NOVEL NEXT Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Artorius and His Steed
Chapter 44: Artorius and His Steed
(trans: I think I'll change the way Artorius calls Ian to Sir instead of Mr..)
[You returned to the knights' resting place a step ahead of Artorius.]
[He didn't notice anything unusual about you and greeted you.]
"Sir Ian!"
"Ah... Artorius, you're back?" Ian pretended as if nothing had happened and started the conversation.
"So, how was it? Did your brother scold you?"
"This..." Artorius showed a slightly embarrassed expression. "It's nothing, my brother is a very good person; he wouldn't scold someone easily."
Although there had indeed been a small disagreement with Kay,
Artorius still defended his family in front of others.
Ian understood this action completely—just like King Uther, who, despite not wanting Morgan to inherit the throne, still preserved her last bit of dignity in front of the generals.
A "banished princess" and a "princess protecting Camelot" are two completely different concepts.
However—
Ian silently observed the surroundings and quickly noticed Kay hiding nearby.
Just as he had suspected earlier,
Although he had quarreled with Artorius, Kay was still very concerned about him.
If they kept being followed like this, it would be inconvenient to ask questions—Kay needed to be pushed away first.
After a moment of thought, Ian had an idea.
"Yes, that's right. Although your brother seems a bit hasty, I'm sure he cares about you a lot."
"Even now, he's still silently protecting you."
Artorius wasn't a fool.
Hearing Ian's words, he immediately realized something.
He turned his head toward Ian's gaze and saw Kay standing not far away.
"Sir Ian, please wait a moment."
[Artorius stood up.]
[As Artorius stood, a strand of his Ahoge, which no matter how much he pressed it down, refused to lie flat, was swaying, seemingly because of his anger.]
[You watched as he walked over to Kay, placing his hand on his hip and starting to reason with his brother.]
[Kay seemed to realize his mistake, finally relenting and leaving.]
[Artorius then returned to your side.]
"Why did he leave?" Ian asked, pretending not to know.
"He must be angry, right?"
"No, not really." Artorius controlled his emotions slightly. "He still had some unfinished business. He's just going back to continue it."
"I see..."
Ian chuckled softly.
"But honestly, when you were arguing just now, you looked quite impressive."
"I've never seen you like that before."
"This!" Artorius blushed. "Sir Ian, I didn't mean to hide that side of myself from you!"
"It's alright."
Ian lightly patted Artorius on the head.
"I'm not saying you were hiding it."
"I just think that kind of character is what you should have."
"What I should have?" Artorius seemed a bit confused.
"Yes." Ian nodded. "People who learn swordsmanship, to some extent, carry that kind of aura."
"Is that so?"
Artorius didn't argue with Ian.
It was clear he somewhat agreed with that statement.
However, just as Ian was about to continue, he sensed a familiar gaze once again.
[Kay had returned.]
[But this time, he had become a bit smarter—using a conversation with someone else as a cover.]
[However, for you, this disguise didn't mean much at all.]
[But you also realized that simply letting Artorius scold his brother was pointless—it wouldn't drive Kay away.]
[You knew you'd have to use some tricks to make him leave.]
"Artorius."
"Yes, Sir Ian?"
"Would you like to try horseback riding?"
"Horseback riding?"
"Yes." Ian nodded. "I'm going out this time on horseback."
Artorius's eyes lit up.
"Is that really allowed?"
"Of course."
"Then, Sir Ian, please take me with you!"
"Alright, follow me."
[You had a legitimate reason now.]
[You took Artorius's hand and headed outside together.]
[As expected, Kay silently followed behind.]
[But you didn't mind.]
[You led Artorius to your steed.]
"Sir Ian." Artorius looked at the steed with surprise. "Is this your horse?"
Ian nodded.
"Yes, that's right."
"This horse is really well taken care of!" Artorius stood in front of the horse, looking up at its coat and marveling. "Such a beautiful coat, strong hooves, and even the freshly shod hooves!"
"Sir Ian, this horse must feel lucky to be your steed!"
This time, Ian seemed quite surprised.
"Artorius, you know a lot about horses, huh?"
"Yes." Artorius raised an eyebrow, clearly feeling a bit proud at that moment. "Sir Ian, this is something every knight must know, so I have a bit of understanding about it."
"Your warhorse is truly exceptional."
"....."
Ian calmly glanced at Kay, who was hiding in the shadows, then back at Artorius, who was happily talking about something he knew.
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke up:
"Well then, Artorius."
"This horse, I'll give it to you."
"Ah?"
Artorius froze for a moment, then suddenly reacted.
"No, no, no!" He quickly waved his hand. "Sir Ian, I can't possibly accept your horse!"
"But if you don't, then you won't have a horse anymore!"
"It's alright." Ian seemed quite calm. "I can find another horse in the village to ride back."
"When I get to Camelot, I'll switch to another one."
Indeed, Camelot wasn't lacking in warhorses.
After all, both Ian and Morgan had an unforgettable experience on horseback.
"Well…"
Seeing that Artorius was still hesitant, Ian continued:
"Artorius, every knight should have their own warhorse."
"Since you understand horses so well, I think this one would be very happy to have someone who appreciates it."
"Sir Ian…"
"Come on now." Ian lightly patted Artorius on the shoulder.
"Try riding it, you have to go through this step."
"Alright! I understand!"
After helping Artorius onto the horse, Ian stealthily glanced toward Kay hiding in the shadows.
Kay's expression had clearly softened a little.
But that was to be expected—anyone could see the value of this horse.
Things would likely go much smoother from here on out.
However, Ian didn't expect things to take a turn he couldn't have predicted.
After Artorius mounted the horse, he lowered his head and looked at Ian.
His face was slightly flushed, and he carefully spoke:
"Sir Ian."
"Perhaps… you could get on the horse too?"