The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

“Child...when you were born, the tides of Britain called out your name.”

"Artoria Pendragon".

“You need to understand that we are born to rule this land with kindness and love, and I believe you can do it.”

Artoria knew that these were the late king's last words.

However, it wasn't his father who conveyed it to him personally; rather, it was Merlin, the magician of flowers, who relayed it to him.

Although she had never met her father in person, she often learned bits and pieces about him through this magician.

And, his own background...

From a young age, Artoria received an education befitting a crown prince, training in martial arts and even discussing national affairs and military strategies with Merlin.

Artoria wasn't a fool; she knew Merlin must have his reasons for doing this.

but...

"Can I really gain the throne with just a sword?"

After a long silence, Artoria finally spoke up and asked.

"Hmm...this sword alone is enough. How can we know the answer without trying?"

Merlin nodded.

"Time is running out..."

Merlin's tone suddenly turned serious.

“I hope you can help this country. I know you are all nobles of this country, and you have your own power here. I hope you... can draw this sword and develop this country.”

Merlin's words made Artoria feel a great sense of responsibility.

Becoming a king may be a good thing, but becoming a great king is not necessarily so.

When the nation faces a crisis, the king can save the entire country.

Therefore, someone must become king...

"Okay, I promise you."

Artoria nodded emphatically.

In that instant, she felt the burden on her shoulders grow even heavier.

"Good!" Merlin's voice revealed a hint of joy.

In his plan, if Artoria agreed, he would have already succeeded more than halfway. He believed that this girl could become the queen, and he was even more confident that she could resolve all the troubles cleanly.

"So..."

Artoria slowly reached out, wanting to touch the 'holy sword'...

But the next second...

"Before you draw your sword, I hope you will think it over carefully."

The girl who came with Merlin whispered a dissent.

"What are you thinking about?" Artoria asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Consider whether you have the ability to become a qualified monarch, and do not let anything outside cloud your judgment. This is the only obstacle to your becoming king."

The girl spoke calmly, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, nor too shrill, just like an ordinary person having a conversation.

However, Artoria sensed a threat in those words.

She looked at the girl with a complicated expression.

This human woman gave her a great deal of sense of danger.

"Anyway, I've made up my mind."

Artoria's gaze towards Kiana gradually sharpened:

"I have decided to become king; this was my father's last wish. If I fail, then I will have no choice but to continue guarding this place."

"Hmm... alright. Since you've made up your mind, I won't force you."

Kiana shrugged.

She didn't seem surprised by Artoria's decision, as if she had expected this outcome.

Seeing that the unexpected visitor no longer objected, Artoria placed her hand on the hilt of her sword.

However, just as she was about to grasp the sword hilt, she hesitated for a moment and ultimately withdrew her hand.

She turned around and looked at Merlin behind her.

"Don't you want me to draw my sword?"

"Do not."

Merlin shook his head and said, "If you wish to draw your sword, I will not stop you. However, I hope you remember that the moment you draw this sword is the moment you step onto the throne. If you draw this sword, you will completely shed your identity; from then on, you will simply be a king."

After a moment's hesitation, Artoria finally placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, preparing to draw it.

Merlin did not try to dissuade her; he believed that Artoria could do it.

The moment Artoria placed her hand on the hilt of the sword, her fingers trembled slightly, as if filled with some kind of fear.

"Click~"

Artoria drew her sword, then looked at Merlin with her longsword in her hand and said:

"Now, I am the King of Britain."

"Yes, do you feel honored, Artoria..."

Upon hearing Artoria's words, Merlin sighed softly.

In his eyes, she might not yet be a qualified queen.

In Merlin's mind, this young girl could only be described as a qualified crown prince.

Merlin's gaze fell upon Artoria.

He knew that Artoria would be the one to resolve the current crisis.

"I suppose I should address you as King Arthur, the king of this country, shall I?"

Merlin looked at the king before him and said with a smile:

"I know this was your initial dream, but now that dream has been shattered. Britain is now fragmented into many small kingdoms. Are you still willing to assume the responsibilities of kingship and unify these kingdoms?"

Artoria lowered her head and looked at Merlin.

"willing."

Without any hesitation, Artoria nodded in agreement, then looked up at Merlin and said earnestly:

"Although I don't quite understand what you just said, I know you won't harm me, nor will you harm this country, right?"

Merlin did not answer Artoria's question, but stared at her with a scrutinizing gaze.

He was waiting for Artoria's reply.

"I know that if I answer that I don't want to be the king of this country, you won't let me stay here any longer, right?"

Merlin nodded slightly, acknowledging that Artoria was right.

Artoria has a special identity; she is a princess, and also a princess with the right to inherit the throne.

Her existence was a huge secret to begin with, and her birth was an even greater hidden danger.

Therefore, she absolutely would not allow a traitor to appear by the side of a king, much less by her own side, not even her most beloved younger sister.

Therefore, she preferred to choose the safest way, which was to cultivate herself into a queen, the king of this country.

That way, no matter what happens, she will stand up for us.

She will protect this country and prevent others from harming its people.

"I trust you."

Merlin smiled and said, "Let's work together. I believe that soon, those rebels will be lining up to pledge their allegiance to you."

Upon hearing his words, Artoria remained silent.

Kiana then stroked her chin and joked:

"Line up to pledge allegiance? That's not a funny joke. However, I think that as long as we demonstrate sufficient strength, these rebels will naturally choose to submit."

"Sufficient strength..."

Upon hearing Kiana's words, Artoria clenched her somewhat slender hands.

A question arose in my mind.

Do I, in my current state, truly possess the power to make this land submit to me?

Chapter Two: Winning the Heart of a King Begins with Winning Her Stomach

"what happened?"

Merlin keenly sensed Artoria's hesitation.

Although, wielding the holy sword, she now looks heroic and full of knightly demeanor.

But a lone knight can never become a king.

To become a king, one obviously needs more training.

But right now, what she might need are more companions...

"No need to worry, all the people of Britain support the swordsman to become the King of Britain. Your name will soon resound throughout the kingdoms."

Merlin spoke with a serious expression, his words revealing his confidence in his grand undertaking.

It was as if he believed that with just a wave of her arm, all the lords would draw their swords in response and welcome the queen to the throne.

He was so confident that even Artoria, the person involved, had some doubts.

Why are you so sure?

"Hehe, because I have my own plans and considerations."