Chapter 64: Artoria and Lancelot

Looking around at everything nearby, Artoria felt a deep sense of peace rising within her. This truly seemed like a place where doors weren't locked at night and lost items were returned by others. More than that, the relationships between people were warm and genuine.

This was exactly the kind of world Artoria had always dreamed of—and here, it was reality.

"Sister, buy a flower," a little girl said, tugging on Artoria's sleeve. She was an adorable child, her cheeks rosy, her clothes a little muddy—clearly from gathering flowers herself.

"Little one, I'm sorry," Artoria said gently. "Sister doesn't have any money with her."

"Then I'll give it to you, Sister!"

"Why?"

"Because Sister is very beautiful! It would be a shame if you didn't have a flower to go with your beauty." The little girl smiled innocently. Her cute, sincere expression warmed Artoria's heart. She accepted the flower and asked gently,

"Little one, why are you here alone?"

"Because I need to help my family earn money."

"What?" Artoria glanced around at the prosperous surroundings. "But isn't this place quite wealthy?"

"Yes, but... I'm not from here."

"You're not?"

"I'm Saxon."

"What?" Artoria froze. Memories of countless battles with Saxon forces flashed through her mind. But how could there be Saxons here?

The little girl seemed to understand her confusion. Perhaps she had experienced too much already for someone so young. She looked down and explained quietly,

"I'm the child of Saxon prisoners. Both my parents were captured, and since Saxon refused to ransom us, they abandoned us. But thankfully, King Arthur didn't mistreat us. He treats us just like the others. We've been given our freedom, and now we're working hard to build a new home here."

"Home? Don't you want to go back?"

"Go back? The country gave up on us. If not for King Arthur's kindness, I might not even be alive. I shouldn't stay long, Sister—I still have flowers to sell. Goodbye!"

She left cheerfully. Artoria watched as passersby bought the little girl's flowers, and not a single one of them showed even the slightest disdain.

"Strange, isn't it?" a voice said from behind. Artoria turned to see Lancelot standing there, smiling.

"King Arthur once said that all people are equal. We mustn't judge others through colored lenses. If one day we conquer Saxon, wouldn't it just become one of our provinces? There's no point in harboring hatred."

Artoria broke into a cold sweat. Those words... were surprisingly bold. But perhaps that was exactly what this world needed—an open-hearted view that could truly bring about peace. She smiled and walked forward. Sometimes, humor and confidence really could dissolve long-held tensions.

Seeing her relaxed smile, Lancelot's eyes lit up with interest.

"I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting you to my humble abode?" she asked.

"Of course," Artoria replied, smiling back. In Lancelot, she saw the shadow of the Knight of the Lake she had once known. Following happily, she let Lancelot lead the way.

As they walked, Lancelot excitedly explained every detail about the area. Her passion and joy were infectious, and Artoria found herself smiling more than she had in a long time.

Finally, they arrived at Lancelot's home.

"Guinevere, we have a guest!" Lancelot called out. "Welcome my friend!"

To Lancelot, Artoria was more than compatible—she was a close and cherished friend. Artoria didn't object.

"A guest? Who is it? Gawain? Kay?" came a voice from inside. A beautiful woman stepped into view.

"You're... Guinevere?" Artoria stared in surprise. "You're a woman!"

"...That's a bit rude," Guinevere replied flatly.

"Sorry, I just didn't expect it." Artoria quickly bowed her head. She had heard that Lancelot and Guinevere were together, and was happy for them—but she hadn't imagined both would be women.

"We've lived in the modern world for a long time now," Lancelot said with a playful smile. "Is that really so shocking?"

"And you are...?" Guinevere asked, clearly puzzled.

"Hello, I'm Artoria Pendragon," Artoria said, smiling politely.

"Pendragon? Royalty? But I thought Arthur didn't have any relatives?"

"She's also King Arthur—just from another world. Oh, and in her world, I'm still a man."

"If you were a man, I wouldn't have been led astray by you," Guinevere muttered.

"What did you say?" Lancelot blinked, not having caught it.

"Nothing. Just wondering if you have ulterior motives," Guinevere said, teasing. "Everyone knows you've always liked Arthur the most. Now that this one's a woman, aren't you...?"

Guinevere had already heard plenty about the Holy Grail War from the Round Table Knights. It didn't take her long to accept Artoria's presence.

"How could that be?" Lancelot denied firmly. "I don't like her at all."

"Dinner's ready. Please come in," Guinevere said, smiling.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Artoria replied.

They entered the house and sat together. Watching the happy couple, Artoria felt a deep sense of comfort.

"Your bond is strong, isn't it?"

"Of course," Lancelot said.

"And you and the King?" Guinevere asked with envy. "Two versions of the same person from different timelines, together... that's so romantic."

"Is it?" Artoria looked at the two before her, clearly lost in thought again.

"What do you think of Lancy?" she asked Lancelot curiously.

"Not worth regretting his death," Lancelot replied coldly.

"But... he had his reasons too."

"I know. Because I am also Lancelot, I understand that if our roles were reversed, I might have made the same choices. That's why I understand him better than anyone. Deep down, he wanted to die by your hand, didn't he?"

Artoria nodded. Because they were both Lancelot, she found unexpected solace in her heart. Without saying another word, they both raised their glasses.

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

As the wine disappeared from their glasses, Artoria found clarity in her heart.

---

Elsewhere, Arthur had spent the entire day carrying Gilgamesh on his back. Thanks to the many strange gadgets Gilgamesh had on her, Arthur hadn't noticed anything off.

"My foot's fine now. You can put me down," Gilgamesh said casually.

"What? I'm not tired at all."

"You're enjoying carrying me, aren't you?" Gilgamesh kicked her legs. "Enough! Put me down!"

Arthur released her, and Gilgamesh instantly leapt down, sprinting ahead like a wild rabbit.

"Hey! What's your name?" Arthur called out, intrigued.

Gilgamesh didn't answer immediately. She just kept running. But then, as Arthur's voice reached her, she turned around slightly. Under the moonlight, her beautiful face was breathtaking—enough to leave Arthur dazed.

"Hehe... you want to know my name?" she said, smiling like a queen. "I won't tell you!!!"

With that, she turned and vanished.

Just as Arthur lowered his head in disappointment, Gilgamesh peeked her face from around the corner.

"If you can still recognize me next time... I'll tell you."

And then she was gone.

But as she disappeared, it felt like a piece of Arthur's heart had gone with her.

"Why...? Why do I feel like I've known her forever?"

But sadly, no one could answer that question.

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