('It looks like that bastard Bedivere is whispering about something!')
('Let's peek, let's peek! Unlike Mordred, he is serious and kind! Unlike Mordred!')
"What a tasteless hobby. Peeking under the cover of darkness is not something a Knight or a King should do."
—Uun, Cast Off... Cast Off... Uun... Story, King...
(Look what you've done! Air is having a nightmare!)
(Hmph, did I go a bit too far? Forgive me. It seems the stimulation was too strong for you, a soul? But... to think of me even in your dreams, what an endlessly lovable creature you are! Fuhahahahaha!)
(You're threatening her peaceful sleep, you idiot——!! In the dream! Appear in the dream, me! Save Air! Slap slap)
—Fou... I love you...
(Ah—)
Wrapped in a soap bubble, Fou floated up fuyo fuyo and burst with a pop.
(Disappear quietly! You'll be found!)
A white flower budded at his feet, and Fou popped out from that flower.
(Sorry, sorry!)
('I wonder what they are talking about...——')
"I want legs."
"Now!?"
"Let's ask a Sphinx walking around there! Heeeey!"
『I ask of thee. In the morning, four legs...』
"I want a ride!"
While asking, he slammed his fist into the Sphinx's right cheek.
With that single blow, the Sphinx shattered and returned to dust.
"Oops. I put too much power into it. I guess this is it unless it's a King Species... Rest in peace, Sphinx."
"Wait, wait! It's okay! I'll do my best walking!"
"Eh, really? Then is it okay if I go ahead alone?"
"That's not what I meaaaaaaaant——!!"
"For now, let's try persuading a few of them. Legs are for walking, and fists are for swinging!"
"Is that so!?"
"Why do you think saints master the fist? Because prayers reach the heart, but pain reaches the body even stronger! In other words, mastering prayer and mastering the fist are the same! Come, let's go! Prayer and pain always reach! Faith is precious and fierce!"
"There is a limit to being a corrupt monk————!!"
[The Gentle Sin]
('Oh, a meeting at this hour? No, being diligent is fine, but you won't last if you don't rest when you can, you know? Are you okay?')
Roman opened a window while putting away the party goods.
"Just in time. King of Mages, I want you to know as well. My pride and joy of a Knight."
"K-King... I am honored..."
Turning bright red at the Knight King's praise, Bedivere regained his composure and announced.
"My name is Bedivere. Though an immature Knight, one who was added to the last seat of the Knights of the Round Table. One-armed, somewhat plain, and... well..."
"Eh? Bedivere is plain?"
Roman responded to Ritsuka's question.
('Bedivere. The One-Armed Knight. He was a member of the Round Table characterized by his single arm. It is said that his skill boasted a strength three times that of a normal knight!')
"Three times normal!? That's amazing!!"
"Isn't it? Well, the other Knights were hundreds of times stronger than normal knights, though."
The Knight King puffed out his chest boastfully, while Bedivere shrank back.
"Yes... Everyone was superhuman... Kay used to laugh at me, saying 'If you're three times strong without one arm, wouldn't you be nine times stronger with both? Well, I don't think your relative position would change, though'..."
"Mr. Bedivere... The Mr. Galahad inside me is speaking. He says, 'That is not where your merit lies'..."
At Mash's words, Bedivere lifted his face.
"...I ask, knowing it is rude. You name yourself Mash Kyrielight. But just now, you answered as the Galahad inside you. What does this mean...?"
"Ah, right. I forgot. Mash's history is super weird, after all."
"Calling it weird is cruel, Senpai!"
Laughing "Sorry, sorry," Ritsuka urged her to tell the truth.
"You should tell him, Mash. In exchange, we'll have him tell us 'what Bedivere is hiding'."
"—!"
Roman followed Ritsuka's words.
"Yes, yes. 'Bedivere-kun, how old are you right now?'"
Bedivere was aghast. He muttered as if groaning.
"Why, that—"
"I'm good at observing humans. I can tell instantly if someone is hiding something. There are various gestures, but... Bedivere is easy to read. Looking down when hearing the word 'King,' biting your lip, holding your right arm."
"—Lord Roman is...?"
('Hmm? I can feel the excitation of Magic Circuits from you, and disturbances like a mosaic are constantly being observed. Is it Merlin's handiwork? And that right arm... it's an armament for a brute that burns the body and soul. The only one I can think of who would force such a thing on someone is that scumbag. He's the type who would force a lance onto King Arthur, after all.')
Roman casually struck at the core of Bedivere.
('That likely isn't just Nuada's Silver Arm. There's one more push, a gimmick, right?')
"—Splendid. Both of you... But, for now."
He looked at Mash. At that, Mash straightened her posture and responded.
"Yes! I am an existence called a Demi-Servant, a fusion of a human and a Heroic Spirit. Therefore, Mash Kyrielight is my name, and Mr. Galahad is the name of the Hero who lent me his power."
"...The strongest Knight, the fiercest Knight, the purest Knight. Among the Round Table boasting numerous strengths, the only Knight who demonstrated the state of the spirit, Galahad. That Knight believed in this innocent girl, and in her who saved her, and entrusted his all to them."
The Knight King placed his hand on their heads, stroking them gently.
"—Is that so. ...I was hesitating. Whether you were enemies or allies. But... I have no more doubts. Lady Mash."
"L-Lady..."
To the blushing Mash, Bedivere spoke straightforwardly.
"Forgive my rudeness. This is not exactly a return favor, but I offer you my respect and gratitude. —Lady Ritsuka. To you as well."
"Hmm? Did I do something to earn respect?"
Ritsuka scratched her head, puzzled.
"—N-Now that you mention it... You use quite mysterious magecraft, don't you? That, becoming like a dragon, growing wings, firing beams, remaining calm even after taking Mordred's attack... Are you a magus of tremendous rank?"
"Nope. Looks like I'm an Evil of Humanity."
"————Eh?"
Ritsuka answered nonchalantly.
"I just beat up a rotten Evil of Humanity in hell for a bit. This power is, Beast If, I think? It's a remnant of that ability! Angra Mainyu told me! 'My Wicked Dragon has become so cute' or something like that."
It took Bedivere several minutes to understand the words of the girl in front of him. His eyes went wide, he was stunned, and eventually regained his composure.
"—No matter what your power is, I was moved by your will to fight and took up my sword. You corrected me when I tried to abandon the people to prioritize an audience with the Lion King. ...I shall believe in your proud soul. You, whom Merlin spoke of, who lives proudly while shouldering the Evils of Humanity."
To Bedivere's straightforward words, Ritsuka fidgeted, embarrassed.
"No, it's fresh! It's nice, receiving respect!"
"Yes. You did, in fact, shatter the false Knights. Those Knights are the Lion King's Knights. Evil can never shatter them."
Roman nodded at the Knight King's words.
('Your fighting style is quite like anime or games... do you have a preference?')
"Of course I do? But—it's a secret!"
"...Ritsuka, Mash. Let me ask you again."
Straightening his posture, the Knight King looked straight at them.
"We must challenge the Lion King and defeat her. ...That means a battle between the Round Table. We will be taking the lives of our brethren. Even though there is no turning back now that we have defeated Tristan. Let me hear it from your lips. —To correct the mad Round Table. Do you have the determination and resolve for that?"
"...Tristan. As I thought... he is."
Pained, Bedivere closed his eyes.
...He and Tristan were friends who deeply understood each other. That was why Bedivere's heart ached. Thinking of his friend who had become a beast, even without meeting him.
...Rather, it might have been a salvation for that Tristan. Not having to see his friend shedding tears upon witnessing what he had become.
"Of course. If they stand in my way of taking back humanity's future, I'll just kick them aside!"
Bam, Ritsuka punched her palm. She had resolved herself long ago.
Even if they had feelings.
Even if they had determination.
It surely wouldn't be compatible with us right now. Then—we only fight.
If neither side can yield, then clash until shattered.
It's not about who is right. It's about 'who could carry through their feelings.'
The answer will reveal itself naturally. Whether the lion bites off the dragon's throat, or the dragon suppresses the lion.
Not out of grudge, not out of anger. Just—for the feelings that cannot be yielded.
"—Yes. I will not hesitate either. If everyone at the Round Table has gone mad, I will correct it. —I dare to commit the infidelity, the injustice that my Father once committed. With the wish to protect Human Order. —I will carry out the Order to save humanity. Absolutely, surely—"
Galahad's wish.
Mash's determination.
Harboring those two, the moment she manifested her resolve, a change occurred in Mash's body.
('Ohh! Mash's Spirit Origin powered up! It's an Ascension!')
Armor was added to her waist, and she wore a sword. More beautiful, more dignified. Mash changed.
"—Sir Galahad..."
Bedivere gasped. That way of being, that behavior. It was unmistakably... Galahad's.
Not just the way of being. That nobility, dignity. And—even the ephemerality.
('Of course, we intend to do the same. Are you convinced? Both of you?')
"—Yes. I have obtained... reliable brethren, and a Master worthy of entrusting my sword."
Placing his hand on his chest, the Knight King closed his eyes.
"...I am honored to be able to fight together. Please, let us go together. Lady Mash, Lady Ritsuka."
Bedivere smiled with a face cleared of hesitation.
...They are the new Knights of the Round Table the King obtained in his second life.
One who stands in the Seat of Calamity.
One who stands in the Seat of Valor.
And, above all... One who snuggles close to the King's heart. Bedivere was convinced of this, harboring relief and trust in his chest.
"Yes! I look forward to working with you!"
Mash bowed deeply.
"Vui!"
Ritsuka made a peace sign, grinning bashfully. Receiving that, Bedivere and the Knight King smiled.
-------------------------------
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