The inability to see is, by nature, a serious problem. Yet through his actions, Shiomi proved to Artoria that even without sight, his daily life faced no obstacles. In his own words, losing his vision had sharpened his other senses. For someone whose five senses already surpassed most Servants and Heroic Spirits, it truly wasn't a hindrance. And his Magecraft compensated for the rest.
Savoring the meal—now prepared with even greater skill than before—Artoria felt a complicated tangle of emotions.
"You should try this sauce too. Britannia's circumstances are unique, and many of its ingredients differ from those in Proper Human History. This one is made from the meat of a small Phantasmal Species. Personally, I think it tastes normal." He gestured toward the sauce beside one of the dishes.
Artoria picked up a piece of food with her fork and dipped it into the sauce. The flavor was remarkably rich, making the tender, juicy meat even more delicious. Her expression brightened without her realizing it.
"I'm glad you like it." Shiomi picked up a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of her mouth.
Accepting the gesture without hesitation, Artoria looked at his closed eyes. "If you hadn't told me you couldn't see, I never would've guessed. I would've just thought your habits changed."
After all, he could sense her emotions perfectly—he could even clean the sauce from her lips with precise, gentle care.
"That's why I said there's no need to worry. Whether it's daily life or combat, I can still manage." Shiomi smiled. "If you don't believe me, we can go to the training grounds right now and prove it in a real match."
"No, that's enough." Artoria lowered her gaze. "But seeing you like this—whether it's good or bad—Scáthach and Sakura would surely feel heartbroken."
Her words made Shiomi pause before smiling again. "Hearing you say that, I almost forgot to ask. I was so happy to see you that I neglected to ask why Master and the others aren't with you."
"They went with Morgan to Camelot. I came alone to Londinium to check on your situation," Artoria answered.
"Master really entrusted this to you." Shiomi shook her head. "Did she lose at rock-paper-scissors?"
Artoria shook her head. "No. Scáthach said, 'Now that we know where our beloved disciple is, there's no need to rush. The longer the wait, the more fragrant the wine of reunion becomes.'"
"So Master can say something romantic after all." Shiomi laughed lightly.
Artoria smiled at the joke, but she could sense a faint loneliness behind his words. Was it because he couldn't see his master right away?
"Why are you staring at me? Not hungry? Has your appetite gone?" Shiomi brushed a hand along her temple. "If that's the case, I'll have the maids clear the table."
"You cooked all this yourself. I'll finish every bit of it," Artoria said quickly.
"Relax. No one's fighting you for it." Shiomi stroked her hair with a touch of nostalgia. "I'm just sorry that even if I'm full, I can't cherish you the way I used to."
"Eh?" Artoria froze.
She hadn't denied hoping that something might happen after their reunion.
But he had just said clearly that he couldn't treat her as before.
Thinking back, she could see the signs. Shiomi had been unusually restrained today—letting his affection show, but always stopping short of anything that might stir desire, expressing longing while keeping himself firmly in check.
"My body is filled with Curse now," Shiomi said, his tone turning more serious. "I don't know if being intimate with you would spread it to you. If that disappoints you, then I apologize. Because I feel the same way."
"A curse? Someone cursed you? Morgan?" Artoria started, then immediately shook her head. "No… she wouldn't do that to you. Then who—"
"This concerns one of Britannia's secrets, and it's part of the many things I need to tell you." Shiomi lifted a piece of food and held it to her lips. "Finish eating first, alright?"
"Always dangling answers in front of me…" Artoria muttered, a little annoyed.
Then, as if determined to end the meal as quickly as possible, she cleared the entire table at a pace reminiscent of a military camp, sweeping away the remaining dishes like a storm. Once again, Shiomi wiped her mouth for her.
"Your appetite is just as hearty as always. I'm truly glad," Shiomi said warmly.
He loved cooking, but Morgan and Sakura both had average appetites. Ever since Artoria arrived, though, he no longer needed to worry about portion sizes.
"It's not gluttony," Artoria protested, cheeks tinted red. "I've known the suffering of hunger. I don't want to waste food."
"I understand. The Britannia you governed probably didn't have the abundance this one has, and food varieties must have been scarce." Shiomi's tone carried a hint of pride. "If you're planning to stay for a while, let me take you to Londinium—the land I govern. I'd like the King of Knights to judge whether I'm a competent ruler."
"That is indeed something I want to see for myself," Artoria agreed. "But before that, I want to hear everything you've gone through here."
"That will take a while… a talk fit for a long candlelit night." Shiomi led her into the bedchamber. They sat on the sofa, and he took her hand, expression turning solemn. "First, you know about Proper Human History. Around 12,000 BC, when the White Giant ravaged the land, he was finally defeated by the First Holy Sword using 'Excalibur,' right?"
"Of course. I inherited the Star Holy Sword," Artoria replied with a nod.
"Good. That makes this easier to explain." Shiomi began recounting the tale. "This is where this Anomaly World diverged from Proper Human History. Fourteen thousand years ago, when the vanguard of the Alien that devours wandering stars came to destroy the land, the fairies entrusted with forging the Holy Sword failed to complete their mission."
"Then… that means this planet had nothing capable of opposing the Alien," Artoria said, her voice tightening.
"Correct. And that's why this planet was destroyed." Shiomi's voice drifted as if from far away.
"You really lived in this world for six thousand years?" Artoria asked, thinking back to something else.
"Yes. With that much time, I investigated every part of the hidden history." Shiomi spoke plainly, sincere and direct. "Next, I'll tell you everything about this Britannia—its full truth."
Sensing the gravity and sheer weight of what he was about to say, Artoria silently nodded.