Shinji Matou at Your Service-Chapter 1083: The Royal Knights

When Artoria first met Gray, she instinctively felt something was wrong as if someone was up to a conspiracy again—her intuition told her so.

Although her intuition was only effective in battle, after all this time, it had evolved to apply to other matters, much like her dear friend Jeanne's revelations.

Seeing the altered Kay and Merlin's vague attitude confirmed her suspicions—there was something wrong here, and not just a minor problem. It might even be another scheme by Morgan. With Mordred as a precedent, she couldn't help but think of the worst.

However, intuition is ultimately just a feeling, not solid proof. And since Artoria herself wasn't skilled in unraveling conspiracies, she had to put it aside for now. Merlin said that she and Shinji could solve it, which meant they could do so—and that was enough for her. In this regard, Merlin had never let her down.

To solve that problem, they first had to deal with the enemy in front of them—

"Kay, can I treat you as Kay, my brother?"

"Of course. That's exactly why I've manifested."

Though he was incredibly sharp-tongued when facing Gray, in front of Artoria, he was still the leading knight of the Round Table.

"Oh? And who was it that said Heroic Spirits should go eat dung?"

Merlin mercilessly exposed him.

"Ugh—Ahh, I still think that way, unlike those other knights (idiots). But Artoria is different. I'm more than willing to help her. It's just you, liar, that makes me uncomfortable."

Kay, wearing an embarrassed expression, admitted with resignation, but no one was surprised. It wasn't because they were numb to it, but because this was just how Sir Kay was.

Whether in his life or the legends that followed, he was an outstanding knight—except for one thing: he couldn't control his mouth, always making sharp remarks.

"Heh, that part of you hasn't changed one bit."

Merlin didn't get angry.

"But... Iskandar, the Conqueror King..."

Kay took a few steps forward, gazing at the distant army of the King of Conquerors.

"Though I knew about it, this is the first time I've seen such a grand military display... With just a few of us, it feels a bit lacking..."

"Who said it's just a few of us?"

Merlin smiled slightly and pointed to the nearby pool of water.

"Artoria, place the Holy Lance here."

"Understood."

Without hesitation, the King of Knights lifted the seal on the Holy Lance and plunged it into the water.

"And now?"

"Begin the Round Table Council."

"Very well."

At times like this, she trusted Merlin unconditionally because he would never joke about such matters.

As magical energy poured in, a solemn and ancient voice echoed from the Holy Lance.

"Seal·Thirteen—Round Table Council·Begin!"

Then, just like Kay before, one by one, shadows stepped out of the Holy Lance, which now radiated a brilliant light like that of the stars. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

The first to emerge had short purple hair and a striking appearance. He held the Holy Sword of the Lake and was renowned as the Knight of the Lake. He saluted Artoria with a formal knight's bow and stood by her side.

Next was a knight holding the Holy Sword of the Sun, perfect in every way.

And that was just the beginning. More and more knights began to step out, walking in the light of the Holy Lance.

Among them was a red-haired youth with narrowed eyes, wielding a sword in his left hand and a bow in his right.

There was a man in black armor, with black hair and a brooding expression.

A knight in heavy armor, wielding a greatsword, wearing a helmet adorned with bull horns.

A saintly youth, wearing a red sword at his waist and bearing a large shield on his shoulder.

Not just them—another five knights walked out together, each one as radiant as the others, each leaving a dazzling mark on human history.

These eleven knights, along with Kay who had already appeared, were the twelve most famous Knights of the Round Table. And with King Arthur, Artoria herself, they formed the complete set of thirteen seals bound to the Holy Lance.

When all of them appeared, they would determine whether the full power of the Holy Lance could be unleashed.

However, this time, they didn't chant the usual creed or unlock the seals as they were supposed to. Instead, they saluted their king with dignity and announced their names, just as they did when they first gathered under King Arthur's banner in life.

This had never happened before because the seals on the Holy Lance were based on pure belief and restraint—it shouldn't have been so real.

"You, you all—this, this is—"

Artoria trembled all over. She could hardly believe her eyes, or the reality before her.

"Oh ho, that expression—that's exactly what I wanted to see."

Merlin burst into laughter but quickly returned to his mentor-like demeanor.

"Though I'd love to savor this a bit longer, reality doesn't allow it. Set aside your surprise, Artoria. The seals on the Holy Lance are not just formed by their beliefs, but also by their trust and loyalty to you. It's a power that transcends time and space, awakening miracles. Though they can't fully manifest, this is indeed proof of the bond between you and them! It's not just the Conqueror King who forged unbreakable ties with his men—you did too. Don't underestimate the bond between you and your knights—they are the ones who love you most in this world!"

"!!!"

"What are you waiting for, King Arthur? The knights await your command."

Hearing Merlin's infectious voice and Kay's spirited reminder, Artoria snapped out of her daze. Her gaze swept across the faces of her knights, and one by one, she called their names.

"Sir Lancelot."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Gawain."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Tristan."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Agravain."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Percival."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Bors."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Gareth."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Galahad."

"Present, my king."

"Sir Bedivere."

"Present, my king."

"Mordred."

The last knight's name lacked the formal title of "Sir."

And the knight, filled with controversy, the one who ultimately brought down Camelot, didn't respond in the same way as the others.

Her response was: "I obey your command, Father!"

"As you can see, the enemy is none other than one of the most famous kings in human history—the Conqueror King and his massive army. Yet we are but fourteen. This will be an incredibly tough battle. Knights, even so, will you still follow me?"

All twelve knights raised their swords in unison and declared to their king:

"Wherever your sword points, we will follow to the death!"

"Good."

Artoria drew her Holy Sword and Holy Lance, just as she once did, and gave her command.

"Prepare to engage the enemy!"

"Yes, My King!"