Shinji Matou at Your Service-Chapter 1082: Kay? Add?

A Reality Marble is a manifestation of one's inner world, replacing reality, and even the caster themselves can seldom alter it. Moreover, Iskandar's Ionioi Hetairoi—the Army of the King—is the crystallization of the dreams of tens of thousands, an almost immovable existence.

However, this supposedly unshakeable world was indeed changing.

Although it was only a small part, change was happening.

The first thing to change was, once again, the wind.

The wind blowing across the scorching desert was hot, and dry, and felt like a burning cyclone. The sand it carried stung the cheeks of those exposed to it.

Yet, unknowingly, a hint of coolness began to mix into this hot wind, and some moisture seeped into the parched sand. It felt as if one had suddenly stumbled upon an oasis after trekking across an endless desert.

No, it wasn't as if—it was an oasis.

At the center of the scorched desert, beneath Artoria's feet, a trace of greenery appeared.

Green grass, trees, and even a few wildflowers. A small pond shimmered nearby.

Perhaps due to the high temperature, mist swirled lightly around the pond's edge. Standing at the edge of the mist was a man with white hair, dressed in white, leaning on a staff, smiling at everyone.

"Hi~ everyone!"

"You are—?"

Iskandar called out loudly.

"Merlin, court mage of Britain, and Artoria's mentor."

Merlin spoke lightly. Upon hearing that name, Iskandar's eyes widened, and he instinctively blurted out:

"That old rascal, the peeping tom?"

"..."

Merlin was momentarily speechless.

Iskandar, realizing his mistake, quickly tried to make amends.

"I'm sorry! It's just something I heard... it slipped out unintentionally..."

Merlin laughed awkwardly.

"Ahaha, I know who you're talking about—Uh, Artoria, have you reconsidered your romantic prospects? I don't think that guy is a good choice."

However, Artoria completely ignored Merlin's comment and bluntly asked, "Why are you here?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm here to help you. Whether as your mentor or as fellow residents of Avalon, I can't just let you face the Conqueror King's army alone."

"What does that have to do with creating an oasis with your illusions?"

"Of course it's related. Don't you think the desert landscape is too monotonous? Besides, the wind and sand are bad for your skin. A woman in love should take better care of herself, or some other vixen might steal your partner—this is advice from me, a friend to women."

"..." (Glare of disapproval).

"Hmm, why do I feel like you're looking at me like I'm trash? Is that just my imagination?"

It's not your imagination, because more than one person was silently thinking the same thing. Especially Lorelei, who had already been worn down by Artoria once, and now there was this even more bizarre Merlin.

A certain impulse was growing stronger in her heart—she wanted to record all of these ridiculous events and report them to the other Lords so they could all share in the suffering.

Sensing that the Holy Sword's focus was beginning to shift and knowing that if he pushed further, he might get chopped, Merlin quickly dropped his frivolity and said, "That's just one reason. There's also another—Hey, how long are you planning to hide? Aren't you going to come out and meet Artoria?"

That last sentence wasn't addressed to Artoria but to the lance, she carried on her back.

"If you don't come out now, you might not get another chance."

"Could it be—"

At the moment Artoria realized something, the pitch-black lance emitted a flash of light.

Although it was brief, the flash made the Knight King, who hadn't flinched in the face of Iskandar's army, tense up completely.

The source of the light was a figure—a silver knight, like something out of a fairy tale, standing before them.

Though the figure was blurry, with both armor and skin shrouded in mist, Artoria recognized him.

Because he was the knight who had spent the most time by her side, even before she became a king before she became a knight.

"Kay, is that you?"

"Ah, ah, it's been a long time since I've heard that name. I thought you'd call me Sir Kay by now. Looks like you've truly let go of your identity as king. As your elder brother, I'm happy for you, Artoria."

The silver knight smiled and gave a knightly salute. Kay, Arthur's foster brother, and one of her most trusted knights.

"You—you, why are you—"

Why are you emerging from the Holy Lance?

"Honestly, I'm not too sure myself. I've been asleep for so long that my memory's a bit fuzzy. That guy probably knows, or he wouldn't have gone to the trouble of creating an environment for me to forcibly materialize. But really, couldn't you have done a better job? You didn't even prepare me a proper body (spirit origin). How am I supposed to show myself like this?"

That guy naturally referred to Merlin. For once, the usually sly-tongued magus wasn't lying—this oasis did indeed serve another purpose.

"Ahaha, this is the best I can do for now. After all, I'm just a magus, not a magician. Be grateful, it's better than those folks over there."

"Who'd believe you? You lazy court jester, you're the most unreliable clown ever."

Kay's current form was similar to that of a Servant, but since he wasn't summoned by the Greater Grail, he wasn't as complete as Artoria or Iskandar. Hence, his form hovered between the real and the ethereal.

While Kay and Merlin bickered, Gray suddenly shouted.

"Ah—you—you—you're—"

The silver knight immediately turned towards the voice, laughing exaggeratedly.

"Heeheeheeheehee, you finally recognized me, you slowpoke Gray. Aren't we old friends?"

At that moment, everyone else finally realized it too, their faces showing expressions as if they'd seen a ghost.

"A-Add!"

That sharp tone, that unique speech pattern—who else could it be but the sealed persona of the Holy Lance?

It wasn't just Gray who was shocked, but Artoria as well. In her memory, Kay was never like this.

"Kay?"

"Ouch."

Hearing the Knight King's call, the silver knight raised his hand and tapped his temple.

"We've been sleeping together for so long that we've kind of merged. I wasn't originally like this. But it's fine. There's no need to always be the same, and it's more human-like to change when the time calls for it."

"Merlin—"

Feeling increasingly out of place, Artoria turned to ask the near-omniscient magus. As usual, Merlin scratched his head and laughed it off.

"It's a very complicated and deep issue, but it's not related to the Holy Grail War. If you get the chance, you and that guy should go unravel the mystery yourselves. It's like playing a game—if I gave you the walkthrough right away, where's the fun in that?"