"Hurry it up!"
"Don't even think about slacking off on me!"
Carrying two trees while also lugging a large bag of stones, Barghest's voice boomed.
Anyone who saw her would think she was bursting with motivation.
"If anyone slacks off, don't blame me for getting rough!"
"But, if anyone works hard, I'll treat them to drinks and a meal!"
"I swear it on Excalibur Galatine!"
"Ooooh!!!"
An overwhelming roar erupted from the streets.
Following it were the knights, who buried their heads in hard work.
This was the scene in Camelot these past few days.
Almost all resources were being diverted to the construction effort. Carts transporting stone and timber could be seen everywhere on the streets.
It was a vibrant scene, as if the entire city of Camelot was breathing with effort.
However—
If one had to name the most eye-catching presence, it would probably be the giant black dragon.
The sunlight shone on his intricately patterned wings, for a moment reflecting mysterious colors.
At first, the people of Camelot were still very afraid that this dragon would do something out of the ordinary.
But Mélusine would always jump out at those times to tell everyone one thing:
"What's there to be afraid of!"
"He's just an idiot! If he really tries anything, I'll protect you!"
Because Mélusine had organized the evacuation last time, her words were quite persuasive.
Gradually, the people who had been somewhat fearful began to become less afraid.
In the end, it led to this situation where humans and a dragon worked hard together.
On the old city wall.
Artoria watched everything before her, yet there was not a single trace of ease in her eyes.
Her hand rested on the stone blocks, marked by the traces of time, as if she were searching for cracks.
"So you're here, little sister."
A familiar voice sounded.
Artoria turned her head and saw Morgan.
At this moment, although there was a smile on the other's face, her expression held an indescribable quality.
"I've been looking for you for a long time."
"Is that so?"
Artoria shrugged.
"It seems I should inform you of my whereabouts in advance next time."
"That won't be necessary."
Morgan walked to Artoria's side.
"I have no interest in knowing where you are."
"I only care about Camelot, and about Britain."
Although she had temporarily put on a friendly face with Artoria in front of others, Morgan still hadn't truly accepted her younger sister in her heart.
Standing by her side was merely to let Ian know that she had listened to what he said that night.
"You're as harsh with your words as ever, sister."
Artoria said, her gaze returning to the construction work before her.
Or rather...
To that dragon.
Such an obvious reaction naturally did not go unnoticed by Morgan.
"If you want me to be less harsh with my words, you shouldn't be doing something so crazy—"
Morgan's gaze also fell upon the great dragon that was Ian.
"Making the people of Camelot coexist with a dragon."
"What on earth possessed you to have such an idea?"
"There's no need to persuade me further, sister."
Faced with Morgan's reprimand, Artoria's expression did not change in the slightest.
In fact, she seemed even more resolute than before.
"This is something I have already decided to do."
"No matter what you say, I will not change my mind."
Artoria glanced slightly to the side.
Her eyes were now completely worthy of the title King of Camelot.
"The one who decides what everyone does is me, not you."
"Are you trying to exclude me again?"
Morgan responded to Artoria's words.
"Just like before."
"No." Artoria shook her head.
"I know it was Ian who asked you to help me."
"So, out of respect for his feelings, I will do my best to respect your opinion, but please don't go too far."
"Besides—"
Artoria turned around.
"Sister, don't think I don't know anything."
"Barghest, that swordswoman who can hold her own against Ian, is your daughter, isn't she."
"..."
She had never expected Artoria to bring this up at such a time.
Morgan's first, subconscious reaction was, naturally, denial.
"Artoria, what nonsense are you spouting?"
"How could Barghest possibly be my daughter?"
"Don't think you can deceive me."
Artoria's expression remained serious.
"Sister, from the first moment I met her, I knew she was definitely your daughter—or rather, your and Ian's daughter."
"When it comes to understanding Ian, you can't possibly compare to me."
"..."
"Heh."
Morgan laughed.
"So what are you trying to say—"
The Princess of Britain pointed towards Barghest, who was still working hard in the distance.
"Are you telling me that you're going to kick her out of the Knights of the Round Table now?"
"Or are you telling me that you've known what I was doing all along?"
"No."
Artoria shook her head.
"I won't do any of those things, sister."
"Because if you were able to make Ian so willingly do such a thing for you, it means you have your merits."
"I will find out what those are."
"It's just that, sister, your relationship with Barghest seems to be deteriorating. Before you question me, shouldn't you consider your own situation first?"
"..."
Morgan's eyes darkened, and she quickly responded.
"She's just going through a rebellious phase."
"And—"
The Princess of Britain revealed a confident smile.
She caressed her lower abdomen, stopping at a very high point, and spoke as if showing off:
"This won't be my only child with him."
"He—"
"Can't wait to wear me out so I can't get out of bed."
"..."
Morgan had clearly struck a nerve with Artoria.
However, she was no longer like she used to be, unable to hide her emotions.
She began her counterattack.
"It's alright, sister."
"Soon, you won't have to worry about such things."
"Because—"
"Before he wears you out so you can't get out of bed, I'll wear him out so he can't get out of bed first."
"Artoria, you!"
Before Morgan could finish her words, she felt everything around her growing dark.
But just a moment ago, the weather had been clear.
She subconsciously looked up at the sky and saw an unexpected sight.
A dark, oppressive mass.
It was by no means a dark cloud drifting from afar, or anything of the sort.
It was...
A great swarm of dragons!