77. The Maiden and the Shadow of the King of Knights 

(TL Notes: Now, I understand why people abandoned this fic lmao.)

[You and Artoria spent a twisted yet sweet night together.]

[The place that should never have been defiled was, in the most humiliating way, filled by you for an entire night.]

[However, she did not feel even a hint of sorrow over it—on the contrary, she wore a radiant smile of pure happiness.]

[You both fell asleep in each other's arms.]

[By dawn, you awoke.]

"Shall we return?"

As he helped Artoria put on her clothes, Rei spoke softly.

"Mm." The maiden nodded.

"Rei, as soon as the sun rises, let's head back."

"But—"

Artoria looked at Rei, her gaze filled with a hint of cautious anticipation.

"Rei, before that... may I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Well…"

Turning her face away, her voice carried a trace of shyness.

"Rei… were you happy last night?"

"..."

Even though she was the one being defiled, Artoria's tone was as if she had obtained a precious treasure from Rei.

Even a man as cold-hearted as Rei couldn't help but be moved by such words.

He pulled her into his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss upon her soft lips before answering with a smile:

"Of course."

"I was very happy."

A rosy hue spread across the maiden's cheeks.

It was the most genuine, unfiltered emotion—something she would never show under normal circumstances.

"In that case, Rei, please use this way to continue our bond from now on."

"Until—"

"Until the day you feel ready to accept everything."

"And what if I never feel ready?"

"Then we'll just continue like this!" Artoria tilted her head slightly, answering without hesitation.

"..."

Rei had nothing more to say.

It took immense courage to say something like that with a smile.

Artoria was serious.

[You and she mounted the horse together.]

[Riding on Dunstallion, you retraced the path you had come.]

[She leaned into your chest, like a wife who had just spent her wedding night.]

[You didn't shatter her beautiful illusion.]

[Because you knew it would eventually shatter on its own.]

As you passed a cliffside, she suddenly pulled the reins, bringing the horse to a halt.

"Rei."

Looking at a distant village, Artoria's green eyes carried an unspoken emotion.

"Do you like a peaceful life?"

"…It's not bad."

To say he didn't like it would be a lie.

But for a wretched knight like Rei, nothing in his life had ever been remotely peaceful.

"I see…"

Artoria nodded thoughtfully.

"At least you don't dislike it."

"That's good to know."

[You sense there is more behind Artoria's words.]

[But you have no intention of delving deeper—because, for you, the outcome is meaningless.]

[You both returned safely to camp.]

[All the knights were overjoyed at your success in retrieving the two sacred swords.]

[Gareth, in particular, was ecstatic.]

["Father! Show us how strong the Sword of Revolving Victory is!"]

[You realized this might be an opportunity to further elevate your reputation.]

[And you would not let it go to waste.]

The midday sun blazed fiercely.

Through the Sword of Revolving Victory, Rei could feel himself being imbued with endless energy.

[Skill Activated—Sword of Revolving Victory++: Bathed in the Sun's Blessing, you wield the sword to inspire the knights, preparing to unleash a powerful Solar Cleave.]

[Skill Activated—Gift of the Red Dragon+: The magical energy you absorbed from Artoria aids you, allowing you to perfectly control the range of your Solar Cleave.]

Rei focused all his attention on the blade.

Lifting the Sword of Revolving Victory high, its silver blade and blue hilt pointed toward the sky.

In an instant, the sunlight converged, as if drawn by an invisible force, cascading upon the sacred sword like golden threads.

Then—Boom!

Flames erupted from the base of the sword, surging upward until they engulfed the entire blade in the Sun's crimson blaze.

If the midday sun was already at its peak—

Then the instant the Sword of Revolving Victory activated, it was as if a second sun had descended from the heavens, threatening to incinerate all in its path.

No one doubted that they stood upon burning ground.

No one believed they could escape the fiery mist emanating from the blade.

"Enough, Sir Rei."

Artoria's voice cut through the spectacle.

"If you continue, your sword will harm our knights."

"Understood."

Though he was the one corrupting Artoria in private, Rei still maintained a facade of respect in public.

In an instant, the Sun's flames dissipated, as if they had never existed.

Silence.

Murmurs.

Then—an uproar.

A cacophony of awe and excitement.

Every knight was ecstatic.

For if the Sword of Revolving Victory wielded by Rei could exhibit such overwhelming power—

Then, without a doubt—

The Sword of Promised Victory (Excalibur), wielded by the King of Knights, must be even mightier!

It was as if the dawn of victory in war had already shone upon them.

How could they possibly contain their enthusiasm?

Artoria was pleased with their reaction—she had never feared that Rei would become arrogant from their praise.

"Father."

Gawain approached Rei.

His blue eyes, inherited from Morgan, were filled with admiration for his father.

"I never imagined you possessed a skill even greater than your swordsmanship!"

In front of others, Gawain always maintained the composure of a mature and dependable knight.

But in front of his father, he was still the boy who once longed to learn every sword technique from him.

"My son, this is not my skill."

Rei remained humble.

He raised the Sword of Revolving Victory.

"It is the sword that granted me this power."

"No." Gawain shook his head.

"Father, we have all witnessed your strength firsthand."

"This is not something a sacred sword alone could bestow upon you."

"How long will it take for me to reach your level?"

"My son, you certainly will."

Rei gazed at Gawain with fatherly pride.

"Because you are my most cherished legacy."

"You do not need to become me—you should surpass me."

"You will gain a power equal to, or even greater than this."

"…"

Gawain, at first delighted, suddenly hesitated, his expression darkening with worry.

Rei immediately noticed the change.

"Gawain, is something on your mind?"

"Speak now, for if you carry it into battle, you may not get another chance."

After a brief pause, Gawain took a deep breath and spoke.

"Father, I know this question may be offensive to you."

"But—"

"I must ask it."

"Father…"

Gawain's gaze shifted to Artoria, who was still rallying the knights with her presence.

"What exactly is your relationship with King Arthur?"

"..."

It was inevitable—Gawain's question could not be avoided forever.

However, Rei remained calm—he had anticipated that this issue would arise eventually.

"My son, while there are indeed many rumors circulating outside…"

"I assure you, everything I do is for your mother."

"This may lead to some misunderstandings that are difficult to explain, but I need you to trust me."

"..."

The suspicion in Gawain's eyes gradually faded, replaced by clear and unwavering trust.

"I see."

"I understand now," he nodded.

"Father, your feelings for Mother are unshakable!"

"I won't doubt you any longer."

"Gawain, I'm glad you understand."

[You have dispelled all of Gawain's doubts.]

[He now firmly believes that you and King Arthur have a completely innocent relationship.]

[He helps spread a positive image of you among the knights, and with the ever-energetic Gareth's support, this influence only grows.]

[However, knowing what Gawain is doing fills you with conflicting emotions.]

[But you also understand that you have no time to dwell on such feelings.]

[Your focus must remain on corruption Artoria.]

[You want her to fully accept this shame and become a puppet that you can easily control.]

[During the day, you lead the knights alongside her—she is your undisputed ruler.]

[At night, she lies on top of you, trembling as she accepts every bit of shame you inflict on her.]

[Her tight ring of muscle is always filled with traces of essence]

[Logically speaking, this should have been a natural process of corruption.]

[Yet, you soon realize that something feels different.]

[Arthur has a plan of her own.]

Huff... Huff...

Rei paused, sensing something was off about Artoria.

Rei stopped his thrusting against Artoria's asshole.

The woman's stomach was already filled with traces of shameful semen.

Your partner's trembling body is the best proof of surrender.

But Rei always felt as if there were slight changes in these experiences.

Before he could figure it out.

She turned back toward him, her expression tinged with shyness and uncertainty.

"Sir Rei, do you... feel anything different?"

"…"

For a moment, Rei was unsure how to respond.

Sensing his confusion, Artoria quickly added with a sheepish smile:

"It's fine if you don't."

"Perhaps I haven't quite figured out the right technique yet."　　

A strange feeling stirred within Rei.

"What do you mean?"

"That is—"

Artoria turned around and looked at the Sword of Contracted Victory in front of her.

"Sir Rei, this isn't where couples should have intercourse normally."

"So I was wondering… perhaps there is a way to make things feel more... good for you."

Artoria smiled awkwardly.

"It seems I've failed."

Rei stood still for a moment

He finally understood why he had sensed subtle changes over time.

This was Artoria's effort.

Even though it wasn't a place that should be invaded, she still hoped that she could provide an experience that was at least a little better.

Looking back—Even the wine for their last victory had been something she personally prepared.

Her devotion was displayed so openly, so earnestly, that it was impossible to ignore.

Rei gently stroked the girl's fair skin and entered again to press his hard dick against her puckered up hole.

"You didn't fail."

"I truly appreciate everything you've done, and because of that… I don't want this to stop."

Artoria's emerald eyes widened slightly before she quickly averted her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Sir Rei…"

"Shh—"Rei gently took both of her hands over her head.

"Everyone is resting."

"Let's not disturb them."

"I... I understand."

Outside the knight's encampment, the gentle sounds of wind rustling through the trees filled the night air.

The girl who dedicated herself to her lover secretly tasted the fruit full of humiliation.

===

===

[You and Artoria have been fighting side by side more often.]

[Your coordination, sharpened by time and trust, reaches an almost supernatural level of synchronization.]

[Excalibur and Excalibur Galatine shine on the battlefield, displaying their unparalleled might.]

[At any given moment, no matter day or night, a knight wielding a sword stands at the forefront of Camelot's army.]

[You have secured five consecutive victories, spreading the legend of King Arthur across Britain.]

[Your battlefield presence has further solidified your status among the knights.]

[The inherited ability, Queen's Magic, has been replaced with Shadow of the Knight-King.]

[You are now acknowledged as Arthur's most formidable knight. The battles you lead create the illusion that King Arthur herself is always present on the battlefield.]

[The knights no longer respect you solely because of your lineage as King Lot's heir—instead, they now honor you for your undeniable achievements.]

[Your bond with King Arthur is perceived as the connection between a sovereign and their shadow.]

[This reputation extends beyond the marching knights, reaching all the way to the capital.]

[The people of Camelot cheer for their king and her legendary knight.]

[But not everyone celebrates this news.]

From atop the city walls, Morgan gazed over the golden wheat fields stretching toward the horizon.

Her expression carried a hint of bitterness.

This was not Merlin's handiwork—it was hers.

Born from long, lonely nights after Rei's departure, her magic-seeded crops had flourished into something akin to a miracle.

"Mother."

A stoic voice interrupted her thoughts.

Turning, Morgan found herself face to face with Agravain, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"You called for me," he stated plainly.

Morgan studied him for a moment before silently handing him a dagger.

"You already know, Agravain."

"I didn't have you train as an assassin all these years just for you to idle away in Camelot, living in silence."

"You have a task that must be fulfilled."

"..."

Agravain took the dagger without hesitation.

His expression did not change—as if he had always known this day would come.

"I understand."

"Mother, I'll leave now."