"Do you want to attend the ceremony?"
In the royal palace's audience hall, the knights gathered once again, and upon hearing these words from Rozen, who had suddenly entered, everyone fell silent.
Gawain looked at Rozen with a flicker in his eyes.
Agravain frowned deeply, staring coldly.
Tristan didn't do anything, merely playing his harp, acting as if it was none of his business.
Mordred raised an eyebrow, and her gaze toward Rozen turned curious.
As for the Lion King, she had already seated herself on the throne, looking down at Rozen. She listened to his words, her expression calm and emotionless.
All the knights focused their attention on Rozen, but no one spoke for a moment.
In this atmosphere, Mash gripped Rozen's hand tightly, seemingly trying to draw some courage from her senpai or offer him some courage in return.
Rozen, however, didn't feel anything. He remained calm and nodded.
"That's right, I want to see the ceremony," Rozen said, unruffled. "I'm quite curious about the Holy Selection ceremony. It should be fine for me to watch, right?"
As soon as he said this, someone immediately countered.
"The Holy Selection is an important ceremony for selecting the citizens of the Holy City. To touch it out of mere curiosity is to desecrate its meaning."
Agravain coldly spoke, dismissing Rozen's request.
Rozen shot him a glance.
"Whether I'm desecrating its meaning or not, someone will understand," Rozen said with a faint smile. "Your king hasn't said anything yet, and you're just a advisor, so why are you speaking so much?"
"..." Agravain froze for a moment, then anger flashed in his eyes.
But Rozen didn't change his attitude.
"No wonder you're just a pawn in the legends, easily killed by a knight's punch on the lake. Using your position as a knight and advisor, you've probably been showing off, haven't you?" Rozen said leisurely. "It's a pity I'm neither a knight nor a citizen of the Holy City. Don't try to impose your ways on me, or I won't mind making a scene."
Rozen's attitude had turned more forceful.
No, this was the real Rozen.
Before, to explore the Lion King's true intentions, gather information, and spy on the secrets of the Holy City, Rozen hadn't opposed things much, but that didn't mean he didn't have a temper.
Whether Agravain was trying to maintain the king's authority or act cautiously for the Holy City's operations, Rozen wasn't someone easily pushed around, no matter how many times Agravain tried to antagonize him.
"You...!"
Agravain seemed to realize that Rozen had no respect for him and was about to make a move.
However, before that could happen, Artoria spoke.
"Stand down, Agravain."
Artoria didn't care about Rozen's words or defend Agravain; she simply spoke indifferently, giving the command.
"But, Your Majesty..." Agravain tried to protest but was interrupted.
"Don't make me repeat myself," Artoria said coldly. "This person is a guest I have personally acknowledged. Your attitude has crossed the line. If you don't want to embarrass yourself, stand down now."
Clearly, Artoria was aware of Agravain's actions, including his assignment of Knights to monitor Rozen's movements. She knew it all.
And Rozen was Artoria's personally invited guest. Regardless of other matters, just by this identity, Agravain's rudeness toward the king's guest was already crossing the line.
If Artoria weren't there, Agravain's actions could have been seen as his own decision. But since the king was present, Agravain's attitude would be seen as questioning Artoria's judgment. As a king, Artoria couldn't let this slide.
Agravain immediately realized this, fell silent, and lowered his head without saying anything more.
The other knights had remained silent all along, watching the scene, not intervening.
Artoria then looked back at Rozen.
"Do you want to see the Holy Selection ceremony?" Artoria asked flatly. "Since that's the case, come with us."
Upon hearing this, Gawain spoke.
"Is that really alright, Your Majesty?"
Gawain didn't say much, just asked softly, his tone respectful.
"There's no problem," Artoria said indifferently. "This is a good opportunity to confirm whether we are enemies or allies."
After saying this, Artoria stood up.
"The Holy Selection ceremony is typically managed by Gawain, but since the situation is special, if you wish to come along, then come along."
At these words, the knights raised their heads.
Usually, although Artoria's power was used during the Holy Selection, Gawain was the one who managed the ceremony, and the other knights did not participate.
But this time, it was clear that the Holy Selection would be different from usual.
"In that case, let me accompany you and witness that sorrowful moment," Tristan said, his expression unchanged.
"This is really a good opportunity! Count me in!" Mordred grinned.
"Please allow my accompaniment as well."
Agravain lowered his gaze and made his request.
All the knights expressed their willingness to accompany her.
"Then, please follow me."
Seeing this, Gawain no longer said anything, closing his eyes before turning around and leading the way out.
The knights immediately followed.
Before they left, they all cast a glance at Rozen, showing their emotions.
Agravain seemed to be looking for an opportunity to see Rozen's reaction, his eyes sharp.
Mordred, on the other hand, appeared to be expecting something, her expression joyful.
Tristan's attitude was intriguing, filled with both a sense of regret at a friend leaving and an eagerness to let loose and act, always with a faint smile.
Only Gawain did not look at Rozen at all, and it was unclear why.
The knights left.
Rozen and Mash exchanged a glance, then followed them.
...
At the gates of the Holy City.
At this moment, the sun hung high in the sky, casting light over the entire camp.
Because Gawain, carrying the blessing of "Nightless Charisma," had appeared at the front gate, greeted by cheers from the refugees.
"It's Gawain!"
"Gawain is here!"
"The Holy Selection is finally starting!"
"Wonderful!"
The refugees cheered joyfully.
Meanwhile, Rozen's group stood atop the city wall, watching below.
The knights' expressions were composed.
Mash looked solemn.
Rozen briefly glanced around, then furrowed his brows.