It was an unassuming figure.
Petite, frail, seated at the last seat of the Round Table, usually unnoticed by all.
Yet, at the same time, it was a towering presence.
She wasn't one for many words, and when she spoke, her voice was soft.
But the words she uttered carried a resounding weight.
"My king, the cause of all this turmoil... it's you!"
No one expected this young girl to dare accuse the king before all the Knights of the Round Table. They were stunned, then glared at her with hostile eyes.
If not for their oath to "never raise a hand against a woman." Some might have already moved to defend the king's honor.
"Mash… what nonsense are you spouting? Apologize to the king at once!"
Lancelot was likely the only knight who took Mash's side.
But, regrettably, Mash didn't accept his support... instead, she turned the fire on him.
"Sir Lancelot, do you think you're without fault?"
"As the king's finest knight, I don't believe you failed to see her mistake, nor do I believe you were unaware of your own lack of skill in managing the treasury."
"Yet you said nothing, did nothing. You simply let this behavior slide, watching a once-thriving kingdom descend into chaos... Sir Lancelot, does such conduct befit the king's most beloved knight?!"
Mash's accusations rang out with conviction.
She didn't know where this strength came from, nor why her eloquence had suddenly blossomed. Just a month ago, she was a shy girl who could barely manage daily conversation. Yet today, in this star-studded Round Table chamber, she boldly voiced her thoughts to two of the world's greatest knights.
"Wait a moment."
A flash of insight sparked in Mash's mind.
"Not anyone else's advice, but your own thoughts."
"You don't need to worry so much... just speak those thoughts aloud."
Alaric's words echoed in her head, and in that instant, their meaning became clear.
And at that moment...
Hum...
A burst of vivid purple mana radiated from Mash Kyrielight, this "ordinary" Human girl.
That pure purple glow was proof that the heroic spirit within her had finally resonated with her.
Clank, clank, clank...
Deep purple armor, conjured by mana, piece by piece enveloped Mash's body. The once-frail girl transformed instantly into a majestic valkyrie.
But that wasn't what drew the most attention.
What captivated all eyes was the massive snowflake-shaped shield that appeared in her hands, nearly taller than she was.
This shield was a symbol of the Knights of the Round Table, but more than that, it represented this knight's duty:
"The power to unite the Round Table and guide them onto the right path."
"To correct the mistakes of the king and the other knights, to fight against their errors!"
Feeling the spirit within her, the girl looked up, her gaze apologetic as it met the king's, who sat at the head with a faint smile.
... The final Knight of the Round Table had arrived, late but resolute.
…
Artoria looked at the girl with a surprised expression.
... To be honest, the transformation in Mash was a delightful surprise.
Her original plan hadn't been this. She had intended for Guinevere to stage a dramatic act of sacrifice… but no matter. Anyone could point out her flaws. She wasn't a king so petty as to reject criticism.
Especially since this "mistake" was intentional.
"Ah, I see now."
Though she knew everything, Artoria played along, feigning ignorance as she continued Mash's line of thought.
"Sir Bedivere excels at diplomacy, so officials enjoy working with him."
"Sir Agravain is impartial, so his presence makes people respect the law more."
"Brother Kay is… frugal, so the treasury is safe in his hands."
"And Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain…"
"Failing to place these talented individuals in their rightful roles, where they could shine... that was my mistake!"
Artoria earnestly apologized to the group.
... Her actions only deepened the guilt of the already remorseful knights.
"My king, please, no more…"
Gawain, ever loyal, was the first to lower his head, unable to meet Artoria's eyes.
As one of the knights who had followed her longest, how could he not understand her intentions?
"The mistake was a pretense; the reminder was her true aim."
"The Round Table isn't one person's... it's all of ours. Camelot isn't just the king's... it belongs to us all."
"The thirteen Knights of the Round Table, each with their strengths and flaws, are irreplaceable."
"United, each fulfilling their role, leveraging their strengths... that's what brought this kingdom prosperity. That's what gave us our glorious era."
Gawain grasped the lesson.
He also understood Artoria's deeper intent: a battle loomed, one that required all thirteen Knights of the Round Table to unite for victory. As king, Artoria had spent two months orchestrating this to reconcile him with Lancelot, to move past their prejudices and fight side by side once more.
"My king, I won't let go of my grudge against Lancelot."
"But if need be, I'll wield my holy sword to clear his path forward."
Gawain declared boldly.
"Oh, Sir Gawain."
"That you think this way makes me truly happy."
Artoria gave Gawain a heartfelt smile.
Then, turning to the other knights, her expression grew serious once more.
"Personal grudges aside, I have a matter of world-ending importance to discuss with you all."
"In the name of the king, I declare... the Round Table Resolution begins now!"
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