Chapter 45 Saber, Do You Have Children?
In Shirou's understanding, Durandal wasn't completely indestructible. If it were used to challenge that "sword that is not a sword" (Ea), it would be obliterated regardless of its traits. However, with Shirou's current precision in Projection, he could create a fantasy without flaws; as long as it didn't take a direct hit from something on the level of Ea, it was effectively no different from being truly unbreakable.
Shirou could only hope that Richard wouldn't get so excited that he'd take this sword to try and trade beams with the "Star of Creation that Splits Heaven and Earth."
The current Richard was radiant, shouting at the top of his lungs:
"Fine, I know you're human! I've known it all along! But if you were a man of my era, I would have invited you into my army at any cost—I'd even be happy to invite you into my own Saint Graph! Come to think of it, you're stronger than I was back then, so perhaps even that isn't enticing enough! But my point is, you must know your own greatness; it is a greatness sufficient to leave a name in both myth and history!"
'...Isn't that a bit too much exaggeration?'
Being subjected to such "corporate flattery" from a Richard who had just received a massive favor made Shirou feel so uncomfortable he wanted to turn around and run immediately. Consequently, Shirou's gaze drifted around until he spotted the Master, Ayaka, hiding off to the side.
Ayaka: You mean, you want me to stop Saber?
Shirou: Who else?
Ayaka: I can't do that!
Shirou: Aren't you his Master? Ayaka: I've never seen him like this before, how am I supposed to know how to talk him down!?
Shirou: ...
Ayaka: Please stop treating me like his guardian, hey!
Since Ayaka refused to fulfill her duties as a guardian, the golden swordsman continued to gleefully spout words that left one dumbfounded, showing not a shred of shame. Perhaps there was nothing to be ashamed of in the first place; it was simply that Shirou wasn't used to it. In Shirou's eyes, this string of praises felt more like something that would breed arrogance rather than something to be accepted frankly.
Finally, Richard's expression composed itself, and he spoke with a sudden seriousness that bordered on solemnity:
"I am certain that this is no longer a gift that can be accepted lightly, but a debt of gratitude. The Lionheart respects you for your generosity toward an ally. Not through schemes or
calculation, but by sincerely looking out for the other party and providing aid without hesitation—this, too, is a shining point of your spirit."
Richard puffed out his chest with dignity: "I will find a way to repay the favor of this sword. I wager my honor and will do everything in my power so that you are rewarded for your heartfelt kindness—I swear it in the name of our great ancestor, Arthur Pendragon!"
As expected of a descendant of the King of Knights, truly noble and high-minded—
—Wait, what did you just lead with?
Shirou's cheek couldn't help but twitch. "What did you just say?"
"I was talking about your excellence."
"No, the part after that."
"I said I would repay you."
"A little further back."
"In the name of our ancestor, Arthur Pendragon?"
Shirou nodded, then immediately retreated.
With a perfectly natural motion, he took the hand of Artoria—who was standing dazed as if she'd been hit by a stun grenade—and she followed him obediently to a corner of the wall.
After confirming they were at a distance where Richard couldn't overhear, Shirou placed both hands on the petite girl's shoulders and asked very gently, "Saber, do you have children?"
"!?"
Saber's entire body gave a start, her cheeks turning as red as apples as she flailed her arms:
"W-what are you saying, Shirou! Such a statement is extremely rude from the perspective of the person being asked!"
"But that Richard guy said he was your descendant."
At this, Saber looked up as if feeling offended. She stated with righteous indignation: "Aside from Mordred, I have no other children!"
'Mordred counts as a special homunculus, though. I wonder if she'd be happy to hear that.'
"Really?"
"Really! How could I possibly hide such a thing from you!"
For some reason, Saber added that extra clarification. Feeling a strange sense of relief, Shirou asked secretly:
"Then, what are your thoughts on him swearing by your name?"
"While there is a bloodline related to my kin, I am certain it is not the line of the Lionheart. I find it quite strange myself that I am being used for an oath."
Shirou pressed his advantage: "So, Saber, you've already made a vow? If things go wrong later, I'm coming to you, okay?"
"You should go to Richard the Lionheart for such things, not me!"
Saber protested instinctively, before finally realizing: "Wait a minute, Shirou, you're clearly teasing me!"
'Oops, my desire to tease her swelled a bit too much.'
Once Saber noticed, she started sulking, and no matter how Shirou tried to poke fun at her, she stopped responding.
In short, Richard made an oath on behalf of Miss Artoria Pendragon, but Miss Artoria Pendragon, standing less than ten meters away, denied it. Shirou had never seen such an incomprehensible situation.
Honestly, it made him want to clutch his stomach and roll on the ground.
However, considering it wasn't good to be away for too long without an explanation, Shirou returned to Richard's side. Saber, on the other hand, seemed to have a bad premonition and began to hide behind Ayaka.
"Shirou, was there something urgent just now?"
"Nothing, just discussed some serious issues with Miss Toria..."
His smirk was so hard to suppress. But he managed it. Shirou feigned a serious tone: "Saber, are you sure you are a descendant of that Arthur Pendragon?"
Richard had a moment of realization and shook his head to correct his ambiguous statement: "It is not quite so. While I can barely say I am from the same nation as that great person, unfortunately, his blood does not flow within me. However, that King of Knights is the ancestor of all chivalry!
—He is the former King whom I adore!"
The "Former King" was currently hiding behind Ayaka.
The "Ancestor of Chivalry" was trembling slightly.
The "Great Person" wore a look that was subtle, annoyed, and full of a desire to avoid the situation.
While watching this, Shirou responded compliantly:
"I feel the same way."
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