I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

The admiration in Fiore's tone was unmistakable. After all, King Arthur held an unparalleled status in Western culture, especially among magi. As the final king of the Age of Gods, Arthur carried profound significance in the eyes of those attuned to mysteries of the world.

However, Artoria herself felt nothing.

For one thing, she wasn't truly King Arthur—or rather, she wasn't entirely King Arthur. Even if the one standing here was the actual King Arthur, it was unlikely she would feel any different.

After all, King Arthur was the ideal ruler who had offered up everything—heart, soul, and body—for the sake of her nation and her people.

"So… are you disappointed?" Artoria suddenly asked.

Fiore froze for a moment, then quickly shook her hands in denial.

"Ah?! No, no, not at all! I think you're amazing, Miss Artoria! You're just like the King Arthur I imagined."

"Why?"

Artoria's confusion deepened. "This is our first meeting, so you shouldn't know much about me. Why hold me in such high regard?"

"Um… well…" Fiore stammered, momentarily at a loss for words.

"Sometimes, all it takes is a single meeting to see a person clearly," Chiron interjected, coming to his Master's rescue. "It could be a feeling, an intuition, or a sudden insight. Though it lacks evidence, Ruler, I'm sure you're aware—there are times when intuition is closer to the truth than what we see or hear directly."

"Exactly! Women's intuition!" Fiore eagerly latched onto Chiron's words.

Interestingly, the Saber-class Artoria also possessed the skill Instinct, which had saved her life countless times in dangerous situations. Perhaps that, too, could be considered a form of "women's intuition."

"And also… your deeds prove your nobility and righteousness, don't they? For example, the Round Table."

The mention of the Round Table instantly conjured its legendary significance. A seemingly ordinary table, it symbolized equality and justice in the Arthurian legend, representing a gathering of the most virtuous individuals of the era.

At the Round Table, all were equals. Even King Arthur, as ruler, sat alongside her knights, seeking their counsel and earning their approval rather than ruling unilaterally.

No hierarchy of power. No disparity in strength. The Round Table was arguably the earliest symbol of equality and democracy—an extraordinary concept in a world dominated by monarchic absolutism.

Although modern FGO players often joked about calling it the "dining table"…

Artoria, however, didn't pay much attention to Fiore's praise. To her, nothing she had done seemed particularly remarkable.

She had always ignored her accomplishments, focusing instead on what she had failed to achieve. This personality trait made her strive for excellence yet also burdened her with ever-heavier responsibilities.

"I only did what I was supposed to do. That's hardly worthy of such admiration," Artoria said, shaking her head. "Besides, while I don't know how future generations judge me… I'm sure the legends differ from reality."

"For example, the fact that you're actually a woman?"

"That's because of Merlin's little trick. It would've been inconvenient to rule as a woman."

"Oh, I know! Merlin was the court mage who assisted King Arthur—the sage who guarded the Tower of Paradise," Fiore said, her excitement rising. "Ah, I can't even imagine what he's like. If only I could meet him. Although, since King Arthur turned out to be a woman, could Merlin also be a woman?"

A female Merlin? Merly?

Now that Fiore mentioned it… Chaldea did seem to have someone like that.

"Hmm… honestly, I'd like to meet him too," Chiron said, rubbing his chin. His approachable smile carried a hint of curiosity. "To train someone as exceptional as King Arthur, I imagine we'd have plenty to discuss about teaching methods."

If they ever actually met Merlin, their expectations would probably shatter completely.

The conversation flowed pleasantly, and Artoria even felt her sense of humanity slowly resurfacing—a surprising but welcome outcome.

Standing at the door to her room, Artoria exchanged farewells with Fiore, who waved from her wheelchair, and Chiron, who nodded warmly. The interaction had been enjoyable for all of them.

The room prepared for Artoria was, of course, the finest available. Though the Yggdmillennia family wasn't highly regarded by the Mage's Association—primarily due to their reliance on external magi to sustain their status—they certainly didn't lack wealth. Danic, the family head, had attained the rare title of "Grand Magus" through political maneuvering, ensuring ample resources and methods at his disposal.

Every furnishing in the room was top-quality, from the plush carpet to the luxurious bed and ornate chandelier. These items, mundane by magi standards, represented an almost excessive level of comfort.

Artoria ran her hand over the pristine bedspread. Though she couldn't name the brand, the fabric was undoubtedly luxurious—so much so that she worried she might find it too comfortable to sleep.

Then again, as a Servant, she didn't need sleep in the first place, rendering her concerns unnecessary.

Curiously, Artoria felt no sense of being watched in the room. Unbeknownst to her, the Black Faction, fearing her supposed ability to perceive the future, had refrained from using any surveillance methods. Wary of leaving a poor impression, they chose to err on the side of caution.

Not that Artoria would have cared even if she knew.

She already had a basic understanding of everyone in the Black Faction, rendering their flattery and deception meaningless from the start.

For now, Artoria had no specific goal beyond fulfilling her duties as Ruler—upholding the order and rules of the Holy Grail War.

Of course, the Holy Grail War's "rules" were laughably loose. Essentially, it was a battle royale, with combatants fighting until only one remained to claim the right to make a wish.

If there was any rule at all, it was perhaps the mandate for secrecy.

Yet, ironically, every Holy Grail War inevitably caused such chaos that the phrase "the Holy Grail War is a secret" had become a running joke.

From the Marshal's colossal sea monster to Semiramis's airborne castle—examples abounded.

Enforcing those rules was all Artoria needed to concern herself with.

Oh, right. There was also Amakusa Shirou Tokisada.

Did participating as a Ruler count as breaking the rules?

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