[FMMIKA] Chapter 288: The Final Step

"After return, I'll make it up to you."

Artorius spoke with a sorry tone as he watched Mordred's sulking departure. He felt a fleeting twinge of guilt, then temporarily pushed aside thoughts of his dearest sister.

Although it felt a bit unfair to Mordred, at this moment, Jeanne's problem was more important.

When he sat down beside her, Jeanne's shy gaze on Artorius resembled that of an innocent shepherdess who suddenly found herself in the presence of a prince.

When he took her hand, she didn't resist, even though her shyness intensified, she only lowered her head. In a way, this was an invitation for him to take further action.

Artorius was about to reach out, lift her chin, and kiss her, leading to a passionate rendezvous with the shepherdess—if they truly were a prince and a shepherdess.

"Your Majesty, isn't there anything else to do?" Jeanne finally spoke. "In this country, in this world, is there nothing that troubles you, Your Majesty?"

"Of course not..." Artorius replied with a light chuckle. "You are one of those things, and perhaps the most important and challenging one."

"..."

His response left her somewhat irritated. Jeanne raised her head, glaring at Artorius with a pout that was just as endearing. It was so cute that he couldn't resist the urge to hold her and offer some comfort.

"I need your help, Jeanne..." Artorius told her with a serious expression. "The problem of this world, this singularity, has been resolved. But the battle is far from over; in fact, it has only just begun. I need your strength."

"Join us. Become a part of the empire, and strive for the common future of humanity."

"I..." Jeanne hesitated after Artorius's words. Unlike Marie, Kiyohime, Elizabeth, and the others who were instantly remodeled by Artorius from Servants of Proper Human History into Servants of Pendragonius Empire, his initial attempt to convert Jeanne had failed.

Her 'defense' was too high, and her spirit and will were also strong. Forcing the transformation would only result in two possible outcomes.

One was immediate collapse—her soul shattered, leaving a significant causal connection between Artorius and the Heroic Spirit Jeanne. It would be uncertain when they'd meet again.

The other outcome was a breakdown, not a death, but rather senility. Artorius would have a somewhat demented elderly Jeanne.

Neither of those outcomes was what Artorius desired. He wanted a devoted Jeanne who would assist him wholeheartedly.

However, it seemed that achieving that expectation wasn't simple.

Even though Jeanne acknowledged that Artorius's vision for a new human history was better, more beautiful, and more just, it wasn't a reason for her to abandon her own human history.

It was just like how she hadn't abandoned France.

Apart from being a 'Saint', Jeanne also possessed the attribute of 'loyalty'. Therefore, after careful consideration, Artorius chose to proceed cautiously step by step.

First, he would let Jeanne be a happy shepherdess. Then, through methods like 'three visits to the thatched cottage' and presenting facts and reasoning, he would slowly increase her favor and loyalty toward himself. {T/N: Describing the eagerness and sincerity of visiting talents or seeking help from others.}

This way, her allegiance to him wouldn't be an issue.

As a general and commander, Jeanne naturally pledged her loyalty to those she believed in and those who believed in her, much like Charles VII, who believed and granted her authority without being swayed by the fact that she was just a village girl.

Similarly, she would also pledge her loyalty to Artorius when she saw his sincerity and how he chose to believe in her.

It appeared that Artorius's plan had made significant progress, and he was one step away from completely winning over Jeanne.

However, taking that step was proving to be more challenging than it seemed.

Artorius had explained the motive to Jeanne many times. For humanity, for the world, for the future, for justice, and so on.

But Jeanne's resolve remained stable as mountains, causing Artorius some frustration, and he began to contemplate if he needed to take a more assertive approach.

Today was no different.

"Your Majesty's points are indeed valid, but..."

After Artorius tried to persuade her in various ways, Jeanne looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Can I have some more time to think, please?"

'More time to think? Again?'

Artorius felt a bit frustrated, looking at Jeanne with her pitiful expression, prompting him to think.

Jeanne was on the verge of taking that final step. Perhaps he should adopt a more forceful stance and method to push her over the edge.

'What if I were to... push her here? Would she then swear her allegiance to me?'

Artorius couldn't help but consider this.

Despite being a saint and a hero, Jeanne was also a young woman. It was natural for her to be interested in romance, love, and lust. Having her under his control, making her his woman, would indeed be a significant asset.

'So, should I do it that way?'

'Like a true prince and shepherdess. Just push her down, have my way, and bring her back to the harem. Is that the solution?'

'Whatever, let's go for it!'

With this decision in mind, Artorius grabbed Jeanne's hand, his demeanor becoming more intense.

"Your Majesty..."

Sensing Artorius's intention, Jeanne blushed and tried to pull her hand away, but he held on tighter and then pushed her down onto the grass.

"You're so beautiful, my little lamb."

As he said this, Artorius leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Be mine, Jeanne."

"No, I can't, that's..."

Though she blushed and tried to resist, claiming that she couldn't, it was evident even to a fool that Jeanne wasn't putting up a strong opposition.

It was more of a half-hearted resistance.

'This step was the right move after all. I'm doing it for the empire, for humanity, for the whole world.'

Artorius thought that to himself, pausing briefly to look at Jeanne's face. Sure enough, when he stopped, she stopped too. The two of them locked eyes, not looking away.

"After this, come back with me." Artorius said firmly with a domineering aura.

"...Um." Jeanne nodded shyly, finally acknowledging the Dragon Emperor. "Then, I'll leave it to you from now on, Your Majesty."

'Success! With this, the journey in this singularity is complete.'

Artorius thought with relief to himself as he prepared to accept his spoils.

The fascinating shepherdess.

However...

"Um? W-What are you two doing?!"

From behind a tree, Jeanne's could be heard.