Chapter 1072: Are You Out of Your Mind?
Artoria remained expressionless, as if the surrounding mockery couldn't stir even a ripple within her.
"Muram, what exactly do you mean by this?"
Muram glared at Muram with clear displeasure.
The vast Bell Tower resembled a grand theater.
At this moment, they had unmistakably become performers meant to entertain the gathered fairies!
Judging by the situation, they had walked right into a trap. Muram had seen through their urgency to ring the bell and specifically set up this snare.
However, since she showed no intention of launching a group attack, there might still be room for negotiation.
"Nothing particularly special,"
Muram floated mid-air, looking quite pleased.
"I just wanted to give you a fair and open chance to ring the bell. See that stage over there?"
She pointed her delicate, pink hand toward the center of the Bell Tower.
There stood a circular stage reminiscent of a Roman arena.
Currently, a figure was already standing in that arena.
Crimson hair as red as blood.
Gone was the princess-like beautiful dress, replaced by a combat outfit that only covered vital areas with leather—both provocative and imposing.
Fairy Tristan.
She stared at the Chaldea group with clear hostility.
More precisely, her hostile gaze was firmly fixed on Artoria alone.
"Fairy Knight Tristan, one of the three Fairy Knights personally named by the Queen, and also a daughter acknowledged by the Queen herself. Her status is illustrious."
"Having her face the Child of Prophecy in a one-on-one duel—whoever wins gets to ring the bell. How about it? A fair contest, isn't it?"
Muram spoke with evident delight.
"What kind of scheme are you really plotting?"
Muram still wore a look of disbelief.
Regarding Muram, their group had long since assessed her trustworthiness.
When it came to her words, you could only believe half of them.
To achieve her goals, she would consciously manipulate others and create situations advantageous to herself, all while never showing the slightest hint on the surface. Only after fully utilizing someone would she make a grand entrance.
To put it bluntly, she was a schemer, an old fox.
"Right now, the question is whether you need to ring the bell or not. If you don't, you're free to leave right now, aren't you?Muram avoided answering directly and instead countered with a smiling retort.
"Tch, she hit the nail on the head."
Muram clicked his tongue in irritation.
If it weren't for their significantly reduced strength here, making them no match for Muram, he would have already drawn his blade and struck.
And by the way, settle the score from when they were auctioned off here!
"There's no other way. Artoria, you heard it too, right? Next, it's up to you—hey, why are you running away?!"
Muram turned his head.
Only to find Artoria stealthily backing away, clearly intending to retreat amidst the chaos.
He pulled her back with a look of utter speechlessness.
"I can't do it, I really can't!"
Artoria spoke very seriously to the group.
"In a situation like this, and having to go up on that kind of stage... my legs are already weak. As a lower-class fairy, my fragile pride is trembling!"
It was essentially a plea for mercy.
I don't want to go up there, let me leave.
That was the underlying meaning in every word she spoke.
"In short, it's a matter of appearances, right? Leave it to this old man!"
Upon hearing this, Muramasa revealed the steady smile unique to an elder.
"I hadn't planned to bring this out at this time, but circumstances force my hand, so let's unveil it early! Hey, Muramasa, find us an empty room!"
"Well, that's fine..."
Muramasa agreed.
Fairy Tristan also appeared quite generous, allowing them to prepare as they pleased.
Soon after, Muramasa left with Artoria and Gudako.
The surrounding fairies gradually began whispering among themselves.
Some fairies even set up gambling stalls, organizing bets.
"Excuse me."
Eiji was also waiting for the return of Castoria and her group.
The voice in his ear made him step back slightly, clearing the way.
A silver-haired girl in a blue-themed dress passed by him, the short lace hem of her skirt fluttering like a butterfly.
"Ohh!"
Not long after, exclamations of admiration rose from the crowd.
Eiji turned his gaze to the center of the room and froze in surprise.
Artoria had changed into a new outfit.
A suit-style dress almost identical to the one Cernunnos wore 2,400 years ago.
Combined with her indistinguishable appearance, the two looked as if they were carved from the same mold.
At that moment, Eiji felt a subtle sense of returning to 2,400 years ago.
"I didn't want to do this, I really didn't... but since I've been pushed up here, there's no helping it! Fairy Tristan, I hold no grudge against you, but I will definitely win this match!"
Wearing such an extravagant dress, Artoria couldn't suppress the shame welling up from the depths of her heart.
She decided to throw caution to the wind, stepping onto the stage with reckless abandon and shouting at Fairy Tristan.
"A country fairy who didn't even have a decent set of clothes just a few minutes ago dares to say such things!"
Fairy Tristan's hostility remained undiminished as threads once again sprang from her fingertips.
"I will prove that I am Mother's true daughter!"
What is she talking about?
Artoria looked utterly bewildered.
Amid this starkly contrasting atmosphere, the two began their battle.
"Don't you dare lose, Fairy Tristan! This is your chance to shed the title of 'Most Useless Fairy Knight'!"
"Go for it, Child of Prophecy! I bet on you to win!"
The surrounding fairies continued to stir up excitement without pause.
Beryl huddled in his seat, having given up on everything.
"Excuse me."
Eiji was fully focused on the match.
A familiar voice suddenly reached his ears again, making him frown slightly.
"Isn't it spacious enough behind? Do you have to walk in front of me?"
"Is it wrong for me to prefer walking in front?"
The silver-haired girl looked at him provocatively.
"Too traditional. I'm different—I'm fine with any position, even on top."
Eiji rolled his eyes.
His remark left the silver-haired girl puzzled.
Seeing Eiji make way, she puffed out her cheeks and deliberately slowed her pace.
She even lifted her skirt, making it flutter up and down as if showing off.
How daring!
"Are you out of your mind?"
Eiji's face darkened as he glared at her fiercely.
I'm watching the match—can you not disturb me?
"Such courtesy? I'll pass."
The silver-haired girl froze for a moment before politely declining.
She felt somewhat guilty.
Here she was throwing a petty tantrum, yet he was the one treating her to food—how generous!
In contrast, she really was being immature!
"Sorry, it seems I was being too petty."
The girl apologized to him sincerely, but immediately shifted her tone.
"However, I still think your earlier statement was problematic. That comment really hurt my feelings!"