"King of Knights, Prince Leon once said that for a king, it is an absolute obligation to maintain complete control over all lands under his domain."
Euphilia spoke seriously, each word carrying weight and authority.
Although Leon was not present in that hall, his girl upheld his majesty in his name.
Artoria and the Knights of the Round Table around her could not help but swallow nervously.
An invisible pressure hung over the room, as though they were standing before an existence far above them in rank and power.
Especially Artoria.
The young king felt her heart tighten, for she knew Euphilia's words were entirely correct and reasonable.
A king must control his own land.
And yet, under her rule, a theft of food on that scale had occurred.
And it was no ordinary crime.
It was the theft of provisions sent by an allied kingdom to save starving people.
Without question, this could be considered a grave failure of sovereignty.
[Am I truly an immature king?]
[Was there some mistake in the sword that chose me?]
[Something like this happened in my territory... how shameful.]
Artoria could not stop her mind from sinking into a dark state of self-reproach.
Even the ahoge on her head seemed to have lost the strength to move.
One thing had to be understood:
In this world and in this era, almost nothing held greater value than food.
Not gold.
Not jewels.
Not money.
Especially for Britain, whose lands were barren and unsuitable for stable agriculture, food was worth infinitely more than treasure.
Thanks to the technological changes brought about by Leon and Anis, the Magic Kingdom had become the only nation capable of exporting food comfortably and in abundance.
Aside from Palettia, practically no other kingdom would sell food to foreigners.
For any nation, food was the foundation of survival.
[All of this is thanks to His Highness.]
[His Highness truly is the greatest king... the ideal king.]
Euphilia thought silently.
During this period, her role had been to act as Leon's exclusive diplomatic emissary, accompanying Queen Sylphine on journeys around the world.
And her eyes had seen every kind of kingdom.
Kingdoms glorious on the outside but rotten within.
In the end, she had come to the conclusion that, aside from the Magic Kingdom, the difference between heaven and hell was very real.
She had never imagined that the gap between kingdoms could be so absurd.
In the Magic Kingdom, people lived and worked in peace.
There was an abundance of food.
The power of the nobility had been weakened countless times.
Even commoners had begun seeking prosperity through their own merit.
It seemed like nothing more than ordinary daily life.
But compared to other kingdoms, it was practically paradise.
Euphilia had also seen hell on earth with her own eyes.
In many places, nobles and royal families controlled ninety percent of the wealth.
The poor went days without eating.
Let alone three meals a day, many sold their dignity, freedom, lives, or even their souls for a piece of bread.
Slavery still existed.
And those in power did not even consider the people part of the kingdom.
Euphilia had witnessed all of it.
Because of that, her heart had become firmer than ever.
She knew how precious those ordinary days created by Leon truly were.
She knew the magnitude of the great works he had accomplished.
Even legendary feats such as slaying dragons or conquering nations paled beside his true achievements.
Because he was the one who made everyone eat.
He was the one who put smiles on the faces of the people.
Euphilia had already decided:
That prince needed to ascend the throne.
Because only he could create a beautiful world.
Only he could save this world.
If anyone dared to stand in his way...
Even though she was as gentle as she was, she would not hesitate to reduce that person to ashes with magic.
"Ahem... After this incident, we will suspend food aid to Britain."
She then looked directly at Artoria.
"Unless the King of Knights proves that she is the true and sole ruler of this land... you understand what I mean?"
Artoria nodded without hesitation.
Her emerald eyes shone intensely.
Her hand had already closed around the hilt of her sword.
She understood perfectly.
Because of this failure, the Magic Kingdom—or rather, Leon—had decided to suspend the shipment of food.
If Britain wished to regain that trust, there was only one path.
Completely unify the chaotic island.
And prove to the entire world that there was only one British king.
"Tell His Highness in my name..."
Artoria raised her chin and declared firmly:
"I will completely unify Britain within two months."
She did not say this merely because she trusted in her own strength.
There was urgency as well.
She did not dare allow the Magic Kingdom's food aid to remain suspended for long.
For Britain, a poor nation bordering on beggary, Palettia was practically the only hand willing to help.
Without that food, thousands would starve to death.
Artoria decided in that very moment:
All rebellions would be crushed as quickly as possible.
"Indeed, you are worthy of the famous title King of Knights."
Euphilia smiled.
"But... please do not be so careless. This matter may not be as simple as you imagine."
"..... What do you mean?" Artoria frowned.
"I will speak plainly."
"His Highness has taken interest in someone he believes to be very promising in Britain. She may become a powerful rival... someone capable of contesting this land with you."
Euphilia's smile became meaningful.
Artoria could not help but narrow her eyes.
She admitted there were knights on the island superior to her in certain respects.
But those men already belonged to the Round Table.
However, when it came to royal qualifications...
Artoria could imagine no one.
"Miss Euphilia... may I ask whom you mean?"
"Well..."
She answered lightly.
"This person has a very close relationship with you, King of Knights."
"Ha ha... I won't drag it out. The person in question is your daughter..."
"Mordred Pendragon."
The instant that name was spoken, Artoria's eyes widened violently.
Her entire body froze.
In her mind appeared the image of the rebellious knight tearing off her helmet and revealing a face similar to her own.
An identity she had denied.
A daughter she had rejected.
A knight exiled from the Round Table.
Artoria had never imagined Mordred would return so quickly.
Not even three weeks had passed.
"His Highness predicted that the struggle for the title of Lord of Britain would end between Sir Mordred... and you."
"But is that not a good thing?"
Euphilia smiled sweetly.
"No matter who wins or loses... you are still family."
After that, she gave an elegant bow and left the hall in absolute calm.
Artoria remained motionless, wearing a bitter expression.
She very much wanted to say it was not that simple...
The Pendragon family was a complete disaster.
A gigantic drama worthy of more than a hundred episodes.
Husband and wife were both women.
Her sister was a troublesome woman who hated her.
Her daughter was a rebellious homunculus.
And there was also an entire group of talented, yet highly questionable, knights.
Just hearing that family structure alone was shocking.
(End of Chapter)