Kapitel 170: Bad News
The conflict that took place in Artorius's sleeping chamber went unnoticed by anyone other than the parties involved.
Inside the Palace of Orleans, there was calm.
Artorius held Mordred close, enjoying a peaceful sleep.
Then came the next morning.
Breakfast time.
The Pendragons were still happily having their breakfast.
Seated at the head of the table was the Queen Dowager, Guinevere.
Perhaps due to her change in status, despite being in her early thirties, she exuded an air of mature dignity. She seemed gentle yet unapproachable.
Her gentle gaze swept around to everyone as if everyone present were her children. This included Artoria.
In a sense, this was true.
Artorius was her nominal son.
Morgan, Mordred, and Vivian gathered around Artorius, were somewhat could be called her daughters-in-law. However, it was unclear why Scathach was also present. But in times like these, all that was needed was a smile. No need to fuss over it.
On the other side, Artoria was staring at X with a certain air of annoyance, probably because of X's childish behavior that made her feel embarrassed. By the way, they were also regarded as the daughters-in-law of Guinevere.
"Sorry for the trouble, Mother."
Sensing Guinevere's gentle gaze, Artorius looked over and found solace in her tender smile.
Then, he couldn't help but think in his mind.
From becoming the wife of 'King Arthur' to now, from a youthful girl to a mature and beautiful woman.
Over nearly twenty years, Guinevere had played her roles as a queen, wife, and mother remarkably well. She had taken good care of the Pendragons, fulfilled her duties, and showered Artorius and the rest with her love.
This situation seemed as if it would continue until her passing. She had devoted her life to the House of Pendragon, yet she had nothing.
No love, no genuine husband, no experience of a man's warm embrace, no tenderness, no happiness, and care as a woman.
Thinking this way, the House of Pendragon seemed to owe her so much.
'Can I do something to make it up to Mother Guinevere?' Artorius couldn't help but ponder.
As Artorius was lost in thought, he was lightly nudged by Artoria from the side. As his 'sisters', Artoria and Mordred occupied the seats closest to him.
As he curiously gazed at her, Artoria lowered her voice and warned.
"Don't keep staring at Guinevere."
While saying that, she gazed at him with a warning look.
"She's your mother."
This made Artorius chuckle and sigh.
Clearly, Artoria had misunderstood, thinking he was up to some mischievous act. But alas, he truly didn't have such intentions.
Besides, if he remembered correctly, in the original story, Artroria supported the relationship between Guinevere and Lancelot, right? So why was she acting like this now when it came to him?
Artorius was lost in thought. Until, at some point, X had made her way to his side.
"Artorius, let me tell you, I encountered Artoria Species last night!" X spoke as seriously as ever, relaying what seemed to be a ridiculous story to everyone. "It was a huge battle. They ganged up on me, a wild free-for-all. So intense!"
"Hmm... impressive." Artorius continued to go along with X's nonsense, smiling kindly at her. "Go on, X, I believe you can handle anything, right?"
"Yep, of course."
Praised by Artorius, X seemed a bit disoriented.
"Leave it all to me, no matter how many Artoria Species or Saber wants to target you, Mom will scare them away!"
With these words, X regained her energy. After eating a breakfast meant for forty people, she stood up and said "I'm full!" before cheerfully turning and running away.
"She's quite energetic." Guinevere, unable to help herself, she sighed. "Be nice to that child, Artorius."
"I know, Mother" Artorius returned a smile to her.
Up to this point, he still hadn't taken X's words too seriously.
The empire continued to move forward.
After the war ended, the empire's lands began to recover.
With the promotion of new agricultural techniques and the gradual adjustment of the world's climate, the empire finally entered a prosperous year.
The military was undergoing reforms and improvements, roads were being repaired and laid, and the empire's laws and governance were gradually becoming more refined.
Mines, lumber mills, factories, and shipyards were being restored and constructed.
The entire empire was flourishing.
In this scenario, Artorius was gradually recovering from the 'May Blues'.
The great, wise, and invincible emperor re-immersed himself in his work. Everything was moving in a positive direction.
In this context, Agravain, in his iconic black armor, always seemed like a harbinger of bad news. He constantly annoyed Morgan by disturbing her activities in the office with Artorius.
Of course, Agravain couldn't care less.
"Bad news, Your Majesty."
As he walked into the emperor's office, he immediately uttered those words. He was holding a document in his hand at the same time.
"Wait, let me guess..." Artorius's tone remained casual.
Although Agravain's tone was heavy and his expression serious, one could argue that he wore this deadpan expression every day. So, Artorius paid it no mind.
"Is it the Visigoths or the Ostrogoths?"
"Neither."
"So, has the Eastern Roman Empire declared war on us? I heard they were adjusting their diplomatic stance towards the Persians. Are they planning to attack us after dealing with Persia?"
"In fact, it's not that simple." Agravain continued, "According to the latest reports, the Eastern Roman Empire's current focus is on the Ostrogoths."
"Poor Theodoric..." Artorius sighed like a cat mourning a mouse. "It seems he won't live to see the glory he was meant for."
In the original history, this king of Ostrogoth became the central figure among all Germanic kingdoms through strategic marriages. He even ruled as regent of the Visigothic Kingdom for a time, making him one of the greatest Germanic rulers of the era.
However, that title was now claimed by Artorius. This included Italy, which was meant to be conquered in the original history by Theodoric.
The current Ostrogoths were still situated in Pannonia and Dalmatia, caught between the two Roman Empires—East and West—unable to move freely.
The Eastern Roman Empire was currently in a dormant state, with the aging Emperor Justin not possessing the same vigor and ambition as before.
Meanwhile, the Holy Roman Empire was also in a period of recuperation, lacking the desire for extensive expansion. This allowed the Ostrogoths to survive.
But once the Eastern Roman Empire brought forth a new, vigorous ruler, Justinian, and the Holy Roman Empire emerged from its recuperation period, this small nation wedged between two powerful empires would likely end up like a nut in a vise—crushed and consumed.
"So, what is it then?"
After saying this, Artorius lost interest in guessing.
Especially under the angry gaze of Morgan, he couldn't afford to jest around. While it might be harmless for Artorius, Agravain would be in danger.
"Please take a look at this information, Your Majesty."
However, Agravain remained silent, merely handing over the documents when prompted by Artorius.
"Ahh, I see... some chaos, evidence of battles."
The photographs were taken using a magic camera, very high quality. They depicted injured pedestrians, damaged road infrastructure, taverns, and lampposts.
"The security of Orleans needs improvement. If that's the point you're making, then I think our law enforcement can handle it." Artorius spoke nonchalantly.
The modern policing system of the empire originated from the United Kingdom, which aligned well with this situation, just several centuries ahead of time.
"Actually, Your Majesty, it's not that simple."
Agravain's eyes remained fixed on Artorius, who continued to treat the matter nonchalantly.
"We've gathered enough evidence. The source of this destruction is not ordinary thugs, gangsters, or drunken brawlers. It's... something more sinister."
"..."
Artorius fell silent, now studying the documents with more seriousness. He began to piece together the clues.
Though it would be over a thousand years before Sherlock Holmes could serve the empire.
Artorius couldn't recall if the Holmes in the FGO (Fate/Grand Order) was a real person or an artistic fabrication like nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
But these pieces of evidence were too straightforward, and even if Artorius was a rookie in this kind of thing, he still could see something fishy.
"Indeed, this destruction isn't caused by humans... or, should I say, not by normal humans."
Artorius instinctively glanced at Morgan by his side. After she gave him a dissatisfied look, he set aside the intelligence report.
"What are your thoughts, Sir Agravain?"
Though not Sherlock Holmes, Agravain wasn't lacking in analytical skills when it came to intelligence data.
After Artorius posed the question, Agravain offered the prepared answer.
"Inhuman entities."
"Vampires..." Artorius slowly nodded.
They exchanged a glance in agreement.
Meanwhile, in a certain castle, the King of the Moon suddenly felt quite uncomfortable, as if a heavy pot had been placed on their back.
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