"Having touched upon such a sad topic, you all intentionally or unintentionally chose to move past it quickly."
"I-I'm sorry, it was I, your big brother, who was being presumptuous... If you don't mind, just think of our home as your own from now on."
"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Kay, but I'm used to a life of wandering. Having no fixed abode is the norm for me now..."
"Faced with Kay's kindness, you shook your head to politely decline, then paused and smiled."
"However, I'm afraid I'll be bothering you often from now on."
"Your exquisite cooking skills and the charm of a beautiful young man allowed you to quickly close the distance with Kay. You soon became like brothers."
"After learning of your needs, he patted his chest and said that such a small matter was on him, not even worth mentioning."
"You then set off together, heading for the small courtyard the siblings had built outside of town, and met their father, Sir Ector."
"The white-haired old knight was sweeping the autumn leaves in the backyard. His well-trained figure was still straight and tall, showing no signs of aging fatigue."
"Old soldiers never die, they just refuse to fade away."
"Looking at his back, you couldn't help but think of your old man, Vortigern. As contemporaries of the same era, their resilient temperaments were so similar."
"It's been months since I left home. The old man is probably lonely..."
"I should find some time to go back and see him."
"As he raised his eyes and saw your face, the old knight's gaze froze for a moment. After an introduction from the siblings, he quickly understood your purpose."
"I see... Your Excellency may use whichever plot of land you see fit. To speak of leasing would be too distant. It is we old folks who should be ashamed of our contributions compared to what you've done for the town."
"As for this wheat field of ours, let my son, Altoris, show you around. He works the farm daily and is more familiar with the nearby terrain."
Old Sir Ector smiled, his words both kind and proper, though his eyes continuously scanned the silver-haired boy.
So similar, truly similar...
The more I look, the more similar he seems...
Recalling his past days serving King Uther, Ector's expression became slightly dazed.
Yes, playing such an important role as King Arthur's foster father, he was naturally no mere "down-and-out old knight," but rather Uther's once most trusted personal guard.
In fact, Ector had no eccentric, reclusive personality. The reason he lived in seclusion in this remote suburb far from town was for the sake of raising Artoria.
As Uther's personal guard, he had served in the court since he came of age.
At that time, the relationship between the royal brothers was still very harmonious.
For this reason, Ector was one of the few who had often seen Vortigern in his youth.
Was it his imagination?
This silver-haired boy before him... both his face and his temperament were so much like that prince...
—No, now he should be called... the "Vile King," shouldn't he?
Although, Ector was reluctant to use that title.
As Uther's personal guard, he had witnessed the harmonious relationship between the brothers with his own eyes. To say that it was all just Vortigern's years of feigned submission was too sensational to be believed.
Unfortunately... the hidden details of this affair were not something he could interfere with.
Let alone...
That prince could not have had any offspring.
No matter how powerful a woman might be, she was still just human and thus could not bear the bloodline of a dragon.
So, perhaps it really was just his imagination...
His gaze lingered on Su Shu's face, the old knight's expression dazed, until his good daughter waved her hand, and Ector finally came back to his senses.
"...Father?"
Finally taking advantage of the opportunity of having a guest, she finally called him that with confidence.
The golden-haired girl's smile was radiant.
...For the noble body of the Red Dragon to call me father, how could I possibly be worthy?
Giving the girl a helpless glance, Ector smiled gently at Su Shu.
"My apologies... seeing you, Your Excellency, I couldn't help but be reminded of an old acquaintance. Old people tend to get lost in thought... As it happens, I'm a bit tired from sweeping. If there's anything you need, just speak with my worthless sons."
"Please get some rest."
His eyes followed the old knight as he pushed open the wooden door of the backyard and went inside. Su Shu's face maintained a flawless smile.
If he were to fully conceal his presence now, even Morgan would have a hard time discerning it for a moment.
Even if that Merlin wanted to cast a reconnaissance spell, Su Shu was confident he could keenly sense the fluctuation of magical energy.
In other words, he didn't think Ector could recognize the White Dragon's blood in him.
However, the old knight's dazed expression...
—Was I recognized?
No, from his words, could it be... that I look like my father when he was young?
Hmm, so it's only at the level of suspicion...
That being said, Su Shu was already prepared for Merlin to make a move at any time.
But as long as his identity remained unexposed, he could continue to subtly influence Artoria, and he would not give up this opportunity to infiltrate the enemy camp and attack their hearts.
...
In the northern Orkney Islands of Britain, a land renowned for its beauties.
The consciousness of an incubus traversed the island, a distance of a thousand leagues posing no obstacle to communication.
As if by a sudden premonition, the Magus of Flowers, nestled amidst the teasing beauties, abruptly opened his translucent, gem-like violet eyes.
His profound gaze seemed to pierce through the dome of the noisy tavern, looking toward the distant southeast with a slight frown.
This Clairvoyance, a miracle that could observe all of the present world, instantly glimpsed the scene in that courtyard.
"Ector, Lily, Kay...
"Hmm, doesn't seem to be anything unusual...?
"Then, why is my right eyelid twitching... I see. It must be that some beauty is thinking of me."
In his miraculous Clairvoyance, the figure of the White Dragon's child was not observed.
Thus, the ever-uninhibited Merlin quickly dismissed this pointless premonition.
"Well, well, nothing's wrong. Let's keep drinking~"
Being fed fragrant fruit wine by his attendants, the magus smiled and contentedly rested his head in the bosom of the beautiful women.
After drinking, there was still the matter of further, in-depth communication. One could never savor the taste of women enough.
A day off, time for brothels and music.
There was still a long time until night, when he had to teach his cute apprentice...
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