Type-Moon Simulation: Starting with Conquering a Greek Goddess!-Chapter 107 - : The Time of Selection, Drawing the Holy Sword

"That joker! Always teaching you nonsense. Listen, that woman is a master of deception. You can't believe everything she says! Otherwise, you'll definitely suffer big losses in the future!"

Moran could already imagine Merlin's expression.

She must have been gleefully telling Artoria this, just to see his reaction.

"...Is that so... I understand."

"Sigh, I'll go back to Avalon and teach her a lesson later..."

Moran had already thought of how to deal with Merlin.

When it came to such a troublemaker, he had to strike hard.

Punish, punish her severely.

"So... Moran... you're really not my father...?"

"Ugh... no..."

Moran replied with a twitching expression.

He could see the disappointment on Artoria's face.

He just thought the question was too absurd.

In fact, Artoria really enjoyed spending time with Moran, and her question had a deeper meaning.

It wasn't just a matter of personality.

There was also something about their bloodline.

That's why she asked Moran, who she was very close to, hoping subconsciously that he was her family.

[The laughable farce passed]

[Later, Ector arrived]

[Artoria took care of the horses for the two of you, and you happened to discuss this matter with Ector]

[As soon as Ector heard you mention this]

[Even the usually stoic man couldn't help but laugh]

[Looking at Artoria in the distance, who was now fifteen, you both knew the time of selection was approaching]

"Lord Moran, ten years ago, I took on this responsibility. At first, I saw her as the will of the late king. Now that Artoria has grown to this point, is this really the right thing to do?"

Ector said with a troubled expression.

Unlike the sternness he showed when facing Artoria, he now revealed worry and sorrow.

As the time of selection drew closer

Looking at the girl who had grown up in his home, Ector couldn't help but sigh.

"Ector, for ten years, Artoria has grown up under our care. I believe in her choice."

"Then... will she find happiness?"

"Because I've watched her grow up, I'm certain of it. I not only believe in myself but also in the person she has become so far."

Moran gave his answer.

Ector reflected on King Uther and Merlin's original intentions in creating Artoria, as well as his own concerns for the girl.

This elderly knight.

He was also a man of flesh and blood.

He couldn't see Artoria as just a tool for the throne, and Ector had inevitably developed familial affection.

Even though he had initially told himself not to waver.

The old knight ultimately couldn't do it.

"That child, from the very beginning, has always been like this. No matter how many setbacks she faces, she can quickly get back up after falling. Her spirit is too strong. Surely, she will become a wise and just king."

Ector's words carried both pride and sorrow.

His attitude remained as calm as ever.

"Lord Moran, the main source of that child's happiness cannot be without you. Over these ten years, I've seen it clearly. When she's with you, she shows unrestrained joy..."

Ector was one of Artoria's guardians.

He seemed rough, but he was actually very attentive.

"I'm not sure if this will affect her becoming the ideal king that Uther envisioned. But, I believe a girl striving to find her own happiness—how can that be wrong?"

"Ector, you are also seen as family by her."

"You're right, but Lord Moran, in Artoria's eyes, you are undoubtedly the most special one. If she truly wants to find her own happiness. You, are indispensable."

[Ector's tone was very solemn]

[It was as if he was entrusting his most cherished possession to someone else]

[Once the girl became king]

[The elderly knight would no longer be able to take care of her, and he hoped you would take over the baton from him]

[Just like ten years ago, when you entrusted Artoria to him]

[Now he placed his hopes in you]

"I chose to save Britain of my own will. I know that if I leave her alone, Artoria will likely act recklessly, and in the end, she might end up battered and bruised.

So, Ector, even without you saying it, I would choose to watch over her until the end. I will take on your part."

[This was something you had already decided]

[Hearing this, Ector's troubled expression faded, and his gaze toward the girl in the distance was filled only with reluctance]

"When she realizes what she truly wants. No matter what choice she makes, I will be by her side."

Moran deeply gazed at Artoria.

He had once promised Uther to save Britain and watch over the new king.

He would carry it out in his own way.

"With Lord Moran saying this, my heart can finally rest. Hmm... the daytime swordsmanship lessons must not be neglected. Even at the end, we cannot slack off."

Ector returned to his usual calm.

He naturally picked up the wooden sword and shield.

But something was different from before.

"S-sorry! Ector! Moran! I took some time to adjust the saddle... I'm ready for training!"

Artoria hurriedly put on her armor.

She seemed a bit flustered.

"Ha, you're as spirited as ever. Good! Today, I won't go easy on you either! I won't be as gentle as Lord Moran, so prepare yourself!"

The old knight assumed his usual stance.

The girl tensed up, ready for battle.

She didn't notice the gentleness hidden in the old knight's eyes, nor did she realize the reluctance that was slowly loosening like a screw.

Such warm yet strict moments.

Let them be left to the two of them.

Moran chose not to intervene.

He watched this scene from the shade of a tree, storing it as a precious memory in the sea of his mind.

[The day of selection arrived as scheduled]

[Since Kay forgot to bring his spear when he went to town, Ector had Artoria bring it and head to the town]

[She passed through the fields, climbed over fences]

[And arrived at the outskirts of Londinium]

[The atmosphere in the town was different from usual]

[Everyone was eagerly heading to the knights' training grounds outside the town. The children noisily rushed ahead, while the adults' eyes sparkled with excessive anticipation]

[Though they held their breath to avoid being too disappointed if their expectations were betrayed, they also hurried to that place]

"Merlin! Merlin is here!"

"Lord Moran is here too!"

"Finally, the two of them will choose the late king's successor from among the knights today! Hurry over!"

[People's discussions were everywhere]

[Artoria also heard them, and she keenly caught the names of Merlin and Moran]

[Thinking of her identity as a squire]

[She vaguely realized why Ector had sent her out]

[The one who pulls the sword from the stone will become the king of Britain]

[The sword embedded in the rock is the holy sword that brings victory, a more certain proof of kingship than blood]

[In the presence of that magus]

[Only those with strength, those who can save Britain, will be acknowledged by the golden sword]

[Merlin had spread this throughout Britain]

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[All the famous knights of Britain had come, each believing they would be the one to become king]

[The selection ceremony proceeded as scheduled]

[The knights present attempted to draw the golden sword, and the people watched the entire process with fascination]

[But the result left everyone greatly disappointed]

[Not a single one could draw the holy sword]

[Not only that, they didn't see the magus Merlin or the pure knight]

[The disappointment wasn't limited to the knights]

[This emotion spread to the people as well]

[They had thought today would be a day that would make Vortigern anxious, but who could have imagined it would be such a farce]

[Some couldn't help but wonder if Britain had no future?]

[Not a single knight possessed the proof of kingship]

[The knights were unwilling to accept this]

[Even though no one could pull out the holy sword, there were countless ways to choose a king among the many knights gathered here]

[They could simply hold a competition]

[The winner would be decided in the simplest way, and that person would become the successor to King Uther, crowned as the Knight King]

[Compared to the intangible proof of kingship, the knights believed that judging by wealth, strength, and followers was more humane]

[They didn't need a powerful leader]

[If their interests aligned, cooperation would be easier, and it would be simpler to scheme against each other]

[Most importantly—]

[If any problems arose, they could easily cover them up, and no one would have to take responsibility]

[A divine agent who could save everything?]

[The knights neither wanted to see such a thing nor did they want to become one]

[Long before the selection ceremony began]

[They had already discussed this matter]

"Big brother Kay and everyone else have left..."

Artoria looked at the figures of the departing crowd.

The surroundings returned to silence.

There was no one familiar around her, nor did she see Merlin or Moran, who were supposed to host the selection ceremony.

Before her was only the holy sword embedded in the stone.

[No one wanted to take on the role]

[She thought of the discussions earlier and couldn't help but reflect on the past fifteen years of her life]

[The girl silently gazed at the holy sword]

[You hid yourself nearby, wanting to see what decision she would ultimately make]

[Artoria thought of many things]

[Although she knew she wasn't particularly clever, she could guess why she had been taught swordsmanship and governance all these years]

[Moreover, with you and Merlin by her side]

[Since childhood, you had been with her, and even the dullest person could guess what was going on]

"Sigh..."

Artoria took a deep breath.

[In her memories were the figures of Ector and Kay, as well as the smiles of the people in the town]

[Finally, the image settled on a warm figure]

[It was your gentle smile]

"Everyone has always taken such good care of me..."

Artoria approached the holy sword.

She reached out and grasped the hilt.

[Although the distant clamor of the knights contrasted sharply with the silence around her]

[Her heart was filled with warmth]

[Even though it was her first time touching it, it felt as if it was made for her, as if it was tailor-made]

[All she had to do now was pull it out]

[Just as Artoria was about to do so, a familiar voice suddenly echoed in her ears]

"Before you take that thing, it's better to think carefully."

[The figure of the magus appeared behind her]

[It was the teacher who had been guiding her in her dreams]

[Unlike the usual tone she had used before, Merlin's voice was colder and more detached]

[As if this was her true self]

[You also saw Merlin appear at this moment, and of course, this was something you had anticipated]

[Everything was to confirm the girl's resolve]

"Artoria, I would never harm you. You still have the chance to give up now.

Moran said that no matter what you choose, he will always s you. You don't have to take this path for others.

The happiness of others doesn't need to be shouldered by you alone. He hopes you can follow your own heart and desires, not live carrying the wishes of others."

[Merlin's tone was light yet detached]

[These were the words you had asked Merlin to convey]

[You knew you were the biggest variable]

[This time, you wanted Artoria to think carefully and decide her own path to the future]

"That's so like Moran... He's always been so gentle. No wonder he's not here—he probably didn't want to sway me."

"Hehe, he's given himself a role in this.

Artoria, I want you to know that once you take up that sword, until the very end, you will no longer be human. Not only that, but once you take it, you will be hated by humans and ultimately meet a tragic end."

[Merlin spoke calmly]

[Like a wise advisor offering counsel, she wanted the girl to carefully consider before making a decision]