At this moment, everyone present instinctively fell silent, barely daring to breathe.
Even the people within Chaldea refrained from speaking, as if afraid of disturbing the unfolding conversation and its development.
With Mash staying quiet and trying her best to suppress her heartbeat, only Rozen and Gawain remained locked in a tense stare.
And after closing the distance, both of them confirmed one thing about the other: this opponent is formidable.
"As expected, he's much stronger than when summoned under normal circumstances…"
Rozen confirmed this fact.
"This aura…"
Gawain, meanwhile, fixed his gaze on Rozen, even glancing at the cloak draped over him, his eyes full of suspicion and uncertainty.
Clearly, Gawain had, to some extent, recognized the essence of the cloak on Rozen's body.
As the Knight of the Sun, blessed by a saint and wielding the sacred sword of the sun, Gawain could sense the same solar energy emanating from Rozen.
This led Gawain to a conclusion: Rozen, like himself, was a person favored by the power of the sun.
Thus, Gawain finally spoke.
"As expected of the Master who has conquered five Singularities to arrive here—you are indeed extraordinary."
Gawain offered sincere praise.
"It seems you know quite a lot about me, Sir Gawain."
Rozen was not surprised, responding with a faint smile.
"Of course. The achievements you've accomplished are no less remarkable than ours. We hold deep respect for you," Gawain said with genuine admiration. "The King has instructed us to receive you with proper hospitality."
These words caused a buzz of hushed discussions among the onlookers.
After all, Gawain's meaning was clear—Rozen was to be welcomed and granted access to the Holy City.
This was something every refugee present could only dream of.
Under such circumstances, it was impossible for the crowd not to start murmuring.
However...
"The Lion King values me so highly?"
Rozen raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of intrigue and amusement.
"It's proof that you are a remarkable person. The King naturally would not slight such an esteemed guest."
Gawain's demeanor remained flawless, his politeness impeccable.
"Well, may I ask something?" Rozen suddenly inquired. "The King you serve—what is their true name?"
At these words, the area fell silent once again.
Gawain's eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on Rozen, his expression growing serious.
The atmosphere grew heavy, and an oppressive aura began radiating from Gawain, suffocating those nearby.
Unfortunately for him, Rozen remained completely unfazed, wearing the same faint, mocking smile.
After a moment, Gawain lowered his gaze.
"The King's true name is not something we can speak lightly of," Gawain said flawlessly. "If you are curious about the King's identity, why not accompany me to meet her personally?"
With that, Gawain stepped aside, gesturing for Rozen to proceed.
Judging by his demeanor, he clearly had no intention of saying more.
Rozen remained silent for a while.
Eventually...
"That works for me." Rozen spoke indifferently. "Our goal was to enter the Holy City anyway. This opportunity is too good to pass up."
The implication was clear—Rozen had agreed.
However...
"My Servant—will she also be properly received?"
Rozen smiled as he directed the question to Gawain.
"Your Servant?"
Gawain shifted his gaze toward Mash, who was standing beside Rozen.
The moment he saw her...
"Huh?"
Gawain let out a sound of surprise.
"You… no, could it be…?"
Gawain stared intently at Mash, his expression shifting through surprise, doubt, confusion, astonishment, and hesitation. It was as if he was trying to confirm something but couldn't, as if he knew something but wasn't certain. For the first time, even his formal tone slipped.
"Ugh…"
Under Gawain's piercing gaze, Mash bit her lip.
Because at that moment, the emotions surging within Mash grew even stronger.
This caused her to instinctively take a step back.
Seeing this, Rozen frowned.
"Is there a problem?"
He stepped forward, placing himself between Mash and Gawain, meeting Gawain's gaze head-on, his expression turning cold.
Interrupted by Rozen, Gawain furrowed his brow briefly but said nothing. After giving Mash one last deep look, he finally spoke.
"My apologies. I merely sensed a familiar aura. It seems your Servant is as unique as you are. For someone capable of crossing five Singularities to reach this place, their uniqueness must be the reason. Truly admirable."
Leaving these words behind, Gawain turned to address the surrounding refugees.
"My visit today is solely to welcome the King's guest. I apologize for disturbing you all."
"However, the Holy Selection is approaching. Anyone deemed worthy will have the chance to enter the Holy City with us."
"I ask for your patience."
After this announcement, Gawain once again turned to Rozen.
"Please follow me into the Holy City, esteemed Master."
Gawain turned and began leading the way.
Rozen gave Gawain a brief glance before turning toward Mash.
"Are you alright?" Rozen asked quietly. "If you're not feeling well, you can wait here while I go meet the Lion King."
Hearing this, Mash immediately shook her head.
"No, I can't let you enter the Holy City alone and isolated." Mash took a deep breath, calming the turmoil within her, before resolutely saying, "Please allow me to go with you, Master."
Mash's use of "Master" reflected her seriousness.
If Rozen had truly left Mash behind, it would have been something she couldn't accept.
"Fine." Rozen nodded reluctantly. "But if anything feels wrong, make sure to let me know."
Rozen left these instructions.
"Understood, Senpai," Mash replied, her expression softening.
"After you."
Seeing their conversation come to an end, Gawain extended an invitation.
"Lead the way."
Still holding Mash's hand, Rozen followed Gawain toward the gates of the Holy City.
They left behind the refugees and the knights, who continued murmuring and whispering in the aftermath.
As Gawain departed, the sun in the sky vanished, and daylight was once again replaced by darkness, shrouding the surroundings in shadow.
It was as if nothing had happened.
…
Elsewhere, under Gawain's guidance, Rozen and Mash passed through the streets of the Holy City, eventually arriving at the royal palace.
The palace, like the citadel, was a pristine white alabaster fortress.
Inside, there were no servants, only the stern figures of the knights of the Round Table, standing guard and patrolling. The entire scene was suffused with an air of solemnity, even tinged with killing intent.
Before long, the group arrived at a grand door.
"This is the Audience Hall."
With these words, Gawain extended his hand and pushed the door open.
The scenery of the Audience Hall immediately unfolded before Rozen's eyes.