Yes, Arthur couldn't fool Riku.
But Skadi could.
The third seat at the Round Table was not only the strongest in terms of physique but also the most expressionless.
Perhaps Skadi's inner world was rich and colorful, but her outward demeanor was the opposite. Coldness seemed etched into her very bones. Even when facing those closest to her, even when she cared for them, her tone and expression remained detached, making it impossible to guess her true thoughts.
It only failed before Arthur.
And Riku, unfortunately, had been caught.
"Don't worry, it's not magic or mind-reading. Your disguise is perfect—astonishing, even." Arthur chuckled as he explained. "Skadi's arrival made you extremely cautious, filled you with a sense of crisis. So when you heard she knew the correct path, of course you were tense. But the moment the direction strayed even slightly, you instinctively relaxed."
"Impossible. I was controlling that on purpose," Riku snapped back immediately.
"That's why I said your disguise is perfect. Mood, expression, even heartbeat can be controlled through different means. But instinct isn't so easily manipulated. Human instinct is powerful, and the body reflects it through the subconscious. Muscles, blood flow, even the pores respond—telltale signs of tension." Arthur shook his head.
I'm sorry.
Those things cannot be controlled by reason alone.
So, while Riku's act was flawless, it still failed.
Moreover, for some reason, Riku and his companions had not used animals or tools like horses when exploring. Perhaps they didn't have any. But without transportation, detours were impossible.
Otherwise, Arthur would have noticed from their torn clothes.
From this, it was easy to conclude that the settlement was not far from the wreckage of the aerial battleship, and that the direction Riku's group had come from pointed the way.
With these confirmations, Arthur could narrow down the correct path by simply observing Riku.
"It's true you're an expert at deception," Arthur continued. "But even if you could disguise yourself perfectly, the people around you can't. Don't blame yourself too much. My being here isn't your fault."
The implication was clear: even without Riku, Arthur would have found the place.
Merlin—Merry—possessed the ability to observe the present from afar, easily locating a target. But in this world, that power was useless.
The rules here were different. Clairvoyance was the eye that revealed the truth and essence of a world; perceiving the present, past, and future was merely its extension.
But the essence of this world was not the same.
It might have worked in a world of low mystery—or none at all.
But this world's mystery rivaled even that of the Type-Moon.
Until Merlin fully analyzed the truths of this reality, Clairvoyance would remain sealed. That process alone would take at least six months.
And to throw Merlin—or Merry—in his original form into such a dangerous world was something even Arthur could not bring himself to do.
The same reason he hadn't brought Ai Ge.
In the end, it was only a matter of time before Arthur encountered humans here. Riku wasn't to blame.
"Honestly, we don't know much about this world. But we've glimpsed enough to understand how harsh it is. Survival here is incredibly difficult. And yet, you've led humanity this far. It's nothing short of miraculous. I truly admire you." Arthur's tone was sincere.
Two sentences, meant to ease the atmosphere.
They didn't work.
"You're already here. Whatever you want, I'll do my best to satisfy." Riku's voice remained cold.
He would never trust someone who refused to show their face.
Merlin, Merry, and Artoria had all revealed theirs. Only Arthur kept his hood up, as if determined to hide himself more tightly.
Sneaky man.
"Fine, I guessed you'd react that way. I'll be direct. I want information. I intend to stay here for a while, to work alongside you. You know you can't deceive me, and you won't resist… But if possible, I'd rather not cause panic. So, once we enter, our identities will be those of fellow travelers you met on the road." Arthur sighed helplessly.
"…Fine."
"In return, I'll provide you with anything you need. Tools, food—whatever you ask."
"No need. We can manage ourselves," Riku answered icily.
With that, their basic cooperation was established, and Riku led them into the base.
Along the way, he pointed out several traps.
Not out of trust, of course, but from a simple desire not to anger Arthur.
The boy regarded Arthur and his companions as monsters.
At the same time, just as Arthur had said, he displayed remarkable obedience.
As the saying goes: if you can't resist, endure.
What a strange description.
The moment they entered the tribe, everyone inside froze, then rushed forward with enthusiastic concern.
Their attitude was that of welcoming victorious warriors who had accomplished some great feat.
In truth, leaving the settlement in this age was a gamble with death.
Riku and his companions deserved the welcome.
Yet, despite the warmth, Riku clutched at his chest, feigning his usual cold and calculating demeanor. Yalei and Ivan lowered their heads, guilt flickering across their faces.
They believed it was their fault Riku had brought these "monsters" back to the tribe.
And now, their home—wives, children, friends, everyone—was in danger, perhaps only moments from ruin. (Not that such ruin would come.)
Still, they hid it well. No one noticed.
Except one girl. Couronne Dola embraced Riku, then paused, and asked, "Riku, are these five guests you brought back?"
"Ah, they are—"
"Hello, beautiful lady!" Merry seized Couronne's hands, her voice brimming with excitement. "We met Riku on the road. After much begging, he finally let us see the tribe and brought us back the emergency food reserves!"
As she spoke, she lifted Fou—who let out a pitiful fuwu—and promptly tossed him aside. Then she dragged Merlin forward and declared, "This will be your future husband. Yes, him! Handsome, isn't he? For the price of a meal, his body will be yours☆!"
Fou: ???
Merlin: ???
Riku froze, staring at Arthur with wide eyes, silently demanding: Didn't you say you wouldn't act on your own?
Arthur, perfectly calm, gave him a thumbs-up. Don't worry. This guy's a real looker, scumbag nature aside. From today, he's your brother-in-law. I approve this marriage!
Artoria blinked, bewildered. It didn't feel like either of them understood what the other was saying.
The misunderstandings were piling up.
-End Chapter-
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