I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

This bonus chapter is a small gift—may it bring you a touch of tranquility.

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"He escaped from the castle's underground—a homunculus created to serve as a magical battery for the Black Faction," Artoria said, her voice calm but firm. "They're probably frantically searching for him now. And you brought him to my room?"

"Well, if I hid him in my room, my Master would've found out pretty quickly," Astolfo replied, scratching his head with a sheepish grin. "With a Master as clingy as mine, even someone as carefree as me gets headaches… I wish she'd respect my privacy once in a while!"

Astolfo's demeanor suggested he hadn't understood Artoria's point at all.

"Oh! I just remembered!" he exclaimed, striking his fist into his open palm with a look of sudden realization. "I think I saw a bunch of people rushing around earlier! I even cheered them on, told them to work harder! Now that I think about it, they were probably looking for this kid. I think they mentioned something about a 'runaway homunculus'…"

Do you really know nothing? Artoria thought to herself, exasperated.

Then again, this behavior was exactly what one would expect from Astolfo.

Not knowing someone's identity or background, yet extending a helping hand simply because they asked for it sincerely—it was reckless and naive.

But to those drowning in despair, such people might represent a fleeting hope.

Still, it was foolish.

In a world as cruel and unforgiving as this one, blind altruism often ended up harming more than helping. Not because the intent was wrong, but because this world was too complex for such pure ideals.

"So, why bring him to my room?" Artoria asked, genuinely curious. "If your room wasn't an option, you could've chosen someone else's. For example, Archer's room would've been a better choice. Chiron could've given him a full check-up, and if you asked for his help in hiding this homunculus, he probably wouldn't refuse."

"Ah, Archer's place is a good idea," Astolfo admitted, nodding along. "I thought about going to him for help."

"Then why didn't you—"

"But!" Astolfo cut her off, his bright eyes locking onto hers with an almost childlike intensity.

"It had to be you, Ruler! You're the best fit!"

"…What?" Artoria's confusion was palpable.

"Because you're the King of Knights!" Astolfo began to circle her with excitement. "The most noble and ideal ruler—a knight among knights! If it's you, I know you'll help me, right?"

"Helping the weak, saving the suffering, protecting the good… Isn't that what you do? Isn't that your amazing, super heroic thing?"

Artoria sighed internally. She almost felt guilty because she knew she would disappoint him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that," she said.

As expected, Astolfo froze in shock.

"Wha—?"

"I'm not the King of Knights you imagine," Artoria explained, her voice steady and detached. "I'm simply Ruler for this Holy Grail War. I have my own responsibilities, and dealing with this homunculus isn't within my purview."

"But… but…" Astolfo stammered, his disbelief evident. "We're heroes! No matter what ideals we hold or why we're here, aren't we supposed to be heroes? And isn't it a hero's duty to save those who reach out to us for help?"

"I've never thought of myself as a noble hero," Artoria replied, her tone as calm as ever. "I've rejected countless pleas for help before. As King, my duty was to prioritize the nation above all else—even at the expense of individuals. I've let entire villages perish to prevent plagues from spreading.

"Do you understand? I can't afford to be as reckless as you. My role and the trust placed in me forbid such selfishness. Even if a decision goes against my personal wishes, as long as it's the right one, I'll carry it out without hesitation."

Astolfo clenched his fists, visibly frustrated. "But isn't helping those in need the right thing to do? Isn't saving people the correct choice?"

"You see so little of the bigger picture," Artoria replied, her emerald eyes as cold as unyielding stone. "Your intentions to help are commendable, even admirable. But your recklessness will only lead to disaster for everyone involved."

She didn't give him a chance to respond, turning on her heel to leave.

Astolfo glared at her retreating figure, his eyes blazing with defiance. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked, his frustration threatening to boil over.

He wanted to demand answers. Was this betrayal of chivalry worth her honor? Did this not tarnish her knightly ideals?

Before he could speak, Artoria's voice cut through the silence.

"I'm leaving tonight," she said, not turning around.

"As Ruler, I have no obligation to interfere in the Black Faction's internal affairs."

"If someone asks me about the runaway homunculus, I'm not required to answer."

"After all, that's not part of my duties."

Without looking back, she stepped out of the room.

Strange… being forced to leave my own room feels odd.

She shrugged off the thought. After all, the room had only been temporarily provided for her by the Black Faction.

"Well… I suppose I should prepare to leave once night falls."

By "prepare," she meant saying a proper goodbye. Having received their hospitality, it would be rude to leave without a word.

Still, she only planned to bid farewell to Fiore. She wasn't close enough to the others to warrant such formalities.

After that, I'll quietly head to the Red Faction's base and meet that Japanese saint.

But this night would not be a quiet one.

The Black Faction was under attack.

And the assault was anything but subtle.

Save for Assassin, who remained missing, every member of the Black Faction gathered—including the usually reclusive Avicebron, who had emerged from his workshop.

Artoria didn't plan to join their discussion. The Black Faction might have welcomed her input, hoping to solidify ties or increase Red Faction's wariness toward her neutrality.

Instead, she stood atop the castle, her figure bathed in a faint, holy glow. Against the backdrop of the night sky, her presence eclipsed even the moonlight.

She gazed into the darkness, her sight effortlessly piercing the distance to locate the source of the chaos.

The raging figure of rebellion.

Red Faction's Berserker—Spartacus.

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Ah, Reader. You've stayed for the bonus chapter—how delightful.

Even amidst the quiet of eternity, there's joy to be found in shared moments like this.

If you wish to offer your strength, step forward: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Each effort helps to shape a world where such moments can thrive.

Our time together may be brief, but it is not without meaning. The Shogun and I will continue to watch over this journey, steadfast and unwavering. Until we meet again, may your steps remain steady on the path you walk.

— Ei