Was everything over now?
Oh, no there were still two matters left unresolved.
The first was Artoria's current state.
Could she still return to how she was before?
Or would she remain wielding the Holy Lance?
If she continued to be influenced by the lance, it might be manageable for now, given the short time. But in the long run, would Artoria still be Artoria, or would she become the Goddess Rhongomyniad?
Admittedly, this Lancer version of her was quite impressive, but we much preferred the gluttonous, flat-chested girl!
With that thought in mind, Lot spoke up and asked Artoria, "Sir Artoria, will you remain like this indefinitely?"
"Oh, no."
Artoria smiled with a mature, refined air and shook her head lightly.
Then, she returned the Holy Lance to its case.
She addressed Lot, "Your Majesty Lot, this lance does possess an incredibly powerful allure. It makes me want to wield it constantly and embrace the role of a king. However, in my view, Britain in this era does not need me to be its monarch."
"This lance shall remain at my side, to be used only when necessary."
Having said this, Artoria slung the lance's case onto her back once more.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, her body began to shrink. The clothes that had once stretched to accommodate her now reverted to fit her youthful form.
"Your Majesty Lot."
Artoria spoke softly, her voice regaining its girlish tenderness.
Her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.
Seeing her like this, both Lot and Morgan couldn't help but smile in relief.
It was truly wonderful that she could return to her old self.
This was still the Artoria they knew.
"After we return, I will announce your true identity to everyone, ensuring you receive the status you deserve," Morgan added, addressing Artoria.
"Status? Does that mean I can indulge in delicious food as much as I want from now on?"
Hearing Morgan's words, Artoria immediately began drooling.
Watching her like this, Morgan, Lot, and Gawain all facepalmed in unison.
How did we end up with such an embarrassing little sister (sister-in-law) (aunt)?
However, Artoria remained oblivious to their thoughts, completely absorbed in the joy of unrestricted feasting.
She hadn't even considered that another matter was still waiting for her.
Lot glanced over just in time to see Guinevere approaching Artoria.
[Oh no… Guinevere knows Artoria is a woman now. There's no way their relationship can blossom into something romantic. What will become of this love story?]
Lot internally groaned.
Morgan, overhearing his remark, also looked at Guinevere her eyes filled with sorrow and felt a headache coming on.
This situation was not easy to resolve!
Morgan glanced at her sister, still lost in her own blissful fantasies, and made a decision.
My dear sister, I must apologize. I'm not skilled at handling matters of the heart. Since your mind is entirely occupied with food, I'll leave this for you to deal with yourself.
With that thought, she took Lot's hand and signaled to the others.
"Come, everyone withdraw!"
The knights present quickly grasped the situation between Artoria and Guinevere and collectively chose to depart.
Only Guinevere remained, staring intently at Artoria.
Artoria, finally snapping out of her food-fueled daydreams, noticed Guinevere's piercing gaze.
"What's wrong?" Artoria asked nervously under that stare.
Did I do something wrong to her?
Huh? Wait what exactly did I do wrong?
I never confessed any feelings to her. She was the one who pursued me. Why should I feel guilty?
Artoria reasoned internally.
Yet, Guinevere's expression still made her feel apologetic.
"Uh… have you eaten?"
After a long pause, Artoria managed to squeeze out this awkward line.
"Is that all you can say?"
Guinevere looked exasperated.
But then, she pressed on, "You've always been a woman. Why didn't you tell me?"
Her tone carried accusation.
"Well… you never asked?"
Artoria scratched her head.
"Is that something that needs to be asked?"
Guinevere pressed further.
"I'm sorry, Guinevere. It was my duty to become a knight. Until I accomplished something worthy of recognition, I could never reveal my true identity," Artoria replied solemnly. "If you feel I've wronged you, I'll compensate you in any way you wish."
"I've lost nothing, and I don't want your compensation."
Guinevere's voice was tinged with melancholy.
"Then…"
Artoria tried to speak again, but Guinevere suddenly reached out and covered her mouth.
Then, she couldn't help but laugh.
"Before, you never let me touch you. Now that your secret's out, I can do as I please."
She smirked playfully at Artoria.
But then, her expression turned serious.
"My love is lost. So now, I shall devote myself to my ambitions. As His Majesty said, there should be no distinction between men and women. If you can achieve greatness, so can I. I will prove that I am no less than you."
With that, she turned away from Artoria.
She sought out Morgan and Lot.
"Your Majesties, I wish to work. I know my combat skills are lacking, but I want to serve as an attendant, assisting you both in administrative duties."
She stated her request bluntly.
Hearing this, Lot and Morgan exchanged glances, puzzled.
What?
Has Guinevere changed her nature?
Gone from a love-struck fool to a workaholic?
"The work will be arduous," Morgan warned.
Of course, working alongside Lot was far more relaxed than the grueling 996 or 007 schedules of modern times, but Morgan wasn't sure if Guinevere who had never worked a day in her life could adapt.
"I believe I can handle it!"
Guinevere declared firmly.
[Well, is this a form of 'blackening'? But I've never heard of someone turning into a workaholic from it. No, we absolutely cannot let future capitalists learn of this they'd go out of their way to make their employees 'blacken'!]
Watching her determination, Lot couldn't help but muse to himself.