Fate/Ultimate Antagonist

[13] Just Wanted to See Your Expression

In the face of Alvin's inquiry, the golden-haired youth revealed a bewildered expression. He had never engaged in such complex contemplation nor considered these profound questions before.

Due to the admiration of his foster father's figure and the responsibility he bore, the youth aspired to become a knight. The title of a knight represented justice, represented the hope of saving Britain, this was ingrained in him since childhood.

However, it was merely... an aspiration.

Aspiration was the farthest distance from understanding.

"The stark reality is, praising those who harbor virtues as knights allows the discordant and sordid individuals to also share in the crown of justice."

Alvin's gaze seemed to scorch the youth.

"If it were you, would you be pleased with such acknowledgment?"

"..."

The golden-haired youth fell silent.

He was truly intelligent.

So even though he couldn't fully grasp some vocabulary, he could still understand Alvin's expression.

And precisely because he understood, it became challenging to respond.

... The other party was right.

If knights were all virtuous do-gooders, marauding bandits wouldn't persist for so long. They wouldn't have to wait for the so-called Silver Star Guiding the Way to single-handedly seek retribution.

Witnessing the chaos in the town caused by bandits, he had also thought about contributing to easing everyone's troubles. However, this notion was discouraged by his foster father, who advised him that, with his esteemed status, he shouldn't attract attention. The spread of his name would draw the attention of Vortigern.

Furthermore, he was pointed out that he currently lacked the determination to kill, trying to face bandits with a heart of persuasion was naive and pointless.

"Always expecting goodness from people. To become a king, you're far from ruthless enough."

Being criticized so unreservedly by his foster father, the golden-haired youth had to give up.

"Ruthless."

This word deeply pierced into his heart.

To become a king, did he have to learn to be ruthless?

The youth found it hard to accept such a cruel truth.

Until... he heard about the name Silver Star Guiding the Way in the town.

Peers of similar age were undertaking benevolent deeds he aspired to, temporarily freeing the young man from his hardship and igniting a deep yearning.

Silver Star Guiding the Way, this coveted title, was subsequently etched into his heart.

However, at this moment.

Upon hearing Alvin's straightforward words, the youth finally realized the malice concealed within the praises.

...Yes, why?

Why should one's virtuous deeds, acknowledged as the righteous actions of a knight, be reasonable?

Clearly, he was of the same age, yet he was adorned with the shackles of righteousness.

To be acclaimed as a knight who slays villains at the age of eleven would surely bring shame to every self-proclaimed knight in the region.

"Sorry..."

Realizing the actions of the knights.

He became more aware of his immaturity in thinking.