So direct in trying to take him?
Couldn't you at least be a little more subtle?
Shokatsu Kōmei and everyone present stared blankly at the scene.
Fortunately, the journalists had already been cleared out beforehand, leaving only the high-level representatives from both nations.
This was an official meeting between the Empire and Britain. If this got out, people would definitely think the First Emperor was being far too aggressive.
Your Majesty, this move is really—
Beautifully done!
They had always played it safe—letting others take the lead, staying quiet, and profiting from the sidelines.
But now? There was no one left to shield them.
The First Emperor commanded the Empire's 108 heroic spirits.
In comparison, out of more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, most didn't even have heroic spirits at all.
Globally, only America, who had plundered the relics of the Greek gods like pirates and attempted mechanical ascension to create gods, could still steadily suppress the Empire.
But with the Empire rapid development, even they couldn't guarantee victory without risking mutual destruction.
In this new world, keeping your head down didn't keep you safe.
Staying passive only meant getting wiped out.
So why not take the initiative?
Even when facing Artoria, master of the Round Table, they would not back down in the slightest.
In his mind, Shokatsu Kōmei instantly formulated countless plans.
The emperor's declaration that Nameless belonged to him now meant that any other nation's heroic spirit would have to get the emperor's approval to take Nameless away.
Tsk, maybe we should even have King Artoria marry Nameless and bring all of Britain as dowry?
Just thinking about it was a little exciting!
As Shokatsu Kōmei looked at the grim faces of the British delegation, it felt like seeing a flock of fat sheep—
Oh no, I mean dear future family members!
Under the gaze of the others—
Artoria stared coldly at the Shikotei,
"Your Excellency, one who walks the course of human history like Nameless cannot belong to any single kingdom or country."
This was an open provocation!
Nameless, who had repeatedly sacrificed himself to protect all of humanity, was now being declared as property of the Empire.
In other words: she was being refused permission to take him away.
"Protecting humanity transcends nations—but the protector has a homeland," Shikotei spoke indifferently, as if issuing a divine decree.
"Nameless belongs to my Empire. Other than Myself, no one has the right to take him."
His teacher of had given so much for him and his people; naturally, he should stay and enjoy eternal prosperity.
How could he allow anyone else to take him away?
"Nameless is your teacher; but you do not have the right to speak for him, do you?" Artoria did not back down.
The two top heroic spirits clashed openly, their words filled with tension.
Everyone else present wore complicated expressions, feeling that something was... a bit off.
These two heroic spirits were both known for their extreme rationality and their devotion to their nations—so why did it suddenly feel so personal?
Gawain wiped sweat from his forehead and leaned forward to whisper a reminder, "My King… our domestic situation…"
With just a few words, he pointed directly at the reason for their visit.
Britain was currently facing serious domestic issues in its economy, livelihood, and politics, with prices skyrocketing out of control.
If they didn't cooperate with the First Emperor soon, an economic crisis might erupt.
When that happens, no matter how powerful King Artoria may be, she wouldn't be able to solve the problem.
Shikotei's face showed slight displeasure, "If you wish to cooperate with Me, you should demonstrate the proper attitude of one making a request."
They must not forget that Britain was here today because its internal situation was unstable and in urgent need of his help.
If you want help, you must behave accordingly.
Yet instead of showing humility, they dared to be so arrogant as to demand Nameless.
Shikotei showed no mercy, ruthlessly exposing them on the spot!
"..."
Artoria finally realized that this was no longer a simple matter of cooperation between two nations.
This had become a personal standoff.
In this era of heroic spirits, each heroic spirit was an independent power capable of shaking the world.
If the First Emperor had truly made up his mind to pressure Britain, then unless she bowed her head completely, there would be no chance for cooperation.
"It seems today's talks aren't going well. We'll not disturb Your Excellency any further and resume discussions tomorrow."
Artoria stood up and left, her cloak billowing dramatically behind her.
Behind her—
Mordred suddenly asked curiously,
"Your Majesty, may I ask—what is your gender?"
"Haha, I transcend the Three Sovereigns and stand above the Five Emperors—how could gender bind Me? My gender is simply: Myself!" Shikotei laughed heartily.
His laughter was filled with arrogance and overwhelming confidence.
As a heroic spirit manifested in the modern world, Shikotei was no longer of flesh and blood, but resembled a mechanical construct.
He could fully control his appearance and gender at will!
(T/N: Did that...just fucking hinted something?!)
"Uh…"
Mordred stared at him.
The breathtakingly beautiful First Emperor seemed to be, like the god-forged weapon Enkidu, genderless.
No gender—which meant free to choose!
Damn it, Nameless—you really are a source of endless trouble!
Neither Father nor the First Emperor could escape your charms.
Once we find you, I'll lock you up in the basement where no one can see you again!
Artoria stopped in her tracks, turned back, and sneered, "Your Excellency, you probably can't find Nameless anyway, can you?"
Back in the Battle of Camlann, when Nameless stood between her and Mordred—
His body was struck by two Noble Phantasms, on the verge of breaking apart and disappearing. At the last moment, Artoria had forcibly implanted her strongest defensive Noble Phantasm, Avalon, into his body.
Though it hadn't prevented his disappearance, it served as a locator allowing her to search for him afterward.
But after watching the Eternal Emperor video, it became clear that the First Emperor had left no backup plans at all!
Even Nameless' Heavenly Sword, with which he challenged the gods on behalf of humanity, had been returned to him.
"It's normal that you can't find him. But I can."
The First Emperor responded confidently and forcefully.
At these words—
Everyone turned to stare at him in shock.
Shokatsu Kōmei waved his feather fan, unable to hide his delighted smile.
As expected of His Majesty—effortlessly achieving what others could not!
Mordred, however, looked rather odd.
That phrase sounded… strangely familiar?
Damn it! Father said something similar back then too!
She had happily followed them to Fuyuki City in search of Nameless.
In the end, she didn't even find a fart!
Mordred felt like a little fool, being toyed with by her father in different ways.
Maybe… should she consider cooperating with the First Emperor?
Thinking of this, a bit of excitement suddenly surged in her heart.
Since the First Emperor refused to let her take Nameless away, then could she marry into his region instead?
Eh, it might be possible!
With her status as a dignified Heroic Spirit they definitely wouldn't refuse to add one more powerful ally!
Now the question was: would the First Emperor agree?
While everyone was still in shock, the Shikotei looked at the Britons with great pity.
"Do you all think that I keep emphasizing that teacher is a citizen of my empire for no reason?"
"Hmm?"
Artoria vaguely began to sense something.
Her previously calm expression suddenly became a bit tense.
Beside her, Shokatsu Kōmei, and others all nodded slightly, wearing an "I understand" expression.
Mordred, however, was completely confused.
"So… what method exactly?"
But no one explained it to her. They all simply stared at Shikotei with admiration.
This made the Prime Minister of Britain even more annoyed.
'These people… can't they speak without playing riddles? Get lost with your riddles already!'
And then—
The First Emperor actually left—No, to be exact, he departed from Fuyuki City!
The First Emperor, who had just arrived in Fuyuki City, left that very night aboard the Epang Palace.
"What exactly is happening?"
Mordred was becoming more and more speechless.
Could it be that the First Emperor really was able to find Nameless?
If he did find him, then she really had to consider the option of marrying into the Empire—just to annoy her father to death!
After returning to her room.
Mordred took out her phone and called her newly acquainted adorable little girl friend,
"Kirina, I'll tell you something that hasn't been publicly announced yet. You must not tell anyone else!"
For some reason, the two of them hit it off immediately.
In just two days, they felt like long-lost sisters.
From the end of the Age of Gods in Britain to descending into the world as a Heroic Spirit, Mordred had never experienced such a wonderful feeling before.
Thus, they shared everything with each other.
Besides, the First Emperor would soon make the announcement himself, so telling her in advance wasn't a big deal.
"Don't worry, I'm super tight-lipped, I won't tell anyone!"
Kirina immediately promised.
Just earlier, after watching the video The Eternal Emperor, both little girls had strange expressions and didn't feel like chatting for a while.
While feeling bored, Kirina received this call from her new friend.
Then—
After hearing what Mordred said, Kirina almost couldn't help but exclaim, "What? The First Emperor is also planning to search for Nameless? I knew it!"
Just as she had expected.
After watching The Eternal Emperor, the First Emperor must've regained his lost memories.
Back then, Nameless took care of and guided the young First Emperor like a teacher and father.
Now that his memories had returned, of course he would want to find Nameless!
Tsk, Alaya, you really do dote on him!
Kirina became even more convinced that this was all part of Alaya's compensation for Nameless, who had silently protected human history for so long, by allowing all Heroic Spirits who had lost their memories to gradually remember and gather around him—forming a giant harem.
The problem was—
Now it was getting interesting. Even the First Emperor was joining the fray. Could Nameless even be split into five equal parts?
Given the pride of Heroic Spirits, it was impossible for them to share.
Once he was found, it might even lead to a bloody ending. Just thinking about it was terrifying!
Luckily, it had nothing to do with her.
Well… maybe not entirely.
After hanging up, Kirina stood there dazed for a moment.
What if she had also been some extraordinary Heroic Spirit in her past life? If she regained her memories, would she also go find Nameless?
Ahem… purely wishful thinking!
As a normal little loli, she'd better stick with that ordinary otaku.
Kirina then dialed his number.
She had previously said she wouldn't tell anyone else, but Sanjiro was "family" and didn't count as an outsider.
She lowered her voice excitedly, "Sanjiro, I'm gonna tell you something huge, but you absolutely cannot tell anyone else, or we're doomed!"
"Uh, what is it? You know me, I'm tight-lipped. I won't tell a soul."
Sanjiro was completely confused.
'Did this brat get some intel from Mo-chan?'
"I heard from some back channels that the First Emperor, after watching The Eternal Emperor, is planning to search for Nameless!" Kirina whispered even softer while covering her mouth.
Out of loyalty to her bestie, she didn't reveal who told her.
That way, even if it leaked, Mordred's identity wouldn't be exposed.
Then—
The other end of the call fell silent for a moment before Kirina spoke: "Yeah, we really are doomed."
"Exactly! So don't you dare tell anyone else, or we're really screwed!" Kirina emphasized again.
He clearly knew that she was hanging out with Mordred, and if this got out, they'd be in big trouble.
The other side then warned:
"Come back home tonight, don't stay over at Illya's."
"Hmph, feeling lonely at night and want me to keep you company?"
Kirina playfully teased, feeling a tiny bit delighted inside.
As expected, she was the most important one in his heart, and he couldn't bear to be apart even for a moment!
"Yes yes, I miss you terribly, so come home quickly!"
Sanjiro rolled his eyes in annoyance.
After hanging up—
Standing nearby, Gilgamesh, who had overheard the conversation, laughed heartily:
"Haha! My dear friend, so even the First Emperor wants to come looking for you!"
This wasn't something Sanjiro had told him.
He had overheard it by accident using his clairvoyance.
"Quit laughing!"
Sanjiro let out a heavy sigh.
"Shikotei… I was already planning to run away with the brat, and now you're coming after me too? Where am I supposed to hide?"
When other Heroic Spirits came knocking, he could at least rely on the First Emperor to block them.
After all, this was Shikotei's territory; those Heroic Spirits wouldn't dare go too far.
But now—
If Shikotei himself came after him, what could possibly stop him?
"Haha! My dear friend, in the end, I'm still the first one who found you—not the First Emperor or Artoria, but me, Gilgamesh!"
Gilgamesh laughed even more joyfully.
As expected of the King—he completely outclassed those Heroic Spirits who couldn't even find him!
Looking at his distressed friend, he couldn't help but smile, "Do you want me to give you political asylum in Uruk?"
Uruk only had him, a solitary Heroic Spirit, and he badly needed a high-level assistant.
"No. Unless you drink that genderbending potion yourself, I won't even consider it!" Sanjiro rolled his eyes.
If he really ran off to Uruk, with only Gilgamesh there, how would he withstand the onslaught of those Heroic Spirits?
Gilgamesh snorted coldly, "You damn brat, you really want to trick me like you tricked Merlin!"
"Speaking of which, what's Merlin been up to lately?" Sanjiro asked curiously.
Ever since being force-fed the miracle water and becoming Magical Merry, that guy hadn't shown up again.
Wait no—
He technically still showed up—he livestreamed every day!
Oddly enough, he was still determined to be a virtual idol!
If they could capture him, they might make him feed Doctor strawberry cake and fulfill that old promise.
Unfortunately, that shameless Merlin kept hiding far away.
"Tsk, probably still looking for ways to mess with you."
Gilgamesh looked at him with pity.
Knowing Merlin's nature, there's no way he would just let go after suffering such a loss.
Hmm… could that Nightmare team up with that fox spirit?
Gilgamesh suddenly thought of a new possibility.
Neither of them were human, both wanted to mess with Sanjiro—so why not join forces?
But he didn't remind him.
Once his friend ran into trouble, wouldn't it be more enjoyable for him to beg for help?
"Let's leave that guy aside for now—let's see how the First Emperor plans to find me first."
Sanjiro felt an enormous headache.
Luckily, this time he hadn't left any coordinates for the First Emperor.
No rush. Unlike with Artoria last time, he should be safe!
The next morning—
Golden Boy had long since left and wouldn't stay overnight.
After making breakfast, Sanjiro turned on the TV and saw the headline news—
[The First Emperor will personally confer a title upon the Nameless Heroic Spirit!]
"Shikotei… back then I taught you over and over to remain as steady as a mountain. Why are you being so impatient now?"
Sanjiro covered his forehead, feeling deeply exhausted.
Shikotei couldn't even wait for a single day!
"So fast!?" Kirina rubbed her eyes. After seeing this piece of news, any trace of sleepiness instantly vanished.
Just last night, she had heard Mordred mention this matter, and now she was seeing it on the news the very next morning.
Under Sanjiro's somewhat uneasy gaze.
The conferring ceremony was held at exactly noon.
The location—
The ancient city of Xianyang.
An altar that looked extremely familiar to him had already been rebuilt overnight at the exact same spot.
"Uh… no way."
Sanjiro's internal alarm was blaring furiously.
Shikotei was clearly planning something big.
No, no — don't panic. With just a reconstructed ancient building, he shouldn't be able to find me!
"Wow, it's actually the place where Nameless once stood on the altar, raising the Heavenly Sword to confront the gods!" Kirina grew increasingly amazed at their efficiency.
There was even a tomb built on this altar.
Everything wasn't just similar to what was shown in Eternal Emperor — it was completely identical.
It fully recreated the scene from over two thousand years ago, where Nameless had drawn his sword against the gods.
The only difference was—
This time, Nameless wasn't present.
Instead, it was the First Emperor standing atop the altar.
Around the altar stood the Empire's elite troops, commanded by numerous powerful Heroic Spirits.
One could clearly see many mighty Heroic Spirits, all standing solemnly.
"Transcending the Three Sovereigns, surpassing the Five Emperors. That is I, Shikotei!"
Shikotei raised the Heavenly Sword and addressed the countless spectators:
"In the past, my teacher personally taught me the Emperor's Sword, assisted me in conquering the Six Kingdoms, unifying the realm, and ending hundreds of years of war.
His merits reach the very skies, yet his name is known to none!"
His words deeply resonated with countless listeners.
That Nameless Heroic Spirit had risked his life to battle the deranged gods, creating peace, yet no one knew of him.
Just thinking about it stirred sorrow and guilt.
"I refuse to accept this. I must return all glory to him!"
Shikotei raised the Heavenly Sword high.
One side represented the land, the other the nation. Both shone with dazzling radiance, stabbing straight into the heavens.
"In the name of Shikotei, I confer upon you the title of Imperial Teacher of my Empire, and you shall forever enjoy the blessings of the Empire's destiny!"
Behind Shikotei, an enormous dragon-shaped phantom appeared.
"Teacher, accept my conferment and enjoy the honor that belongs to you!"