Within his sight, watching the proud old man once again sacrifice everything for his child, having experienced this twice now, Ryuya knew that Vortigern had placed all his hopes on him.
Feeling the weight on his shoulders, he hoped this life simulation could achieve a perfect ending.
[You became the master of the North, inheriting Vortigern's throne.]
[You returned to Camelot with gifts, Vortigern's letter, Morgan, and Merlin.]
[Facing your return, Uther, who knew your identity, had a complex expression. After reading Vortigern's letter, he remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "Vortigern... no, how is my elder brother's health now?"]
["Father's health is well. He said he invites you to the North when you have the chance, he wants to wrestle with you."]
["Wrestle? Hahaha, that's the only thing I was better at than my elder brother."]
As he spoke, his eyes seemed to brim with tears. Recalling the past he shared with his brother, Uther shook his head.
"Isbel, from today onward, you are the First Lord of Camelot. Do... whatever you wish to do."
[You gained Uther's recognition. You obtained Britain's two strongest city-states: the Northern capital Londinium, and the holy chalk city Camelot.]
[You began governing with diligence and dedication, focusing all your efforts on Britain's prosperity.]
[Two years later, you formally proposed to both Morgan and Merlin. Unknowingly, you found you could no longer live without this hikikomori who only knew how to bicker with you every day, infuriating you to no end.]
[That same year, under the gears of fate, Uther, you, Merlin, Vortigern, and Morgan combined the last of the Age of Gods and the hope of Britain to create the future king.]
[Artoria Pendragon was born.]
'Artoria? Not Arthur?'
Looking at the tiny, unbearably cute little one in his arms, Ryuya lifted the swaddling cloth, 'Mhmm, confirmed, no extra parts.'
'This is really... Artoria after all.'
Feeling that Artoria's growth defied his expectations, Ryuya wondered if this girl would be alright.
[Under your deliberate nurturing, Artoria grew up.]
[She was brave, resilient, honest, kind... possessing all the finest qualities.]
[But as time passed, this child became even more beautiful, attracting many gazes.]
"Artoria, you completed today's training excellently as well."
In the royal hall of Camelot, looking at the now blossomed Artoria, Ryuya had initially wondered if they could truly entrust Britain's future to this girl.
He had been governing the country diligently all along. Three years ago, Vortigern and Uther, who had held on for so long, finally passed away. Having no more attachments to this world, the two old men's greatest regret before leaving was not seeing Ryuya's child born.
After that, Ryuya became king. But he understood his throne was meant for the Red Dragon of Britain. Once everything was accomplished, he could retire with Morgan and Merlin to enjoy a happy life.
As for the troublesome matter of governing the country, he'd leave that to Artoria.
Now, watching Artoria gradually grow into a quite excellent successor, Ryuya was very happy.
"Teacher... when did you arrive?"
She should address Ryuya as brother-in-law, since her sister, Morgan was his wife, or perhaps 'Your Majesty' would be appropriate.
But contrary to everyone's expectations, Artoria always called Ryuya 'Teacher', even on formal occasions. This was her... unique form of address.
'Teacher. Only this form of address is mine alone, something only I can call him.'
Harboring a little secret thought unknown to others, from some indeterminate time, Artoria's gaze held only the figure of that man.
Knowing the gap between them… not age, not status, but a completely hopeless fantasy that one nonetheless didn't want to give up on.
Quietly watching Ryuya's figure, the girl named Artoria Pendragon, at this moment, did not want to become king. All she wanted was to complete that person's task, to become the king he hoped for.
"When did I arrive? Hmm... probably around your hundredth sword swing."
Looking at Artoria, who was now showing her maidenly form, Ryuya took out a bag from behind his back, "I brought some food. You must be hungry, right?"
"Don't tell anyone, especially Merlin. She's been pestering me for these snacks for days."
"Really, doesn't she know she should eat less sweets? She's already gained two pounds."
Recalling Merlin and Morgan, a trace of natural indulgence appeared deep in Ryuya's eyes. It was his own slice of happiness.
"These snacks..."
Her gaze serious and meticulous, she looked at the little snacks Ryuya brought, things Artoria had liked since childhood.
She remembered that time, when she was still a child, she often went to find Ryuya, taking the opportunity to sneak snacks with Merlin.
So much so that she and Merlin became very close, close enough to get scolded by Morgan together.
But the two still enjoyed it immensely.
"My apologies, Teacher. I am your student. Sharing food with you like this is not in accordance with etiquette."
As she spoke, her jade-green eyes were unreadable, her expression blank. After realizing her own feelings, Artoria had striven to maintain distance from Ryuya.
She was afraid, she feared, she knew she shouldn't have these improper emotions, but she couldn't restrain them. So, as she grew older, she stopped visiting Ryuya's home as often.
"You... you were so cute when you were little. Why have you become so rigid after growing up?"
Well aware of Artoria's nature, of how stubborn she became once she decided on something, Ryuya sighed helplessly, somewhat worried, "Artoria, I'm not at ease with this personality of yours. Hurry up and grow up."
'I don't want to grow up!'
She almost blurted this out subconsciously, swallowing the words back before they escaped.
Lowering her eyes, her voice was very soft, like the wind brushing over red spider lilies.
"I am truly sorry, Teacher."