The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

Artoria shook her head, trying to convince herself that she wasn't after these material pleasures.

As a knight of high moral character, how could she abandon her duties for the sake of enjoyment?

After thinking for a long time, Artoria finally realized one thing: her goal was not these illusory things.

"No, I absolutely won't covet these things. This is it, I don't want to sleep here!"

Artoria stood up.

Looking at the large bed, her expression was very conflicted.

"The bed is so soft; I can't settle down at all. And it seems to have some kind of peculiar smell, the kind of scent only the extravagant and decadent nobles would favor."

"Um...do you have so many things you can't accept?"

Kiana, who had been about to ask Artoria if she was satisfied, looked at her with some surprise and asked, "But... don't you feel comfortable with these?"

"No, I don't find these things comfortable, but I need to constantly remind myself."

Artoria shook her head.

"Then there's nothing we can do."

Kiana sighed, then said, "Alright, I'll show you the other rooms and see which one you like?"

With that, Kiana turned and walked towards the door.

Why are you so insistent on self-discipline?

Kiana walked ahead and suddenly remembered to ask.

"You probably don't understand, but this is my unwavering commitment to chivalry."

"The Chivalry"

Is that right...?

Upon hearing Artoria's words, Kiana was momentarily at a loss for words.

After all, she really didn't quite understand what the so-called chivalry and dedication meant.

In the fantastical medieval-style otherworldly realms she experienced, knights were essentially local tyrants, second only to nobles.

Most of them killed for the sake of so-called glory, but it was nothing more than killing to gain more land and benefits.

Perhaps the true code of chivalry lies in the self-discipline exemplified by Artoria...

"Wait a moment, come with me, I'll prepare a more comfortable guest room for you."

Artoria nodded, then stepped forward and took Kiana's hand.

Kiana was startled by the cold touch and instinctively pulled her hand away.

Then she looked at Artoria, puzzled and confused.

Upon seeing her gaze, Artoria's expression immediately turned awkward.

"Um, I'm sorry, I was just in a bit of a hurry and wanted you to take me there quickly. That's why..."

Artoria said somewhat shyly.

But Artoria's words startled Kiana.

Then her face flushed red, and she looked at Artoria with a hint of anger.

"Okay, okay, I admit I was wrong."

Artoria said helplessly, "Then let's go over there."

Then she took Kiana's hand and led her through the corridor to a room.

The room looked very simple, without any luxurious decorations or exquisite furnishings.

But this room gives people a very warm and comfortable feeling.

"Do you like this room? It's a guest room that isn't usually occupied. Since very few people stay here, the bedding and pillows are just casually placed."

Kiana said with a smile.

Hearing Kiana's words, Artoria said softly, "Hmm, it feels much harder? This room is really nice."

"That's good, then I can rest assured."

Artoria nodded and said, "I think I can rest now. See you tomorrow, darling."

"Okay, please take a rest."

Kiana nodded.

"Then you go ahead and get busy."

With that, Artoria closed the door and returned to her bed.

"Ah~ this bed is still the most comfortable. I haven't slept this well in days. I have to thank Merlin for bringing me this great helper."

Artoria closed her eyes and sighed.

Then a question flashed through her mind.

"We must begin taking action tomorrow; this is my mission, and I cannot slack off..."

With these thoughts in mind, Artoria gradually drifted off to sleep.

She had a very, very long dream.

In her dream, she rode a warhorse, holding a long spear, standing atop a mountain of corpses and bones.

The mountainside and the foot of the mountain were littered with the corpses of countless knights clad in armor, among whom one knight with blond hair, just like himself, stood out strikingly.

She faced the mountain peak, as if charging towards herself.

Beside her were many knights with missing limbs and damaged armor.

These people were like a pack of wolves driven to the brink of despair, charging towards a terrifying lion in order to survive.

Seeing the knights approaching, Artoria instinctively raised her sword.

She felt that these people were after her.

However, she soon realized she was wrong...

The knights bypassed them and pounced on a familiar figure floating in mid-air behind them.

She had long, white hair, and her azure eyes were filled with a sense of majesty and power.

She stood there atop the mountain, the corpses piled high beneath her feet, countless drops of blood vaporizing in the intense heat...

The horrifying sight made the hairs on Artoria's body stand on end.

She couldn't help but call out the man's name:

Kiana?

The instant she called out the name...

"You're awake? I've been calling you for so long, it's time to get up and have lunch."

Kiana's slightly amused voice rang out, quickly awakening Artoria's consciousness.

It jolted her awake from her inexplicable nightmare, leaving her staring blankly at the smiling girl before her.

I was incredibly curious whether the woman I saw in my dream was really her...

Chapter Five: The King at This Moment Is Unable to Win Hearts and Minds

"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

Artoria's gaze was so intense that Kiana wondered if there was something on her face.

When she reached out and touched her smooth face, she didn't feel anything unusual.

This means there's nothing on my face...

So why was she staring at him?

"No, it's nothing. I'm just a little curious about your identity, Kiana..."

Although she had realized that what she had just seen was a dream, Artoria was still somewhat shaken.

After all, the version of herself she saw in her dreams was truly terrifying.

An aura of dominance over all, a ruthless and decisive gaze, and the power to slaughter armies and destroy nations.

Divine power.

All these qualities combined ultimately created an aura akin to that of a destructive angel.

Although Artoria hasn't met many people so far, one thing is certain.

The woman in my dream was an absolute killer...

Was I being too sensitive, or did this seemingly kind girl actually have a side I didn't know about?

A host of questions arose in Artoria's mind, leaving her no time to answer Kiana's questions.

Upon seeing the king's expression, Kiana turned away, completely bewildered.

She thought to herself, "I wonder what's wrong with her. Maybe she's not used to the room... But it's okay, she'll probably be staying here for a long time before Britain is unified. She'll get used to it eventually..."

The two then went to the living room of the room.

This place also serves as a dining area, as the dining tables are set up here.

Meanwhile, Ying and Paimon, the pair, had been waiting there for quite some time.

The two of them were sitting together, drinking refreshing mung bean porridge. On the table were boiled eggs, steamed buns, fried dough sticks, and other delicacies.

"Wow, you guys are already having breakfast... Does it taste pretty good?"

Kiana looked at the delicious food on the table with admiration.

"Yes, it's been a long time since we've had such a hearty breakfast!"

Ying nodded approvingly as well.

When Artoria looked at Luminous and Paimon, a strange light flashed in her eyes.

It seems they have a good relationship...