British Dynasty, Camelot, Magicians' Institute.
As the cutting edge of Britain's technological development, the Magicians' Research Institute was, in some ways, even more important than the Royal Palace.
The world's top four magicians were stationed there year-round, and because of frequent experiments, at least one of the Round Table knights was always present in the institute.
Across all of Britain, the Magicians' Research Institute ranked second in terms of defensive strength. (The Royal Palace was only third.)
And today, it had gathered nearly all of Britain's decision-makers.
Ignoring the murderous glares aimed at him, Manaka stood proudly beside Arthur's hibernation chamber, brimming with excitement.
It was only natural.
When Manaka had spoken with Arthur yesterday, Merlin had witnessed the entire exchange.
And, with Manaka's deliberate boasting—or rather, his eagerness to flaunt it—the news spread through Britain's leadership in no time.
This instantly earned him the hatred of everyone present. Morgan and Artoria were already planning to collaborate on a spell capable of obliterating Manaka with a single blow, and it would not be long before results appeared. British magicians were nothing if not efficient.
"No! The Star Arrow cannot be used. That girl knows how it works."
"But Sister—"
"No buts."
"But Teacher also said—"
"Is that Merry getting involved too? Fine. During this special period, just this once, let's trust it."
Some rather terrifying discussions seemed to be happening behind him, but—
Haha. Just a bunch of losers. Not worth my attention.
Manaka even turned around and gave the two orthodox Pendragon sisters a provocative, proud glance.
What are you looking at, you two golden failures? The prince has already been claimed.
Manaka completely forgot she was also a golden retriever. She proudly raised her chin and chest, which only made her already flat chest appear… even flatter.
A moment later, Arthur's eyelids twitched slightly inside the hibernation chamber.
Silence fell immediately. Even Lancelot bit down on his handkerchief to endure the pain of Guinevere twisting his waist 360 degrees. "My king, you have finally returned to Britain."
"Hm. That feels strange."
Arthur braced himself and slowly sat up—only to be smacked in the face with something round and hard, like a shuttlecock made of stone.
"Wait—Manaka, get down first, get down… ow, it hurts if I lie down!"
"My Prince! My Prince! My Prince!" Manaka ignored him entirely, rubbing her face against his head like a madwoman.
Arthur struggled, barely managing to push her away without hurting her.
In just two or three seconds, it felt like she had rubbed a layer of skin clean off his face.
Thinking about it now, it was fortunate that delicate Manaka had so little strength. If it had been Miss Killer Whale instead… well, that might have actually felt nice.
Arthur flushed at the thought, quickly coughed, and tried to regain his composure.
He looked around, baffled. "What on earth is wrong with all of you today?"
Normally, no one would have tolerated Manaka's brazenness. She would have been ripped off Arthur long ago, and Morgan and the others might already be fighting each other over it. But at this moment, they did nothing more than glare daggers at Manaka, taking no actual action.
Are these people possessed?
In truth, everyone desperately wanted to intervene.
But if this was their king's will—
Teeth clenched, fists balled, eyes red with frustration—they still held back.
"My king! How could you allow yourself to be defiled by Lord Manaka?!"
…Well, except Lancelot.
Gawain, standing beside him, patted the Chief's shoulder sympathetically. Like Lancelot, he too had suffered from the Guinevere incident and from being locked in a dark room by Morgan. He now had a much clearer grasp of marriage and had become a staunch supporter of the "My King's Eternal Purity" faction.
Still, no matter how determined he was, he could not openly go against his king's will.
"What are you saying, Sir Lancelot? Have you lost your mind?" Arthur was even more confused.
What exactly happened in Britain while I was gone? Since when did I become tainted by Manaka—no, seriously, what happened?
"Prince, don't pay attention to these losers—no, I mean, they're just celebrating your return." Manaka smiled, her eyes shining with expectation. "Um… Prince, don't you have anything to say to Manaka?"
"What do you mean?" Arthur blinked, then realized. "Ah, yes, of course I should say this. Manaka, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you before. I thought you resented me being pestered by girls. I underestimated your generosity."
Arthur's gaze flickered down to Manaka's chest, and he sighed inwardly.
It turns out you really can't judge everything by appearances.
"…Huh?"
This time it was Manaka who froze.
Something about this development seemed… very wrong.
No matter. First, trick the prince into completing the engagement ceremony. Once that's done, everything will be settled!
Clenching her fists, Manaka gathered her courage. "Prince, could you come outside with me first? I have something very important to tell you."
"Something important?"
"Yes, very, very important!" she said seriously.
"Ah… well, wait a moment. There's no rush. Let's move the people and supplies first." Arthur turned toward the golden gate at the heart of the institute.
Instantly, alarm bells went off in Manaka's mind. The ominous premonition in her chest grew heavier and heavier.
"No! I don't want it! I don't want Prince-sama to leave me! Manaka can't live without Prince-sama!"
She threw her arms around Arthur's waist in desperation. Too light to hold him back, she was dragged a couple steps as he moved forward.
"Manaka, you—" Arthur looked troubled, scratching his cheek.
Yes, I've been gone for over a year… no, for Britain, half a year. In that time, this girl has shouldered responsibilities that should have been mine—studying politics I didn't understand, pushing forward new technologies on her own principles.
The burden on her shoulders has been far too heavy.
And as for me—out of selfishness, I not only neglected my duties, but for six months I cut Britain off entirely. I didn't even send this girl a single word of praise, or so much as a "thank you."
Even Manaka, after all, is just an ordinary girl. She must have felt lonely.
I can't afford to be so willful anymore.
Arthur's eyes softened with resolve. He gently cupped Manaka's cheek and said in a low, tender voice:
"I'm sorry, Manaka. I left you alone all this time. You must have been so lonely."
"Your Excellency…" Manaka's eyes lit up, trembling as she met his gaze.
"Don't worry. Be at ease. There will always be a place for you by my side. As long as I exist, that will be your home. Past, present, and future—I'll always be here. You've long since become an important part of my family."
"Woo… Prince-sama…"
Tears welled in Manaka's eyes.
She was ready to believe anything he said. Even if his words seemed impossible, she would make them reality.
If the prince declared it, then it was destined.
But in the very next moment—
-End Chapter-
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