The movie played intensely on the big screen. Throughout the film, the two groups remained silent, not exchanging a single word—until the very end.
"Brother, is the story of King Arthur really like this?" Illyasviel tilted her head and looked up at Arthur, her eyes wide with innocent curiosity.
"King Arthur is, of course, great and invincible!" Bedivere responded immediately with firm conviction. Artoria, standing beside her, was taken aback. Why is she praising me so much all of a sudden?
However, Arthur's opinion sharply contrasted.
"King Arthur?" he muttered, his voice calm but piercing. "He's just a poor soul. A man without identity, without dreams. His so-called 'ideal' only led to his ruin. Foolish... far too foolish. I wonder if he ever truly lived for himself, even for a single day."
He wasn't referring to himself, of course. These words were directed at Artoria. Naturally, she heard him.
"I don't think the story of King Arthur is wrong," Artoria replied quietly. "To dedicate oneself to the country and its people—that is the duty of a king. But… it's true. He didn't act as a good king."
She looked Arthur in the eye, her words honest and full of reflection.
Arthur opened his mouth to speak—but before he could respond, someone else cut in.
"That story is definitely not accurate!" Irisviel interrupted with an indignant tone, her expression clearly showing displeasure. "Let's leave everything else aside, but come on—King Arthur is a woman! How could any of that have happened? Do they think Saber would do something like that?! Ugh! I think—"
Irisviel had let something slip in her frustration, and though she quickly tried to recover, Arthur didn't react harshly. He simply smiled faintly. He understood Artoria far better than Irisviel did.
"King Arthur can't be a woman!"
That single sentence caused an uproar. It was like kicking a hornet's nest—the two beauties on the other side, one older and two younger, instantly erupted with anger.
Arthur and Artoria both held their heads in pain as chaos unfolded in front of them.
"Irisviel! Let's go!" Saber exclaimed, grabbing Irisviel's hand and turning to leave. The commotion had drawn the attention of everyone nearby. People were staring at them as if they were mad. "King Arthur is a woman? What a joke," they whispered.
Even though Saber had always conducted herself as a man, she was still fully aware of her true gender—and very much a woman.
Arthur watched the scene unfold with a weary look. He didn't even know where to begin. It's fine if they want to argue, but Bedivere… why are you joining in too?
What he didn't realize was that Bedivere was the angriest of them all. If King Arthur was a woman… then doesn't that mean I— Her thoughts trailed off, overwhelmed by the implications. Like Lancelot…? No! I can't accept that!
Without saying another word, Arthur walked over and scooped up the two little girls. "Alright, let's go. It's time to head home."
He shot Bedivere a helpless look before leaving with the children in his arms.
When they passed by Artoria, Arthur leaned in and whispered softly, "Goodbye, Artoria. We'll meet again soon."
And with that, he walked away—leaving a stunned Saber behind.
"Who is he?" Artoria murmured to herself. "Why… why do I see my own shadow in him? Ridiculous."
Meanwhile, Arthur had escorted the girls home and was about to take his leave when Bedivere appeared outside.
"King," she called softly.
Arthur smiled at her. "What is it? Are you going to ask about that Heroic Spirit from earlier?"
"Yes. I'm very curious."
"There's nothing to be curious about," Arthur said casually. "This world is full of alternate possibilities. If I told you that she, too, is King Arthur… would you believe it?"
"I would never doubt your words, my king," Bedivere answered firmly, though her eyes showed uncertainty.
Arthur chuckled. "Then protect them well."
"Yes."
He turned to leave—but suddenly, he paused, sensing something.
"Oh? He finally made his move? Hah. Interesting."
And just like that, Arthur vanished, leaving Bedivere frozen in place.
"Is it really possible that King Arthur is a woman?" she murmured to herself.
But no one was left to answer her question.
---
It was late, but two figures still strolled along the shoreline. A silver-haired beauty ran barefoot across the beach, her laughter light and free, while a knight in male clothing stood quietly behind, watching her.
It was Irisviel's first time seeing the sea, and she was overjoyed.
"It's so beautiful… The ocean at night is so calm."
She listened to the waves, the moonlight casting a gentle glow over the waters. Her face lit up with a soft smile.
"I never imagined I'd be able to walk along the shore like this with my knight…"
Saber raised an eyebrow, then said teasingly, "So? Are you satisfied with your knight, princess?"
Irisviel blinked, surprised by Saber's uncharacteristic playfulness.
"Dear Saber, you're the greatest knight in my heart."
"Thank you for your praise… my princess."
Irisviel blushed slightly at Saber's gentle tone and elegant demeanor.
Suddenly, Saber stepped closer, her expression turning serious.
"Irisviel," she said, her tone cautious, "do you sense that?"
"Yes," Irisviel replied at once. "Is it an enemy?"
"Indeed. A powerful presence, deliberately exposing itself."
"Shall we approach?"
"Is this… a challenge?" Saber narrowed her eyes.
Seeing Irisviel so composed, Saber felt a rare sense of satisfaction. She's already showing the spirit of a true Master. Far more promising than Emiya Kiritsugu, who had yet to reveal himself.
"I see… In that case, the enemy must be a Heroic Spirit who prefers direct confrontation."
"If he dares to challenge openly," Saber said with resolve, "then he is worthy of my blade."
Irisviel smiled. "Then let's face him together."
"As you wish."
Saber… who is that person? Will that man appear again today… and just what is his true identity?
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