"Was that you two fighting?"
Agravain asked bluntly as soon as they met.
He was, of course, referring to the massive explosion on the outskirts of Camelot. Alaric had gone all out in his battle with Gawain, unleashing such a vast amount of magical energy that it had surpassed even Gawain's, allowing him to survive their clash of Noble Phantasms.
The towering pillar of light that resulted from their final exchange was visible even from inside Camelot. Moreover, Agravain and the Lion King, watching from the Tower of the End, had undoubtedly noticed. This wasn't something that could be dismissed as a mere accident or "gas explosion." (Reference to Holy Grail War excuses in the Fuyuki City.)
Upon hearing Agravain's question, Alaric and Gawain exchanged a glance. Gawain smiled, speaking before Alaric could answer:
"Yes, Sir Agravain, it was indeed Alaric and me sparring. Since we are preparing to march against the rebel king, Richard the Lionheart, we must fully understand the power we wield.
Moreover, Sir Alaric is still becoming acquainted with the Holy Sword the King has bestowed upon him. This was the perfect opportunity to remedy that—"
As Gawain mentioned the Sword of End, Agravain's sharp gaze fell upon the weapon in Alaric's hand.
The sword was no longer the radiant, gold-etched Holy Sword it had been when Alaric left the castle's main hall. Transformed by the Lion King's blessing, it was now a dark red and black blade. Its once sacred aura, akin to the Holy Spear's, had been replaced by a sinister magical energy.
Alaric noticed Agravain's scrutiny and raised the sword, holding it horizontally before his chest.
"Sir Agravain, do you have any insight into this?"
The sword's transformation had taken Alaric by surprise. While it hadn't disrupted the activation of his Noble Phantasm during their final clash, he could sense something fundamental had shifted. It was a change he couldn't quite articulate.
On their way back, he had asked Gawain about it. Though he suspected Gawain might have some theories, the knight claimed he had no answers. Now, seeing Agravain's curiosity, Alaric decided to ask outright.
Agravain's cold eyes examined the altered Sword of End for a long moment before he finally spoke.
"I will inquire with the King about this on your behalf."
Then, with an authoritative tone, he continued:
"There is another matter: Sir Alaric, you must not enter the throne room or gaze upon the King's presence without permission. Such actions are a breach of etiquette.
The King chose not to punish you this time, but you may not be so fortunate next time."
Alaric raised an eyebrow and turned to Gawain, who nodded naturally before explaining:
"Sir Alaric, only Sir Agravain, as the King's aid, is permitted to look directly upon the King. We are not allowed to cross that line.
Unless the King summons us personally, any matters must first be reported to Agravain, who will then relay them to the King."
Gawain recalled that, since Alaric had joined the Knights of the Round Table, he hadn't participated in joint actions with them. It was only natural he was unfamiliar with these protocols.
Seeing that both Agravain and Gawain agreed on the matter, Alaric chose not to argue and simply smiled.
"I'll remember that. Is there anything else, Sir Agravain?"
From Alaric's perspective, the sparring incident and etiquette reminder didn't seem sufficient reasons for Agravain to come in person.
"Where is the magus you brought?"
Agravain asked.
As expected, he was inquiring about Alaika II.
Alaric raised an eyebrow.
"Sir Agravain, Alaika should still be within the city. Did you not find her?"
Despite Agravain's authority, which included the exclusive right to face the King, it seemed unusual that he hadn't located Alaika himself.
"I did not search for the magus inside the city," Agravain replied evenly. "When I saw your battle with Sir Gawain, I came to find you both. I need you to bring her here. With the campaign against Richard the Lionheart approaching, we must finalize key details."
Finding Alaika II wasn't a problem for Alaric, but he asked, "Will you accompany me, or should I find you once I've located her?"
Rubbing his stomach, Alaric couldn't hide his hunger. After all, even Gawain's mashed potatoes were starting to seem tempting.
"I'll go with you," Agravain replied. He turned to Gawain.
"Will you be joining us?"
Ignoring Agravain's implication, Gawain cheerfully said, "I still need Sir Alaric to try my mashed potatoes. The King enjoyed them, after all—"
And so, the three set off together.
Before long, they reached Camelot's residential district, where they spotted Sanzang, Alaika, and Nina.
Sanzang was indulging in the marketplace's delights. Alaika II, meanwhile, was having a pleasant conversation with the young girl Nina. Despite being a recently created homunculus with limited social experience, Alaika II surprised Alaric with her ability to interact with others so naturally.
When Sanzang noticed the group, she ran over excitedly.
"This place is wonderful! Oh! You all look impressive. What's going on?"
Her enthusiasm made Gawain smile. Even Agravain gave a slight nod before focusing on Alaika II.
The homunculus noticed their approach and, under Nina's confused gaze, quickly walked over to Alaric.
"This is Sir Agravain, whom you've met before," Alaric told her.
"You'll be going with him shortly. Speak plainly and hide nothing."
As Alaika's expression turned fearful, Sanzang interrupted, her puzzled voice drawing everyone's attention.
"Hey, what's this?" she asked, pointing to the now-black-and-red Sword of End.
Her face was full of confusion. The sword looked nothing like it had before, and the strange aura radiating from it only deepened the mystery.