-something only Manaka can answer?" She seemed to have misunderstood.
"That's right." Arthur nodded, the image of a silver-haired beauty rising in his mind.
This matter was truly vexing.
Kayneth had his own life and family in England. Sakura and Matou Kariya, with the fortune Arthur left behind, could live happily together for the rest of their days. But Irisviel… she was different.
Irisviel, who had failed to obtain the Holy Grail and handed it over to Arthur, had lost all value to the Einzbern family.
In fact, to them, she was now a sinner.
If not for the distance, Einzbern assassins might already have been dispatched to Fuyuki.
When Arthur had taken Artoria (Saber) away, Irisviel was left with no one to confide in, forced to await an inevitable end.
And—
"Manaka, as an ordinary girl, I want to hear your true thoughts."
"A g-girl's perspective?!" Manaka's heartbeat quickened, and her face grew steadily redder.
"That's right. If… if, in order to achieve a certain goal, I kept relying on a girl until I finally succeeded… and in this process, even though she knew she might gain nothing in return and could even be abandoned, she still entrusted me with her life and soul, giving herself completely to me—what would you think?" Arthur asked solemnly.
To be honest, Arthur didn't want to be a scumbag.
"Is… is that so—" Manaka's blush deepened.
Prince, what are you saying? I'm at the Mage Corps Research Institute—everyone can see me! Let's talk about this in private!
She lowered her head, crimson to the ears.
To her, there was no doubt: Arthur was talking about her.
Yes—without question, the prince meant Manaka herself!
She alone had the ability to help him, to dedicate herself selflessly, even at the cost of her life and soul. Who else could it be?
In all of Britain, only Manaka was this adorable!
Morgan?
Hmph! That foolish woman could never aid the prince. If not for their hypocritical blood ties, he would have banished her to the frontier long ago! Would the Earl of Gloucester approve of such incompetence?
Artoria?
Heh~ The same as above. No better than those two half-incubi. Even if she tried to sacrifice herself, incompetence was still incompetence!
Skadi?
Don't make me laugh. That woman's head was full of nothing but thoughts of clinging to the prince. If not for her monster-level physiology, which still had research value, she wouldn't even qualify to sit at the Round Table.
Jeanne d'Arc?
A mere surrendered general, nothing more. Manaka even suspected the girl's aesthetic sense was broken—otherwise, why would she always sneer at the prince?
Thus, Manaka concluded: the prince had finally realized her charm and was ready to claim her.
Huhu~ Honestly, he didn't need to go to such lengths. My heart already belongs to the prince.
She raised her head slightly, eyes full of nervous anticipation.
"Prince, why not tell me this in person when you return?"
"It will be too late then. It has to be now." Arthur frowned, not understanding what was wrong with Manaka.
Not only was she not angry, she seemed… eager?
So Manaka prefers elder-sisterly affection that much?
"Is it urgent?" Manaka twirled a lock of her hair.
"Since I'm planning to return tomorrow, I should make this clear now." Arthur cleared his throat. "I have two choices. First, leave her behind and create a safe environment where she can live peacefully, returning to her own life. Second, bring her with me and keep her by my side forever."
"A-always with you?!" Manaka burst out, her voice caught between surprise and excitement.
This was a confession! It had to be!
If she were always with the prince, that meant never parting—forever together!
"Well… it still doesn't feel right, does it?" Arthur sighed at her reaction. "Alright, I understand. I'll take care of things after—"
"No! Please, Prince—make sure Manaka… no, make sure she stays by your side forever!" Manaka blurted out.
Are you kidding? After finally hearing this confession I've waited for so long, why would I play coy? And I can't stand to see the prince's disappointed face!
After all these years, I finally heard the words I longed for.
Her nose stung, and tears welled in her eyes.
She even pictured herself walking into the grand hall on Arthur's arm, under the envious gazes of the entire nation—and the bitter faces of those few scheming women.
Marvelous!
"Manaka… no, I mean she." Manaka sniffled. "Yes, she. She's always been by your side, never asking for anything. That must be true love. I believe that even if she were abandoned, she would have no regrets—but that would be too cruel. I still prefer a happy, perfect ending."
Her eyes shone red with tears as she looked at Arthur.
This "love song"… her immersion was absolute.
Arthur nodded, moved despite himself.
Before he could respond, Manaka—too flustered—hurriedly cut the connection.
"...So Manaka is this reasonable after all? Did I misunderstand her before?" Arthur muttered, scratching his cheek. Somehow, everything felt strangely dreamlike.
-End Chapter-
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