The Holy Knight of DxD

Chapter 44: Through the centuries (Part 1)

Camelot was the shadow of what it had been. The streets were no longer full of life and an atmosphere of death hovered in the air, making the town gloomy. And all because Arthur's death was unexpected. The king who for ten long years had brought peace to Britain had died at the hands of the traitor Mordred and now everyone feared what would happen next.

Everyone wondered why Merlin had not saved King Arthur but how could someone who had died before the king himself could save him.

The inhabitants of the entire kingdom were unaware of Merlin's actions. They did not know that he had used King Arthur for his plans and they didn't know they were under the influence of Excalibur Ruler. It was a request from Y/N, who didn't want to tarnish the name of Arthur who, after all, despite making bad choices, really wanted the good of his people.

"I didn't want it to come to this. I-" Guinevere sadly looked down. She felt guilty because, in the end, she had decided to abandon Arthur to his fate when he had finally redeemed himself. That was an act of cowardice.

"Instead of blaming yourself, you should try to honour his death by doing the only thing Arthur asked for you," Y/N said, trying to lift Guinevere's spirit and relieve her pain. "Besides, you're not the only one at fault here. Mordred and I have our share of the blame, too."

Everyone had their share of responsibility. Arthur's death was everyone's fault. Merlin had manipulated most of the events but Y/N and Mordred had done the same. Although they had manipulated Arthur to even slightly improve the living conditions of the people by rediscovering Roman streets to promote trade and the exchange of goods and removing all that threatened the welfare of Britain, they did this for their daughter.

"Mordred and I knew how it would end from the beginning but we did nothing to stop it," Y/N said, his expression grieving just by seeing the boat where the lifeless body of the Red Dragon Emperor lay sailing to Avalon, driven by the gentle wind generated by Rider. "I honestly hoped he had more brains and common sense. I hoped he'd learn to think with his own mind rather than Merlin's, so he could distinguish right from wrong."

When Y/N told Arthur that he was ready to sacrifice the king if it meant saving the people of Britain, he honestly hoped he didn't have to get there. He did indeed sacrifice Arthur for the welfare of many.

"What will happen now?" Guinevere asked as she clutched her hands to her chest as if to relieve the guilt that was eroding her inside.

"Turbulent years will come, and the Britons will... evolve," Merlin calmly replied. "Those who come after will develop Britain by creating new stories that I can enjoy."

"What do you mean?" Mordred asked, confused.

"I'll stay in the past to make sure time won't be altered." Merlin turned to Y/N. "You were right. I could definitely defeat Beast I but I didn't do it just for personal gain, letting it all fall on you." He turned to Rider. "That's why I'll do something. I, who have lived for a long time and know the stories written by men, am the best man so that the future you come from will not change."

Y/N opened and closed his mouth, unable to replicate. Merlin's words were honest and this surprised Y/N that he never expected Merlin to act voluntarily.

Y/N turned to the ship which was now a small point on the horizon.

[I hope that we will meet again, if not in this life, in the next life. And I hope that we will be friends then.]

"Gabriel!" At the call of Y/N, the most powerful woman in heaven descended from the sky, engulfed by a holy light that gave her a transcendental aura.

"So the time has come," Gabriel said in a gentle tone. "Then as agreed, I will do my part."