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"Um... are you sure Her Highness didn't just try to kill me?" Artoria was sweating profusely. Even though she was not good at understanding people's hearts, she could feel the killing intent just now. Even though they were two miles apart, she could still keenly sense the anger coming from Camelot Palace.
“How could that be? You are my knight, what reason would she have to kill you?” Quinn feigned ignorance.
"Perhaps, you're worried that I'm getting too close to you?"
"What's the big deal? Aren't we all men? Your Highness, no matter how worried you are, you wouldn't be worried about me having any special relationship with a man."
Quinn's casual remark silenced Artoria. The blonde girl, disguised as a man, looked at Quinn's sincere smile and instinctively opened her mouth as if to say something, but quickly closed it again. The words she was about to say were thus stuck in her throat, and she simply lowered her head and silently followed beside him.
Artoria is considering whether to stop her schemes against you.
The notification that rang in his ears startled Quinn. Seeing that Artoria seemed to have lost all movement, he felt a surge of frustration and disappointment.
No, how did you get ED already? Cheer up! Do you think you deserve that hair color on your head? If you don't come and stir up some scandals with me, where am I supposed to fill in the gaps in my erotic history?
Seeing that Artoria's ahoge (cowlick) had all withered, Quinn felt it was time for him to take the initiative. Otherwise, given her high moral character, which was out of step with the times, his carefully planned trip for two might just turn into a simple treasure hunt.
So, he used a feigned retreat to advance, and said, "Speaking of which, Artorius, you've been in Camelot for so long, have you found a lady you like?"
"Sir Quinn, why do you ask this?" Artoria looked up in confusion, suddenly having a bad feeling.
"You keep asking me about me and the princess, isn't it out of curiosity? Don't be shy, you're at the age where you should be socializing with noble ladies. You are my knight, and it's my duty to find you a suitable match. Tell me, which noble lady in Camelot do you prefer? When I return from this trip, I'll help you talk to her and finalize your marriage."
After Quinn finished speaking, he saw Artoria's stunned face. The ahoge on her head stood up straight as if it were an alarm, clearly indicating that she had been greatly shocked.
It worked.
Quinn decided to intensify his efforts.
"You need to be more confident, Artorius. With your status and looks, no noble lady in Camelot would refuse you. If you really don't find anyone you like, we can go abroad. I've heard that noble ladies in France love women like you the most. We can even have Lancelot introduce you to some good potential partners he knows. Anyway, it's normal for someone your age to have some ideas. Speaking of which, hasn't Kay taken you to see women before?"
"H-How could that be? Why would Brother Kai take me to find a woman?" Artoria hurriedly retorted, afraid that Quinn would make further inferences.
"Not Kai? Then, is it Merlin?" Quinn didn't give her a chance to continue refuting. He patted Artoria's shoulder and said in an elder's tone, "Don't hang out with that succubus. You must have seen him going in and out of some shady places. That's his nature. You can't be like him; it's bad for your health. And whatever you do, don't go looking for women of unknown origin."
"I've never been to a place like that!"
Al'Ilya has made up her mind to continue her scheme, and she is looking for a suitable opportunity to confess her secret to you.
Amidst the commotion, you left Camelot and embarked on your journey to Avalon. Your first step was to search for the legendary Green Knight, who was said to guard the forest outside Lake Avalon. You had heard that the Green Knight had appeared in the territory of King Rhodescan.
The author says:
Author's Note: PS: I still have a slight fever, so the second chapter will be a little later.
Chapter Thirty-Five: Oh no, it's coming for me (Second Update)
The distance from Camelot to King Rhodes's territory wasn't far. In this era before the unification of the British Isles, many kings were essentially no different from tribal chiefs in your eyes. Even in the Type-Moon world, the wealth and power possessed by these tribal chiefs were far beyond what was typical in history, but...
Chapter 41
You don't think they are such great people.
[Especially after you entered the territory of King Liao Dekuan, you became even more certain of your idea.]
Compared to Camelot, the chalk city that holds a unique place in the history of Type-Moon, the capital of King Rhodes' territory can hardly be called a city. There are no magnificent buildings, no sturdy city walls, and no large markets bustling with people. Instead, there are pastoral villages that fit the style of European fantasy and large castles built on high ground, taking advantage of the terrain and mountains.
Your arrival surprised the residents. While it's not that they haven't seen outsiders in a long time, it's rare to see someone as important as you. You explained your identity and the reason for your visit to the locals.
[When the locals heard your name, they immediately told you the information you wanted.]
[You've learned that a few months ago, a green-clad knight who looked no ordinary man did come here and challenged King Liao Dekuan, saying he wanted to see which knight dared to cut off his head with an axe, and that whoever cut off his head must return the favor on New Year's Day of the following year. If no one could do it, he would take away King Liao Dekuan's most precious treasure.]
Naturally, King Liao Dekuan was unwilling to respond to this absurd bet and left in a huff. As a result, the green-clad knight came to challenge him every month. It is said that this was a trick set up by a witch to make things difficult for King Liao Dekuan, which made King Liao Dekuan very worried.
You realize that this Green Knight is the one you've been looking for. If you fulfill the Green Knight's wager, you can travel to Avalon.
"Why would a witch deliberately create something that doesn't actually cause any harm just to make things difficult for someone? Wouldn't it be more efficient to just send a familiar to cause destruction?"
After listening to the clues provided by the locals, Artoria posed her own thought-provoking question.
She knew that so-called witches were basically the secular name for magicians, and she understood how much harm these people could cause if they really wanted to do evil. Therefore, in her eyes, if a magician really wanted to make things difficult for King Liao Dekuan, wouldn't it be more effective to directly attack the people in his territory?
"Perhaps that witch has another purpose." Quinn wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, only one thought in his mind.
Morgan, isn't your desire for control a little too strong?
These stories and rumors had already given him insight into the reasons behind everything. As a magician's apprentice who could study at the Clock Tower, he was certainly familiar with the history and mythology of various regions around the world, if not all of them. And this so-called Green Knight was one of them.
This story comes from *Sir Gawain and the Green Knight*, a legendary tale of the Knight Gawain of the Round Table. Its content is similar to most chivalric romances: the protagonist accepts a challenge from another knight, fulfilling his duty and honor to his lord, encounters a mysterious fairy and a beautiful noblewoman along the way, and ultimately successfully completes the challenge, returning to his lord with great honor. At first glance, it seems quite ordinary.
But beneath this very universal story lies a conspiracy deliberately targeting the Knights of the Round Table.
In the original version, the so-called Green Knight was created by Morgan as a carefully designed trap to make Gawain betray King Arthur and become her personal knight.
Now, it's clear that this thing wasn't meant for Gawain.
After all, Gawain is no longer King Arthur's double-flower red stick. Even if he ran naked down the streets of Camelot, no one would scold him. Instead, they would laugh and say he was cute, because no one would bother with a little kid like that.
Quinn quickly estimated the time and realized that the time when the green knight appeared, according to the locals, coincided with the time when Morgan asked him to find the Holy Lance.
In other words, this thing was specially prepared for him. Ever since Morgan asked him to find the Holy Lance, this so-called Green Knight was born.
This isn't some legendary adventure story; it's clearly a test of loyalty from his fiancée. I'm afraid that if I show even the slightest disloyalty to Morgan during this process, she'll use magic to lock me in the basement and turn me into Starfury.
No wonder Morgan didn't want Artoria to come with her. She probably wished she could travel alone so she could clearly see her true state when facing these trials. Having someone else might prevent her trials from achieving their desired effect.
“I will listen to you. If you need me, I can answer this challenge.” Artoria volunteered, raising the spear in her hand. “When it comes to duels, I fear no one, not even a witch’s creation.”
In short, you decide to pay a visit to the local boss first. Faced with Artoria's self-recommendation, you decide to have a meal first.
You have arrived at the court of King Rhodes, who is acquainted with King Uther and has long heard of your legend. He warmly welcomes you and has specially held a banquet to welcome you.
Your first impression of this king was fairly good, even though his appearance didn't match any of the heroic spirits you remembered. However, the title "King Liao Dekuan" felt vaguely familiar. When the banquet began in the evening, the arrival of one of the attendees finally reminded you of the identity of "King Liao Dekuan".
She was a woman with a beauty that conformed to the world's definition of "delicate and fragile." When she appeared at the banquet, she immediately attracted your attention. She noticed your gaze, and when your eyes met, your heartstrings were plucked. Your thoughts rippled like the waters of an autumn lake, and you almost instinctively felt a desire to protect and cherish her, until she addressed King Liao Dekuan as "father."
[King Liao Dekuan called out her name—Guinevere.]
All your desires have disappeared.
Goodbye, I can't afford to offend them. I'm done for, I'll leave immediately.
The moment Quinn heard the name "Guinevere," a series of three mental indicators flashed through his mind. At the same time, he glanced at Artoria, who was sitting next to him in the guest seat. At that moment, Artoria was staring at Guinevere with a look that seemed to say "a glance that lasts a lifetime."
Quinn's heart skipped a beat.
Oh no, we've fallen for Morgan's trick! Little Ahoge has met his future wife.
"Artorius, have you taken a fancy to that lady?" Quinn decided to probe.
"That lady is indeed very beautiful..."
Oh dear, my plan to raise King Arthur has fallen through.
Quinn's heart sank. A thrill of having gambled his entire fortune on stocks only to see the market turn completely red surged through his mind. But then, he heard Artoria continue very seriously, "I suspect that this so-called Green Knight is orchestrated by Guinevere herself. Sir Quinn, I think you should stay away from that woman. The way she looks at you is a bit too intense."
"what?"
Quinn looked up at the sound with some skepticism and saw King Arthur's future queen looking at him curiously. When Quinn looked at her, she turned her head away in slight panic, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Oh no, is it coming for me?!
Chapter Thirty-Six: Help, a Honey Trap
Although the banquet hosted by King Rhodes was not as grand as those in France and Camelot, the tables piled high with wild boar and venison, the specially invited bards, and the clearly specially arranged seating made the attendees feel the importance that King Rhodes placed on this event.
But what attracts attendees even more than those delicacies is...
Chapter 42
What truly captures our attention is the old king's daughter.
Almost all the attendees were watching the princess, either secretly or openly. No one, regardless of gender, could resist Guinevere's charm. However, the princess's attention was not on the crowd who were casting enthusiastic glances at her, but rather on the few men at the banquet who had not been captivated by her charm.
Guinevere is watching you; her affection level towards you: +100.
Please, stop staring at me.
The banquet was lively, but Quinn was on pins and needles. If he had remembered earlier that King Rhodes was Guinevere's father, he would never have come even if Morgan threatened him. He already had Morgan, Artoria, and Lancelot. If he could add Guinevere to his side, he would have completed the four pieces of a doomed kingdom.
His goal was to build the British Empire, not to replicate the fall of Camelot.
"Artoria, is she still watching me?"
Feeling that burning gaze, Quinn was restless. He instinctively wanted to look at the source of the gaze, but his reason told him that it was best not to have any contact with Guinevere, this Camelot version of Bao Si, because he now strongly suspected that Guinevere was also one of the challenging problems Morgan had prepared for him.
After all, mythology is full of stories about goddesses deliberately designing trials, similar to honey traps, to test the heroes they favor.
And coincidentally, Morgan is considered a goddess in British legends, and considering that Quinn's heart was almost captivated by Guinevere at first sight, he had reason to believe that this was a trial Morgan had prepared specifically for him.
After all, in the original legend, it was King Arthur who fell in love with Guinevere at first sight. Even after learning from Merlin that marrying Guinevere would bring disaster, King Arthur still chose to marry her as his queen.
But now, Artoria, as King Arthur, has shown no interest in Guinevere and is even somewhat wary of her. This makes Quinn think of certain conspiracy theories that only point to Morgan. To avoid any possible mistakes, Quinn chooses to use Artoria, who has no interest in Guinevere, as his eyes to learn about the situation of the former Queen Camelot.
“Guinevere has been watching you.” Artoria frowned, clearly displeased with Guinevere’s behavior. “She was so rude. The whole of Britain should know about your engagement to Prince Morgan. Knowing that you already have a fiancée, she still did such a thing… This Guinevere is definitely not a decent person.”
“You’re right, this Guinevere is most likely suspicious. Artoria, I’m going to give you a task.” Looking at Artoria, who seemed somewhat hostile towards Guinevere, Quinn had a plan in mind. “I want you to keep an eye on her at the banquet. If Guinevere does anything suspicious, tell me immediately.”
"Understood, I will complete the mission."
Upon hearing that Quinn was also wary of Guinevere, Artoria immediately transformed into a British secret agent, keeping a close watch on the woman who was supposed to become her wife, like a lion protecting its territory from intruders.
You choose to avoid contact with Guinevere, focusing on enjoying the banquet and anticipating the appearance of the Green Knight, because in your memory, the Green Knight first appeared at a banquet hosted by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. However, your expectations are dashed; the Green Knight does not appear even after the entire banquet ends.
After the banquet, King Rhodes invited you to stay at his palace for a while. He knows you are searching for a way to Avalon and offers to help you gather the clues you seek.
[You know the true purpose of King Liao Dekuan's invitation. Clearly, he is at his wit's end with the Green Knight and hopes to resolve the Green Knight's challenge through your intervention.]
[You chose to accept the invitation, believing that this green knight was Morgan's test for you. After you passed the trial, the gates to Avalon would naturally open for you. So, you and Artoria settled in King Rhodes's court, waiting for the examiners of this trial to arrive.]
During your time residing in the court of King Lydgren, you kept a low profile, devoting most of your time to reviewing fairy magic to avoid any potential contact with Guinevere. If you had to go out, you would take Artoria with you to ensure you were never alone, believing this to be the best way to avoid a "honey trap."
[Your deliberate avoidance has been very effective, because whenever you need to go out, you always manage to bump into Guinevere by chance. Thanks to Artoria who is always with you, these encounters always end with a simple nod. Artoria is extremely proud of this, as it seems that preventing you from having any contact with Guinevere gives her great psychological satisfaction.]
[And so time flew by, and your first month of residence in King Rhodes' court came to an end. On the last night of that month, as you were dining with King Rhodes, a sudden, explosive sound, like gunpowder exploding, came from the castle gates.]
The Green Knight appeared. This knight, cloaked in green and clad in armor as green as leaves, rode into King Liao Dekuan's palace, arriving before you and King Liao Dekuan as if it were empty. Now that you have seen the Green Knight's face, you understand why King Liao Dekuan has dared not accept the challenge.
Beneath the green cloak was a face that didn't look human at first glance, but rather like a tree's face. No normal person would want to fight this knight who looked like a tree spirit. And this green-clad knight, just as the rumors of the people said, challenged King Liao Dekuan.
King Liao Dekuan's gaze fell upon you. He did not speak, but his eyes spoke volumes; he desired your assistance in the battle against this knight.
Artoria was unhappy and wanted to fight in your place, but you refused, knowing that you had to handle this yourself.