Artoria said she was going to Camlann without the slightest hesitation, even though she was about to face betrayal, condemnation from a thousand voices, and even the executioner’s blade from those she once protected; her tone remained utterly unshaken, decisive and firm.

Looking at that expression, everyone knew her mind was made up; nothing could stop her, and in fact, no one tried to.

“Merlin said you would certainly go if you knew about this; he wasn't wrong after all,” Vivian murmured, already standing up. “I’ve said all I needed to say, so it’s time for me to leave now.”

“Wait!” Artoria called out to her, asking, “Merlin knew about this long ago?” “Are you asking why Merlin didn't tell you, even though he knew? More people knew than just Merlin, but there is only one reason why you weren’t told. I think you understand what that is.” Vivian spoke vaguely, yet Artoria understood immediately: touching upon one's own future was the ultimate taboo.

“Good luck to you all.” After speaking, Vivian gave a slight bow to everyone, and then her figure slowly vanished from where she stood.

Don’t let Vivian’s gentle and frail appearance fool you; if you truly thought her a weak woman, you would be gravely mistaken. In terms of station among the Lady of the Lake’s lineage, she ranked even above Morgan. Moreover, having been by Merlin’s side for so long, even if she learned nothing overtly, exposure alone would have greatly broadened her horizons. If a real fight broke out, let alone Morgan being no match for her, even these men wouldn’t confidently claim victory against her one-on-one.

Only after Vivian departed did Artoria’s gaze finally turn toward Lin Luo. She said in a deep voice, “Please allow me this final indulgence. I must go on this journey, no matter what.” “I understand. Do you need help?” Lin Luo nodded. He also knew this battle was one Artoria had to fight. Though her current strength meant she wouldn't lose to anyone, the enemy she faced was the Knights of the Round Table—the very knights who had always stood by his side. Could she truly recover immediately from such a blow?

Artoria shook her head, devoid of confusion or doubt, showing only the resolve to move forward. “This is my own affair, and the responsibility I must bear. As a King, allow me to fulfill this duty alone, for the last time, in my capacity as King. This is my lifelong request!”

Lin Luo had initially intended to go with her, even if not everyone did, since he was still a Palace Steward. But hearing her words, he could only sigh helplessly. “Since you’ve made a lifelong request, I have no way to refuse. Fine, you go alone.” “Hmph! Letting her go by herself?” Fujibayashi Kyō and Katsura Hinagiku’s faces instantly changed. They didn't know the Arthurian legends from Type-Moon, only the popular folklore where King Arthur always perished in the Battle of Camlann. Sending Artoria alone now…

“Can this really be okay?” Even Fujibayashi Kyō, who often clashed with Artoria, frowned and looked toward Lin Luo. She certainly disliked Artoria because the latter had stolen her man, but that wasn't a reason to stand by and watch her walk to her death!

“Thank you for your concern, but I will not change this decision. Please stop trying to make things difficult for him.” Before Lin Luo could speak, Artoria spoke first. Then, she gently picked up the infant from Lin Luo’s arms, her face radiating a motherly glow. “Besides, I am not going to seek death. I am only going to shoulder the responsibility that is mine. Even if only for this child, I will live on strongly.” “…………… Fine then.” Fujibayashi Kyō and Katsura Hinagiku saw the resolve in her eyes and knew further objection was futile, so they said no more.

“My King, permit me to accompany you. I am the sworn Knight Protector of the King!” At that moment, Bedivere knelt on one knee, raising her head to meet Artoria’s gaze, her voice ringing clear and strong.

Originally, when she heard Vivian mention the domestic unrest a couple of days prior, she had been unable to sit still. But it was only after Vivian’s persuasion that she finally calmed down. After all, her status among the Round Table Knights wasn't high, and war was inevitable; even if she rushed there, she couldn't make much difference. Moreover, with her individual strength alone, she might not even be able to navigate her way out of this Demon Sea.

Vivian’s reasoning was sound; Bedivere had no ground to refute it, so she resigned herself to patiently waiting for Artoria’s return. Now that the King was prepared to depart, a Knight sworn to the King needed no hesitation.

“I understand, Bedivere. You will accompany me.”

What Artoria saw in Bedivere’s eyes was the same resolve as her own. She could refuse help from others because they had no connection to her kingdom; she could refuse Lin Luo’s help because the child needed a father. But she could not refuse Bedivere, because Bedivere was a Knight of the Round Table, and protecting the King was her honor as a knight. She could not taint that honor in any way!

This knight who never left her side, no matter the circumstances.

“Yes, My King!” Bedivere gave a sharp cry and stood ramrod straight beside her King.

As they were about to leave, Lin Luo noticed a flicker of reluctance in Artoria’s eyes as she looked at the child. He told Fujibayashi Kyō and the others to stay put and said to her, “Let me see you off.” Artoria nodded, holding the child, and walked out with Lin Luo and Bedivere.

Bedivere watched Lin Luo and her King walk side-by-side, with the King holding a baby in her arms. Despite the tension of the moment, her mind was filled with suspicion. This scene looked like a family of three in any light, and Artoria’s words clearly hinted that her relationship with the infant was extraordinary, coupled with a great deal of intimacy with Lin Luo. Any quick-witted person could see it immediately.

But Bedivere couldn't grasp it. She had considered that possibility, but how could she believe that the two could conceive a child in just one month since they had left? That speed was too fast! But if that child wasn't the King’s, how could the King exhibit such maternal tenderness?

Bedivere couldn't figure it out but dared not ask, her gaze constantly lingering between the two.

Leaving the lakeside cottage and stepping onto the dry forest path, Lin Luo stopped, his eyes fixed on the preoccupied Artoria. “Do you remember what I told you?”

Artoria nodded, but then apologized, “I’m sorry, I still can’t accept it right now.” Lin Luo hadn't yet mentioned the Worldline or the God War, but he had brought up the contract, subtly implying that signing it would allow them to leave this world and escape the shackles of kingship. However, even though Artoria had entrusted everything else to him, she remained unyielding on this point, not even agreeing to it during their moments of post-intimacy tenderness.

“I know,” Lin Luo reached out to brush her cheek, saying softly, “I never expected you to agree immediately, nor did I intend to pressure you at a time like this. Just remember, that agreement remains valid no matter when.”

“Mmm,” Artoria held Lin Luo’s hand and nodded gently. “I understand. When this is over, if I’m still alive—no, I will be alive, for both you and our child. So, wait for me to return. When that time comes, I will wholeheartedly become your woman and stay by your side.”

“Ah!” The two were exchanging affections as if Bedivere didn't exist, but Bedivere couldn't pretend she hadn't seen it. She nearly jumped up—the most impossible thing had become reality? How could this be?!

But what shocked Bedivere wasn't just that. Right then, Lin Luo suddenly pulled Artoria close and kissed her deeply. Artoria’s breath hitched, and so did Bedivere’s. She felt that the changes in this world were happening too fast, far exceeding her comprehension. Morgan’s actions and plans might have been lightning-fast, but compared to Lin Luo and Artoria, they were a tiny speck next to a giant mountain.

“Sigh,” watching the two kiss without regard for her presence, Bedivere sighed inwardly. She wasn’t sighing over the King’s infidelity, but over the King’s fate. The King was undoubtedly happy now, but such happiness was fleeting, perhaps ceasing to exist after today.

As the Guardian Knight, she must not only protect the King’s safety but also her happiness. Could she truly manage that? Did she have the ability?

Artoria assumed Lin Luo was bidding her farewell with a kiss; she didn't know if she would ever return, so she responded with deep immersion. But she suddenly felt something being placed into her mouth, sliding down her throat in a single gulp, and her heart gave a jolt.

When their lips separated, Lin Luo smiled. “This is a gift I’m giving you. Though I don’t know if it will be useful, I think it should help somehow.”

“Mmm,” Artoria nodded, not asking what it was, merely kissing the infant in her arms and saying softly, “Good child, wait here with Dad. Mommy will be back soon.”

Then, she handed the infant to Lin Luo, and Lin Luo passed the Light-Speed Skateboard to her… To reach Camlann in the shortest time possible, relying on their own legs was impossible.

“I’m leaving.” Stepping onto the Light-Speed Skateboard, Artoria looked back. Though her eyes held reluctance and lingering affection, there was no hesitation. As the words fell, she rushed toward the sky with Bedivere.

Lin Luo watched her receding figure and couldn’t help but laugh wryly. It had always been the woman sending off the man going to war; now it was reversed. It seemed his life of relying on others hadn't ended yet.

“Waaah waaah” Just then, the infant also opened its eyes and waved its tiny hands, as if sending farewell to its mother.

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