An unexpected name came from her lips. Aozaki Rin froze for a moment, then subconsciously spoke.
"Sister... No, you are definitely not her. How do you know that name?"
Instantly realizing his mistake, Aozaki Rin raised the spear in his hand, pointing it directly at the Lion King on the city wall.
"I am indeed not the 'Artoria' you know. I only came to learn of your existence through a chance occurrence."
Rhongomyniad looked down at the young man, her beautiful face under the helmet remaining completely devoid of expression.
"However, I do not mind if you use that form of address. After all, on this land, there is likely no one more pure and untainted than you. It would not be an issue to consider you my sworn younger brother."
"So, if you lower your spear now, I can still forgive your hostile actions against the Holy City, En."
Aozaki Rin fell silent for a moment, then lifted his head, his face impassive.
"Please stop with such jokes. My sister would never do something as foolish as the Holy Punishment. That person, even while shouldering a heavy burden in solitude, wished for the people she protected to smile, not to be as indifferent to everything as you are."
"...I see. So that is your choice?"
Rhongomyniad paused, seemingly regretful of the young man's refusal, but her voice remained just as cold. However, appearing puzzled by something he had said, she turned her head to look down at Agravain.
"What is this about a Holy Punishment, Sir Agravain?"
"Yes. It was my own arbitrary decision. Those who cannot pass the [Holy Selection] ritual are destined to resent the Holy City. In this fading world, they would slowly become 'soulless ones,' turning into ghoul-like beings that could interfere with subsequent rituals. That is why I had the Round Table knights execute all who were not qualified."
Ignoring his injuries, Agravain explained respectfully without hiding anything. In truth, the Lion King had never given an order for a Holy Punishment; this was indeed his own overstep of authority. But as her aide, it was his duty to handle matters that were inconvenient for the King to deal with personally. Moreover, only by doing this could the stability of the Holy City be maintained and the final plan be ensured.
Therefore, Agravain felt no remorse. This was his "sin," and he would never choose to flee from it.
"No matter. I forgive your unauthorized action, Sir Agravain. Just as you say, leaving the unchosen to linger on this land would only prolong their suffering. In that case, it is indeed a necessary measure."
Rhongomyniad did not reprimand the iron-willed knight. Her voice was like that of a compassionate yet transcendent goddess as she continued.
"From this day forward, after the [Holy Selection] ritual, a Holy Punishment ritual will be added. This is the final mercy the Holy City can offer them."
"Mercy? You dare call that 'mercy,' Lion King!"
Aozaki Rin "looked" at the being on the wall in disbelief. He had previously thought, upon hearing her confusion about the "Holy Punishment," that perhaps she had been deceived. He now realized it was just a foolish hope born from the lingering memory of someone dear to his heart.
"Perhaps in your eyes, this is unacceptable. But you must understand, En, that the Foundation of Humanity has been incinerated. Humanity will perish. This land beneath your feet will also be completely gone in less than half a year."
"Rather than let those people meet their end in such suffering, it is better for the Holy City to end their pain. That... is mercy."
Perhaps due to the residual thoughts passed on from the "her" in the dream Merlin had shown him, or perhaps because the young man's soul was so pure it perfectly aligned with her ideals, Rhongomyniad explained patiently, but the content of her words was utterly cold.
"No. What you are doing is not mercy. It is arrogance."
Aozaki Rin took a deep breath and assumed a thrusting stance. The prana circuits in his body flared to life, the erupting magical energy kicking up the surrounding yellow sand, the swirling air currents whipping his black hair and clothes.
The young man's unfocused golden eyes were calm, like the surface of a sea concealing a raging torrent beneath. He spoke with sudden clarity.
"Now, I finally understand why I came here."
"Lion King, you are not even worthy of being called a king. You are merely an 'evil spirit' inhabiting the body of 'King Arthur.' Your actions are utterly heretical, even robbing those people of their right to choose."
"If that is the case, then I will be the one to lay that King to rest once more."
"Because, correcting a 'sister's' mistakes is the younger brother's responsibility."
A razor-sharp aura instantly spread out before the city wall. This dangerous, lethal presence made Gawain, whose mind was already in turmoil from the conversation between the young man and the Lion King, subconsciously drag his wounded body forward and raise his sword.
"My King, this person is dangerous! Leave this to us and please return to the city!"
However, facing that sharp intent which was clearly aimed at her, Rhongomyniad simply waved her hand.
"Stand down, Sir Gawain. You are no match for this child. In fact, none of you are his match."
"This child is the younger brother of the 'me' from a parallel world. He is likely intimately familiar with all of your techniques. To continue this is just a waste of time."
"What? The King's... younger brother?!" Although their earlier conversation had hinted at it, hearing the Lion King say it herself still left Gawain stunned for a moment.
I see. So that's why he said the 'me' he knew was not like this. He really knew 'me'...
The emotions he had suppressed for so long began to surface. Recalling all of the young man's words, Gawain suddenly felt the holy sword in his hand grow heavy, his expression complex as he watched the poised Aozaki Rin.
However, even so, it was too late.
My apologies. There is no turning back from the path I have chosen. Because the King's way is the last method of salvation. Even if I am hated for it, having already abandoned my honor, I can only continue walking this path...
Atop the wall, Rhongomyniad stretched out her hand and took a step forward. A silver, spiraling lance instantly materialized in her hand, which she gripped firmly.
At that moment, Aozaki Rin, having no intention of waiting for her to gather magical energy, launched himself forward. With a sonic boom, his fully charged form shot from the ground toward the city wall like a streak of light!
"You say it is the younger brother's responsibility to correct his sister's mistakes. Then..."
"It is the older sister's duty to discipline a disobedient younger brother."
"—Holy Lance, release."
Without any need for a lengthy charge-up, the Holy Lance instantly reached a high-output release. The goddess, with emotionless eyes, looked up and thrust the Spear of Storms in her hand toward that streak of golden light!
-------
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