"Burp~"
Alvin lay with his head resting on Artoria's soft, milky thighs, letting out a satisfied belch.
A faint aura of magical energy lingered around his body.
The mana from his own White Dragon Core had already been at full capacity, but now, after receiving Artoria's "magical energy" just moments ago... Alvin was practically overflowing with power.
"So this is the Red Dragon's mana... It does feel slightly different from my own."
He closed his eyes, carefully sensing the energy he had just personally "absorbed."
Almost immediately, he couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
'Who would have thought there was this kind of method... Was it that I'd just been too conservative before? Or was it that reality truly had more creative possibilities than I imagined?'
Just moments ago, Alvin had been feeling thirsty, but now... both his thirst and hunger had been completely satisfied.
'Why hadn't I ever considered this kind of method before...?'
As this thought crossed his mind, he quietly opened his eyes, only to find Artoria gazing down at him in silence.
Though she was trying her best to maintain a composed expression, the faint warmth in her cheeks betrayed the fact that the ruler of the Camelot Empire wasn't as calm as she appeared.
"...W-What are you staring at?"
Seemingly flustered by his gaze, Artoria averted her eyes slightly, her stunningly beautiful face tinged with a captivating blush.
For a straightforward girl like Artoria, what she had just done was clearly out of character... At the very least, if any outsider had witnessed the scene, their worldview would have shattered instantly.
"How did you even come up with the idea of transferring your mana to me... like that?"
Enjoying the heavenly comfort of Artoria's supple thighs beneath his head, Alvin couldn't help but ask with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
In his memories, Artoria had always been a woman who followed rules to the letter.
Though his "training" had softened some of her rigidity over time... it shouldn't have gone this far.
Just what has she been through these past few years?
Artoria glanced at him, her voice quiet and slightly accusing. "Isn't this what you like?"
"Lily... What kind of person do you take me for?"
Breathing in the sweet, milky fragrance of her skin, Alvin sighed helplessly. "No matter how you look at it, I wouldn't—"
"Then should we not do it next time?" Artoria interrupted.
Alvin paused, then coughed lightly. "...Actually, it's not bad. This innovative method of mana replenishment is quite... praiseworthy."
Artoria shot him a faintly disdainful look. "Pervert."
Alvin simply smiled. Compared to Morgan's sharp tongue, Artoria's words might as well have been a coquettish whisper.
Then, Artoria's voice softened. "You still haven't answered me about the deputy position."
Her eyes held a trace of hopeful anticipation as she continued, "Will you stay... Alvin?"
To be honest, given her current status in the Camelot Empire, forcibly confining someone would have been trivial for Artoria.
After all, the entire kingdom now lay under her sole control.
Yet even so, when it came to Alvin, she chose to ask rather than command.
Rather than using her authority as king to keep him, she wanted him to choose to stay.
'The royal basement is nice, but it's not a permanent solution...'
Alvin looked at the woman before him in silence for a while, then finally let out a soft "Mmm" agreeing to her request.
"I might need some time to adjust to the role... But if you don't mind that, then I'd be happy to stay and help."
Hearing his words, the tension in Artoria's brow finally eased as a radiant smile bloomed across her face, so dazzling it seemed to dim the sunlight itself.
"Of course I don't mind. Besides, the work won't be too troublesome, and... I can teach you."
As she spoke, her fingers gently traced the side of his face, then slowly trailed down, slender fingertips gliding along his neck before finally brushing against his pale collarbone...
'This feeling... It's so nostalgic.'
A tender, reminiscent warmth flickered in Artoria's eyes.
In the past, she had been the one nestled in his arms, listening as he patiently guided her with the gentlest voice.
But now, their roles had reversed... Not that she minded.
The two of them lapsed into comfortable silence, simply savoring the serene, intimate moment.
After a long while, as if suddenly remembering something, Artoria murmured, "...By the way, that noble girl from earlier today—the one downstairs. Are you two... close?""
At these words, Alvin noticed the golden-haired woman's beautiful eyes darken ever so slightly.
Well...her tone carried an unspoken question—Is she your current girlfriend?
Alvin's powerful intuition kicked in instantly, his heart skipping a beat before he replied helplessly, "Reines and I are on good terms, but that's only because we were classmates."
Artoria's expression remained unreadable. "But she seemed quite concerned about you."
Earlier today, that golden-haired noble girl had actually dared to step forward and try to stop her.
That wasn't something an ordinary relationship could explain...
Alvin sighed. "You've been openly hunting down 'Transmigrators' lately. Reines is a friend of mine—of course she'd panic when she saw you coming for me."
"If anything, it just proves she's righteous, compassionate, and full of knightly spirit."
He felt his reasoning was flawless.
As the ever-magnanimous King Arthur, surely she wouldn't dwell on something like this.
And yet...
Artoria merely glanced at him. "An ordinary friend wouldn't have the courage to stand in my way, let alone consider raising a hand against me."
"You've always been popular with girls, haven't you?"
To be fair, Alvin did have a naturally charming appearance—not to mention his [Innate Charm A] trait, which only amplified his appeal.
But if this had been the Artoria from before she drew the sword from the stone, his explanation would have been enough to reassure her.
'Seems she really has changed over the years... At the very least, she's become far more possessive.*'
Fortunately, Artoria didn't press the issue further, and Alvin quietly exhaled in relief.
After a brief pause, he spoke again. "There's something else I'd like to ask of you."
At her questioning look, he continued, "It's about the Transmigrators..."
For the briefest moment, Artoria's expression shifted almost imperceptibly.
Catching it, Alvin quickly added,
"I know Camelot's stance on Transmigrators is your own decision, and I don't intend to interfere. But at the very least... I want to ensure the safety of those close to me."
Alvin didn't consider himself some kind of savior.
The conflict between this world and the other side held little interest for him, at least, he didn't believe he could change the current state of affairs overnight.
But he could protect the people he cared about.
Aside from Reines and Gray, he had other acquaintances at the Clock Tower, most of whom were decent people, and they were unlikely to cause trouble even in Camelot.
But some... if they ran into a patrolling Knight of the Round Table, they'd probably start a fight on the spot.
And one golden-haired, slicked-back man in particular comes to mind...
Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald—Alvin's current mentor at the Clock Tower.
Even before crossing into this world, he had heard of Kayneth.
One of the Lords of the Clock Tower, Reines' elder brother, and head of the Archibald family.
A genius among geniuses, his life had been one smooth ascent, breeding an arrogance that knew no bounds.
If he ended up in Camelot... would he even survive an encounter with its people?
Though Kayneth was a Lord of the Clock Tower, the Knights of the Round Table from the Age of Gods... were not opponents to be trifled with.
At this thought, Alvin sighed inwardly, offering a silent prayer for Kayneth's survival.
Artoria pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "You can give me a list later. I'll have my people keep an eye out."
As expected of Lily, she's always so reliable.
Alvin nodded. "If possible, send someone to check the royal city as well. I doubt they've left yet."
Artoria arched a brow. "Do you have someone in mind?"
Alvin thought for a moment. "Gawain and Agravain are still in the palace... Either of them would do for a quick sweep."
Artoria gave a slight nod, then hesitated before murmuring, "...When do you plan to see them?"
In Camelot, aside from a select few, most of the Knights of the Round had been on excellent terms with Alvin in the past.
But if he were to reunite with them now, word of his return would inevitably spread.
And once the nobility caught wind of it... the empire's upper echelons would be thrown into chaos.
To the knights, Alvin was the empire's Night's Watch... but to most nobles, he was nothing short of a demon.
After all, in all of history, only Alvin had ever dared to nail the great nobles to their own crests.
"This is fine for now."
Just as Artoria was lost in thought, Alvin gently placed a hand over hers.
Meeting her slightly dazed gaze, he smiled and continued, "This is enough... A little peace and quiet is nice."
Back when the system had tasked him with destroying Camelot, he has briefly wondered what rewards he might reap for completing the mission.
But after much deliberation, he'd chosen to defy it instead.
Even now, with the game made reality... he felt no regret.
'After all, who cares about offending nobles when there are beautiful girls to prioritize?'
Especially after the... enlightening experience he had, a bit only, which only reaffirmed his choice.
What system reward could possibly compare to unlocking brand-new, ahem... scenic illustrations*?
Alvin had never been one to chase power levels.
Besides, the Artoria he'd raised was even stronger than her Fate counterpart...
In a way, wasn't it just perfect to cling to Lily's plump thighs and live the easy life?
At this thought, his gaze drifted back to the golden-haired woman's graceful figure, and the impressive curves of her chest.
'..I'm feeling a bit thirsty again.*'
Noticing his blatant stare, Artoria instinctively raised a hand to cover herself slightly, shooting him a sidelong glance. "W-What are you looking at?"
Despite having initiated things earlier, she was now the one flustered...
Alvin chuckled, then put on an earnest expression. "Can I... have another taste?"
Not that he had any ulterior motives, of course.
A virtuous and upright man like him would never take interest in such things, let alone dwell on the details.
He simply wanted to thoroughly study the properties of the Red Dragon's mana up close, and perhaps verify the current... measurements of Artoria's "humanity."
That, and he was still a bit thirsty... Nothing more.
Things like explosive developments* or special techniques? Absolutely no interest!
Of course, Alvin would still be very interested if he could unlock new CGs.
Artoria studied him silently for a long moment, but under his hopeful gaze, she finally gave a small nod.
"Lily, you're the cutest in the world!" Alvin couldn't help but praise.
"You only say things like that at times like these," Artoria muttered.
"Not true! You're always the cutest in my eyes!" Alvin declared solemnly.
"...And compared to my elder sister?"
A sudden, lethal question, but..
"She doesn't hold a candle to you." Without missing a beat, Alvin answered with absolute sincerity.
The corner of Artoria's lips curled faintly as she turned her face away—though the hand lowering from her chest was tacit permission.
While Artoria and Morgan le Fay shared near-identical appearances, their personalities were polar opposites.
In the past, even holding hands would leave Artoria blushing, whereas Morgan... had been far more proactive.
To put it simply, one was adorable, the other alluring—they weren't even in the same league.
So, him calling her the cutest was a fact.
Though Lily has matured quite a bit now...
With such thoughts in mind, Alvin leaned into Artoria's embrace once more, leisurely replenishing the White Dragon Core's mana...
...
...