"What do you think?"
After watching Lancelot ride off on her horse, Naoki turned to Artoria and Jeanne Alter beside him.
Jeanne Alter frowned. "Think about what? What, are you asking me if that woman's pretty? If she suits your taste? You're still worried about that? Playboy."
"That's not what I meant."
Rubbing his forehead helplessly, Naoki looked at Artoria. "Lia, you must have sensed something, right? The issue over there is pretty significant."
Artoria nodded. "Indeed. From her words, it's clear that the King Arthur you know, in their perception, seems to still be in a normal state."
"But in reality, when I saw Arthur, there was no light in his eyes and no emotion on his face. From Lancelot's reaction, it's obvious this isn't a situation they're aware of." Naoki said, stroking his chin. "It seems the Merlin by Arthur's side didn't tell them the truth, and given their constant fighting against the dragon calamities outside, they don't have time to enter the city and find out."
As Naoki said.
Since the White Dragon Nation appeared, Lancelot and the others received two orders: one to stay outside the city to prevent unauthorized entry, and the other to fight the dragon calamities appearing in various places while protecting ordinary residents.
It was precisely because of these two orders that the Knights of the Round Table were in their current situation.
But because of this, Lancelot and the others had never entered the city, even when escorting ordinary residents inside. They only stood outside after opening the city gates, waiting for them to close, and never went in.
In fact, information within the city was completely isolated from them.
"It's almost like the problem is written clearly on the surface." Jeanne Alter said, frowning. "Are those knights stupid? With such an obviously problematic situation, don't they ever think to go into the city and check?"
"It's not that simple. From our perspective, there's clearly an issue, but from their perspective, there's no problem at all, because they haven't seen Arthur directly like I have."
Naoki spread his hands.
"Of course, there's another possibility. Lancelot and the others know the situation but aren't aware it's reached this point. It's like knowing the water will boil but thinking there's still time, not realizing it's already boiling."
"Either way, there's definitely something wrong with the White Dragon Nation, so our plan remains the same. We go straight into the city and figure out the whole situation. We've rested enough. Let's move—walk or fly?"
Artoria and Jeanne Alter exchanged glances and said in unison:
"Might as well take the advantage, just fly."
"Fly, Master. The situation might be a bit urgent."
"Alright."
Embracing Artoria and Jeanne Alter by their waists, a whirlwind appeared beneath Naoki's feet, instantly lifting the three of them into the sky!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
White Dragon Nation, in front of the city gates.
"What do you mean, Sir Lancelot?"
Guarding the city gates with her sword, Gawain stared at Lancelot, who had dismounted her horse and landed in front of her.
"You're supposed to be handling the dragon calamity in your area. Why are you back at a time like this?"
"There are some things I want to confirm by entering the city." Lancelot replied. "Please don't stop me, Sir Gawain."
Enter the city?
Gawain frowned. "His Majesty's orders were for us to guard outside the city and fight the dragon calamities to protect the residents. Sir Lancelot, are you going to disobey His Majesty's orders?"
"No, it's not like that at all, it's just… Sir Gawain, as we discussed last night, with the increasing intensity and frequency of the dragon calamities, there might be some issues with His Majesty—I want to confirm this. It's a decision made out of concern for His Majesty."
"You're the one who told me not to overthink last night, haaah."
Gawain sighed helplessly.
"Get off your horse first. This is in front of the city gates. Besides, you're making me tired talking while looking up."
"Alright."
Leaping off her horse and patting it to make it disappear, Lancelot looked at Gawain. "I did say that last night, but just now, I got some information about His Majesty from… the intruder from yesterday."
"The intruder?" Gawain frowned. "The two people Merlin told you to chase? You're really trusting the one-sided testimony of two intruders? With just a few words, your faith in His Majesty is shaken?!"
"What if I told you the intruder is the third Holy Sword wielder acknowledged by His Majesty?"
"What?"
Gawain thought she might have misheard.
The third Holy Sword wielder?
And acknowledged by His Majesty?
Lancelot said with a serious expression, "I know Sir Gawain has doubts, and honestly, I did too. I didn't want to believe the one-sided testimony of others, but the Holy Sword that person held was real. We've seen His Majesty wield the Holy Sword and release its light countless times, so I can confirm that it's the same Holy Sword His Majesty held."
"So, the Holy Sword wielder told you something might be wrong with His Majesty?"
"Besides them, no one else has entered the city. His Majesty's safety is the most important thing right now. If something's wrong with His Majesty—"
Even without finishing, Gawain knew what Lancelot meant. After all, it was something both of them understood well.
But His Majesty's orders couldn't be disobeyed…
"Hm? You two… are you arguing?"
At that moment, a slightly soft voice came from another camp. A red-haired girl in light silver armor approached the two with quick steps.
"Sir Tristan." Lancelot identified the newcomer. "Did we disturb your rest? Our apologies."
"No, my injuries healed long ago. With the Holy Grail, minor wounds are nothing."
Tristan, who looked like a young girl, smiled. "Rather than that, I heard your conversation through the wind. Is Sir Lancelot planning to enter the city out of concern for His Majesty?"
"Indeed."
"Then why not ask Merlin? She's the protector always by His Majesty's side. If she says it's fine, then it must be fine."
That witch?
"Tch…"
"Tch…"
Gawain and Lancelot both clicked their tongues. Seeing this, Tristan couldn't help but smile wryly. "You two seem to have a bad relationship with Merlin. Though I'm the same—she's monopolizing the spot by His Majesty's side… I really want to break her arms and legs."
"But even so, we have to admit that under her care, His Majesty's condition has been stable. That much can be trusted, right?"
"Should we ask?" Gawain looked at Lancelot.
"Ask—"
After hesitating for a moment, Lancelot bit her lip and started to speak, but before she could finish, Gawain raised her hand to stop her, looking far ahead with her sword drawn. Following her gaze, Lancelot and Tristan simultaneously saw a golden meteor rapidly approaching them.