To be honest, Arthur's theory was an unreasonable imposition on Artoria.
She had once imagined living a normal life as a girl — a path she would never choose now.
The so-called hatred Arthur insisted upon only made her feel annoyed. Yet, despite this, she still observed etiquette and waited quietly for the conversation between Arthur and Merlin to conclude.
"That's enough, Arthur. I don't know if you truly are my brother, but even if you are, I refuse to agree with your twisted logic."
Arthur smiled indifferently. "So, my anger means nothing to you… If that's what Sister thinks, then so be it. But tell me, what do you want to do now that you disagree?"
In truth, he already knew what would come next.
No — more accurately, the traditional thinking of this era, the chivalry that he found ridiculous and incomprehensible, would lead things down only one path.
"I formally challenge you to a duel!"
"A duel? In what capacity? A knight? Or the son of Uther?" Arthur glanced toward Agravain and Gawain.
His rhetorical question made Artoria hesitate.
She was confident in her martial skills, but uncertain of her identity.
Now, Artoria was merely Kay's knight attendant, not an official knight. Her identity as a princess remained unconfirmed, while Arthur had Morgan — also a member of the royal family — as witness.
And in the eyes of the people, Arthur, having drawn the Sword of Choice, was almost as good as the King of Camelot.
A mere retainer, an unconfirmed princess — daring to challenge the king?
"First, recognize your own identity!"
Such expressions appeared on the faces of many witnessing the ceremony.
"Well, she is my sister after all. Even if she is willful, I have the obligation to try my best to satisfy her," Arthur muttered with a smile.
Yet, his voice was loud enough to be heard by all, sparking admiration for Arthur's broad-mindedness.
Indeed, these were all carefully considered.
With Merlin nearby, he could not draw his sword to reveal the Ideal King's plan publicly. Defeating Artoria outright would also bring hidden dangers.
He claimed talents rivaling the Ideal King's — that he could draw the Sword of Choice and win the throne through merit.
This statement bolstered his credibility.
Still, any misstep would sow doubts: "Ah, this one is not the true Chosen King. Maybe it would have been better to choose Her Highness Artoria."
So to lessen such doubts, he must prove himself and claim an overwhelming victory.
A show — nothing more.
However, Arthur would never stoop to using the enemy's strengths against their weaknesses.
Thus, he added a little extra…
[Mission triggered!]
Eh? Now?
[The Battle of Kings]
Requirements: Defeat another heir to the throne in combat.
Reward: Equipment — Shield of Radiance (with Aegis Autonomous Attack System).
[Duel.1]
Requirements: Defeat Artoria in a noble chivalric duel.
Reward: Knowledge — Swordsmanship.
[Duel.2]
Requirements: Declare the king's majesty unchallengeable and slay all challengers.
Reward: Skill — Imperial Privilege.
[Judgment.1]
Requirements: The kingdom seems glorious but is in chaos. To gain absolute dominance, defeat and convict Merlin to establish your authority.
Reward: Skill — Magic (Random).
[Judgment.2]
Requirements: Do extraordinary deeds in extraordinary times; become a tyrant and kill Merlin, the pillar of Camelot's previous generation.
Reward: Item — Final Battle — Evil.
[Holy King]
Requirements: Be a sage within and a king without; declare the King's arrival and show mercy to the world.
Reward: Skill — Telekinesis (skill level depends on task completion).
Six missions?!
Rather than surprise, Arthur's first instinct was to analyze the feasibility and plan.
The first task — The Battle of Kings — had to be won, following the prior plan.
Duel.1 was not worth considering; Artoria's combat ability, enhanced by the perfect red dragon factor, was unmatched.
Duel.2 was possible, but killing Artoria would cause too much future turmoil — not cost-effective.
The Judgment tasks were impossible: he had no power to defeat Merlin or end his strange immortality.
The last task — Holy King — was to be attempted if possible.
Arthur opened his mouth, then stopped, shocked.
His first thought was not about feelings or ethics, but whether he could accomplish it.
If the benefits were great, perhaps his rationality would have already worked out how to kill Artoria with minimal fallout, pushing his body to act before his emotions decided.
"Am I that kind of person?" Arthur whispered helplessly.
But from Artoria's perspective, Arthur, who stopped mid-sentence, was undoubtedly scheming again.
"What's the matter? Will you agree or not?"
"Ah? Sorry, I just remembered some trivial matters. But sister, let me be clear: I am not a knight. Martial arts-wise, I am just an ordinary man. I agree to the duel, but I do so as king."
"The king's status? Does it make a difference?"
"Of course, it does — and it's huge. That is the fundamental difference between you and me. You could become like me, because in my eyes, this is befitting of a king's status."
Arthur stepped back and shouted solemnly, "I am the new King Arthur! Knights who will follow me, now is the time to win honor! If you recognize me and wish to serve Camelot, become my sword and shield!"
"What?!"
At first, people were stunned — then they reacted.
Behind Arthur, a dozen knights stepped forward.
They moved in perfect unison, clearly from the same force, led by Agravain.
Soon, dozens more knights stood up.
According to prophecy, the new king would form the Knights of the Round Table and ultimately defeat the white dragon.
The Knights would become legends.
Which knight could ignore such supreme glory?
For a knight, honor is more important than status, money, or even life.
Driven by ambition and fame, nearly a hundred knights gathered behind Arthur.
Of course, many knights did not join.
Arthur's intention to use greater numbers against fewer was neither fair nor just.
The knights' momentum was overwhelming.
On Artoria's side — there was only one pitiful person.
Of course, it wasn't referring to Artoria, but rather—