Fate/Magus Path

92 King

Due to Roy's sudden disappearance, Artoria anxiously searched the forest for quite a while.

She had become so lost in her own memories that she failed to keep track of her Master's whereabouts. That was truly a dereliction of duty.

Sensing the sound of an explosion in a certain part of the forest and seeing a pillar of magical energy rise into the sky, Artoria immediately rushed toward the location.

When she arrived at the place Roy had devastated with his explosion, the once-slumbering King of Britain finally reunited with her loyal subject.

"Oh, great King Arthur... is it really you? After one thousand five hundred years, you've awakened once again from the grave of ideals."

Upon seeing Artoria standing before him, the once impassive face of the old gravekeeper finally showed emotion.

He immediately prostrated himself, kneeling before the returning king like a loyal servant, his eyes filled with reverence.

"...Are you a gravekeeper as well?"

Looking at the devout old gravekeeper kneeling before her, Artoria spoke.

Roy had already explained most of the details about this village built for her sake, so it wasn't difficult to guess the old man's identity now.

Moreover, his fervor and devotion left no doubt... he was a follower her sister had prepared for her, just like that girl, both unfortunate souls bound to King Arthur.

"Yes, great king. My name is Bersac Blackmore, and I am the gravekeeper of this generation."

"Please, rise, old man."

She waved her hand, offering comfort.

"I am King Arthur, Artoria Pendragon. But I am only a former king. My Britain has been gone for over one thousand five hundred years."

"The era of King Arthur ended long ago. Now, I am just Artoria."

This time, she had truly let go.

"No, you are forever our king, the ideal ruler we follow!"

The old gravekeeper's tone remained firm.

"Whether we are gravekeepers or descendants of the king's bloodline, we have all been waiting for your return."

"I..."

Artoria wanted to say more, but Roy, standing nearby, interrupted her.

"There's no need to waste words with him, Artoria. I've already tried to talk to him before we arrived."

"But this old man is stubborn, refusing to answer any questions. It wasn't until I mentioned you that he finally reacted. Their minds have been bound by Morgan le Fay. In their hearts, King Arthur is their pillar and deity. Changing that is nearly impossible."

"So, just ask him as King Arthur. Ask where Morgan le Fay is, where Gray is, and where the hidden crypt of this village is. We'll check it out ourselves."

Then Roy glanced at the old gravekeeper, adding, "You wouldn't dare disobey King Arthur's orders, would you?"

"All right."

Artoria sighed, standing still and gazing at the figure before her.

The old gravekeeper sighed as well.

He rose to his feet, a look of helplessness appearing on his aged face.

"If it is your order, great King Arthur... then I shall obey."

...

The gravekeepers of King Arthur.

As their name suggests, they are the ones tasked with guarding the tomb of the great ruler who conquered and ruled Britain over a thousand years ago.