I'm sorry for not updating as I just got a shit ton going on in my life these past 2 days.
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Political marriage.
A diplomatic arrangement, forcing individuals into unions without regard for their own will—sending them far away to foreign lands.
A princess sent off in marriage was like water thrown out—never to be taken back, with her life and death barely considered.
She became nothing more than a tool, a pawn to secure peace between two nations, a chip in negotiations for commerce or to prevent war.
And yet—Mordred was willing to sacrifice herself for Britain.
She was willing to marry into someone halfway across the world.
To restore the glory of Britain—that was her sacred duty!
"Father, this time… let me be the one to bring Britain a bright and happy future!"
Mordred stood tall with her chest out, her voice filled with heroic resolve and unyielding courage as she gazed passionately at the one before her.
"Mordred… you've truly grown," Artoria nodded gently.
The scene of fatherly warmth and filial piety moved the Empire delegates, who all watched with clear admiration.
It was evident that the so-called "Rebellious Knight", Britain's current prime minister, was ready to sacrifice herself to protect her nation.
Shokatsu Kōmei cleared his throat lightly,
"Regarding our two countries' cooperation, I'd like to raise three small suggestions…"
"What suggestions?" Mordred immediately turned, wary-eyed.
As a rookie prime minister, she was far too green when facing this sly old fox.
She had already nearly signed a mountain of unfair contracts.
At that moment—
Shikotei raised a hand:
"Alaya's new video contains a lot to digest. I shall grant you all some time to process it."
It wasn't just for their benefit.
His side also needed time—to compose themselves and stop laughing.
If the meeting didn't end soon, they wouldn't be able to hold it in!
Alaya's latest video was way too brutal—it was like stringing up the entire Round Table for a public beating.
Even Shikotei and his delegates could feel the second-hand embarrassment.
Shokatsu Kōmei smiled:
"We obey His Majesty's command. Let us talk again after you've had some time to rest."
"Are you trying to laugh at us?" Mordred growled, barely holding in her fury.
"No, no. Smiling is simply part of my etiquette. Besides, I just remembered something pleasant."
Shokatsu Kōmei casually waved his fan.
After all, this was a formal international negotiation—kids really had no self-restraint.
"And what exactly was so pleasant?" Mordred's temper was bubbling to the surface.
The latest video had already been humiliating enough. And now they were adding insult to injury with their mockery.
She was at her limit—she had once nearly stabbed her own father! Did they really think she'd be afraid of them?
"That the empire's economy has grown again," Shokatsu Kōmei replied.
"…"
===========
The British party, led by King Arthur, exited the conference room in solemn procession.
Only to hear bursts of laughter echo from within the moment they stepped out.
BANG!
Mordred turned right back around and shoved open the door.
The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, looked at her with stern expressions.
"Is something wrong, Prime Minister Mordred?"
"Nothing," she said, slamming the door behind her.
And again—the laughter exploded.
Mordred trembled in fury.
"Damn Alaya! Damn Nameless!"
Clenching her fists, she stormed off without looking back.
This video was an embarrassment for the entire Round Table. But—it also gave her the leverage to make her father finally give up on Nameless!
After all, it was her father who abandoned him first!
If she really succeeded in marrying the Imperial Teacher one day—
Then she would absolutely beat Nameless fair and square—as it's the right of the wife to do so. To the point where he'd never want to leave her side again—not on the couch, not in bed…
Mordred's flushed, angry face suddenly gained a hint of smugness—
"If Father's willing to beg me… I might consider it."
Once they left—
Inside the conference hall, everyone burst out laughing.
They'd held it in for far too long.
Watching those oh-so-noble British Heroic Spirits trip over themselves was agonizing when forced to stay composed.
Shokatsu Kōmei folded his hands, smiling broadly:
"Your Majesty is truly wise!"
If not for His Majesty ordering the public screening, they never would've shattered Britain's morale so thoroughly.
"In war, the lowest form is attacking cities. The highest is breaking the enemy's will."
Shikotei's expression held a trace of satisfaction.
"Back then they laughed at me—did they think I'd just let it go?"
He hadn't forgotten how they mocked Eternal Emperor when it aired, laughing at his expense.
But that was fine.
In the end, he had showcased the majesty of the Eternal Emperor, standing alongside his advisor to battle primordial creatures corrupted by Outer Gods—earning the love of countless citizens.
Meanwhile, Holy Round Table Domain had revealed the so-called Perfect King to be brutal and ruthless—a shocking twist.
Now the public was in an uproar online, condemning her in droves. Her prestige had taken a massive hit.
Shikotei chuckled even more happily.
"I am the First Emperor—and you want to compare yourself to me?"
Every legendary figure who might rival him—Artoria, Gilgamesh—they all had horrifying black marks revealed to the world.
One wanted to unleash all the evils of the world to purge the unworthy.
One wanted to destroy the entire world just to preserve a few hundred people.
Beloved, righteous, flawless rulers—utterly exposed and humiliated on a global scale.
It made Shikotei feel a little… lonely at the top.
Invincibility… is so very lonely.
(T/N: Bruh be feelin lonely when he's no different from those two, the only thing different was that Shikotei succeeded on what the others did not. It resulted to humanity's stagnation due to peace that he created and also strip them of freedom.
I'm looking forward as shit when Alaya released another video about him cuz he only saw humans as data, and bugs he need to patch if a human goes against his directive XD.)
Shikotei gave a final order:
"By the way, send me a copy of today's conference recording."
This kind of delightful scene definitely needed to be shown to teacher.
Tomorrow, when visiting for New Year's greetings, he'd make sure to show the teacher the utter disgrace of the British gang—it would surely be a joyous event.
Heh… That King Arthur still dares to think she could take the teacher away?
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Shokatsu Kōmei reflected on the earlier conversation between father and daughter from Britain, and could roughly guess their thoughts.
Now that the Round Table had been publicly shamed, this had become their greatest scandal yet.
As prime minister, Mordred had stepped forward—clearly intending to shoulder some of the responsibility.
And the method of doing so? Naturally, by using a joyful event to diffuse the shame.
For example: The Prime Minister of Britain marrying the Imperial Teacher of the First Emperor—that would absolutely be a world-shaking headline.
Because—
Up to this point, no Heroic Spirit had ever truly married. Be they male or female, they were either with their original partners or remained single to this day.
Even Shokatsu Kōmei himself still missed his original wife, never once considering remarrying.
In truth, Heroic Spirits, as magical entities summoned from human history, are fundamentally a part of humanity's record, existing to protect the Human Order.
How could they possibly live like normal humans, having children and building families?
But… Nameless was different.
That guy was Alaya's executor/favorite boy toy—he was practically a living human history himself!
Shokatsu Kōmei suddenly felt a flicker of hope—if Nameless really could allow a Heroic Spirit to have children, then maybe he should put in some extra effort?
And judging by "The Perfect King", Mordred and Nameless shared no blood ties, so it was totally viable!
If her father joined in too—
Cough cough! Must not imagine that. Such heresy!
Shokatsu Kōmei stood and exited the hall.
Now, all that was left was to wait patiently—sooner or later, the British would break and ask for the union themselves.
By then, once the Emperor gave his approval, the two nations' marriage alliance would completely drain Britain dry!
"Money money, so sweet~"
Shokatsu Kōmei silently gave himself a thumbs-up.
For someone like him, willing to work himself to the bone, just what reward would the First Emperor grant him?
Just imagining it was thrilling!
Achoo~
Lying on the couch in the living room, Sanjiro suddenly sneezed.
"Which bastard is thinking about me again?"
He rubbed his nose. For some reason, it felt like someone was eyeing something on him.
Could it be that Ahoge King and the Mo-gremlin gang were already planning to come knocking?
Too terrifying!
He had to lie low—no going out for New Year. Just quietly staying home.
"You guys go be your King Arthur and King of Heroes—I'll be my Couch King. You take your fancy road, I'll stick to my narrow plank bridge. Just don't come looking for me!"
Sanjiro looked at the explosive wave of online comments and got the sense that things were far from over.
Ever since Alaya dropped the video—
All the King Arthur fans around the globe were having an existential crisis.
"That lofty figure, who scorned human life and wanted to destroy the world… that's King Arthur!?"
Of course, many tried desperately to defend her, saying things like "it was the Holy Lance's corruption that made her become the divine Lion King", and "that's not the King we know!"
But… it looked exactly the same. Such excuses felt weak and hollow.
In the eyes of many, if not for Nameless' intervention to fix the Singularity, the world would've been doomed.
"Poor Ahoge King… If you want to blame someone, blame Tohsaka Tokiomi! It's all his fault!"
Sanjiro sighed in sympathy.
The Battle of Camlann—fatherly affection, filial devotion, and Nameless' fall… beautifully tragic.
Too bad Bedivere made that fateful decision to not return the sword, leading to 1,500 years of debt repayment.
Everything felt so preordained by fate.
"Fifteen hundred years… that couldn't have been easy," Sanjiro whispered.
Given Bedivere's contribution during that Singularity, it made sense for him to become a Heroic Spirit.
That iron will, enduring for fifteen centuries—he'd basically become an immortal if this were a xianxia novel.
At that moment—
A cat disguised as a little kitten—Fou—leapt onto his lap and looked up at him.
"Fou… fou! (Yup! A 1,500-year free fall!)"
"Uh…"
Sanjiro froze for a moment, then burst out laughing as he reached out to pet him.
"Yes yes, it really must've been tough on you."
The poor fluffball had once been tossed out of the Tower at the End by Merlin.
And had literally fallen for fifteen hundred years straight!
Freefalling endlessly, battered by wind day and night—just thinking about it was nightmarish.
Thankfully, as a Beast of Humanity, Fou didn't need food or water and couldn't die.
If he were human, he would've long since dried up like beef jerky—
No—not even scraps would remain.
"Fou… fou! (Merlin must die!)"
Fou cried again, getting more and more agitated.
That damn heartless scoundrel! No conscience at all!
Then, Fou stuck out his soft little tongue and gently licked Sanjiro's cheek.
After watching the video, he remembered—this was the very Master of Chaldea who had always been by his side.
A man who once fought for the survival of human history.
Sadly, he was a shadow of his former self now.
His Spirit Origin was shattered, barely stitched back together—nothing like the heroic figure of the past.
Sanjiro felt a tickle on his cheek and chuckled:
"Come on, transform already!"
"Transform your grandma! You damn pervert who even hits on cats!"
A disgusted voice came from behind—Kirina.
"You've got a world-class beauty right next to you, and you're flirting with a cat! What are you, a furry?!"
She rolled her eyes at him.
"Time to make dinner. Illya and Miyu will be coming over soon."
Today was New Year's Eve.
The two girls had agreed to stay up through the night together for the holiday.
In previous years, it was just Kirina and Sanjiro celebrating alone—quiet and empty. But this year, with two more girls joining, things felt more lively.
Oh, right—and that evil little cat Fou, who wouldn't let her pet him!
At that moment—
That very cat was sitting on Sanjiro's lap, licking him, with a smug look of triumph on its face!
Outrageous. This beast has gained sentience!
Kirina was growing more and more suspicious that Fou was some kind of demon spirit.
How else could he act so human?
"What next? Is this little guy the one cooking our breakfast every morning?"
"Alright, alright—I'll start dinner."
Sanjiro stretched, placed Fou to the side, and walked toward the kitchen.
Ever since the world restarted and he got to live a peaceful civilian life, the kitchen had become his most important battlefield.
Trying new dishes each day became his greatest joy.
Ding dong~
The doorbell rang.
Sanjiro casually went over to open it.
Standing outside were two little girls in brand-new winter jackets.
One had long snow-white hair, a purple jacket, and beautiful ruby eyes—Illyasviel.
The other had short black hair and a cream-colored jacket—Miyu.
Both wore sweet smiles.
"Happy New Year's Eve! We've come to visit~"
"Welcome, welcome! It's cold outside—come in and warm up. I'll make you some tea first."
Sanjiro quickly ushered them inside.
As he looked at the three little girls in his house, a faint sense of danger crept into his mind.
"Jeffrey's prison food?"
No, no—I'm not associated with that island!
Sanjiro tied on an apron and headed into the kitchen.
"Onii-chan, let me help too."
Miyu followed along naturally, putting on a small apron hanging nearby.
"Alright. Then help me chop the yuzu peel and mustard greens."
Sanjiro nodded.
It was New Year's Eve, and in Japan, it was customary to eat Toshikoshi soba—year-crossing buckwheat noodles.
He expertly began preparing tempura, smiling as he spoke:
"Fried tempura, mustard greens, fish cake, long green onions, and some yuzu peel. Do you know why we eat soba on New Year's Eve?"
"Mm-hmm. I know. Soba breaks more easily than other noodles—it means cutting off misfortune, and starting the year safely. It's also long and thin, symbolizing long life and good health." Miyu smiled as she answered.
It was basic tradition.
Back home, her mom often taught her these things—hoping to raise her as a kind and capable future bride.
Back then, Onii-chan had always protected her. Now, she wanted to help him however she could—to become the perfect wife—
Cough—I mean, little sister!
A light blush suddenly spread across Miyu's cheeks, making her look absolutely adorable.
===
In the living room—
Illya sat cozily under the heated kotatsu, glanced over at the two busy in the kitchen, and suddenly felt like a third wheel again!
No, wait—a fourth wheel!
Kirina was here too!
She ground her teeth a little. "Ugh, damn it. I'll have to ask Mom to teach me to cook when I get home—wait… doesn't Mom not know how to cook at all!?"
Illya clutched her forehead in distress.
Her mother, Irisviel, was the very picture of a noble lady—fingers untouched by menial tasks.
She even treated extravagant mink coats as everyday wear!
Having her cook would be no different than blowing up the kitchen!
Maybe I should learn instead?
A fleeting thought passed through Illya's mind. She was just about to get up when a sudden chill ran through her entire body. She quickly pulled her little feet back under the kotatsu.
Forget it… It's still cozier in here!
When dinner was finally ready—
Kirina sniffed the air. "It's here~ Smells amazing!"
"Go wash your hands!" Sanjiro barked grumpily.
Typical of the infamous "Cursed Oven of Britannia"—the two troublemakers, Kirina and Illya, didn't even want to budge.
Look at sweet little Miyu, already helping big brother cook. So cute and well-behaved.
Clearly, it's the little sister who fits best for living together!
"It's not like I'm using my hands to eat anyway!"
Kirina beamed as she eyed the three large tempura shrimp in her bowl. "So luxurious! You're really going all out this time—three whole shrimp!"
Normally, it was just one per meal at most.
"Um… thank you, Sanjiro-oniichan, for having us." Illya gave a sweet smile too.
She felt a tiny bit guilty about freeloading dinner tonight.
She had planned to bring a gift… but all the shops were closed.
"No need to be polite. Just treat this like your own home."
Sanjiro let out a soft sigh.
It had been a long time since his home was this lively.
Back in the day, the Ahoge King, Rin, and the rest used to wait around every day for him to cook, too.
Then—
Illya gently placed one of her tempura shrimp into Sanjiro's bowl. "Onii-chan, you eat more too."
"Ah—no no, you're still growing. You should eat more," Sanjiro quickly returned it.
After all, she still had the form of an elementary school girl—she definitely needed to eat more and grow.
Unlike the brat Kirina, Miyu wasn't bound by the chains of his love and rules—she had no restrictions.
"Then give it to Kirina," Miyu said, passing the shrimp over.
"Eh? Thank you, Miyu! You're really the cutest!" Kirina grinned ear to ear.
She was the same age as Miyu, yet the girl felt just like a little mom—always thinking of others.
"Then I'll give you one too! Eat more!" Illya chimed in, offering another piece.
"Ehh?! You guys are gonna stuff me!" Kirina moaned happily.
Three shrimp was already overindulgent. Now she had five—it was a luxury upon luxury! This bowl of noodles could sell for dozens of dollars!
"Then give one to Fou. Maybe it'll finally let you pet it," Sanjiro suggested.
"No way! Not giving it anything!"
Kirina rejected the idea without hesitation.
That fluffball always acted hostile whenever she came near—why should she butter it up?
"Then I'll give it one."
Sanjiro dropped a shrimp into Fou's bowl.
He looked at the heartwarming scene before him, face filled with a peaceful smile.
There was no need for fighting anymore.
From now on, just enjoying these peaceful, ordinary days was more than enough.
This is nice…
=========================
Meanwhile, at Fuyuki Grand Hotel—
The British party had returned early, seething with frustration.
Tonight was New Year's Eve. Tomorrow would be the Lunar New Year, so of course, no one would stay to hold meetings.
Artoria stood by the window, staring at the sea of lights in the distance.
Back then… maybe she could have enjoyed a peaceful life like a normal girl by his side.
It felt like a dream too far away to grasp now.
Mordred walked over and asked, "Father, what do you think about our previous plan?"
"Not bad. A political marriage could indeed wash away this scandal. I appreciate the thought," Artoria nodded.
"Really?!"
Mordred's face lit up with joy.
Did this mean she was truly giving up?
The happiness came too suddenly. It felt almost like a dream—unreal.
"Of course it's real."
Artoria stood before her, and unexpectedly removed the crown from her own head.
In Mordred's stunned silence, she gently placed it on her daughter's head.
"Mordred. You've always longed for my recognition. Now, I acknowledge you—and pass the throne to you."
The azure light in the King's eyes remained calm.
"I will personally marry the Imperial Teacher—as atonement."