Chapter 165: Touring Couronne (Part 2)

The impudent and brash voice came from a blonde girl dressed in the red and blue attire of a Bretonnian noblewoman, surrounded by numerous knights. She pointed rudely at Ryan, "Who's this knight daring to bother Sister Sulya! Seize him now!"

The scene was awkward for a moment, as the knights guarding the girl were unsure whether to advance or stay put, only managing to signal the girl with their eyes.

"What's the matter, Bono? Take action with your men!" The girl, still not realizing what was happening and continuously pointing at Ryan, displayed an utterly disrespectful behavior, attracting the attention of many passersby.

"Miss... Miss, look at the knight's chest..." her guard urgently whispered to her.

"His chest? Hmph! A mere baron, what's there to see?" The girl, hands on her hips and bossy demeanor, pressed on: "Act now, or I'll have my father dismiss you all!"

Ryan frowned, subtly seeking clarification from Sulya with his gaze.

Who is this person?

"She's the granddaughter of Duke Theodoric of Breleon, named Fiona. I've met her a few times," Sulya explained with a frown, clearly displeased by the girl's rudeness: "After Fiona was born, the Duchy of Breleon has been in constant turmoil, so she spent most of her time studying in Couronne, cared for by court ladies and family knights... which has resulted in her... difficult temperament."

"She seems quite fond of you?" Ryan inquired, to which Sulya shook her head: "No, she doesn't like me. She's just looking for an excuse to cause trouble."

"It's typical of Fiona; she always does this when bored," Sulya sighed softly: "Everyone either fears her or tolerates her, which pleases her."

Ryan was speechless and, dismissing the girl's provocation, coldly stated: "Act if you must, but consider the consequences. A baron like me... what consequences could there be?" The girl's face was full of arrogance, but it froze mid-sentence.

This young baron... a Grail Knight?

"I'm terribly sorry! My apologies, Grail Knight, Sir Ryan. The miss didn't mean it, please forgive her. She just mistook you for someone else!" Fiona's knights hurried to apologize while she was still in shock: "We're very sorry!"

"If you have any grievances against me, Ryan Macado, please write to Knight Commander Eugen at the Grail Knight Order's Couronne division, or directly to the Order's headquarters in the Duchy of Carcassonne. I remember your rudeness, Miss Fiona. I'll overlook it this time, but not again," Ryan said icily.

Fiona, biting her lip, knew she had caused trouble but couldn't bring herself to apologize, only managing to lower her head in silence.

Once Ryan and the others were far enough, Fiona, infuriated, slapped her family knight: "Idiot! Why didn't you warn me that man was a Grail Knight!"

"But... Miss, we didn't notice either!"

"Imbecile!" She slapped him again: "It's all your fault! Just wait, I won't let you off! I'll tell Grandfather!"

...

Unaware of the commotion outside, Ryan had never stopped walking into the Grail Cathedral.

This magnificent cathedral with a huge dome existed before the Kingdom of Bretonnia was established, initially serving to worship the main god of the elves, the Phoenix Lord Asuryan.

Over hundreds of years, as the elves retreated, the Empire's rule and departure, and the rise of local Bretonnian nobility, the cathedral underwent changes in worship and was rebuilt and expanded several times.

Until about eight hundred years ago, with the legendary tale of Arthur, the first Knight King of "true Bretonnians."

Their lances pierced the land's abscesses, and their swords slew evil in the shadows. Under the Lady's blessing, the people of Bretonnia believed the knights could never fail. Arthur and his fellow Grail Knights, after eleven great victories, stood on the plains of Couronne for the final, most legendary battle.

That day, countless beastmen armies emerged from the Forest of Arden, crossed the Sanne River, and charged towards Couronne, outnumbering the knights tenfold.

That day, numerous Greenskin tribes formed a massive waaagh!, crossing the Grey Mountains as an unstoppable tide, numbering at least fifty thousand.

That day, supernatural vile creatures, giant rats the size of men, ravaged Couronne, destroying half the city. Countless rats poured out of the gates, appearing behind the knightly army.

Thus, Arthur and his knights were surrounded by an enemy force twenty times their number.

But not a shred of fear was in the knights' hearts. At this sacred moment, all of Bretonnia united. Their friendship, rage, and swords formed their strongest power, a power of will.

Arthur and all Grail Knights knew, as did all Bretonnians, this was their final, most glorious battle.

The Lady is with us!

Arthur and each companion fought valiantly, their deeds in that battle enough for bards to sing praises forever, their legends enough for chroniclers to write epics until the end of time. The moon crossed the war-blackened sky again and again, and the sun rose over the battlefield to dispel darkness, day and night, without rest.

Finally, the shadows receded, and victory arrived. The bodies of the evil piled into mountains, reportedly taking Bretonnians several seasons to clean the entire battlefield.

Peace came. Arthur was crowned king amidst the knights' support, and the Lady of the Lake herself descended, crowning Arthur and officially declaring the new kingdom in Bretonnia.

The Grail Cathedral was rebuilt and has stood for hundreds of years.

"The Grail Cathedral took over eighty years to complete, spanning three generations of Knight Kings. Its main structure is two cross-shaped buildings, each 161 meters long and 42 meters wide," Sulya explained to Ryan: "The golden dome is engraved with stories from Arthur's rise to his coronation as the King of Bretonnia."

Walking through the Grail Cathedral, a sense of solemnity arose. Every brick, every piece of glass, every breath of air here contained rich history and sacred faith.

Without Arthur's efforts, his unwavering faith, his never-give-up hope, Bretonnia might have been in ruins today, as the Empire was unable to aid its kin.

"Though he's gone, his great spirit and faith remain. In a sense, Arthur might still live, as his spirit and stories will be forever told until the world's end." Ryan admired the murals, the high golden dome, and the fluttering family crests of the twelve original Grail Knights at the highest point of the dome, representing their families' glory.

He was reminded of his father and brothers, the Emperor and his Primarchs, whose deeds in the Great Crusade would be forever told. Without them, there would be no Imperium of Man.

But now...

"Welcome, Champion of the Lady, Grail Knight, Baron Jean Ryan Macado." A priest greeted Ryan with high respect, even bowing: "Welcome to this holy place, blessing of the lady."

"I'm honored to visit here, in the name of the Lady, good morning," Ryan respectfully nodded.

"Sir Ryan is the Lady's Champion. Feel free to explore this place without formalities. I've opened the Ear Chamber. As soon as Sir Ryan entered the cathedral, the Lady has sent a secret oracle. Please, Sir Ryan, Lady Sulya, and Miss Sylvia, enjoy the holy meal in the Ear Chamber at noon." The high priest smiled: "But this is a secret, please don't disclose it."

"By the Lady's command!"

Holy meal?! Ryan was calm, but Sulya and Sylvia were stunned. They couldn't believe Ryan was invited to partake in a holy meal in the Grail Cathedral!

What place was this? The Grail Cathedral, one of Bretonnia's three sacred sites!

Sulya, filled with disbelief, glanced at Ryan. She had attended the roundtable meeting and knew what Ryan faced.

As they toured the cathedral, the king and dukes were likely in endless debates in Couronne's palace over the Knight War's nature, Ryan's merit and punishment, and how to divide the "bitter victory" cake.

At this moment, the Lady herself sent an oracle for Ryan to have a holy meal in the Grail Cathedral. What did this mean?

Despite being a secret oracle, the Lady's stance was clear.

Sulya felt she understood less and less about the composed man before her. Why did the Lady favor him so? Why could he complete the Grail Quest at just twenty-four? How could his talent surpass her meticulously trained brother and occupy his thoughts?

Why did his presence prompt a direct oracle from the Lady?

And what role would she, also invited to the holy meal, play? Why did the Lady include her and Sylvia?

Sulya's mind was full of questions.

After a brief tour, the planned visit to the Lion Ring Racecourse was delayed. Ryan and the others had to wait in a small meeting room, preparing to partake in the holy meal at the cathedral.

Ryan found a comfortable spot on a soft sofa, appearing utterly at ease: "Is this how the young people are nowadays?"

"Ah?" Sulya adjusted her skirt, taking a moment before realizing Ryan referred to Fiona.

"That child has been arrogant since childhood," Sulya smiled softly: "Everyone goes through such phases. I'm sure you understand."

Ryan nodded, understanding everyone had their rebellious phase.

"Fiona lacked parental love from a young age, spending most of her time in Couronne to avoid war. Whenever she reunited with her grandfather or father, Duke Theodoric tried to compensate by fulfilling her demands. Over time, she started to feel very... important." Sulya hesitated before sharing an incident: "About two or three years ago, we met at a banquet. She really liked my teddy bear. I couldn't resist her nagging and gave it to her. The next day, I found the shredded bear in the garden..."

"She shredded the teddy bear?" Ryan interrupted, understanding.

Once Fiona got what she wanted, it became her possession, and thus worthless. Given her personality, it was inevitable it'd be torn apart and discarded.

"Yes." Sulya sighed softly, at a loss for words.

Ryan pondered.

Fiona's behavior reflected the common issues among young Bretonnian nobles: arrogance, self-importance, haughtiness, and prejudice.

In a way, both Sulya and Fiona were cherished princesses in their homes. Duke Francois doted on Sulya rightly, while Duke Theodoric spoiled Fiona, leading to their differing characters.

"By the way, Miss Sulya likes teddy bears?" Ryan changed the topic with a smile.

"Ah? Uh... yes, don't you think teddy bears are cute..." Sulya realized too late she had revealed her preference, blushing deeply.

"Just when I learned Miss Sulya likes teddy bears, how interesting~" At that moment, a dazzling white light filled the small room, revealing a captivating figure.

The Lady of the Lake had descended!

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