It was a heavy punch.
The power of a dragon wasn't something ordinary people could endure.
Merlin's facial features contorted under the intense force, forming a grotesque expression.
But—
That was just the beginning.
Ian's next punch followed immediately.
More blood spewed out.
Merlin staggered backward and collapsed in a sorry heap.
But Ian didn't stop.
On the contrary, he began walking toward Merlin step by step.
Tap—
Tap—
Each step of Ian's sounded like a funeral bell.
He was, after all, the Court magus. When the others saw Merlin get hit twice, knights immediately stepped forward to protect him.
They drew their silver swords and flanked him on both sides.
"Stop right there!"
"Don't take another step!"
The knights shouted, but quickly realized it was pointless.
Ian had no intention of stopping.
Only when he reached them did he speak:
"Step aside."
"Otherwise—"
"I'll hit you too."
"..."
"..."
The knights were not without pride.
Hearing Ian's threat naturally stirred their anger.
"How dare you be so insolent!"
In an instant—
Two swords simultaneously stabbed toward Ian.
Only to shatter the next moment.
To be exact—
They were twisted and broken.
That's right.
Ian, the silent boy before them, had simply grabbed both swords.
Then—
Snap.
The blades broke.
They fell to the ground with a crisp sound.
"What kind of monster is this?"
The knights couldn't help but be shocked.
But in the blink of an eye, that shock turned to fear.
Because the boy's gaze turned toward them.
In his blood-red eyes, there was a murderous intent that hadn't been there before.
"Now…"
"Still not moving aside?"
"…"
The knights wanted to resist the pressure.
But their bodies moved involuntarily.
Very soon, a clear path to Merlin was made.
"Thanks."
The boy politely said, then continued walking forward.
Once again, he stood before Merlin.
"Do you know what you're doing?!"
"Do you know who I am?!"
The once frivolous magician now showed a trace of fear.
Normally, no one would dare lay a hand on him.
But now, not only had someone hit him, they didn't hold back at all.
"Of course I know what I'm doing."
Ian raised his fist.
"And I know who you are—"
"That guy who smells bad."
"What?"
Before Merlin could respond, another solid punch landed.
But Ian quickly noticed something.
Grabbing Merlin by the collar, he frowned.
"So I can't kill you outright?"
"What a disgusting existence."
"…"
Ian's words made Merlin's eyes widen.
He realized the boy might be able to see through his immortality.
This guy...
Wasn't as simple as he seemed!
---
Back with Artoria.
She hadn't expected Ian to throw punches so directly.
Before, at least, he'd give her a heads-up.
Wait.
Artoria realized something.
Ian wasn't the kind of person to lash out at just anyone.
His reason for attacking someone was based on "smell."
Artoria looked at Merlin's head swaying from Ian's punches and understood.
So this magician Merlin… has a really bad smell?
Thinking back, it did seem that way.
He was sent to greet her, yet acted all sloppy and unserious.
Artoria had felt uncomfortable the moment she first saw him.
Ian charging in like that actually felt cathartic.
"Your Majesty—"
A knight's voice reached her ears.
"Are you really not going to step in?"
"If he beats Merlin to death, then…"
The knight's words snapped Artoria out of it.
Right.
It was only the first day.
If things were already this absurd, more trouble would surely follow.
"I understand."
Artoria dismounted and walked toward Ian.
She grabbed his hand.
"Ian."
Hearing her familiar voice, the boy turned around. Seeing it was Artoria, he stopped his hand.
And Artoria knew.
This was only temporary.
He—
Was waiting for her to give him a reason.
"Don't do this."
"You'll scare the others."
"If—"
She bent down, pretending to hold him back, but actually whispered in his ear.
"If you really hate him that much, we'll find another chance to beat him up later."
"…"
Ian wasn't fully convinced, but he didn't object to her suggestion either.
Merlin, beaten to a pulp, finally managed to get up.
He thought Artoria had come to save him, but her next words made his head spin.
"Hurry up and get out of here."
"…"
Merlin thought he'd misheard.
But the reality was clear.
Artoria said again:
"Don't understand what I mean?"
"Leave now. Immediately."
"Merlin, I appreciate you coming to greet me."
"But—"
Artoria glanced at Ian, who had stopped because of her.
"My most important friend doesn't want to see you."
"So disappear now."
"Otherwise—"
She let go of Ian's hand.
"I might not be able to hold him back next time."
"…"
Merlin looked at Artoria, then at Ian.
Realizing they were fully aligned, he bit his lip.
In the end, all he could say was:
"I understand."
He scrambled away in utter disgrace, finally disappearing from Ian's sight.
Artoria turned back, bracing herself.
"Everyone, it's fine now."
"That'll be all for the welcome."
"I… won't disappoint your expectations."
"I swear it on this sword!"
Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried power.
Especially paired with the ceremonial golden sword—Caliburn—it left a deep impact.
Cheers erupted once again before the castle.
But in that moment, Artoria discreetly tugged Ian's hand.
She whispered,
"Come up to the castle tonight."
"I have something to tell you—"