The rebellious knight named Mordred was nothing more than Morgan's tool to revive the White Dragon and overturn the Camelot Empire.
But even a tool secretly yearns for love.
Because she had never experienced what happiness was, even seeing others happy made her feel a warmth in her own heart.
In fact it was not only Mordred; Agravain himself was the same.
Agravain, once called the Iron Knight, would feel genuine joy simply from seeing the Watchman together with the king.
For that reason, he would do the dirtiest and most exhausting jobs without complaint.
Although their shipped pairings differed, Agravain nevertheless empathized with Mordred's feelings.
"I heard the king summoned the Clock Tower's ruler today? Why don't you go take a look?", Mordred suddenly said.
Agravain looked at her in surprise and said, "Although you're under soft house arrest, your information network is really good."
"After all, I did live in the palace for a while."
Mordred paused, "Also, she didn't deliberately restrict my freedom."
At the end of that sentence, the rebellious knight's tone was full of displeasure.
Though she wasn't restricted, Mordred clearly took Artoria's hands-off approach as disdain.
'If it were my mother, would the king dare to just toss her into a room like that and not even post someone to watch her?'
However, she would soon regret that decision.
Seeing Agravain leave the room, Mordred first checked that no one was around, then leapt to the windowsill and stared intently in a direction outside the palace.
After a brief look she quickly smiled.
"Finally came to pick me up Gareth."
———
Kayneth walked into the Hall of the King in a daze.
He had only just woken earlier this morning and still hadn't recovered from his fight with Morgan when his sister told him explosive news.
King Arthur requested an audience.
Even a lord of the Ore Department used to big scenes felt numb inside.
You performed excellently against Morgan, and the system rewarded you with an audience with King Arthur?
'What is even happening?'
'After fighting Morgan, now I have to fight Arthur?'
Most people would probably grumble like that.
But Kayneth, as the lord of the Ore Department, calmed down quickly after the initial shock.
With more and more traversers appearing in Camelot, he understood the weight on his shoulders.
This conversation with Artoria might even affect the Clock Tower and the future of all traversers.
"Have you decided what to say?", Reines asked in a low voice, walking beside Kayneth.
She wore a black dress embroidered with irises, delicate deerskin ankle boots under black stockings. At a glance she looked like a young lady from a great noble house.
Though poised and composed, she had been extremely nervous since earlier.
"Artoria agreeing to see us means she's at least open to cooperation. We only need to lay out the pros and cons. The decision is still hers," Kayneth scanned the solemn hall and said in a cold, quiet tone, "But you're still too anxious, Reines."
"What do you mean?", Reines asked.
"Nothing. Since we're already here, let's meet first," Kayneth looked toward the far end of the hall and added slowly, "I'm curious what King Artoria actually looks like."
Unconsciously they reached the end of the hall as they spoke.
This was Camelot's council hall. Nobles and representatives sat at round tables, all eyes focused on the spot facing the main doors.
A heavy royal cloak draped behind the woman who sat there. She wore a crown; her breathtaking face and holy turquoise eyes radiated the pride and dignity of a sovereign.
There was no doubt she was the ruler of these British lands, the legendary Arthurian protagonist, Artoria Pendragon.
Though prepared, Kayneth still felt a slight jolt.
He quickly collected himself and was about to withdraw his gaze when his peripheral vision landed on the young man beside Artoria.
He wore a black robe and a white mask with ripple patterns, revealing only one eye, standing quietly at her side.
For some reason Kayneth felt an inexplicable familiarity.
"Brother, it's time to bow," Reines tugged Kayneth's sleeve from behind, inwardly speechless.
Kayneth was strict at the Clock Tower but never this unreliable before.
'Has he still not recovered from yesterday's fight with Morgan?'
Thinking that, Reines inwardly shook her head, then glanced again.
Her eyes suddenly froze and a name popped into her mind.
'That guy is… Alvin?'
Though he had hidden his presence and even worn bulky clothes on purpose, had she still sensed something?
'Is Reines's perception extraordinary, or is this the uniquely sharp intuition of women?'
Noticing Reines's doubtful look, Alvin couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"Looks like everyone's here. Let's begin."
Fortunately, sensing Reines's confusion, Artoria glanced at the assembly and spoke in time to ease the atmosphere.
"This aide looks unfamiliar. Is she a newcomer recently recruited by the crown?", A cheerful voice rang from the round table.
He wore a bright red noble robe and looked about forty or fifty. His smile seemed gentle but carried an unquestionable authority.
When he spoke, many present turned to him with some respect.
Camelot once had twelve great nobles. After the Watchman killed nine of them overnight, three remained.
King Marco was one of those three great nobles and Tristan's uncle.
Upon hearing that Arthur would meet traversers last night, this great noble could not sit still and had come early for this morning's session.
"Because the king has been busy with state affairs, she summoned an extra hand to help," The aide at Artoria's side smiled.
"I see. Camelot has indeed been unstable recently," King Marco sighed heavily, "Under the king's past governance the realm prospered, yet these foreigners have brought so much trouble."
"These foreigners are no different from those Saxons in essence."
This sudden outburst made Kayneth narrow his eyes with coldness. Agravain likewise shot King Marco a cold look.
"King Arthur must have her reasons for summoning traversers. Let us say less for now," Tristan spoke quietly.
Besides dozens of nobles, several Round Table knights were present, including this "sorrowful son" Tristan.
King Marco was taken aback, then quickly offered an apologetic smile, "I forgot there are traversers present, my apologies, please continue."
Artoria had not spoken the whole time, merely regarding the nobles at the round table with indifference.
King Marco inwardly trembled and withdrew his gaze.
After the Watchman died, Artoria's temperament changed. She was no longer a ruler who yielded to other lords.
Still, cooperation with modern traversers was unprecedented.
At minimum, such a decision would require a majority vote.
Most of the nobles present were conservative.
King Marco felt somewhat reassured.
Artoria's calm eyes swept the room as she slowly said, "You've all met the traversers these past days; the title 'ruler' should not be unfamiliar."
The Clock Tower's ruler was backed by families with major seats. Under Kayneth the El-Melloi family now sat at fourth, wielding substantial influence on key directions.
"I know what you're thinking," Artoria looked over the nobles, "You think modern mages are unqualified to sit with us at the negotiation table, right?"
The Age of Gods is wrapped in legend in the Type-Moon world. Compared with god-age mages, modern magi are indeed far weaker.
However, while modern mages are weaker in power, it does not mean they are inferior in research.
Some Camelot nobles looked down on traversers, but regarding the Clock Tower's ruler, at least to Kayneth, these nobles were also contemptible.
If not for Artoria and the Round Table, he might not be sitting here today.
The nobles were silent, but their expressions confirmed Artoria's words.
"Such arrogance will be turned against you someday."
"He said something like that before," Someone murmured.
Though the name wasn't spoken, a name rose in the minds of nobles and knights alike.
'The Watchman,' Reines thought.
Then she glanced at the nobles and sighed quietly.
Even an outsider like Reines could see most nobles present opposed cooperation with traversers.
Even Artoria needed to consult her vassals' opinions.
It seemed cooperation would not be achieved soon.
"Kayneth, you know why I summoned you today, don't you?", Artoria's voice called out.
Being named startled Kayneth. He inhaled and said slowly, "You want the Clock Tower to help Camelot maintain order among traversers in the future?"
"That's not an issue, but should we wait until your council reaches a conclusion?", He shot a meaningful look at the nobles.
Artoria replied calmly, "Agreed. Then proceed with the usual vote."
At those words, the nobles exchanged glances and then subtly looked toward King Marco.
His brow twitched and a faint smile rose at his mouth.
Most of the nobles present sided with him as conservatives. They opposed cooperation with traversers.
Without a majority vote, even the king would be hard-pressed to act.
"Those in favor of cooperating with the Clock Tower, raise your hands. Those opposed may return to their provinces."
King Marco's thoughts stalled, and he reflexively looked to Artoria.
'Wait a minute—'
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