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IBHJ Chapter 270
🕑 Added 2023-05-18 22:55:49 +0000 UTCIt's finally over. All the wars have come to an end.
Well, not quite. To be more accurate, it's the wars fought under the reign of King Arthur that have reached their conclusion.
He vanquished the last god and triumphed over the Crimson Moon, an extraterrestrial invader. Humanity is now firmly established as the dominant species on this planet. However, as they move forward, the Camelot dynasty and the elevated humanity will undoubtedly encounter even more formidable threats and trials.
These forthcoming trials will become the epic tales of the heroes who carry on the legacy of their forefathers.
As King Arthur, he has fulfilled both his just and unjust quests. But there remains one final quest.
That is... The coronation!
A genuine, magnificent coronation! Not one marred by interruptions or disturbances, but a coronation that reverberates with the voices of the people, eagerly anticipated by all, acknowledged and admired even by neighboring nations!
In the seventh year of his reign, the dynasty organizes a grand coronation ceremony.
The lords of the kingdom, the Pope of the Holy Church, the Kings of the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, the Emperor of the Eastern Empire, and leaders from various prominent powers, either personally attend or send envoys, all converging upon Camelot.
Nations from far and wide come to offer their respects, and the people are brimming with anticipation and enthusiasm!
The people of Camelot hold their heads high, gazing at the statue of the king situated in the heart of the city. With pride, they narrate the tale of the king to their foreign friends.
Indeed, at the very center of Camelot, there stands a magnificent statue of the king.
The statue portrays the king brandishing a sword firmly lodged in a stone, exuding regal dignity and majesty, encapsulating the essence of true kingship.
Amidst the populace, the most cherished tale regarding the king is the enchanting anecdote of his passage through a meadow adorned with blooming lilies.
Moreover, the king's accomplishments have reverberated across distant lands. The culture of Camelot has started to permeate the neighboring nations.
Men from friendly neighboring countries take pride in forming marital unions with women hailing from Camelot, while the women themselves frequently find themselves captivated by men from Camelot.
This was one of the many signs of a powerful nation.
Furthermore, it served as a crucial element in the king's secret plan of interbreeding, subtly diminishing the Britons' dependence on True Ether and securing their long-term survival.
Diplomatic relations were established with kings from allied nations, and even emperors of mighty empires were hosted in Camelot's embassies, eagerly anticipating the upcoming coronation ceremony.
While Attila herself did not grace them with her presence, her envoys were sent to join in the celebrations, secretly establishing contact with Shirou and solidifying their alliance through the signing of a non-aggression pact.
Shirou wholeheartedly agreed to the arrangement. During the intense Crimson Moon campaign, Shirou had the opportunity to directly incorporate the heavily weakened Visigoth Kingdom into his realm.
However, foreseeing a potential clash between his future successor and the formidable Attila, he opted to lend his support to the Visigoth Kingdom and the Burgundians, viewing them as a crucial buffer against Attila's forces.
The preparations for the grand coronation ceremony were in full swing, bustling with activity and anticipation.
Meanwhile, in a moment of quiet solitude, Shirou made his way to Artoria's residence. Artoria, known for her compassionate heart, had taken in many war orphans under her care.
As he entered the premises, the courtyard came alive with the joyful laughter and energetic play of the children, their innocent vitality radiating through the air.
Inside, Artoria was engrossed in the task of baking applesauce, its alluring aroma wafting through the air and drawing the hungry gazes of the children, whose mouths watered in anticipation.
Shirou gently tapped on the door, announcing his presence in a soft and respectful manner.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Artoria turned her head upon hearing the knock, briefly pausing in her activities. "My king?" she called out, her voice filled with surprise.
Passing the responsibility of tending to the applesauce to an older child, she approached Shirou, her steps marked by a hint of hesitation. "My king, what brings you here?"
Shirou's face lit up with a warm smile as he replied, "Today, let's set aside the titles. I have come as your friend."
Glancing at the children, their eyes filled with wonder, Shirou couldn't help but smile. "What a delightful group of children," he remarked. Then, his attention turned back to Artoria as he asked, "Artie, do you happen to have a harp? I would love to play a beautiful melody for these little ones."
Regretfully, she shook her head and replied apologetically, "I'm sorry, I don't have a harp here."
Shirou's expression briefly reflected disappointment, but he swiftly regained his cheerful demeanor. "Ah, that's a shame," he said, shaking his head lightly. Then, his smile returned as he spoke, "Well, in that case, I can only wish these children a life filled with happiness and sunshine."
She hesitated for a moment, "My king, may I ask why you've come here?"
His gaze softened as he met her questioning look. "Would you be willing to accompany me for a walk?" he requested gently. "My duties have been taken over by Guinevere and Morgan, leaving me with unexpected free time. But, this newfound freedom feels uncomfortable. I wanted for someone to walk with me, and ultimately... you came to mind."
"Okay." she nodded.
In that very moment, a blonde child emerged from the crowd of children, clutching a delicate wreath in her hands. Shyly, she approached Shirou, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed him, "Um... your majesty... this is for you."
A warm smile graced Shirou's lips as he graciously accepted the wreath. "Thank you. I truly appreciate it," he expressed his gratitude, gently placing the wreath upon his head. With a tender gesture, he patted the girl's head, causing her to retreat into the safety of the crowd, her eyes filled with shy admiration.
Shirou turned around, his smile still bright, and began walking, Artoria following closely by his side. They strolled together, intermittently pausing as they ventured further away from the bustling cityscape, until they reached the serene expanse of the open fields.
Overhead, ethereal fairies danced and frolicked in the sky. Catching sight of Shirou, they descended from their aerial playground, bowing their heads in reverence, acknowledging his presence as a sign of their submission.
Returning the gesture, Shirou waved to the fairies, granting them permission to continue their playful antics.
