In the outskirts of Kouh, there was a restaurant that was quite popular with the locals.
Why, because this restaurant is a place where one must cosplay to their favorite character. Whether he is a knight or even a stripper none would bat an eye at their weirdness as the restaurant has seen much more.
For example what if you found guys perfectly cosplaying as Anubis? Wearing a dog mask that looked too real and wearing an ancient Egyptian robe.
Well, let's just say that God or other supernatural creatures who always have to hide themselves found a place where they could eat in peace.
And of course, this restaurant belongs to Lux company that the daughter of Azreal owned so this place also acts as one of the many meeting hubs for the folks who want to some business with the Shadow Garden.
And now in a private room that was specially made for grand occasions. The owner of this restaurant was sitting and having a light dinner with a friend/bodyguard who is devouring the sweets like her life depended on it while surprisingly graceful.
" I'm surprised they sent you on guard duty Artoria, " said Roxanne with a bit if surprise.
As she knew how much this girl hated the church and angels for tainting her sword honor.
" oh I was convinced by Merlin and besides this place is one of my favorite restaurants so I'll definitely protect it if a fight broke out. " Artoria said with determination.
" hahaha I can see how Merlin convinced you, " said Roxanne as she eyed the sword that is on Artoria's waist.
' You have no idea ' thought Artoria as she remembered how the flowery mage convinced her thoroughly.
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~Flash back ~
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" so can you tell me again why am I here with you " asked Artoria as she chewed some sweets that Luciana made.
Even though she begrudgingly couldn't secure an infinity bowl. She managed to create a bracelet that holds a pocket dimension
And next to her is Merlin who has a rare serious expression on her face.
" Lily do you remember the deal we all had a few days ago."
Artoria tried very hard to remember what Merlin is talking about. Well, you can't blame Artoria unluckily has a habit of daydreaming when she is eating so most of the time her body would be like on auto-pilot mode. And Merlin just had to talk to her at that time so she is trying to remember what they discussed.
Seeing her oblivious look Merlin sighed. She couldn't believe this girl used to be the same one she taught how to become a king. Well, she blames Roxanne for spoiling this girl with food that her eating habits resurfaced.
" remember today you will escort Roxanne to see the angel faction. If my guess is right they will send Michael or Gabriel as those are the most suitable for this occasion.
And I hope you at that time don't question about the Excalibur fragments." Merlin said looking at Artoria's eyes seriously.
Artoria stopped eating and looked at Merlin. Merlin flinched at Artoria's gaze but didn't cower . She knew how much Excalibur meant to Artoria. To others it may be a sword that is powerful but to Artoria it is a symbol. The symbol that she will bring victory to her country. And to find that the sword was broken and what more forged to create swords that may as be called demonic is like slapping her face.
If it was any other person who spoke these words Artoria would argue and worst fight the other party but since it is Merlin who she considered family that told her this she decided to comply.
" Fine, I will hold my silence for now. But remember Merlin I don't practically like seeing those fake near me. "
" hahaha, would you change your mind if I gave you this " saying so Merlin took out a sword from his pocket dimension.
It was a typical Western sword with a length of ninety centimeters and a width of twelve centimeters, and it had Fairy Letters inscribed on it to show that it is not the work of mankind. But Artoria recognized this no-named sword at a glance.
How could she not for this is her sword, the Sword of Promised Victory Excalibur. What surprises her is how her scabbard Avalon is bound to her soul and resonates with it.
" how " she couldn't help but ask aloud.
" hahaha, this all that girls work. Seriously even I have to bow down to her craftsmanship. She for the past few years analyzed every single fragment and created the original that managed to fuse with your myths. And to top it all of she went to the Avalon to do the finishing touches.
Well, now that you have your sword back do we have a deal Artoria " Merlin asked with a cheeky smile that he does when the negotiations are done in his favor.
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~ End of Flashback.~
"So when are they arriving " Asked Artoria to change the subject.
" hmm from what I can sense Michael is still talking with Issei so about 20 minutes give or take. " said Roxanne as she used her domain ability to survey the situation in the shrine where Issei and Akeno are.
" hey I'm not someone to question you but is it wise for you to go to heaven without any disguise. From what we have in our database there are some angels who are secretly selling intel to the other supernaturals. So doesn't it raise the chance of your identity being exposed is very high " questioned Artoria worriedly.
There was a reason why Roxanne hid her presence even when she could fight the world itself. Her past trauma hunts her unconsciously.
Roxanne knowing her thoughts smiled reassuringly and said,
" Don't worry I know what I'm doing so just trust in me "
She knows that deep inside her she still feels a little scared to face her brother but that fear is abysmal at best now. Why you ask, well she destroyed countless hideouts of his that her trauma was long forgotten. Now she even relishes in the expressions her half-brother would make when he realizes how his well-crafted plans fail one by another.
And as for the worries of Artoria and the rest she will leave it at that. Even if she explains it they will not understand. Her mind used to have a human mentality that made her trauma was no more. Now she is the King of Illusions, Leader of Shadow Garden, Princess of Gregory, Queen of hell, and the soon ruler of heaven.
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