46 Disappointing

With his knowledge of magecraft and the potential to become a caster in the future, Artorius immediately recognized the ingredients and purpose of the 'honey wine' that Medb had produced. His gaze toward her instantly became slightly grim.

Knowing that she was Medb and aware of her reputation, Artorius was willing to engage with her in this inexplicable situation, either to indulge in her company or to seek a technical exchange.

Medb relied on her charm to manipulate men and achieve success, while Artorius was quite the opposite by using his charm on women.

In a way, they were colleagues.

So, it was normal to desire to acquire some techniques from a fellow practitioner, wasn't it?

That was why Artorius pretended to be an innocent boy from the start. He wanted to see how Medb seduced men, how she enticed them, and how she used her language, abilities, and strategies to manipulate them.

All these things could be incorporated into his own skill set. By the time he woke up the next day, he would be able to bring happiness to Mordred as well.

'Even in a situation like this, I haven't forgotten about my sister. I truly am a good brother.'

Artorius felt a sense of pride in his heart.

While Artorius did exploit women to his advantage in this chaotic age, he had no choice due to the limited options available to him at the moment. Utilizing his charm, which proved to be the most effective tool at his disposal, became necessary for him to achieve his goals.

In return, he ensured their happiness, as he did with his little sister Mordred, for instance. It could be said that he altered her fate as a traitor, preventing her from meeting her demise at the hands of her 'father.' He even sacrificed his own 'body' for Vivian's happiness.

However, the reality is often disappointing...

'Is this it?'

Where were the promised techniques?

Where were the persuasive words and the strategies?

Did she go straight for an aphrodisiac?

Is this all? What a waste of time.

This woman...

"How disappointing."

Artorius's expression grew gloomy.

"Huh, what?" Medb exclaimed in surprise while Artorius stood up and looked at her with eyes akin to those assessing trash.

"I thought as a legendary queen, you would bring forth profound insights. Yet, you present such vulgar items!"

Medb: "Wha?!"

Though she didn't understand why, after Artorius spoke so vehemently all of a sudden, Medb felt quite guilty. She had a feeling that she might suffer a heart attack, cough up three liters of blood, and die.

This sense of guilt intensified as Artorius continued.

"The decline of the Age of Gods, Gaia's calamity, leading to the successive rise of Germanic tribes then seized Rome and brutalized its inhabitants. Consequently, the Senate was filled with rotten officials, while beasts feasted upon the temples' offerings... Well, these things don't seem to have much to do with you, I suppose."

Medb: "What are—"

"Shut up you vulgar bitch, how dare you bark at me!"

Her small protest was completely ignored by Artorius. He continued righteously...

"Your life story, I am well aware of it. You are the Queen of Connacht, known as the passionate maiden, the Eternal Lady. When this gorgeous prince arrives, you should have responded gently, enjoyed a romantic rendezvous, shared your hearts, and—"

Medb: "Isn't it troublesome to go through all that... Why don't we skip the formalities and get straight to the point..."

"Enough!"

Hearing Medb's words, Artorius's dissatisfaction grew even stronger.

"You were supposed to help me. Yet, you resorted to aphrodisiacs, intending to deceive me! Your crimes are grave, and the heavens and earth won't tolerate you!"

Medb: "What? Aren't you exaggerating...?"

Her small protest was once again disregarded by Artorius, who continued righteously summarizing his thoughts to Medb.

"Queen of Connacht! You pink slut have long departed to the Reverse Side of the World, so what right do you have to seduce me? I have never seen such shamelessness!"

After uttering these words, Artorius turned and walked away without looking back, leaving behind a startled Medb to continue standing in place, stunned.

"What just happened?"

As she regained her senses, she realized that she had been tricked by Artorius. He had scolded her and then disappeared without a trace.

"Did..."

She remained in a daze for a while, pondering the situation.

"Did this boy see through me... and rejected me...?"

"No, that's not right. He even tricked me!"

"He wasn't charmed by my allure at all! No, it's more like he thinks I'm a fool!"

"Aaahhh! I've been humiliated by that little bastard!"

Medb was on the verge of going mad. From her appearance, it seemed as though Artorius had committed an unforgivable act.

If Artorius were to appear before her at this moment, she would undoubtedly 'teach him a lesson' in her own unique way.

"Bastard, that Artorius! I'll remember you! I will seek revenge! Mark my words!"

"I must, I absolutely must make him mine!"

===

At the same time.

As Artorius moved forward, leaving behind the spring where Medb was bathing, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret.

If she could read his mind, Medb wouldn't have been so angry. Her charm was still effective on Artorius, to some extent.

It just wasn't as effective as she had hoped.

'Aa~ah...'

'If only I hadn't been so decisive in leaving.'

'Even if I couldn't learn any seduction techniques, I could have at least enjoyed a free service. What's so bad about that? After all, I wouldn't take any responsibility.'

'Damn, I regret it. Is it too late to turn back now?'

After contemplating for a few seconds, Artorius ultimately decided against it.

Losing face for the sake of his 'dragon spear' satisfaction wasn't worth it, indeed.

'And that woman is probably holding a grudge against me. If there's a chance in the future, she'll likely cause trouble... But oh well, she's trapped in the reverse side, and she's not a god. She'll probably die in another two years and head to the Throne of Heroes. It's not that easy to meet again, right?'

With that thought in mind, Artorius cast Medb aside and began pondering other matters.

The place he was in right now was indeed a dream. However, it wasn't the way guiding toward Avalon.

Artorius pondered, 'Is it because I'm in Ireland that the situation has changed? Could it be, that the connection lies within the Reverse Side changing to a place associated with Ireland? Was that why I came to the holy spring where Medb is located?'

'If that's the case...'

Artorius thought of a possibility.

'If that's true, could I also reach the Land of Shadows through this method?'

'Hmm... Maybe I can give it a try?'

Artorius made up his mind. With thoughts like 'Land of Shadows, Land of Shadows, Land of Shadows...' in his mind, he moved forward.

But it had no effect.

'Did I get it wrong?'

After thinking for a moment, he decided to try a different approach.

'Purple granny, Purple granny, Purple granny.'

As Artorius thought this, he moved forward. Deep down, he felt certain that he would definitely get scolded by the purple lady. Regardless, his mission to find a way to the Land of Shadows was accomplished.

'I truly am a genius.'

With this cheerful thought in mind, Artorius walked forward happily. But, gradually, he began to hear Mordred's voice in his ears.

"Brother... brother... brother..."

The voice grew clearer and clearer.

"Don't bother me, Little Mo. Your brother is busy doing important things..."

After uttering these words, Artorius woke up.