Chapter 7: Empty Threat

[3rd POV]

The knights disapproved of the method of capturing the parents of an enemy general as blackmail.

However, this is just for public excuse, but behind the scenes, knights are all praising Agravain:

"It's really worthy of Agravain. He's done what we couldn't."

Humans are emotional beings especially a general leading an army.

How could he maintain his authority in the army if he didn't even rescue his parents?

This meant that a lot of people were already ready for when Kyouya would switch sides and surrender respectfully.

Unfortunately, it seems these people had overestimated Kyouyo's limits.

"What? Say that again."

Inside the military tent, Agravain couldn't believe his ears.

"Lord Lloyd said that if you want to kill his parents, then kill them. Anything that hinders his rise is just a burden. If you kill them, His Majesty Vortigern will trust Lord Lloyd even more. You should kill them quickly."

Silence.

They knew that Vortigern's Blade wouldn't easily surrender, but his decisively abandoning his parents immediately showed his true colors.

What can you use to threaten someone who doesn't even care about their own parents?

They all looked at Agravain, waiting to see how the mastermind behind the plan would proceed with the next step.

"Lloyd is just bluffing. If I were to personally kill his parents in front of both armies, let's see how Lloyd will handle that."

"Hehe~ Your thoughts align perfectly with Lord Lloyd's. In fact, Lord Lloyd even suggested a better course of action."

The messenger chuckled coldly as if every one of Agravain's reactions had already been predicted by Kyouya.

"Lord Lloyd said that if you're planning to butcher those two alive, then place a large pot in front of both armies, cook those old fools, and serve them. Lord Lloyd would even appreciate himself."

The messenger's words caused many of the generals in the tent to darken their expressions. 

For most humans, cannibalism was a line too far to cross.

At this point, everyone, including Agravain, understood that Kyouya, the Vortigern's Blade, was truly committed to his ruthless path.

"It's just an empty threat. If that's what he wants, then so be it. Get me the pot." 

He said when realizing he had finally met someone who could match his ruthlessness. He didn't believe that a person like Lloyd, who spoke of pure courage, would abandon his parents.

"Lord Agravain is truly straightforward. How about I stay aside and wait for those two old fools to be cooked, then take a portion back for Lord Lloyd to taste?"

The messenger continued trying to stir things up, eager to see him kill Kyouyo's parents.

"Stop! This is not the way of a knight!"

A noble long sword shot into the military tent, accompanied by the stern shout of a young man with anger.

Most of the knights inside the tent were well-established figures with considerable martial prowess. 

Initially, they intended to reprimand this disrespectful young man and have the soldiers seize him, but everyone was silent when they saw the sword.

The sword was inscribed: "Whosoe'er pulleth out this sword of this stone is rightwise king of all England."

King Arthur has arrived.

"Agravain, release Lord Lloyd's parents at once. Do we, who resort to such despicable methods, truly have the right to criticize Vortigern's injustice?"

As soon as King Arthur entered the military tent, he issued orders to his nephew.

Originally, "King Arthur" had planned to continue his training in the neighboring countries, but upon hearing about the abduction of Lloyd's parents, he immediately rushed here to stop this ridiculous farce.

This was not because of any personal connection between Kyouya and himself but because such actions violated the spirit of knighthood. 

"Tch, how boring."

The messenger, feeling thoroughly disinterested upon seeing King Arthur, left the tent. 

Merlin's voice reached King Arthur as he was leaving.

"Lily, that person..."

"I know."

Artoria understood that he could not possibly abandon his parents. 

While he didn't know why Kyouya had allied with Vortigern, his presence here was the best proof. 

He wasn't beyond saving.

"Merlin, keep an eye on him. Once I finish here, I'll head over immediately."

Artoria knew this was a rare opportunity to confront him alone, and he couldn't let it pass.

If a conversation didn't get results, then... he would use force.

...

"Did you find me?"

Kyouya walked through the forest, removing his illusion disguise. The once unnoticeable messenger was now the well-known Lloyd.

It wasn't as exciting as it looked to go into the enemy camp alone. 

He knew that once his identity was exposed, Agravain would firmly use his parents as leverage against him.

Therefore, this action was just a precaution, and the real hope for saving his parents was King Arthur.

He found a patch of shade to rest, waiting for someone—a person who had helped him significantly.

The illusion bestowed upon him by Vortigern was indeed good, but it was no match for the illusion master Merlin. 

The moment King Arthur entered the military tent, Kyouya was ready for battle.

Since they had spared him, he now decided to give them a chance.

The wait wasn't long. 

Soon, a figure appeared in the distance, and a small tuft of golden hair swayed gently in the breeze.

The two siblings really did look alike.

He seemed to have thought of something, but he arrived at this conclusion instead for some reason.

"Are you waiting for me, Lloyd?"

"You let me go, so I think I should give you a chance. Artorious, do you really want to end the Age of Gods?"

He stood up, looking at the person he considered his rival. 

Did he not know what Britain would become after the decline of the Age of Gods?

"It's the inevitable course of history."

Artorious sighed.

He never expected Vortigern to reveal such a secret, and after knowing this secret, Kyouya still chose to join Vortigern's camp. 

A person like him couldn't be swayed by words anymore.

Since words were useless, then it would be the sword to talk.

To be continued...