My Wives Of Simulation

Chapter 39: Artoria's Choice

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[Become a king? No, Artoria harbors no such thoughts.]

[Through her years of growth, she has witnessed the brilliance of glory but also the shadows that even glory cannot conceal. Unlike the king in the original tale, who aspired to improve Britain, the Artoria of this world believes that Britain's prosperity will be guided by you, the King of Glory.]

[Her role is simply to follow you as a knight.]

[Everything she has belongs to you. She lives for you and would gladly die for you. This is the sole purpose of Artoria's life.]

["Teacher, next month is the time to test the holy sword. Do you think I can really pull it out?"]

[Knowing she is the daughter of King Uther and the future of Camelot, Artoria places her faith in you more than in the legacy she is destined to inherit.]

[She harbors no feelings for her biological father, King Uther, who abandoned her to be raised by Sir Ector. In Artoria's eyes, he is nothing more than a stepping stone for her to claim Pendragon and Camelot.]

[If King Uther had a son, he would likely have discarded his "unworthy" daughter without hesitation. Thus, Artoria feels no familial bond toward him.]

[You affirm her question. The sword in the stone—the legendary king's blade, Caliburn—was always meant for Artoria. She will undoubtedly succeed in drawing the holy sword.]

[King Uther, after years of warring with the King of the Fens, is now an aging man whose time is nearly over. He has finally begun preparations for Artoria to inherit the throne.]

[Eventually, news of King Uther's death spreads across Camelot, and the people erupt in celebration.]

[Yes, they celebrate!]

[Having been inspired by the glory you represent for many years, the people of Camelot have come to believe that the King of Glory—Reinhard—is far more suited to rule than Uther ever was.]

[With Uther's passing, the people rejoice, shouting praises to glory. They are eager for Camelot to fall under your dominion as well.]

[As for King Uther's final decree—that whoever draws the holy sword will inherit Camelot? It is dismissed as laughable!]

[If the King of Glory draws the holy sword, he is the rightful heir. If the King of Glory does not draw the sword, then Uther's decree must be wrong. How could anyone but the King of Glory be the rightful ruler?]

[These beliefs spread quickly throughout Camelot, and the people cling to them fervently.]

[In the face of such sentiments, Artoria remains indifferent to the chatter surrounding her. She has already decided what she will do.]

[As the migratory birds of Camelot journey to distant lands, the time of renewal for Camelot finally arrives.]

["King Arthur! King Arthur! King Arthur!"]

[With the deafening cheers echoing through the palace, Artoria successfully drew the sword in the stone, becoming the king chosen by destiny.]

[Although the people of Camelot had their own thoughts about the matter, the presence of King Uther's ministers ensured that Artoria officially ascended to the throne.]

[But…]

["My name is... Artoria Pendragon!"]

[Removing her helmet and dispelling the magic concealing her gender, Artoria revealed her true self to the public—a beautiful young girl.]

["From this day forward, I shall be a vassal of the King of Glory and fight for the true king!"]

["Britain... will live forever!"]

[That day, the banners fluttered in the wind. As the sun set over Camelot, the brilliance of the girl named Artoria shone as radiantly as a sun that would never set.]

[In a proclamation that resonated to the ends of the earth, she issued her first and final decree as king.]

["Become a part of the glory!"]

[Artoria had never shared her true thoughts with anyone. To her, your existence was undoubtedly the best path for Britain's future, and she was determined to be the most capable aide in your pursuit of that vision.]

[Such a life was all Artoria ever desired.]

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[After inheriting Camelot and earning the title of King Arthur, Artoria officially set out toward the land of glory, accompanied by a large retinue.]

[Though she had seen you countless times in her dreams, this marked the first time she would meet you in reality.]

[At last, standing before the magnificent city of glory, while envoys and royal delegates conducted negotiations, Artoria could not contain her emotions. She rushed toward your palace with increasing speed.]

["Teacher, teacher, I'm here!"]

[Her joyful expression was far from that of a dignified king. Instead, she resembled a girl brimming with love as she saw you waiting to greet her.]

["Artoria, you're being rather irresponsible, leaving everything to me."]

["I don't recall ever teaching you that. Did Mellie suggest this?"]

[You were slightly surprised by Artoria's decision. Initially, you had intended for her to rule Camelot diligently for a few years, using the conflict with the King of the Fens as a trial to help her reach her full potential.]

[But based on Artoria's current actions, everything about her seemed so complete, as if she no longer needed to follow the carefully laid path you had prepared for her.]

["Teacher, please forgive me. I only did this because I wanted to see you sooner."]

["And… you once told me you would forgive me no matter what I did."]

["So… do you like my gift?"]

[In your presence, Artoria rushed into your arms, embracing you tightly as though reuniting with you in a dream.]

[Awaiting your response, Artoria's heart raced with anticipation. At that moment, nothing could make her feel more nervous.]

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