Simulator in Type-moon, Starting with becoming Morgan husband!

Chapter 30. Farewell Beneath the Sunset

[From that day on, your daily routine gained a new activity—talking with Artorius.]

[He seemed just as delighted to see you, sharing many things he had never mentioned before.]

[For instance, how he was skilled with the sword and often sparred with his brother, or how he had been incredibly hungry when he first arrived in the city.]

[You confirmed that he truly had no prior knowledge of you.]

[You felt fortunate that you hadn't killed him on the spot.]

[You enjoyed spending time with him, though you didn't notice how the way he looked at you had subtly changed.]

[Beautiful moments always seem to pass quickly.]

[At last, the time came for the two of you to part ways.]

[As agreed, you and Artorius met at the city gates.]

"Time flies so quickly, Artorius," Ian said, gazing toward the setting sun as it dipped behind the hills. He let out a soft sigh.

"Are you really leaving tonight?"

"Yes, Mr. Ian," Artorius replied courteously. "If I don't leave now, I won't make it back in time."

"If that happens, my father and brother will be very worried about me."

"I see…" Ian nodded.

"Well, as long as you have your plans, that's good. But traveling at night isn't easy."

"How about this——"

Ian unfastened the longsword hanging at his side and held it out to Artorius.

"This sword is yours now."

"This…?"

Artorius looked at the sword Ian was offering, his expression full of disbelief.

He quickly waved his hands in refusal.

"No, I can't accept this sword! It's been your companion for so long, hasn't it? I absolutely can't take it!"

"There's nothing companion-like about it," Ian replied with a smile.

"A sword is a weapon, and swordsmanship is merely a technique for killing."

"No matter how beautifully one might dress it up, that remains the truth."

"Could you really call such a tool of death your companion?"

"This…"

Though Artorius could tell Ian was deliberately using logic to corner him into accepting the sword, he hesitated, unsure if he should take it.

Noticing this, Ian thought for a moment and then pretended to be slightly angry:

"What's the matter? Artorius, don't tell me you're rejecting it because I've used it and you find it distasteful?"

"No, no, no!" Artorius hurriedly waved his hands. "That's not it at all! Mr. Ian, I absolutely don't dislike this sword!"

"Then why won't you take it?"

"..."

In the end, Artorius was cornered by Ian into a situation where he couldn't refuse. With no other choice, he reluctantly reached out and took the sword from Ian's hands.

"Mr. Ian, I really don't know how to thank you for all your help over the past few days."

"No need to thank me," Ian said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I believe any knight in the capital would have done the same; you just happened to be lucky to meet me."

"Oh, and one more thing."

[You take out a large bag full of food.]

[You bring it over and place it onto Artorius's small cart.]

[Under his astonished gaze, you smile and pat his head.]

"This time, I prepared quite a lot. If you want to share it with the poor along the way, that's fine."

"But let me remind you once more," Ian gently smoothed Artorius's hair, "do only what you're capable of, don't take on more than you can handle."

"If you return home starving, your brother and father will definitely think the capital has been neglecting you."

"So, do you understand what I mean?"

"Uh, yes..." Artorius, still somewhat dazed by the large bag of food, appeared a bit bewildered.

"Well—don't worry about the matter of the city wall anymore. I've taken responsibility for it, and no one will hold you accountable, so you can head home without concern."

"Mr. Ian."

Artorius looked at the man who was smoothing his hair.

"Why are you so kind to me? We didn't even know each other before this."

[In your mind, an image of Artorius with his hair down appears, faintly resembling Morgan.]

[As for the answer, you already understand it clearly in your heart.]

[Of course, you would never voice these thoughts aloud.]

[You chose the reason of "apologizing for your rude actions during the search" as your explanation.]

[Artorius did not doubt you at all.]

[It seemed like he suddenly remembered something, and after saying "Wait a moment," he turned back to search through the belongings on his cart.]

"Found it!"

With these words, Artorius held an item in his hands.

Ian looked closely, and to his astonishment—he froze—it was a scarf.

Wait a second.

It doesn't quite seem appropriate to call it a scarf.

Because at the spots where the threads are interwoven, there are clear branching points;

The protruding fibers reveal that there were quite a few mishaps during the weaving process.

And finally, the most undeniable fact—it wasn't even finished.

To call it a "scarf" would truly be stretching it too far.

To be precise, it should more accurately be referred to as a "scarf-like object."

"What is this?" Ian asked for clarification.

"A scarf I wove myself," Artorius replied, bowing his head slightly, seeming a bit embarrassed.

"Uh... I only started learning recently."

Ian couldn't help but chuckle a little.

"Recently, you say?"

"Yes, that's right."

"..."

Ian glanced at the "scarf" in Artorius's hands, then back at him, unsure what to say.

"Umm, Mr. Ian... is it that bad?"

"Just a little bad."

"I see..." Artorius slightly withdrew his hands.

"It's true."

"That's why—give it to me."

"Uh... sorry, I really shouldn't—"

Artorius looked up, as if he couldn't believe what he just heard.

"Mr. Ian..."

"This is also a token of your sincerity."

Ian took the scarf from Artorius's hands and wrapped it around his neck.

"But, if possible, I truly hope you reconsider whether a knight needs something like this."

"I... I'm sorry!"

"Alright, stop apologizing already."

"Be careful on your way."

"Yes!" Artorius perked up again.

"Well then, Mr. Ian, will we meet again someday?"

"Perhaps."

[Without exchanging any further words, you watch Artorius until he disappears down the road bathed in the golden light of the sunset.]

[You take off the scarf, then turn and head back toward the city gates.]

[You can't help but wonder—will there be a day when you meet Artorius again, once he has become a knight?]

[However, what you didn't expect was that, without you noticing, Morgan had already been standing at the city gates.]

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