Chapter 212: Knights: 1
The next few days have been somewhat calm.
Artoria kept her word and did the best she could to hide my connection to the battle against Morgan and her forces. She didn't take credit, though.
Instead, the whole praise was given to the 'mysterious Green Knight', as the people called him.
Apparently, no one but Artoria, her knights, and Merlin knew I was the one in that armor. I guess it has something to do with the enchantments Merlin placed on the armor. I should probably thank him.
Anyway, people seem to love the 'mysterious hero' cliché no matter which Era they're in. The people of Camelot ate up the news of the Green Knight and rumours began spreading like wildfire.
People are speculating about their identity and powers. From how they're just a passing hero, to being a knight that secretly works for King Arthur in the shadows.
Anyway, while not completely what I was hoping for, I guess this is good enough. Artoria's knights seem willing to follow her orders and didn't mind keeping my identity a secret since they didn't steal anyone's credit.
Agravain still voiced how it would be better for their reputation to take credit, but didn't throw a fuss or anything after being shot down.
Speaking of Agravain, I was standing besides him and watching over the construction of the mostly finished north wall.
"So, I heard from Lancelot that there's plenty of promising recruits lately," I said, looking over the workers as they walked back and forth, carrying tools and materials to finish the walls.
Agravain, who was looking over plans on a table in front of him, replied without even looking at me. "Promises can be broken by the incompetent," he then turned to look at the workers carrying some wood. "Stop that! We have enough wood for now. Send these to the east walls. They've been running low on wood."
"You seem to be in a bad mood?" I asked, not exactly sure. I've known him for a short while, but I still feel like he's irritated about something.
Agravain looked around, probably making sure no one was listening, before turning to me and whispering, "His majesty has been considering honoring a knight with becoming part of the Round Table."
I opened my eyes in surprise. That did seem like big news, and I guess Agravain is irritated because of the preparations or the ceremonies that would undoubtedly follow.
That, or he just doesn't approve of the choice of the knight.
"Do you know who it is?" I whispered back.
"I have not met the knight yet. However, based on what I heard, they are apparently a foreigner that joined the ranks not too long ago," Agravain answered.
Ah, now I get it. Agravain is probably not sure by the choice because this person wasn't a knight for very long and probably thinks it's a rushed decision.
Now, I can't seem to remember which one of the knights that is. I remember there was one of the Knights of the Round Table that originated from Germany, the one with the spear, but I can't remember his name.
Oh well. I'll learn it later.
I spent most of the day talking with Agravain and helping with the wall construction. Though, all I did was just carry stuff. I didn't want to use Baraka in public anymore because I didn't want people to see it and make a connection between me and the Green Knight.
Sure some people already saw me with it, but considering how no one seemed to realise Artoria's gender, I think a slip up like this won't cause much trouble.
When the day was almost over, I went to Artoria's castle to ask her about. She was in her throne room, looking over a few reports on her own. Surprising, honestly. I was expecting Bedivere to be by her side.
When I asked her about the new knight, she was... pretty straightforward, actually.
"Yes, I did decide to give a new knight a seat at the Round Table," Artoria answered, taking a moment from looking at her reports to look at me.
"Huh, where are they now?" I asked.
"They are currently being tested by Gawain and Lancelot," Artoria answered. "Theirs name is-"
"Your majesty," she was cut off by Bedivere finally appearing and walking in front of her throne besides me before kneeling. "I have returned from your mission."
"I see, speak, Sir Bedivere," Artoria ordered, apparently unconcerned with me being here.
"I regret to inform you that King Lot has denied our requests for peace meetings," Bedivere stated.
Artoria sighed with a somber look. "I see, thank you for checking, Sir Bedivere."
"You honor me, your majesty. It was but a simple task," Bedivere replied.
"Wait, you're still trying to talk to King Lot?" I asked, since I'm sure he made it clear peace wasn't an option. "Why? Didn't he make his stance on this matter clear?"
Artoria's face turned sour. "King Lot is... a complicated case. He is not without reason, and many times in the past he was more than willing to cooperate. The problem... is his wife and my sister."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "So, Morgan is using him? I guess you tried warning him about her?"
Artoria nodded. "Yes, many times. He is not ignorant of Morgan's intention. He's simply... enthralled with her."
I blinked a couple of times before asked, "So she has some spell that controls him?"
"No, not in that sense," Artoria shook her head, her face turning more sour. "I had Merlin check. He is not under any Mystical influence."
I was confused for a moment before I slowly began connecting the dots. "Wait... So, King Lot isn't evil nor is he being controlled. He's just... in love?"
Artoria's somber nod was all the response I needed.
I was honestly shocked. I mean, in a way, it makes sense. Morgan IS his wife and the mother of his children, and while she probably sees him as just a tool, his own feelings on her are probably VERY different.
On one hand, this is very messed up because it means King Lot is just doing all this because he loves his wife and wants to please her, so he's more than willing to rage war for her.
On the other hand, this perfectly fits in this messed up world.
Love is a scary thing.
Chapter 213: Knights: 2
Well, tomorrow is going to be the honoring of the new Knight.
I still haven't met them or heard their name. Personally, I didn't mind waiting until they announced their addition to the seats of the Round Table. That left me with some time to relax.
And by relax, I meant leaving the puppet body at night when everyone went to sleep so that I can go back to my real body.
"Urgh, still feels weird to do it for a while no matter how many times I try getting used to it," I groaned as I stretched around in my real body, enjoying the lack of any actual physical feeling. "This job sure is taking a while, but at least it's not as dull as I thought," I created a fire ball and started juggling it around out of boredom. "Hmm... I wonder how much I should change? Should I try preventing the fall of Camelot?" I wondered.
Camelot's fall didn't truly have any negative impact on either Alaya or Gaia, but they never told me to interfere or let it happen, so I guess I'm free to do as I see fit. I could either keep watching from the sidelines and let it burn, or try my best to prevent it from being destroyed.
Realistically speaking, Camelot will fall eventually, even if it didn't happen in Artoria's rulership. It'll either fade with time or be turned to a different kingdom because of change in rulership.
Then again, realistically, a being like me shouldn't exist, so who cares?
I still don't believe it's my place to save Camelot for Artoria, mainly because I don't think she'll want that. She worked hard to build that kingdom, so I don't think she'll appreciate me cutting in and finishing the job for her because 'I know better'.
That just sounds egotistical and narcissistic.
"Guess I'll keep guiding Artoria to be a better king and see what happens later," I stated as I extinguished the fireball.
I hate to admit it, but I guess Odin was right. If a land is going to survive a fated destruction, it'll have to do it by itself, at least in certain situations.
"Wait...," I stopped my train of thoughts as I realised something. "How long was I here?"
Realising that I was probably in the Empty Bridge for quite some time just walking around, I went back to my puppet body to see what time is it, and hopefully not miss the honoring of the new Knight.
When I opened the eyes of the puppet body, I was treated to... something.
The puppet body was in my room, like I remember it. But, what I don't remember is that it was filled with Artoria, Bedivere, Kay, Gawain, and Merlin, all looking at me with utterly shocked expressions. The Mage of Flowers was right besides me and was in the middle of casting a spell before I sat up and looked at him in confusion.
"What the hell are you all doing?" I asked.
"You're alive!?" Artoria exclaimed.
I just stared at them in confusion. "Uh... Yeah, what's going on?" I asked.
Third POV: A Few Moments Ago
Artoria walked through the halls of the castle, headed to her throne room after having breakfast to oversee the preparations for the new Knight's honoring.
She was followed by Lancelot, Gawain, Kay, and Merlin. Bedivere had went to check on Zack for no one saw him before, during, or after breakfast.
Just as she was thinking of Bedivere, he came running, a look of dread on his face. "Sir Bedivere? Is there-"
"Your majesty, Sir Zachary is dead!" Bedivere's statement caused shock to spread between the king and her knights. "I found him unmoving in his room. He was not breathing nor did he have a pulse!"
"Let's go!" Artoria dashed forward, her knights following as she ran through the halls and towards Zack's room.
As soon as they ran into his room, they found Zack's body laying sprayed on the bed, looking like it was thrown there, and he gave no reaction to them entering.
Gawain stepped forward before placing his hand on Zack's chest and remaining still for a moment. "Sir Bedivere is right. He's dead."
"What caused this?" Artoria asked and the Knight of the sun immediately began checking on the body.
"There's no sign of any wounds," Gawain commented, clicking his tongue. "Was he poisoned?"
"Could it have been a form of Mage-craft?" Bedivere asked, turning to Merlin.
"There is a number of possible spells and curses that could do this, but I'll have to check," Merlin stated, stepping closer to the body.
"Sir Lancelot, alert the guards!" Artoria turned to Lancelot and began giving orders. "Have them search every corner of the castle! Tell Agravain to station scouts at every gate of the city. No one leaves the city until told otherwise!"
Lancelot nodded and ran out of the room. Meanwhile, Merlin was checking over Zack's body for any sign of Mage-craft or curses that may have done this.
"How can this happen under your watch, Merlin," Gawain asked, turning a disapproving look at the Mage.
"Not a single one of my alarm spells have been triggered and I saw for a fact that no one got in or out of their room last night," Merlin replied, placing a hand on his chin. "Perhaps Morgan placed some form of timing curse? Or a trigger? But I don't see a sign of either and-"
He was cut off when Zack's body moved. Sitting up, Zack looked at the other occupants of the room with confusion.
First POV: Zack. Present.
I pinched the bridge of my nose as I heard the explanation. This was all a huge misunderstanding and, honestly, I feel like I'm the one to blame for not preparing against it.
"Okay, sorry for giving you all a scare like that, but I'm completely fine," I said as I got off the bed and stretched. "See? What you guys saw was just... how I sleep."
"You had no pulse nor were you breathing," Gawain countered, still looking shocked and confused.
"And? You humans need that stuff. Let's not pretend you believed I was human," I replied, looking at him with a deadpan glare.
"Oh, thank goodness," Bedivere sighed, placing his hand on his chest. "I must say, sir Zachary, you gave us quite the fright."
"Yeah, again, sorry about that," I apologised before turning to Artoria. "Anyway, don't you have a party to prepare? I want to meet this new knight already."
Chapter 214: Knights: 3
The honoring of the new Knight took quite a bit of work, especially after the scare I gave this morning.
It took a while to connect Agravain and Lancelot to inform of them of the false alarm. They were understandably agitated but relieved. Thankfully, neither asked any questions.
After preparations were done, the main hall of the castle was covered in decorations and people. The light of the sun really gave the entire place pretty great lighting. They were all mostly nobles, knights, and guard Captains.
I was also there wearing some robes that Bedivere provided -read: forced- me after saying that the usual clothes Scathach gave me don't fit within the atmosphere of the party.
I was wearing a sky-blue suit with a white undershirt and matching trousers. I had one of those firly things that medieval people wore on their collars at their front. It, thankfully, didn't go around my neck and was just like an overly fancy tie. I also had to tie my hair into a braid.
Artoria was at the centre of the party, greeting any guests that arrived. Bedivere and Gawain were besides her, having volunteered to do security while the other knights joined the party.
Agravain found a quiet corner in the party to just stand and observe everyone, but he still exchanged pleasantries with every guard and knight that approached him instead of telling them off.
Kay was greeting people at the gate and directing them to Artoria. Tristan was talking to a group of nobles that seemed to enjoy his poetry. Lancelot was talking to a few ladies and knights, probably flirting with the former and giving advice to the latter. Merlin was... around. I didn't know where he was, honestly.
As for me, I just tried to stay unnoticed. It mostly worked, and anyone who did notice me and tried to strike a conversation with I just told I was a friend of King Arthur and walked away after excusing myself.
The new Knight should be announced any minute and honored to be part of the Round Table by Artoria in front of everyone. All I had to do was honestly just stand there and watch it happen.
"Do you enjoy being alone?" Someone asked and I turned to see Merlin finally making his appearance.
"Not really. I'm just not interested in socialising here, honestly," I answered, seeing no reason to lie.
"Hehe, I suppose that's fair. I have to say though, you gave us quite the scare earlier," Merlin's smile turned smug. "Who would've imagined that what I'm talking to right now is a puppet? I certainly would have never guessed that."
I gave him a deadpan look. "Am I supposed to be surprised or impressed that someone of your calibre found that out? If anything, I should be disappointed that you took so long."
Honestly, I had no reason to hide the nature of my puppet body, especially with someone like Merlin around to figure it out given the chance. Heck, Morgan would probably figure it out herself if I spend time with her.
Merlin shrugged. "Hey, it's a testament to how well made that body is. Was it you who made it?"
I shook my head. "No. It was a gift from a friend."
Merlin hummed, not asking further questions about the creator of the body. "I see. This does make me curious on where your real body is and what it looks like."
"Nothing pretty, that's for sure," I replied with a tired sigh.
I wasn't ignorant to how my real body looked. It may look cool, but it's still downright monstrous. Even if I can turn off my Reality Marble, I wouldn't be able to freely walk in the age of Humanity without causing a few problems.
I'd prefer to not have to put up with Alaya throwing a fit because I didn't care for what's 'normal' for Humanity during their age.
Our convalescent was cut short as the gates were suddenly opened with knights lining up each side. Everyone fell quiet as they knew it was time for the new Knight to appear.
Artoria stood at the end of the hall. No one was there but her and Bedivere, even Gawain stepped aside. Everyone's eyes was on the gates as the new Knight walked in in his armor.
It was a young man with pure silver hair and armor with the same color. Under the armor was a form fitting black uniform and on his left shoulder plate was a white cape.
The knight began walking in the line made by people until he stood in front of Artoria before getting on one knee and bowing his head.
Bedivere stepped forward, standing behind the knight and facing the guests. "Today, we see another great mark on Camelot's achievements. Knights, guests, and people of Camelot, today we are here to welcome and celebrate another seat of the Round Table being filled."
Artoria took over after Bedivere's little speech. "Sir Percival, do you swear loyalty to honoring knighthood, chivalry, and the people of this land?"
"Yes, your Majesty," the knight -Percival- replied without a second of hesitation. "I hereby swear my loyalty to this land, it's people, and you! I swear to remain loyal and honorable to the very end!"
Artoria pulled out her sword and held it up. "Then, with this," she then placed it on one of Percival's shoulder before doing the same to other side. "I hereby honor you a Knight of the Round Table. Rise and hold your head high."
Percival nodded and stood back up. People then began clapping for Percival as he turned around and began waving at people with a smile.
Understandably, as soon as he stepped away from Artoria, people began flocking him to give him congratulations. I just stood at the side with Merlin until they thinned out before finally approaching.
"Hello. Congratulations on becoming a Knight of the Round Table," I started as I approached him.
"Why, thank you very much," Percival replied without missing a beat, a friendly smile on his face. "I do not believe we have met before. As you've heard, I am Percival, now Knight of the Round Table."
He probably already knew who Merlin was, but was just being polite. Deciding to play along, I introduced myself. "I am Zack, a friend of King Arthur and guest at his castle."
"Merlin, Court Mage of King Arthur," Merlin introduced himself, probably thinking the same thing I was.
"Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you both," Percival said before seemingly looking around with his eyes.
"Are you looking for someone?" I asked.
Percival seemed to be caught off guard and scratched his head. "I apologise. It's rude to not look at the person I'm speaking to, please forgive me."
"Oh, don't worry about it," I replied with a shrug. I have no room to complain anyway, considering the stuff I usually do while talking to people. "But, I am curious on who you're looking for."
Percival seemed a bit embarrassed. "I apologise, but I was wondering if I would find any sign of the Green Knight. I was hoping he would appear in such an event to meet him."
It was really hard to keep my friendly smile as he spoke. Merlin, however, seem to find an opportunity for mischief, judging by the glint in his eyes.
"Oh, him. That man is quite the character. He comes and goes as he pleases completely unannounced. He always speaks with a loud, hard to miss voice and has a tendency to get on people's nerves. I believe it would be better if he didn't join such an occasion where class is required," Merlin said, bullshitting as easily as he breaths.
"Ho! He sounds very interesting," Percival, sadly, ate it up without a question.
"Yeah, I bet he is...," I mumbled before smiling in mischief. "By the way, Sir Percival, I believe Merlin here wanted to personally introduce you to every and single person here."
Merlin's smile twitched and, before he denies my claim, Percival cut in. "Really? Oh, that would be wonderful. I never learned much about nobility and people from it when I started knighthood."
"Oh, yeah. He kept saying on how he won't have anyone else introduce you to the guests and that he would also even give you a tour of the castle later," I added fuel to the fire before turning around and walking away. "Well, I'll be on my way. With how much Merlin talked about how he wants to help you, I'm sure he'll be VERY busy for a while," I can practically feel Merlin's glare on my back. I'm surprised he didn't try to send a fire ball in my direction.
You gotta love payback.
I walked away to where Agravain has been and stood besides him. "Not going to talk to the new Knight?"
"I'll have plenty of chances to speak to him later," Agravain replied before raising an eyebrow at me. "And what have you been doing until now?"
"Throwing work in Merlin's face," I replied.
Agravain hummed in response, and I can swear I saw him smile for a second.
Chapter 215: The Rush: 1
It's been a month since Percival joined.
He's been doing a pretty good job. Agravain and Gawain were keeping an eye on him, but that didn't seem to be because they don't trust him as much as they're just supervising the new guy.
We did talk every now and then when we passed each other in the castle, though it was mostly exchanging pleasantries. Percival still did it with a pretty big smile every morning.
Artoria, meanwhile, was seeing the finalisation of the walls. The northern wall of Camelot was pretty much finished and was due in a week, but the other walls were only mostly finished and needed a bit more time.
I wondered why Artoria was personally seeing the walls being finished, and when I asked her, she said that she was following my advice by interacting more with her people. The walls of Camelot being finished -at least one of them- is something worth celebrating by the king and the people, according to her.
I just did the usual, moved around Camelot, talked to people, and got to know the knights. It was getting boring fast, though. I was hoping for something to happen and I finally got my wish.
Artoria took time off from finishing the northern wall and called in a meeting. I, again, took part from pure boredom and sat between Lancelot and Percival at the giant table.
Sitting on her throne at the front of the table, Artoria's expression turned grim as she addressed everyone in the room. "King Lot is on the move again... and so is Vortigern."
The last part made everyone else tense as well while also beginning to whisper amongst themselves. Personally, I was glad something was finally happening.
The whispering stopped when Artoria raised her hand. "They both seem to be sending their soldiers somewhere in the far west, somewhere near Snowdon. Normally, that would not be our concern since they are likely to encounter each other before they reach our borders. However, the fact they both suddenly started heading there is concerning."
"Did you say they were headed to Snowdon?" Merlin asked.
Obviously, the attention turned to the Flower Mage. "Do you know something, Merlin?" Artoria asked.
Merlin raised his hand and began rubbing his chin. "Lately, fairies have been whispering about an ancient Elemental weapon being found on a mountain in the west, near Snowdon. I was thinking of looking into it, but I didn't get the chance."
"Both King Lot and Vortigern have connections in the world of fairies. They most likely heard the same thing," Artoria commented as she placed her hands on the table. "If this weapon is powerful or important enough for them to start rushing to it, we cannot allow it to fall into their hands. Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, and Sir Percival," all three knights stood attention at being called out. "I will send you three with nine hundred soldiers to the west. I need you to ensure that the weapon does not fall into the hands of either Vortigern or King Lot. I will remain here in case Morgan attempts another surprise attack."
It wasn't really surprising she picked this lineup. Lancelot was raised by fairies, so he has experience handling Elementals and their stuff. Gawain is experienced at dealing with King Lot. Percival, meanwhile, was being tested to see if can handle himself on official business of the Round Table.
After the meeting was done, I met up with Artoria and asked. "Hey, can I join the mission?"
Artoria, understandably, looked at me like I lost my mind. The same goes for Bedivere who was standing besides us. "Sir Zachary, why would wish to join?" The latter asker.
"Honestly?" I just crossed my arms and shrugged. "I'm just REALLY bored."
"You wish to join this mission simply because you're bored?" Artoria looked a bit insulted, which was understandable since this is supposed to be serious work for her.
"Hey, I know I make it sound like I'm not gonna take this seriously, but I promise to to do," I assured her, and I meant it. Her knights and soldiers would be risking their lives in this battle, and half assing this would just be insulting.
"Sir Zachary, I hardly believe boredom is a valid reason to join what is most likely going to be a fierce battle," Bedivere's commented.
His concern, while unnecessary, was still appreciated. "Thank you, Bedivere, but I assure you that this isn't the first dangerous thing I did out of boredom."
Gilgamesh and I never settled that 'shoot the apple from inside me' game.
Looking me in the eye, Artoria sighed before nodding. "Fine. You may join. The knights will leave at the first ray of dawn," she said before placing her hands on her waist. "However, you will have to do it as 'the Green Knight' if you wish to do any fighting."
"I can live with that," I agreed.