Four individuals can be seen seated at a table while a woman was preparing tea for everyone.
One had dark brown hair who was reading the letter little mage gave him.
The second was a person with blond hair and a fair face with handsome features frowning while looking at the little mage.
The third was the boyish girl sitting with slightly rosy cheeks because of the constant stare from the little mage.
The fourth was naturally me looking at the girl like I was in a different world.
"I can't believe that Merlin's disciple is an adorable brat with a foul mouth." The blond hair boy said appeared to be in his 20s.
"And I can't believe you are Arthur Pendragon, son of Uther Pendragon that Merlin so boasts about. Somehow I even lost motivation to serve you." I replied with the look of disappointment earning some chuckles from the family except that man who only smirked.
"But of course, if my first love is with me then I am even willing to serve such an unsightly person," I said looking at blond hair girl who looked away.
"P-Please behave yourself, we have just only me… B-Besides there is an age difference." She said with a stutter but I could see that she didn't deny my proposal. Others were also a little baffled seeing her expression like realizing her true gender.
"Of course we could know each other in the future, my beloved. And as for age, please don't concern yourself with my height, I am 15 years old young man. It's because of my unique bloodline that I am short."
I smiled and didn't even try to ask about her name or anything, just looking at her simple yet adorable face was enough for me.
"Fufu~ Aren't you an energetic one? Here is your tea."
The lady of the house came and placed teacups on the table.
"Thank you, mam." I gave her my brightest smile that petrified two ladies in the house even two men were in a daze looking at me.
"Oh my…" She put her hand on the cheek and blushed.
"Mom, don't fall for his pretty face. He is rotten from inside." The blond hair boy said.
"Mom?" I was confused since as far as I know, Arthur's mother was a noble lady and not the wife of Ector.
"So it seems you are really Merlin's disciple and you come here to train as a knight and learn spearmanship?" Ector asked.
"It is indeed correct Sir Ector. Before Merlin, I was taught magic by Lady of the lake and then by Merlin. Although I am a magus by nature, I always dreamed to stand by Arthur's side that's why I want to train as a knight to stand beside Arthur and since my main weapon is a spear, I want to learn spearmanship from a renowned warrior in your house."
I explained then turned towards the blond hair boy.
"But I somehow not feeling to become a knight after seeing Arthur as a scrawny brat, I didn't feel the motivation to move further."
At that statement, they were a little surprised but I didn't know why the said person was smirking all the time even after being mocked.
I then looked at the girl who also paid attention to me.
"But of course if you are willing to give me her hand for marriage, I am willing to even cross the sea."
Without waiting for her reaction, I looked at Ector and continued.
"For your information, I have money, education of a noble, I could buy or even create a house, I can cook most delicious food, I am good at poetry and storytelling, and finally it won't be long before your embrace will be filled with lots of cute grandchildren."
I said proudly and then held the hand of the girl who blitzed all of sudden.
"All in all, I will make her the happiest girl alive and never betray her."
"…"
They were all stunned except the boy who I was thinking of as Arthur this whole time. The lady of the house was looking at me like a proud son-in-law whereas Sir Ector shook his hand if saying it was not possible.
Fake Arthur was holding his stomach could burst into laughter at any moment and as for the girl in front of me, she was still in a daze and would be saying, 'It is my first time, someone said these kind words to me,' like shoujo anime girls.
"Oh, such a sweet boy. I can't face his disappointed face." The lady of the house said and went to her room leaving boys, including the tomboyish girl, to reveal the shocking truth.
"Well Einar boy, I have to disappoint you for the marriage part and many other things," Ector said.
I was getting agitated from their looks and asked, "Tell me if I have done something wrong. If there is a problem with her health, I am also an alchemist and healer so it will be no problem."
I wanted her to be my side at any cost.
"Let's not drag this matter further and properly introduce myself. As you know I am Ector, a former knight." He pointed at the boy who I was mistaking as Arthur. "My son Kay, he is not Arthur that you are expecting and he, if you agree, will be your trainer since he uses a lance."
"Yo!" Arthur, now Kay greeted with a smirk.
"And finally," Ector pointed at the girl. "Her name is Artoria Pendragon, or Arthur that you mentioned."
"H-Hello…" Artoria also greeted me like feeling guilty.
My reaction?
"…"
I was speechless.
"HAH?"
I stood from my chair and slammed on the table.
Kay burst into laughter but stopped when Ector coldly glared at him.
"B-but… Arthur is supposed to be a male… wait that freaking incubus didn't mention the gender of Arthur, did he? I will deal with him later BUT POINT IS, HOW THE HECK A GIRL BE ARTHUR?"
I then looked at Artoria and apologized.
"I am sorry if I am offending you, my love."
I have to explain that penis doesn't work that way.
"No… it's fine." She replied with a smile that pierced my heart like an arrow.
"Yeah, that is the real deal. If you want to train and live here as my apprentice, then treat her like a brother or friend of a sort." Ector shrugged his shoulders.
"And treat me like your master," Kay said with a smile.
"Fuck you!"
I immediately cursed him and sighed. I was very disappointed to the point that for a moment my eyes lost the color that didn't go unnoticed by them.
Fays' eyes went colorless when they are disappointed or sad which affects the surrounding atmosphere even the weather. The same goes for me as they could see the disappointment through my colorless eyes.
Artoria, my first love, who is the gender-bend King Arthur of the future, also looked down feeling kind of guilty. I felt a little bad since in this whole mess none of this was her fault so I coughed and smiled to calmed myself and cheer the mood.
"Sir Ector, I understand your concern. I will do as you say." I said to Ector and then turned to look at Artoria. "I am kind of stubborn kid so my pledge will not-never be worn out. I am sorry it is something I can't compromise as I am born with it, Artoria Pendragon."
"Etto…" She was confused about what to say to me.
"Haha, relax. I will respect your wish to be treated as a boy but let's start from being friends." I smiled.
"As you say, Einar." She also smiled.
"Oh, I have something for you," I said then open my book and take out a jar of dried fish. "This is for you, enjoy." I gave that jar to Artoria who received it despite being reluctant with stars in her eyes. Ector and Kay were also curious since the scent of fish was strong and anybody could tell they were delicious.
"If you are done then come outside and show me your combat skills," Ector said and get from his seat followed by his son Kay.
I also followed them without waiting for Artoria's reaction to trying my dish.
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(Artoria's POV)
Never in my life had I expected someone to treat me like a girl who was always treated like a boy by everyone even from me.
When he confessed to me, I was confused but after hearing his belief in me, I was embarrassed since I don't know what kind of reaction I should give. A girl being embarrassed or a boy being embarrassed, but seeing him made me feel… happy.
The feeling was foreign but warming, to say the least.
I put the dried fish in my mouth and immediately felt delighted.
"Hmmm~ so delicious~"
It was the most delicious dish I have ever tasted in my 15 years of life.
I didn't realize but meeting a mage named Einar Sirius was also the happiest moment of my life. I didn't also know that he will change me and my view someday but for the moment I followed them while eating dried fishes.
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