[FMMIKA] Chapter 221: Heart-to-Heart Talk

"What a competent guy."

"When it comes to dealing with women, he sure is."

Watching Artoria Species and Artorius chatting and complimenting each other, Scathach and Vivian both breathed a sigh of relief.

It looked like a promising future.

Although there were hundreds of Artoria Species, the vast majority of them were fools with insufficient intelligence, not worth worrying about.

The original Mordred and the original Artoria were also not worth worrying about.

The only ones to watch out for were those few powerful individuals with special code names—Z, X, XX, Ex.

Their minds were not quite right, and some of their thought processes were strange and different from normal people.

However, their strength was overwhelming. So, those rascals were destined to occupy a place in Artorius's harem.

But compared to them, the ones who were both powerful and had functioning brains posed an even greater threat.

With these thoughts in mind, Scathach unconsciously looked toward the figure standing quietly beside Artorius. Unlike the typical Artoria Species, this one didn't engage in arguments or get pushed aside like a fool. Instead, she stood calmly without speaking.

'Is she 'Lion King'? It looks like a mature version of Artoria. Judging by that gaze, she's not ordinary.'

As Scathach thought this, the Space Lion King, as if sensing her gaze, turned to look at her. The two locked eyes, and for a moment, it felt like invisible lightning passed between them.

But the next moment, both Lion King and Scathach chose not to escalate the conflict further. Instead, they smiled and nodded at each other.

'A worthy opponent.'

'Indeed, an enemy.'

Both of them made this judgment simultaneously and smiled even brighter.

===

Whether it was forming alliances or identifying targets, once one overlooked the minor issues beneath the surface, the Pendragons banquet was quite enjoyable.

Even though the food disappeared in the first part of the evening, and Agravain had to quickly get supplies from the military camp, Artorius could've used his Third Magic to conjure food. However, every Artoria Species declined.

"In that case, the food won't taste the same."

"We've had enough of magical energy; we want real, living food."

Perhaps due to the hardships they endured during space travel with limited supplies, these Artoria Species protested like 'Just Stop Oil' activists, insisting on having Agravain conjure large quantities of food without the use of Artorius's Third Magic.

"In that case..."

Agravain appeared quite troubled, especially since these Artorias seemed to regard him as a convenient tool.

"Since it's Agravain, it should be fine."

"Go on, do your best!"

"While we don't know how Agravain can manage it, we're sure that if it's Agravain, it'll work, right?"

With these rather demanding words from the Artorias, Agravain felt considerably more pressure and an acute stomachache.

"Don't worry."

Fortunately, the Pendragons had reasonable people too.

Artorius discreetly communicated, "I'll use True Magic to create food when they aren't paying attention."

"But—"

"Trust me."

Artorius continued to reassure Agravain, "Most of them are fools, and the ones who aren't are reasonable people, so it'll be fine."

"I understand."

Agravain replied with understanding. He then thought:

'His Majesty truly lives up to his name. But women, they're just too annoying and unreasonable. If it weren't for reproductive needs, there would be no need for such annoying creatures. They are more annoying than enemies.

Come to think of it, His Majesty is truly impressive to handle so many of them. Counting the maids from earlier, it's probably close to a thousand by now.'

Under Artorius's puzzled gaze, Agravain's admiration for Artorius grew even stronger.

'So much effort, so much greatness. Compared to His Majesty's tireless efforts, my little fatigue is nothing at all. As a subordinate, I must share the burden of our lord.'

With this thought, Agravain found renewed motivation.

"Please rest assured, I will arrange everything, Your Majesty." Agravain earnestly assured the Emperor.

"Hmm? Yes, I'm counting on you."

Although Artorius didn't know why Agravain suddenly felt more motivated, it was a good thing regardless.

With these thoughts in mind, watching Agravain throw himself into work at the fastest pace possible, the busy and bustling Artorius, after a brief moment of doubt, also shifted into relaxation and enjoyment mode.

Just now, satisfying hundreds of Artoria Species with headpats was quite exhausting.

More importantly, there were the battles before that, and even before those. In short, Artorius's life had been a constant struggle.

Originally, the Holy Grail War should have been a chance to relax, but after hearing about the vampire incident, it ended up becoming a battlefield.

In other words, the current Artorius could finally relax completely, without a care in the world, and take a good rest.

"You've worked hard, Artorius."

After seeing Artorius's exhaustion, Lion King used her knee as a pillow and massaged him to soothe his body and soul, which lay on her 'thicc' thighs.

At the same time, Lion King leaned down and gazed at Artorius on her knee, blushing a bit shyly.

Occasionally, she would mutter a few words, saying that his hobbies were quite perverted and lewd. But she behaved like a well-behaved kitten, allowing him to pat her head, and occasionally letting out a contented "Mmm~" sound.

The person who gave him a lap pillow wasn't fixed, as the person changes constantly.

After Lion King came Ex, followed by an Artoria Alter named Eighteen. Then came XX, followed by the Order of Avalon's Delta. Afterward came Z, followed by the Heroines A, B, C, D, and so on. In short, almost all of Artorias got their turn.

In the midst of it all, some of the Artoria Species waiting in line grew impatient and started teasing Artorius.

They would tousle his hair, pinch his cheeks, offer him a bunch of grapes, or even some wine. They smiled happily, muttering, "Artorius~" "Artorius~" "Artorius~" while swaying his arms and playfully sticking close to him.

===

The Artoria Species, when it came to Artorius, was somewhere between serving him like maids, joking with him like lovers, or teasing him like pets.

They made Artorius drink several glasses more than he should, and then, he found himself half-drunk, not quite sure if it was Artoria Species he was caressing, but he didn't care.

He was just immersed in the sea of Artorias, surrounded on all sides by their affection. So, which Artoria Species was clinging to him exactly? Did it really matter? Not really.

As long as he was happy.

Now, Artorius, the one being pampered by the Artorias, felt like he had reached the pinnacle of life. He could ignore the worried glances from the empire's higher-ups, including Agravain, and even the voice from Gaia that he could sense deep within.

"Artorius..."

It was a far cry from the time when Gaia was on the verge of tears during the impending world destruction.

This time, although Gaia was still hesitant and trying to be appeasing in her words, at least she sounded somewhat normal.

"Whatever it is, let's talk about it tomorrow."

Of course, Artorius impatiently interrupted her.

He had decided today that even if Gaia herself appeared in front of him, he wouldn't lift a finger. He needed rest. A mere Counter Force couldn't deter Artorius from his determination to laze around.

"Hail to our Emperor!"

After Artorius dismissed Gaia with an impatient tone and some back-and-forth, one of the Artoria Species, fueled by alcohol, shouted and received an enthusiastic response from the others.

In the midst of another round of cheers, more Artoria Species seemed to appear with ill intentions, offering Artorius drinks. It was as if this group of Artoria Species wanted to get him drunk and do some naughty things.

Well, it's not like it was 'as if'; that was precisely what this group of Artoria Species had in mind.

Celebrating victory, cheering, feasting, and besides eating and drinking, there were games and entertainment. That's what made the perfect celebration.

When it comes to games and entertainment, apart from card games, board games, the latest mobile games, and battle royale games, Artorius was their all-time favorite.

"..."

Facing these Artoria Species' mischievous actions, Artorius didn't mind. However, Lion King was quite displeased and used her imposing presence as the legitimate queen to drive these disobedient Artoria Species away.

Though irritated, when Lion King looked like she was getting angry, the other Artoria Species dared not approach Artorius to continue their playful antics.

They could only watch with puppy-dog eyes as the 'big sister' led Artorius away.

Though some of them contemplated following to join in the mischief, they ultimately failed. A couple of steps into the hallway, Lion King turned back and gave them a stern, threatening look.

A group of spineless Artoria Species instantly backed off.

They could only watch the 'big sister' leave with Artorius to the bedroom. Then, they turned their sorrow into appetite, munching away on food like no tomorrow.

Looking at it this way, it was clear who the legitimate queen was.

Setting aside favoritism and focusing on authority, the older Artoria Species naturally held more power, with the exception of Morgan of course.

However, some Artoria Species, no matter how old they became, simply didn't measure up, like XX.

"Really, Artorius, you need to be careful not to spoil 'us' too much."

Upon entering the bedroom, things didn't go as some of the Artorias had hoped. Lion King didn't immediately pounce on Artorius and engage in lewd activities.

Instead, she patiently took care of her beloved son, placing him on the bed and bringing him hangover soup, a towel, and warm water.

Once Artorius was feeling a bit better, Lion King half-jokingly scolded him, "Otherwise, you won't be able to handle it."

Regarding her reprimand, Artorius simply smiled and remained silent. He was feeling so relaxed both mentally and physically that he didn't feel like thinking much for the moment.

"It's not a big deal, as long as everyone's happy, right?"

He continued to lean against her and mumbled in response to the Lion King's words.

"..."

"Is it really just about everyone being happy?"

"Of course not, it's also about me being happy." Artorius gazed up at the ceiling, speaking happily to himself:

"I have a lot of pressure too, you know... all this time, facing enemies, facing vampires, and dealing with the Counter Force, among other things. I've been fighting my way through, always in struggle. I have to consider domestic affairs, diplomacy, wars, battles, technological advancements, the organization of my empire, laws... I have to handle everything."

At this point, Artorius took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"I can also get tired and frustrated. I've even thought about giving up. But I can't, there's no way I can give up. There's Little Mo, Mother, Teacher Scathach, Sister Vivian, Aunt Morgan, the Knights of the Round Table, and all the people who admire me, trust me, love me..."

Artorius suddenly remembered his best friend's sacrifice. Galahad—without him, Artorius wouldn't have come this far.

"How can I abandon them? That's why, I have to give it my all, I have to strive because not doing so would mean letting them down, and I can't save everyone that way."

With those words, Artorius couldn't help but sigh.

"I don't—"

"―You've never been alone, Artorius."

Before Artorius could express this sentiment, his words were interrupted by Lion King. She drew closer to him and said:

"We will always be by your side, taking good care of you, accompanying you, living and dying together with you."

She spoke these words seriously, causing Artorius to fall silent for a few seconds before he smiled gently, comforted.

"Yeah..."

Suddenly, Artorius was pinned down by Lion King.

"From now on, let me protect you, my dear son."

After saying these words, Artorius's line of sight was blocked.

===

The next day.

When Artorius opened his eyes, Lion King was lying quietly beside him, having kept him company throughout the night.

"Awake?" Lion King asked with a gentle tone.

"Yeah..."

"How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good."

"Umu, can we continue moving on then?"

"..."

Artorius was silent for several seconds, then responded with strong confidence:

"Of course, we can. We still have a lot of work to do."