Era of Heroic Spirits: I Was Exposed by Alaya

"Then you'll have to learn properly from me. Consider this a lesson unlike anything an emperor would receive."

Souma grinned broadly.

The kitchen was his proudest domain.

Across six thousand years of history, from Uruk to Egypt, from Britain to France, from the Maurya Empire to Greece...

It could be said his culinary skills had long since fused the pinnacle of human cooking.

After retirement, he had made it his sole passion—truly deserving of the title:

EX-rank [Culinary Arts]!

A mortal's craft, reaching divine heights!

Click—

Roya opened the door and casually slipped into her cotton slippers. "I'm back."

"Bring it here quickly."

A voice called from the kitchen.

Roya walked over, shivering from the cold after her quick trip to the store.

But this trip was totally worth it.

She actually got to see King Arthur out on a stroll!

When would she get the chance to run into the Dark Saint or the King of Heroes out for a walk?

Even in her mind, the heroic spirit ranking second only to Nameless.

This made Roya particularly excited.

What if one day while out for a stroll, she encountered the incredibly mysterious great hero Nameless?

She'd definitely ask for an autographed photo!

The more Roya thought about it, the more excited she became. She carried the soy sauce into the kitchen.

The cold, clear voice of that Mr. Qin rang out as he extended a slender, elegant hand: "Just give it to me."

"Oh, okay."

Roya handed it over in a daze.

A sudden doubt arose in her heart—

Was it Mr. Qin? Or Sister Qin?

Could it be like King Arthur, a woman disguised as a man?

Roya stood at the kitchen door, scrutinizing carefully.

Damn it—no Adam's apple, but the chest was flat too.

Just like the divine weapon Enkidu, completely genderless—or was the gender simply "yourself"?

Overthinking, overthinking.

Her own shut-in was just a lazy bum—how could he possibly know someone like this?

Roya quickly burrowed under the kotatsu.

Now this was comfort!

By dinnertime, Roya still couldn't hold back. While Souma was washing dishes, she tiptoed over and whispered in his ear: "I've got a huge surprise for you!"

"Uh, what surprise?"

Souma felt his ear tickle and responded casually.

The brat looked all mysterious: "Guess who I ran into at the market near our neighborhood?"

"The big dog selling fish?" Souma replied instinctively.

The market was home to the famous Celtic mythological hero Cú Chulainn, the Child of Light.

His teacher was none other than the terrifyingly powerful, god-slaying "Purple Granny"—the young Scáthach!

Had the Shadow Queen descended?

With her overwhelming strength, she might actually have noticed something unusual about the brat!

"What big dog?"

Roya blinked, then glanced at the figure sitting calmly in the living room before lowering her voice further: "You won't believe this—I met King Arthur!"

Clang!

The plate in his hands slipped into the sink, nearly shattering.

Souma stared in shock: "King Arthur was at the market?"

Oh no!

Earlier, when the brat went out, she hadn't been wearing the green hat—

Wait, no—she hadn't been wearing [Hades' Cap of Invisibility]!

Had Artoria noticed something off?

"Probably upset after being rejected by Qin Shi Huang for a marriage alliance, so she went out for a walk."

Roya replied offhandedly, then proudly added, "She seemed to really like me—wanted to adopt me!"

"...That is indeed something to be proud of."

Souma took a deep breath.

Kid, do you even realize that every single one of those figurines and posters you collect—all of them think the same way?

This is bad.

If she wants to adopt you, it means Artoria might have actually noticed something.

He took another deep breath, forcing calm as he asked, "And then?"

Don't panic. Stay steady. Can't give yourself away!

Roya continued, "I invited her over for a visit."

???

Souma lost all composure.

Kid, are you trying to screw me over?!

I've been avoiding her at all costs, and you're dragging her here?!

Screw it. I'm done.

I'm defecting to Alaya right now—only one of us is walking away from this!

"But she turned me down," Roya added regretfully.

"What a shame!"

Souma nearly laughed out loud.

As expected—she hadn't noticed after all.

With the domineering personality of the Lion King's fused memories, if she had really discovered anything, how could she not have come barging in directly?

Perfect!

Indeed, there's no need to panic—everything is under control.

Next, he just needed to rely on Zheng'er's protection and peacefully stay in the tranquil city of Fuyuki.

"Alright, hurry up and wash your hands for dinner."

Souma finished tidying up the kitchen.

Every time he cooked, he habitually cleaned up first.

This habit had Roya constantly teasing him for being like an old housewife.

The problem was, he simply couldn't stand leaving a messy kitchen behind.

The earlier words from the mischievous kid made him hum softly: "Today is a good day, everything I wish for comes true..."

As long as no one disturbed him, living his quiet little life was truly blissful!

Ding-dong~

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"Hmm, is it Miyu or Illya?" Roya wondered as she walked over to open the door.

However,

Standing outside was a completely unfamiliar girl who looked about fifteen or sixteen years old.

She had long golden hair and emerald-green eyes.

A single ahoge stood defiantly atop her head.

"Who are you?"

Roya frowned slightly as she studied the girl.

She looked vaguely familiar, yet entirely unknown.

"I'm Lily, Souma's classmate. I think we might have met by chance before," the girl said with a gentle smile.

"Oh, Lily…"

Roya grew even more puzzled.

She must be mixed-race—no wonder she's so pretty.

Wait, why would that shut-in otaku have a female classmate visiting him?

But leaving someone standing at the door wasn't polite, so she quickly stepped aside. "Souma, there's a classmate named Lily here to see you!"

"Lily?"

Souma wiped his hands.

He searched his memory—there was no such name.

Was he getting senile?

Then,

When he walked over and saw her, he froze in place.

Her smile was as warm as ever. "Long time no see."

Her hair was elegantly tied up, giving her a refined and dignified beauty.

That stubborn strand of hair was as eye-catching as ever.

This appearance was identical to the first time he had ever seen King Arthur!

That strand of hair symbolized the glory of the King of Britain—no one but him was ever allowed to touch it.

If only life could remain as it was at first sight!

Souma replied with complicated emotions, "Long time… no see."

She had deliberately taken on the appearance of the fifteen-year-old girl from their first meeting when she came to his home.

So, she had found out after all!

During the Holy Grail War, he had been fortunate enough to summon her.

Under her protection, he had gained the time to grow stronger.

Later, Fuyuki City was destroyed in his battle with Gilgamesh.

To save everyone, Souma had made a contract with Alaya.

In exchange for working under Alaya, everything was restored to normal.

Afterward, he had traveled to the end of the Age of Gods in Britain, watching over the girl from her childhood.

He witnessed her become the illustrious King Arthur.

Then, in a Singularity, he had awakened her, bringing her back to the world in her Lancer Alter form.

So,

Where did those generous proportions of yours go?

How could you even disguise that?

Artoria smiled. "I was passing by and thought I'd visit. Mind if I stay for a meal?"

***

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