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Chapter 44: Gathering of Heroes
🕑 Added 2025-05-18 15:35:24 +0000 UTCThe sky gradually darkened. Inside the Einzbern castle in the heavens, Artoria sat opposite Irisviel.
Artoria was worried about their current situation. Clearly, Arthur already knew Kirei Kotomine's secret, but they didn't even know Arthur's trump cards. So far, they only knew a few things:
The Sword of Assured Victory.
Intuition.
The Knights of the Round Table.
These were all things Artoria had told her or she had witnessed herself. However, Artoria couldn't be certain if Arthur had other Noble Phantasms. For example, Excalibur and Avalon.
After all, Arthur's Sword of Assured Victory hadn't broken yet, so Artoria couldn't rule out the possibility of him possessing other Noble Phantasms. But even the power he had displayed so far was enough to give Artoria a headache.
Just as Artoria was troubled, suddenly, she heard the sound of horses' hooves outside.
"Who could it be so late?"
Irisviel also heard the sound and ran to Artoria.
"What's wrong, Artoria?"
"Someone's here."
"Then let's go out and see."
Artoria and Irisviel walked out together. Before them stood a knight on a white horse. It was Arthur.
"Arthur? What are you doing here?"
"Oh? Am i not welcome here?"
"Of course not, I was just curious." Seeing that it was Arthur, the tension in Artoria's expression gradually eased; after all, he was someone she trusted.
Arthur dismounted and walked up to them.
"I didn't want to disturb you, but unfortunately, someone invited me for drinks tonight."
"Someone invited you for drinks?" Artoria looked at Irisviel, who immediately put on an innocent expression.
"Not her, it's someone else." Just as Arthur finished speaking, suddenly, a roaring sound came from the sky! Iskandar appeared.
"Hahahaha, Arthur, you're right on time!"
"You're late."
"Couldn't help it, I went to find some wine." Iskandar took out a wine barrel from behind him, and... Waver Velvet.
"Drinking? Could it be a trap!" Irisviel's expression became tense.
"No, this is war."
Artoria, who had been starting to relax, suddenly became serious. A determined look appeared on her face.
"War?"
"That's right, a war of kings. Since we're going to drink, then the table is the battlefield. We are at war."
Iskandar laughed, his eyes turning to Artoria.
"Haha, exactly! King Arthur! Do you have the courage to compete?"
"Of course! Why not?" Both King Arthurs nodded.
Seeing the battle intent gradually emanating from the three, Irisviel slowly understood. It seemed this really was war! A war of three kingdoms!!!
Guided by Irisviel, the group arrived at the small garden in the castle. It was quite a pleasant place.
The three kings sat down in the middle, while Waver and Irisviel sat beside them, quietly watching the situation unfold.
Clang! Iskandar slammed his fist down, and the wine barrel burst open, revealing the fine wine inside.
Iskandar directly took a large wooden ladle, filled it to the brim with wine, and drank it all in one gulp!
"The Holy Grail is not something that just anyone can obtain."
Iskandar's expression suddenly became very serious; perhaps this was his other side. However, the atmosphere also became particularly solemn because of his words.
"Since we need to fight, if, as a king, I can gain everyone's approval, then perhaps unnecessary bloodshed can be avoided."
"This..."
Iskandar directly offered Saber a ladle of wine. Artoria didn't even flinch, downing it in one gulp.
Unexpectedly, Artoria's slender frame could hold so much alcohol; truly, appearances could be deceiving. Iskandar let out a hearty laugh upon witnessing this.
"As expected of a king! Knight King!" (Knight King refers to Artoria, while Arthur is Arthur.)
"You should drink less wine," Arthur said, looking displeased. Artoria nodded. "I should indeed drink less, but I am a king now."
"You are a woman first, and then a king," Arthur's words resonated with Artoria, stirring many memories within her.
"I want to know, how fares your kingdom?"
"The weather is favorable, and the nation is at peace."
"Is that so? You are a worthy king."
A melancholic expression appeared on Artoria's face, looking so heartbreaking. Arthur instinctively reached out and took Artoria's hand, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.
Just as Arthur was about to speak, a flash of golden light erupted before them! The intense brightness was dazzling, momentarily blinding everyone.
Artoria seized the opportunity to quickly withdraw her hand.
At that moment, the figure of Gilgamesh materialized.
"To hold a banquet for kings in a place like this, you truly lack any sense of foresight!"
As soon as Gilgamesh finished speaking, she noticed Arthur glaring at her with an intense, almost predatory gaze, leaving Gilgamesh utterly bewildered.
However, upon hearing Gilgamesh's voice, Irisviel and Waver both stiffened visibly.
"Archer, I didn't expect you to come as well."
Seeing another formidable enemy arrive, Artoria naturally felt a surge of apprehension. This arrogant and unreasonable individual was not an easy opponent. Even the Lancelot had been subdued by him, so Artoria certainly couldn't feel secure with this person nearby.
However, Iskandar didn't seem overly concerned and addressed everyone.
"Ah, I encountered him on the road. However, he was a bit slower than me, so his late arrival is understandable."
"To think that a group of self-proclaimed kings would hold a banquet in a place like this, they truly have no regard for their lives!"
"Alright, Gil, just sit down," Arthur said, also exasperated by Gilgamesh's arrogance. After all this time, Gilgamesh remained the same towards everyone except him.
The kings took their seats one after another, while the others watched them silently, not daring to speak loudly. Just then,
"Is this our target?" A woman's voice suddenly echoed through the area, sounding particularly distinct in the quiet atmosphere.
"Lady Sola, please don't speak carelessly, this is a banquet of kings," Diarmuid's voice immediately followed.
Upon hearing Diarmuid's words, Sola became visibly flustered. "I apologize, I was unaware."
Diarmuid stepped forward. Behind him was a woman, none other than Diarmuid's new Master, Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri.
"Diarmuid, you've arrived."
"Respected King Arthur, I apologize for the intrusion."
"It's quite alright," Arthur nodded and said to the others, "Diarmuid's strength and honor are evident to us all. I believe he deserves a seat."
"Agreed," Artoria concurred.
"Of course!" Iskandar also acknowledged Diarmuid's presence.
"Hmph!" Gilgamesh neither objected nor agreed.
Thus, the others behind Arthur made a space for Diarmuid to sit. This was a position known as the vassal's seat, meant for subordinates.
After Diarmuid approached the designated area, he quietly adjusted the seat, moving it slightly forward to an unoccupied spot. Although it was still half a step behind the others, this subtle action conveyed that he was not a subordinate to any of the kings present.
The others observed this in silence, offering no comment.
The banquet was about to begin.
