90 My Dagger, Agravain

The dragon-headed ships sliced through the waves in the North Sea.

Surveying the surroundings, hundreds of ships advanced in unison. The massive fleet carried tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, along with a substantial amount of supplies, from the port of Londinium to Rotterdam.

This was not the only fleet in recent times, but it was definitely the largest one.

Ever since Artorius's Germanic Military Region joined forces with Britain and Roman-controlled Gallic, the coalition forces had engaged in numerous naval battles for control of the North Sea against the Germanic tribes. Each battle resulted in victory for the coalition.

Artorius who possessed Reality Marble was invincible in naval warfare.

After several large-scale naval battles, the Germanic tribes' maritime power crumbled, and the coalition forces gained control of the sea. The North Sea became a smooth passage, serving as Artorius's rapid transport line for troops and supplies.

'This is the final batch...' Artorius thought to himself, standing at the bow of the ship, gazing at the sea.

Within the span of nearly a month, Artorius had relocated Britain's army, noble knights, and a significant number of impoverished civilians from Britain to the Germanic Military Region. This greatly strengthened Artorius's power but also depleted his resources, leading Agravain, who remained in the Germanic Military Region, to constantly complain to him.

Artorius always comforted Agravain in response to his grievances, saying—"Just endure a little longer. It will soon be over."

It was not merely empty words.

Because as long as he could defeat Clovis and usurp the fate of the Franks, all the elements that constituted an empire would be in place. Nothing would be able to stop him from sweeping across Europe.

Upon receiving such instructions from Artorius, Agravain fell silent, continuing to exert his strength and work tirelessly.

Artorius owed Agravain a debt of gratitude.

During the early days of the Germanic Military Region, when Artorius was still a prince, he defied popular opinion and appointed Agravain as a governing officer in the region.

This left Agravain perplexed, so he approached Artorius privately and said, "Your Highness, there are others under your command who possess superior administrative abilities than I do. Moreover, my reputation is far from favorable."

Agravain had a bad reputation, both in Britain and in the Germanic lands.

Many regarded him as a villainous character. His appearance was unimpressive, giving off a sense of darkness, much like a certain character named Hikigaya Hachiman, who was inherently scorned by others. So when Artorius promoted him, it was indeed an act of 'defying popular opinion.'

"What is the King's impression of you, Sir Agravain?" Artorius did not answer him directly; instead, he asked this question.

Agravain didn't know how to respond, but fortunately, Artorius didn't require an answer.

"The King has great trust in you, Sir Agravain..." Artorius said. "He believes in your loyalty and that your actions are done for the King's sake."

"That's precisely why I am loyal to the King," Agravain replied calmly.

"But, Sir Agravain..." Artorius continued, "Does the King understand you?"

Agravain hesitated and looked at Artorius with surprise, feeling somewhat fearful and unsure.

"The King is a noble and pure existence, an ideal and virtuous ruler. So, can the King understand your actions?"

After a moment of silence, Agravain clenched his fist and replied, "The King... he has forgiven me. He forgave my mistakes..."

"Mistakes?" Artorius tilted his head, his smile tinged with irony. "Sir Agravain, what have you done wrong?"

Artorius stood up and slowly circled around Agravain.

"Was it assassinating nobles who opposed him without the King's permission? Was it poisoning enemies without honor to facilitate our military operations? Inciting rebellion? Buying off dissenters? Bribing officials? Is that what you're referring to?"

In the face of inquiry, Agravain's emotions reached their boiling point. Just before he could let out a shout, Artorius laughed and exclaimed loudly.

"Hahaha, that is not a crime at all! It is a just act carried out for the sake of the kingdom's interests!"

Agravain: "..."

He looked at Artorius in astonishment, so surprised that he couldn't find words to say.

It was the first time he had encountered someone who approved of his actions.

Not forgiveness, but understanding.

"What's wrong with assassinating opponents? Scheming pests deserve to be eradicated! What's wrong with poisoning enemies? In war, one must go to any lengths to ensure victory! Inciting rebellion, bribing opponents, buying off foreign officials—what's wrong with all of that if it's for the sake of our country's interests?!"

At this point, Artorius stopped in his tracks and placed both hands on Agravain's shoulders.

"My father trusts you greatly, but he cannot understand your actions! I, on the other hand, can understand... Yes, I understand you! Your actions stem from a strong and fervent love for our nation! Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, and the other knights are undoubtedly honorable and glorious, unmatched on the battlefield. But in my eyes, powerful knights are easy to come by, while individuals like you, are rare talents!"

"Your Highness, do you... truly think so?"

Agravain looked at Artorius in disbelief, as if unable to fathom that such a noble prince would hold him in such high regard.

"Yes, of course."

Artorius said matter-of-factly, "A kingdom needs both its reputation and substance. The former is like a longsword, while the latter is like a dagger. It's just a matter of different roles, without superiority or inferiority. It's easy for a shining sword to bask in the sunlight and receive praise. But a hidden dagger, unknown to the world and despised by society, is hard to find."

"..."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness."

After a moment of silence, Agravain suppressed his excitement and said to Artorius, "However, I must clarify, Your Highness, that your praise of me is exaggerated. I am not as great as you think. The people who walk in the darkness, whom you need, are actually—"

"What I need is not those who would yield to any means for profit, money, or anything else!"

Artorius interrupted him without hesitation, "Such individuals are not worthy of trust, let alone significant responsibilities. They may superficially resemble you, but their nature is completely different."

Artorius gripped Agravain's shoulders tightly, causing him to flinch in pain.

"What I need is someone like you. I don't care about your outward appearance; I care about your inner self, a heart as precious as gold! You are loyal, brave, selfless, and fearless. Only someone like you deserves trust and important responsibilities! In my eyes, your worth surpasses that of Sir Lancelot!"

While saying this, Artorius locked eyes with Agravain to convey his sincerity.

"I'm not lying or speaking casually. And as for why I'm saying all this, it's because I need you, Sir Agravain. The empire I want to establish will far surpass that of my father! The radiance and heat I want to unleash will be a thousand times, ten thousand times greater! For shining light, there must be deep darkness. And you, are the one I have chosen to walk among the people of darkness, the most trustworthy dagger!"

After that passionate talk, Agravain solemnly swore his allegiance to Artorius, he entrusted Agravain with the task of establishing the military intelligence system. They formed a relationship that surpassed even that of King Arthur.

Just as Artorius had said, King Arthur could trust Agravain but could not understand him. However, Artorius Pendragon was different.

He trusted Agravain and understood him.

He understood the meaning behind Agravain's actions and understood the sacrifices and contributions he made.

Once he understood this, Agravain made a firm determination to dedicate his remaining life to Artorius.

Even if it meant working tirelessly. One person simultaneously serves as a government official, a military judge, and an intelligence officer? So what?

A true warrior is willing to die for his trusted comrades!

To work tirelessly for Artorius, even if his hair receded and his body became greasy... it was all insignificant! Yes, insignificant!

'With His Highness's talent in networking, bringing together the Knights of the Round Table and Britain's forces under his command is a great achievement. So, if it means being a little busier, then so be it.'

With such a mindset, Agravain spent another fulfilling day.

From dawn to morning, and then to noon, the Iron Knight managed to complete all his tasks before he staggered back to his room.

In the governmental office in Mainz, a dedicated room was provided for the government officials to rest.

There, he could hold a pillow and sleep well, rejuvenating himself for better service to Artorius.

It was only when he was on the road that he overheard a conversation between two subordinates.

"Hey, can you believe it? The former king actually abdicated and now serves the new king as his knight. It's truly astonishing."

"Hmph, it's only natural. The former king was a reasonable person. Since the new king surpasses him in ability, it's only right to pass the throne."

Upon hearing this conversation, the Iron Knight pondered in his mind.

Then, another one spoke:

"And there's more to it. Do you know about that witch, Morgan le Fay?"

"Yeah, I know. The wicked and evil one. What about her?"

"Well, she's also serving the new king now."

"What?!"

Upon hearing this news, Agravain lost control.