King Arthur Won't Die by Accident

"Hmph~ You look pretty good. Didn't expect someone like you would be in the Roman army," Jeanne Alter said, glancing casually at the image. She hummed softly, a faint amusement playing on her lips. Then, in a teasing tone as if she were truly involved in this "magic research," she pointed at the documents, but mostly she kept sneaking quick glances at Arthur—only to quickly look away as if afraid of being caught.

This expression was simply—

Arthur clutched his stomach, barely holding back laughter.

This woman is just too adorable. Please, stop—I'm really going to laugh out loud!

At that moment, Jeanne Alter looked like someone clueless about art admiring a poster accidentally hung among oil paintings. Everyone around noticed and subtly hinted at it but refrained from saying anything. Yet she completely ignored all those hints. That was the feeling Arthur got.

After all, here was a high-ranking Roman military official treating documents that could topple their enemy's foundation as nothing more than "magic research."

Anyone in the know would find this scene hilarious.

"You are worthy of being a girl from Orleans," Arthur thought with a smile.

"Huh? What's wrong with you? You've had a weird expression since a while ago!" Jeanne Alter said in a mix of shame and frustration. Deep down, she was nervous—afraid he might see through her ignorance of magic.

Truthfully, it wasn't that she lacked understanding of magic.

From Jeanne Alter's perspective, the document was probably just a mess of scribbles—or maybe something even stranger.

Arthur maintained his perfect polite smile, thinking happily.

Should I tell her that if she were a real magician, having her "research" read by others, especially other magicians, would be a death sentence? Nah, let her have her fun one more time.

Honestly, this was way more enjoyable than chopping Merlin normally.

"What's that look? You don't believe me, do you? Fine, I'll be generous and explain. When servants appear in this world, they're given the common knowledge of the era—including magic."

Jeanne Alter's voice trembled, betraying her lack of confidence. "…Yes, it's included. Magic knowledge is common knowledge! So even though I'm not a Caster, I understand magic. I really do. And I'm better than you anyway—I'm just teaching you."

She forced the words out, unable to meet Arthur's eyes.

It was hard to pretend with someone so perceptive.

She imagined the look on Arthur's face when he caught her lie.

Damn it, why did it have to turn out like this?!

If only I'd admitted from the start that I can't do magic!

Jeanne Alter began to shrink inside, like a criminal awaiting judgment. She trembled, whether from shame or fear, she didn't know.

Her tone was arrogant, but she looked easy to bully.

Arthur found her utterly fascinating.

Suddenly, he no longer wanted to return to Britain.

He played along with Jeanne Alter's words.

"You're amazing—a so-called Servant with deep magical research. Then tell me about this chanting here, the method of transferring magic power, and the exact speed. Every time I reach this part, I fail."

He pointed at a line of text with a smile, genuine delight shining in his eyes.

Facing this silly, lovely woman, there was no need to hide anything anymore.

"Ah? You mean this? Are you an idiot? Of course, the faster the better!" Jeanne Alter said, panic rising in her voice. "Next time you use magic, speed it up and you'll succeed for sure!"

Trying to sound convincing, she raised her voice—though ironically, it made her sound even less confident.

"Oh, I see. Thank you, Jeanne Alter."

"Hmph! It's just a simple question. You're just too stupid," Jeanne Alter said, turning her face away.

"What about this and this—?"

And so, two people with wildly different magical skillsets began seriously discussing magic.

The most unbelievable part? Arthur actually followed Jeanne Alter's "instructions" and used a card-type magic gift to perform the magic she said "only existed in theory." He even looked surprised and thanked her, saying his magical skill had improved a lot.

This made Jeanne Alter start doubting her own talent.

Maybe I'm actually a magic genius?

She shook her head without blushing and said confidently, "Huh! This level of magic is easy for me. But you have a good grasp. I just gave a little hint, and you understood so much. Keep it up. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be able to summon me… or something."

Her voice trailed off into a whisper.

"Sir Jeanne Alter, what did you just say? Sorry, I didn't catch that," Arthur said with a polite smile, though he'd heard it perfectly well.

"It's nothing! Just noisy, nothing important!"

Jeanne Alter blushed fiercely and waved her hands wildly, taking a long time to calm down.

After a while, seeing Arthur smile so brightly and politely, Jeanne Alter finally relaxed and shyly turned away.

"Okay, don't call me Your Excellency or anything formal. Too troublesome. Just call me Jeanne of Arc… No, just Alter."

"No problem, Sir Alter."

"I said just Alter! Don't you understand?"

"Okay, Alter."

"By the way, what's your name? I'm in a good mood, so I'll let you tell me—and maybe I'll remember it. Since you're so interesting, I'll especially remember your name."

Jeanne Alter glanced nervously at Arthur, afraid he'd reject her because of her tone.

But what could she do? She just couldn't help it.

She felt both embarrassed and nervous.

Fortunately, Arthur's smile remained gentle and pleasant as always.

He took her hand gallantly, bowed slightly, and said, "It's an honor to be remembered by such a beautiful lady. My name is Arthur, and I hope you'll keep it with you always."

"Arthur?"

"No, just a coincidence. Or maybe a misunderstanding," Arthur said, pointing at the Roman flag in the tent.

"This is definitely a Roman camp."

"…It's just that we share the same name. What a pity."

Jeanne Alter's expression flickered oddly.

Though relieved, a vague unease remained.

But looking into Arthur's sincere eyes, all doubt vanished.

Arthur is so handsome… no, such a sincere magician—no way could he be a bad guy.

There's nothing wrong, definitely not!

-End Chapter-

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