Chapter 22: Cameliard

Welcome, Princess Elizabeth.

It's been a while, King Leon.

Haha, you've become quite the lady now.

And beside you is...?

Yes, this is Ethan, the Swordbringer.

Ah, so you are the famous "Knight of the Holy Grail"? My daughter has told me about you.

Hehe, Father, didn't I tell you? My eyes weren't wrong, right?

Well, my daughter, he may seem weak, but there's a sharpness in his eyes.

Ah... Thank you.

In fact, you've become more famous than Princess Elizabeth herself.

You must be exhausted from your journey, so stay in the guest room.

Haa, finally, we get to eat?

More than food, I want a bath... A bath!

Yes, let's rest. Even a weakling like me wants to lie down right away.

So... You speak of the alliance pledge?

Yes. We won the war in Cornwall and secured the alliance pledge from King Mark.

And we even stopped the massive army of Vortigern marching on Salisbury Castle.

What more proof could there be?

Indeed, from what I've heard, you won using the power of the Holy Grail.

So, can I see the skills of the Swordbringer, who is called the Knight of the Holy Grail, in person?

W-what?

Roy! Where is Roy?!

Y-yes, Your Majesty!

You will duel the Swordbringer directly.

What is the meaning of this?!

Roy is my daughter's guard knight. This shouldn't be a difficult test.

...Let's do this.

Ugh...!

Is this enough?

Ha, you're more skilled than I expected. But it ended too quickly, I'm not sure if I'm convinced.

I'd like to test you against a tougher opponent. I want to fully gauge your strength.

Please finish this quickly.

Percival, step forward.

Yes, sir!

Percival...? This young girl?

This child is the pride of Cameliard, a champion of the Colosseum.

If you can defeat her, I will recognize you and accept the alliance pledge.

K-King Leon. Ethan's strength isn't because he's a fighter, he's a guide...

Let's see the skills!

Urgh...

Hoho, even the Swordbringer is just a person, after all.

Does this mean your previous victories were just luck?

King! That's unfair speculation!

Haha, do you think so? Then the power of the Holy Grail must have been closing the gap, right? What do you think?

Tsk...

The Holy Grail only works against evildoers.

Huh? Who is this child, Princess?

This is Fairy Queen Morgana.

But isn't that a bit dangerous? The concept of evil is relative, after all.

But...

Father, how about we test them in the Colosseum?

Hmm, are you sure? You know what that means.

Hehe, of course, Father. It's time for me to go, isn't it?

That makes sense.

Swordbringer, would you like to participate?

Ethan...

Was the answer already decided from the start?

If I win there, you'll pledge the alliance?

Haha, I promise. Prove that your strength isn't just in combat.

Fine, I'll do it.

Ethan... will it be okay?

The Colosseum is a team competition. As long as we have a good strategy, we can win.

R-right. If we think about how we've coordinated up until now...

Oh my, are you already gearing up?

Princess Guinevere...

By the way, I'm surprised. It feels like we just saw each other at the meeting, but you already seem more grown and manly.

Hmph, you didn't see my true self in the council chamber, so of course.

Hmm, I'm looking forward to it. I've personally been eager for this.

I'll cheer you on.

Ha.. ha.. Thank you, I'll do my best.

Th-then, let's go warm up and get ready.

...

Hoo~

Huff, why is the payment so delayed?

It's because you destroyed the chieftain's bones with magic!

Hmph, can't you just read the situation? Humans really can't help themselves.

Wow, does this mean we can finally have a dinner altogether?

Yes. We'll need to fill up since we'll be rolling around in the Colosseum tomorrow.

Hehe, Ethan, you're always so optimistic.

There's always a way to get through tough situations. We'll do well this time too.

I'm hungry! Meat... Give me meat, now!