"Britain is home to many powerful monsters. Of course, I know your territories likely possess similar creatures as well, but I imagine that even capturing a single monster alive or using one as food would require paying a considerable price, wouldn't it?"
Arthur's voice echoed calmly throughout the grand hall, firm and composed, carrying a natural authority that made even the most arrogant nobles listen involuntarily.
The foreign guests exchanged subtle glances before nodding among themselves.
Indeed, although countless monsters existed throughout the world, the vast majority of people did not even dare approach such creatures, much less deliberately hunt them. In many regions, simply surviving occasional monster attacks was already considered a victory. Trying to turn monsters into commercial resources sounded absurd to most kingdoms.
Perhaps only King Arthur could speak about such matters with that level of confidence.
Because on the day of the new king's birth, countless small countries surrounding Britain had witnessed those pillars of light piercing across the heavens in a certain direction. The scene still remained vivid in the memories of many people present even now.
That was the power of Britain.
Or rather... that was the power awakened by King Arthur.
Therefore, when Arthur spoke so calmly about monsters, cooperation, and international trade, nobody dared dismiss his words as mere youthful fantasy.
"However, some of our countries are separated from Britain by the sea." One of the foreign envoys hesitated for a few seconds before continuing. "If we are talking about only one or two monsters, then perhaps it is manageable... but if it involves large quantities, how exactly would this trade work?"
Arthur listened attentively to the question before responding without the slightest hint of impatience.
"We can build ports and ships." His voice remained calm. "Although it will be troublesome at first, once established, it will benefit both sides greatly in the future."
He paused briefly before continuing:
"And this is not only about monsters. Fabrics, weapons, ores, tools, food, and other resources could also be traded in the future. If we can establish safe trade routes, there will be many possibilities for cooperation."
As he noticed the growing interest on the faces before him, Arthur smiled faintly.
"Of course, we can discuss all of this in greater detail later. If you still remain interested after the ball, feel free to send messengers to Britain. I would be pleased to hear everyone's opinions."
Only at that moment did most people finally understand what was truly happening.
The ball organized by King Arthur was not simply an aristocratic celebration.
It was preparation for future diplomatic relations.
It was a political invitation.
It was an announcement to the world that Britain intended to stop merely surviving endless wars... and begin shaping a new era.
Morgan was slightly surprised for a moment, but an elegant smile soon appeared on her lips.
Even she had not expected Arthur to use monsters as the starting point for establishing commercial relations with other nations.
Originally, the ball had only one objective: lure in the Saxons and expose the traitors hidden within Britain.
But somehow, Arthur had transformed that political trap into a diplomatic opportunity.
Ships capable of transporting monsters across the sea...
Just imagining such a thing was enough to realize the sheer scale of the project.
Even so, as Arthur had said, once that structure was established, future cooperation between Britain and other nations would become far simpler.
Sir Hector remained silent.
The old knight's mouth opened slightly before his eyes turned toward Arthur once more, now filled with even greater admiration.
So... this ball was not merely a social gathering.
It was a prelude to Britain's future.
Originally, Hector had always believed Artoria was the one who should inherit King Arthur's throne. After all, he had watched her grow up, trained her swordsmanship, and witnessed all the effort she had devoted to protecting Britain.
But now...
Watching Arthur stand before that crowd, speaking so naturally with such vision for the future, even Sir Hector began feeling that perhaps this boy truly was worthy of the title of King Arthur.
"To be capable of raising such a brilliant king..." one of the nobles murmured while glancing toward the woman standing behind Arthur. "The woman behind him must also be extraordinary."
The man's eyes landed on Scáthach.
She was absurdly beautiful.
Her body exuded a dangerous yet mesmerizing presence at the same time, while her crimson eyes remained cold and serene, as though the entire world was incapable of disturbing her.
Furthermore, she was King Arthur's master.
Naturally, some nobles began considering the idea of approaching her.
"I strongly advise you to abandon that idea immediately," someone beside the man whispered. "Have you never heard of Scáthach?"
The noble hesitated.
Scáthach?
"The Queen of the Land of Shadows." The man lowered his voice even further. "Many nobles from my country still train there. The Land of Shadows has disciples from countless kingdoms, and nearly all of them return monstrously powerful."
He cast a cautious glance toward Scáthach before continuing:
"Even so, all of them show respect — or fear — whenever her name is mentioned."
"So I sincerely advise you not to try approaching that woman."
Hearing that, the noble raised his eyes toward Scáthach once more.
Her expression remained as calm as before, indifferent to everything around her, as if the discussions, gazes, and thoughts of those men were not even worthy of her attention.
Then, as though she had noticed his stare, Scáthach slightly turned her head and casually glanced at him.
The noble's body instantly froze.
A chilling sensation ran down his spine.
He hurriedly averted his gaze and coughed awkwardly, trying to dismiss his previous thoughts.
Even so, he possessed enough discernment to understand that some people were completely unreachable.
A woman like Scáthach probably could not be controlled even by tribal chiefs... perhaps not even by King Arthur himself.
"I am very interested in the monsters mentioned by the King," a foreign envoy suddenly declared. "And considering that you are Scáthach's disciple, we are willing to trust your words."
As soon as those words were spoken, several people nodded subtly.
Scáthach's name might not be known by every peasant in the world, but among nobles, tribal chiefs, and important figures, the Queen of the Land of Shadows possessed a terrifying reputation.
Many of those present had children, nephews, or apprentices training in that place.
And every disciple who returned from the Land of Shadows shared one thing in common:
They were monstrously strong.
Suddenly, many things began making sense.
No wonder Arthur was so powerful at such a young age.
If he had been trained by Scáthach... then everything was perfectly understandable.
She truly is an incredible woman...
For a brief moment, countless people turned their gazes toward Scáthach again, but now those gazes carried genuine respect.
Arthur frowned slightly.
Even while standing beside her, he could clearly feel those incessant stares.
Did these people not understand that staring at a woman like that was extremely rude?
Scáthach immediately noticed the emotional change in the boy standing beside her.
Her usual indifference subtly softened.
She turned her crimson eyes toward Arthur and, for the first time since arriving in the hall, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
A small smile.
But absurdly beautiful.
"Well..." Arthur cleared his throat lightly, drawing the crowd's attention once more before they continued staring at his master. "I wish everyone an excellent ball."
After finishing, he turned his gaze toward Morgan, who had been watching everything from not too far away.
"Finally, allow me to officially introduce this woman."
Arthur slightly raised his hand toward her.
"The daughter of Britain's former king. A first-class mage. And someone who contributed enormously to the resistance against the Saxons."
His eyes met hers for a moment before he calmly declared:
"Princess Morgan LenFay."
Morgan nodded gracefully, though the eyes she directed toward Arthur were clearly filled with satisfaction.
Originally, that ball had only been created to lure out enemies hiding in the shadows.
But now...
Arthur had transformed the situation into something far greater.
Not only had he diverted attention away from the discussion about the Queen, but he had also created an enormous diplomatic opportunity for Britain.
Morgan silently observed the boy.
In truth, she knew Arthur probably had not planned all of this from the beginning.
He had simply reacted quickly to the situation after Hector mentioned the Queen's position.
Even so...
That only made everything even more impressive.
Morgan narrowed her eyes slightly while observing him.
It seems this boy is not incapable of ruling.
He simply hates dealing with unnecessary responsibilities.
If nobody pressures him, Arthur prefers avoiding problems and living peacefully. However, the moment someone corners him...
He finds absurdly effective solutions incredibly quickly.
Even so, he still needs someone to push him forward...
While thinking about that, Morgan softly snapped her fingers.
In the next instant, a wave of magic spread throughout the entire hall.
A type of illusionary trick enveloped all the guests, and almost everyone's appearance suddenly changed.
Or rather...
Their identities were concealed by magic.
Small exclamations immediately echoed throughout the hall as numerous nobles touched their own faces in shock.
"Do not be alarmed." Morgan smiled elegantly while observing the collective reaction. "This is a masquerade ball."
She slightly raised her hand.
"But instead of ordinary masks, we shall use magic."
Her smile became even more beautiful and mysterious as she concluded:
"Therefore... I hope everyone enjoys this evening."
Now, nobody could recognize anyone anymore.
Tribal chiefs, foreign nobles, knights, envoys, and conspirators had all lost their visible identities.
Everyone was hidden beneath magical illusions.
Except for a single person.
The boy standing beside Scáthach.
— King Arthur wearing his crown.
(End of Chapter)