18 Sacrifice

"Artorius..." Artoria spoke up as Artorius reached this point. "I have a decree: Britain will not succumb to Rome's coercion, and I will never surrender to Rome."

"Of course, Britain will never surrender to Rome," Artorius calmly replied. "It is the Saxons who will surrender to Rome."

"What do you mean?" Artoria's expression appeared somewhat puzzled.

"What I mean is..." Artorius paused for a second and continued, "I will present myself as the leader of Saxon and pledge allegiance to Rome. I will lead the Saxons and a portion of the Britons volunteers to fight under Rome's command. In exchange, Rome will lift the food embargo on Britain."

"What?! That cannot be allowed!" Artoria vehemently raised her head, looked at him, and decisively refused.

At the same time, the Knights of the Round Table around them also realized the situation.

Britain would not submit to Rome for the sake of honor, but the Saxons were different. The number of Germanic soldiers serving within the Western Roman Empire was even greater than that of Roman soldiers. It wouldn't be a problem for Saxon troops to blend in since they were also Germanic peoples.

Furthermore, Artorius was the Crown Prince of Britain, and as the first in line to the throne, his journey to Rome could also serve as a form of hostage.

Rome had always been fond of accepting the so-called foreign barbarian princes, educating them in Roman ways and civilization, and molding them to be obedient when the time came.

This approach had been used countless times throughout history. As long as there were people willing to sell their values and cultivate their own followers, this kind of approach would never come to an end.

Of course, there were times when this approach backfired.

Take, for example, the famous Attila. She had been a hostage in Rome. The Roman rulers at that time were particularly hopeful, expecting her to become a loyal Roman in spirit.

Unfortunately, they failed. After returning to the Huns, Attila became Rome's greatest nightmare. The knowledge and familiarity she acquired in Rome became a weapon against Rome.

She nearly destroyed the Roman Empire and continues to influence the world to this day.

But even so, Rome was unlikely to refuse the prince of the 'Province of Britannia'.

"Your Highness, you intend to use yourself as a hostage to secure benefits from Rome while preserving Britain's honor?" One of the knights said with a complex tone and expression.

Many Knights of the Round Table respected Artorius at this moment. He appeared noble and grand in their eyes.

"As a prince, it is my duty to contribute my strength to this country, achieve merits, and earn reputations," Artorius said in a serious and unquestionable tone. "This is the most reasonable approach."

Yes, Britain's honor and reputation would be preserved, and the channel for importing food would remain open.

Sending troops to aid Rome in battle would also save resources and provide valuable combat experience. Countering the spread of the Germanic peoples on the continent would contribute to Britain's national security. There were countless benefits to be gained.

The only one at a disadvantage would be Artorius himself.

What a great sacrifice this was!

"..."

"Do you have any other requests?" After a moment of silence, Artoria finally approved Artorius's plan. With a complex emotion and tone, she asked such a question.

"I need manpower." Artorius calmly said. "Please allow me to recruit volunteers within Britain. And within the Knights of the Round Table, assign a few knights as my aides."

"I agree, but you must seek the consensus of those present here."

As Artorius had anticipated, even under such a heavy and oppressive situation, the knights seemed eager. Even Kay, who kept muttering "Bloody hell..." wouldn't dare to refuse Arthur's invitation. He even had a faint sense of anticipation.

Although Artorius had never intended to recruit him.

Setting aside his ability to get things done, this guy was known as one of the two scoundrels of the Knights of the Round Table, alongside Merlin. His capability to cause trouble was overwhelmingly strong. It would be better to keep such talent in Camelot for retirement.

In the end, the people Artorius chose didn't come as a surprise.

Galahad, Gareth, Gaheris, Agravain, Gawain, and Mordred, were all his close relatives.

In addition to that, Artoria provided Artorius with a means to contact Lancelot and promised to write a letter, asking Lancelot to look after them.

Lancelot had been stationed in Gaul recently, primarily for trade with the European continent, mainly purchasing food, so he did not attend this Round Table meeting.

"That will be all."

After all the discussions were concluded, Artoria calmly gave the order to the Knights of the Round Table.

The knights understood the King's feelings and did not say much, but with worried eyes, they looked at their ruler before saluting and taking their leave. In the end, only Artoria and Agravain remained in the room.

"Sir Agravain."

In front of this perpetually resolute man, Artoria rarely showed signs of weariness.

"I can't believe even Artorius will have to sacrifice..." she murmured.

"It's just a temporary difficulty, my King," Agravain respectfully replied. "As long as we can find the Holy Grail, all problems will be resolved effortlessly."

"Yes..." Artoria nodded. "The troubles of the kingdom, the Saxon problem, and even the Roman issue. With the major threats to Britain dealt with, we can finally achieve some semblance of stability."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then, send out all the knights," Artoria ordered. "Let every Knight of the Round Table search for the Holy Grail. To save my homeland and... my son."

At this moment, Artoria made a mistake.

Her son did not need saving.

Artorius Pendragon was filled with ambition, eager to make his mark on the vast and fertile lands of Europe.

Many people in Britain, like him, actually did not require Artoria's salvation.

For instance, the second sons of the ordinary knights.

They were just like Artoria before she drew the sword.

They underwent knightly training while also tending to household chores and menial tasks. They had only a few hours of sleep each night, from dawn until daybreak. When they grew up, the land would belong to their elder brothers, and they would receive nothing. They would serve their brothers as a squire.

The frustrations and restlessness of a future unseen, even if Britain were truly 'saved', their fate wouldn't change.

...Until Artorius appeared before them, offering a new choice.

Of course, before that, Artorius had to travel to Rome, seeking new allies and support for himself.