Nova Uruk.
Nearly two months had passed since then, and Nova Uruk remained as prosperous and beautiful as ever. Its walls gleamed beneath the sun, its streets thrived with life, and the order established by its ruler sustained a steady and remarkable growth.
At that moment, Arthur was in his office, focused on a stack of documents that never seemed to shrink. Reports, decrees, infrastructure projects, and trade treaties covered his desk.
Shizu sat on a sofa beside Milim, who was enthusiastically devouring a sandwich, scattering crumbs without the slightest concern. Shion, meanwhile, assisted Arthur by organizing the papers efficiently—though from time to time, she cast glances tinged with barely concealed resentment toward Shizu.
Since that night, Shizu had remained much closer to him. Whenever a moment of privacy arose, she would sleep by his side. This fact caused considerable unrest among his adorable subordinates—especially Shion, Shuna, and Felicia, who now assisted in the artistic affairs of the citadel—none of whom appreciated that Shizu had "cut ahead" of them.
Arthur, on the other hand, was extremely busy with Nova Uruk's rapid expansion. He had already established several ministries, entrusting them to loyal and capable individuals to share the burden of governance.
Even so, countless responsibilities remained—duties that only he, as sovereign, could assume.
At that moment, he wore what he considered comfortable attire.
He had on only a dark-blue open vest, with no intention of covering his chest.
On his legs were wide crimson trousers embroidered with blue lines that coiled like living flames. The fabric draped loosely, parting in subtle slits that revealed glimpses of his skin.
The trousers were secured at his waist with an ornate golden belt, and behind him were adornments resembling bird feathers, granting him an almost divine presence.
On his feet, finely crafted golden sandals with curved designs reinforced his regal image.
Upon his head rested a peculiar ornament—a blend between a white turban, its trailing cloth fluttering softly behind him, and a discreet blue crown resembling stylized horns.
As he worked, Souei suddenly appeared before his desk, silent as a shadow.
"Master, I bring a report from the Intelligence Department."
"Speak," Arthur replied without lifting his eyes from the documents.
"The army of the Kingdom of Falmuth and the knights of the Holy Western Church have been acting strangely. Furthermore, adventurers and merchants with suspicious movements have been identified within the city multiple times over the past week."
Souei maintained a calm and objective tone.
"Based on our analysis, it is likely they are preparing to declare war against us."
"Hm…" Arthur murmured, still reviewing a document.
"A war is about to begin?" Shizu asked suddenly.
In the past, she would certainly have stood with the humans. But now…
"Arthur… I know my request may be overstepping, but could you give me some time?"
Her words finally made Arthur raise his gaze.
"I don't want the people of this city to suffer from war… but I also don't want humans to die in a meaningless conflict."
She took a deep breath before continuing:
"The Ten Great Saints of the Western Church are extremely powerful. Especially their holy magic and techniques specifically designed to kill monsters."
Her expression grew resolute.
"I hope you'll give me a chance to try persuading the King of Falmuth and the Holy Knights… It may be presumptuous of me, but the leader of the Ten Great Saints, Hinata Sakaguchi, is my student. Perhaps I can end this war before it even begins…"
"As much as I want to fight by your side in a war, I see no problem with that, Master Arthur," Shion declared, crossing her arms as she looked at him.
Arthur rested his chin on his hand for a moment.
"You heard her. Do as you see fit, Shizu."
"Arthur…" She smiled in relief. "Don't worry, I'll do my best!"
He watched her for a few seconds.
She seemed to shine.
Unfortunately, she was also being naïve.
"Shizu, as a great heroine, defending monsters could ruin your reputation."
"Ruin my reputation…?"
She truly hadn't considered that.
But she quickly relaxed.
"What is my reputation worth if something happens to the people here?"
Arthur chuckled softly.
"Foolish girl. Don't forget—Nova Uruk would never lose a war."
Then he opened the Gate of Babylon.
From within, he withdrew a sword.
The blade was long and perfectly symmetrical, forged from a metal that resembled white gold fused with light. It did not reflect its surroundings like ordinary steel; instead, it emitted its own steady, gentle radiance, like sunlight filtered through morning mist.
"It is called Claíomh Solais."
He handed the sword to Shizu.
"It is one of the legendary treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and it will be far more useful to you than to me."
You may now be wondering how exactly one of the legendary treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann ended up inside the Gate of Babylon.
The answer was simple: Angélica.
From the moment Arthur met Angélica, he noticed strange changes within the Gate. Objects he had never placed there began appearing from time to time.
The most plausible explanation was that the Gate of Babylon in Angélica's possession— inherited from a future Arthur—had somehow merged with his own in the present, duplicating the items they contained.
Perhaps it had created some kind of temporal anomaly.
Perhaps.
But there was little he could do about it.
"Simply say: Claíomh Solais — Sol na nDéithe! to release its true power."
The moment Shizue grasped the sword, still bewildered, the blade dissolved into particles of light and entered her body. A sun-shaped mark appeared on the back of her left hand.
"…Thank you, Arthur…" she murmured.
Arthur immediately returned to his work, deliberately ignoring Milim's envious gaze.
Two days later, after a farewell night with Arthur, Shizu left Nova Uruk and headed toward Falmuth.
The following day, Milim—having received a special gift from Arthur—departed in high spirits, promising she would not take long to return.
Before Milim left, nearly everyone gave her the same advice:
Don't get tricked.
Milim paid no attention whatsoever, because to her, being so intelligent and adorable, being deceived was simply impossible.
With Shizue and Milim departing one after the other, Nova Uruk began its own preparations for war.
Because, despite fully trusting Shizue, it would be foolish to believe that someone as greedy as the King of Falmuth could be persuaded so easily.
(End of Chapter)