Chapter 996: Ahoge: Do You Think I'm a Glutton?
The next day.
As soon as Gudako woke up in the morning, she started acting very strangely.
For some reason, she couldn't make eye contact with Mash. Just one glance would make her flustered, causing her to immediately look away.
It wasn't just her—Mash was the same way.
The two of them acted like a couple experiencing their first love, feeling awkward no matter what they did.
The others exchanged puzzled glances, shaking their heads in confusion.
Eiji remained expressionless.
Only Grimm laughed like a carefree jester.
Artoria stood there dumbfounded.
"Wow, why did I have that kind of dream last night? Could it be that my long-cherished wish has finally moved the heavens?"
Even after waking up in the morning, she remembered last night's dream clearly.
She felt a bit embarrassed.
As the Child of Prophecy, such a wish seemed rather petty.
"It's time for breakfast!"
After washing up with Grimm's magecraft, everyone's gaze—intentionally or not—drifted toward Eiji.
Even Muramasa couldn't help stealing a glance.
The old man clearly hadn't experienced the bombardment of modern cuisine!
"Eat, everyone can eat!"
Unlike last night, Eiji grandly opened his imaginary pocket, from which tumbled out a pile of hamburgers, chicken wraps, and pizzas.
Everyone's eyes lit up, and they swarmed forward.
"As for the rest, you take care of it!"
Eiji pointed at Artoria, speaking arrogantly.
"Mmph mmph mmmph oh ah!"
"Swallow what's in your mouth before speaking!"
"Chew, swallow... Do you think I'm a glutton?!"
"..."
Eiji fell silent.
Gudako, Mash, and Little Da Vinci, who were about to start their meal, exchanged glances and also fell silent.
"What's with those looks?"
Artoria glared at them indignantly.
They all wore expressions that seemed to say, "Aren't you, though?" which infuriated her!
"Don't you regret this!"
Artoria retorted at Eiji, then gathered the large pile of food into her arms.
With so many delicious treats for once, I'll gladly make an exception!
But even with all these never-before-seen delicacies, my appetite probably can only handle a little bit. What a shame—if I can't finish, they might take it back... Speaking of which, why doesn't this guy just take it back directly?
Twenty minutes later.
Artoria stared at the pile of greasy wrappers on the ground, beginning to question her life.
"As expected of Artoria!"
"The King's Stomach is no joke!"
Gudako and Mash were wholeheartedly praising her.
Artoria flushed bright red with embarrassment, covering her face involuntarily.
That huge pile of food—enough for at least seven or eight ordinary people, right?
How did I manage to finish it all in just twenty minutes?!
"Even I was shocked!"
Muramasa looked at her with a troubled expression.
"Could it be that you've never eaten good food before?"
"...Well, haha, I wouldn't say I've never eaten good food at all."
Artoria paused for a moment, letting out an awkward laugh as she unconsciously averted her gaze.
"Tch!"
A sharp, displeased click of the tongue echoed.
Artoria looked in surprise at the cloaked figure who still showed no intention of removing their sunglasses and mask.
She froze.
Then fell silent.
Beside them, Oberon silently observed everything without uttering a word.
...
After setting off again, it took less than three hours for the group to reach the easternmost part of Britain.
The coastal port city exuded an intense sense of prosperity.
Even before approaching the city gates, the faint scent of coal wafted through the air, accompanied by the constant clanging of metalworking.
Short yet sturdy blacksmiths and shops overflowing with iron tools and weapons were practically ubiquitous—iron and coal seemed to dominate the landscape everywhere.
"Compared to other cities, this place feels more like stepping into the Industrial Revolution era!"
Entering the vast city, the group marveled at the sight.
Throughout the city, both fairies and humans could be seen mingling.
And unlike other places, it was even possible to witness humans scolding fairies—the roles of master and servant were completely reversed!
"This is a city of merchants!"
Oberon glanced meaningfully at the group.
"When it comes to talent for business, fairies simply can't compete with humans, right? Once humans gain independence, it's hardly uncommon here for them to boss fairies around!"
That was certainly true.
Eiji nodded in deep agreement.
Who could possibly outmaneuver capitalists?!
Once humans gained independence, pure beings like fairies would be toyed with effortlessly, no matter how much they struggled!
"Master, you've finally arrived!"
Shortly after reaching Norwich, the haggard-looking harp prince appeared before them.
"Wow, if it isn't Tristan the Sorrowful! What have you been up to these past few days? How did you become so haggard?"
Eiji teased with a smirk.
Tristan looked utterly exhausted, as if he had been working nonstop to the brink of collapse. His entire demeanor was listless, far from the elegance expected of a handsome man.
"Mr. Eiji, you're here too? That gives me much more confidence!"
Tristan greeted Eiji with impeccable courtesy.
"A few days ago, after successfully bidding for Lord Muramasa at Gloucester, I volunteered to come to Norwich to help Master secure lodging and gather intelligence... but I never expected to encounter an unexpectedly terrifying individual. How sorrowful!"
As he spoke, he unconsciously began strumming his harp.
The once-clear notes now sounded strangely somber.
"Actually, we ran into the lord, Muram, back in Gloucester, and she exposed Artoria's identity. We had no choice but to lay low until three days ago when we dared to come out."
Gudao whispered an explanation to Eiji.
It was a long story.
The iron-armed fairy auctioned in Gloucester was, unsurprisingly, Muramasa. With Oberon's counterfeit money support, Artoria went all out and successfully won the bid.
But then Muram suddenly appeared and bluntly revealed Artoria's identity as the Child of Prophecy!
"Muram of the Wing Clan, the lord of Gloucester... is she strong?"
Eiji pondered while looking at her.
Muram—wasn't she that little loli with BB's face?
Eiji knew she was despicable, but he had no idea how powerful she actually was.
How did she compare to Woodwose?
"Extremely strong! She is a Great Fairy who possesses a Fairy Domain. Her domain can negate strength—anyone entering it reverts to their weakest form unless she permits otherwise, just like having their levels reset in a game!"
Damn, that's seriously impressive!
Many attendees at the auction that day had learned of Artoria's identity. Left with no choice and to avoid pursuit by the Queen's army, everyone split up to act separately.
Tristan set off alone for Norwich to gather information.
Meanwhile, Fujimaru and the others headed to Oberon's territory—the Autumn Forest in Wales—where they hid for several days. They waited until Oberon returned with gathered intelligence and the hype around the "Child of Prophecy" had temporarily subsided before deciding to proceed to Norwich.
By the way, it was around that time that Gareth joined them.