The sun was high in the sky, and a gentle breeze was blowing.
Before the castle, the young man who called himself Gawain emerged from the crowd of onlookers and stepped onto the tournament stage.
At first, the crowd, who had been cheering and celebrating the succession of the new king, had assumed that anyone who would make a challenge at such a time would be some kind of tactless, sinister knight. They never expected it to be a handsome youth with a refreshing and clean-cut appearance.
He wore white armor with inscribed patterns, and at his waist hung a longsword that was broad at the top and narrow at the bottom, with no crossguard. His golden hair shone brilliantly in the sunlight, giving one the feeling of facing the sun itself.
"Arthur, since you said that anyone who can defeat you is worthy of being king, then, do you dare accept my challenge?"
Gawain declared, looking at the golden-haired "youth" who was standing ramrod straight before the throne behind the tournament stage, clad in a deep blue formal dress and bright silver skirted armor, with a blue cloak draped over their shoulders, both hands resting on the Sword in the Stone. Despite his bold words, he still felt a little apprehensive.
In truth, it was not in his nature to do things like this—deliberately jumping out to offend others after the general outcome had already been decided. But under the orders of his mother, Morgan, he could only brace himself and step forward at this time.
Speaking of which, Gawain also found it a little strange.
He didn't understand why his mother, Morgan, had become so moody and irritable after hearing the news that "King Uther's successor is about to return."
Similarly, he didn't understand why his mother had insisted he come to Arthur's succession ceremony today to defeat them in front of everyone.
Although this request went against the code of chivalry in his eyes, Gawain, who had still been hesitating about whether to carry out Morgan's orders, was somewhat surprised by Arthur's magnanimity after hearing about the open tournament.
At the same time, this solidified his determination.
After all, with this event, he could justifiably fulfill Morgan's request.
Besides, as a spirited young man in his prime, he harbored a desire in his heart to test his skills against the legendary heir of the King of Knights.
As for this youth who had deliberately appeared at the very end of the tournament to make such an arrogant challenge, Artoria did not feel angry. Not even a trace of her expression changed.
Of course, she had no intention of refusing his challenge either.
Although Gawain deliberately waiting until everything was more or less settled to challenge her was, by all appearances, a sign of his dissatisfaction with her succession and a calculated offense, if she were to refuse, it would truly make her seem petty.
However, before she could lift the sword in her hand and step forward to accept the challenge, Merlin's voice sounded in her mind.
"Wait a moment, Lily. There's something a little off about that person."
"...Could it be an assassin?"
Artoria's brow furrowed imperceptibly. She had considered that even with her legitimate claim, some people would inevitably be dissatisfied if she were to inherit the throne. She just hadn't thought that someone would actually dare to send an assassin directly.
But in this situation, if the other party really was an assassin, it would only show that their line of thinking was rather peculiar, to dare to reveal themselves in front of such a large crowd.
"It's not that, but the power on him seems... special. En should be able to feel it, right?"
"Mhm. It's like the sun, burning fiercely. Besides Vortigern, he's the second strongest person I've met. If you're careless, Sister, there's a high probability you'll lose."
Standing by Artoria's side, cloaked in white with a longsword at his waist, Aozaki Rin, though unable to see the situation on the tournament stage, could feel an aura and magical energy like that of the sun—contained but not yet released, holding immense power.
"Exactly. Whether you lose the duel or it drags on for too long, it will damage the image of the king in the hearts of the people. Therefore, you cannot accept this match, Lily."
Merlin stared at the young man on the stage, his gaze shifting to the sword at the other's waist as he narrowed his eyes.
So it was you who sent him...
"But..."
Although what Merlin said was very reasonable, if she refused, it would also damage the king's magnanimity. Artoria hesitated, and just as she was about to say something, Merlin's voice continued in her mind.
"I know what you're worried about, Lily. I said you can't accept it, but I never said someone else can't. If it's you, you should be able to defeat him, right, En?"
"Leave it to me."
Nodding, Aozaki Rin stepped forward. Before he left, Artoria did not object with the same emotional intensity as in the past. She just frowned slightly and said softly.
"Be careful."
"I know, Sister."
On the tournament stage, Gawain had expected Arthur to accept his challenge and step forward directly. He never imagined that the one to come before him would be a slender figure, their appearance concealed under a cloak, someone who, judging by their build, should still be just a boy.
"What is the meaning of this, Arthur?"
Feeling insulted, Gawain sternly questioned the "youth" before the throne.
But before Artoria could answer him, Aozaki Rin, standing before him, spoke first.
"The king did indeed say that anyone who defeats 'him' may become king. But why did you wait until everyone had already acknowledged that the king possesses the qualification to lead before stepping out to challenge 'him'? As a knight, don't you think this is exceedingly rude?"
"However, the king is not a petty person. If you truly have the ability to reach that position, the king naturally would not mind yielding the throne to you. But before that, to see if you truly possess that qualification, you must first try to overcome me!"
"If you can defeat me, then the king will naturally accept your challenge."
Gawain, who had been feeling some resentment, was now somewhat ashamed upon hearing these words, understanding that in carrying out his mother's orders, he had already acted unworthily as a knight.
But what was done was done, and it was too late for regret.
Looking at the boy before him, Gawain took a deep breath and said with a serious expression.
"You are right. I have indeed brought shame to the name of knight. Everything before was indeed my offense... but now, please allow me to challenge you with honor, Arthur."
"Of course, before that, I will overcome the trial you have given me."
Gawain took a step back, drew the longsword from his waist, and faced the boy seriously.
"Since we are both knights, I will not say more, nor will I lecture or belittle you."
"Also, allow me to state my name... I am the son of King Lot, Gawain! Please be careful from now on!"
"En. A nameless knight at the king's side."
Tapping the ground lightly with Durandal, Aozaki Rin nodded and responded in kind.
"You have a fine sword, En."
Glancing at the sword in the boy's hand, Gawain's expression grew another shade more serious.
Admittedly, although he had been wary before, he had still harbored doubts about the boy's age and strength. But after seeing the sword in his hand, he understood that this was no ordinary person.
Because just as a knight chooses a fine sword for himself, a famed sword also chooses its master.
"You as well."
Although he couldn't see the weapon in the other's hand, Aozaki Rin could sense that the sun-like aura from Gawain originated from the weapon he held.
"Then without further ado, let us..."
"Begin."
Their voices fell at the same time. In the next instant, sword met sword!