Charles Patricius

[Apollymi]

Information was originally being given in a singular direction, but it seemed that Artoria would be taking a bit more back with her. Apparently, the worthiness of those in Holy Grail Wars was being tempered by darkness. Whatever form it existed in, it seemed to have seeped into the Holy Grail System and as such was allowing for the 'evils' of the world to taint what should have been divine apparatuses. Still those emotions that he spoke of sounded familiar to her. She'd fought a small boy who'd been treated badly by life during her own Holy Grail War. "Those emotions when they are foreign to your body can be quite distressing. Even the ones you feel more naturally can get the better of you... " she said knowing the feeling of at least the anger and knowing she'd allowed hers to almost carry her several different directions. She couldn't imagine having something like a tainted grail to further such things. "In truth my own grail probably neutralized a bit of my own darkness, for the rest though... a few trust worthy individuals is usually enough to keep you from spiraling into your own darkness. Even when you do noy realize it is what you are doing," she gave him that piece of herself. From the time period in which she'd gone crazy enough to become sleepless. When all she had was a calm quiet music playing knight to baby sit her while she busied her hands with work. She'd lost that knight, but in the quiet space of her brain while she was kidnapped and after she recovered from that... she realized her mistake in dealing with that particular individual and wished she'd not lost him. "I will have to pass along to the rest of the Grail holders those issues, so that we might brainstorm more fixes to those problems," she said with a sigh.

As for her understanding of his anger the unspoken reason death suddenly oozed from his intentions, Charlemagne claimed it was not important. She looked at him in that moment and blinked before picking up her cup again. "If you say so..." she said knowing better. The anger itself was quite important, but perhaps it would be easier for him to addressed when he was a bit farther away from that which upset him. Moving on, her explanation of god-killing from a strictly hypothetical and observational standpoint. According to him, he wished he had a weapon like the ones she claimed were brandished by Gilgamesh instead of the ones he had already. That was debatable, not many would reach that teir but one would be surprised at the strength of a weapon, depending on its maker and its wielder. According to Charlemagne though, he was far from a weakling. A Kings Title, Divinity from that Father of the Gods, whatever the hell the Power of Order was, access to a wisdom Goddess and her daughter. That was quite the arsenal. He then, asked for help. The Queen of Knights had her brows raise, so odd was it for her to be on this end. She wasn't too far displaced from her own such undertaking. What could she offer... not much but she would still offer it was in her nature after all.

"Advice? I could give that in droves, but my tactical advice may be lacking without a full understanding your skills, abilities and party," she explained of herself. She was literally the type of person who would knock on a person's door and call them outside to fight her, alone. This lad's case seemed to need more general tact, but her own ideas would still be shared. "Get that weapon of yours appraised by someone who truly understands its materials and potential. If you received it from your connection with that God, it could have various hidden properties. It could be among your greatest assets. It is not always about what something is, but is often about how you use it," she expressed of her own understanding. "I know not what the Power of Order is, or how it might help you, but if you have access to a wisdom goddess it would be your best bet to utilize her to the best of your abilities. The tactics, planning and magical knowledge you lack could be readily available to you. I heard once from Metis that wisdom is often ignored, make it your friend," she added. "What is your King title, Charlemagne... you'd be surprised how much those can help you. As Queen of Knights I am capable of commanding every knight, and using most if not all knightly skills and abilities. Your title may not be completely helpful against other Kings or Queens, but it could save you in a pinch," she wished to know and also wished to help. "As for help I can offer, my current indirect ability would say that if you find yourself near Loch Ness, you may find easy access to a few knights of the Round Table. At the very least they could help you with information for the surrounding areas and give you a place to rest, without worry." she offered that much of herself. She could not currently promise more, given her own questionable placement.

[Bloodedge]

"Yeah, I noticed. It wasn't a very good experience," Charlemagne lamented. He still suffered the effects of that transaction, and for it... he blamed Father An. There were some conversations he still had to have. Alas, those weren't the ones he wanted to have. If anything, Charlemagne wished to speak with Angelica. Albertus Animusphere was not currently present within the Nexus, but... as he'd managed to call upon Artoria himself, maybe he could bring Angelica as well? It was worth a shot whenever this important discussion reached its end. Both parties were learning things previously unknown; it was imperative that things be shared.

A weapon of god-killing quality would be excellent. According to Artoria, he should give consideration to the one he had. He held that sword and observed it over the table, having a few things to say about it already. "Well it's definitely something. It's got part of Longinus in the pommel, and feels great to wield. Though I only fought Siegfried with it so far," he explained. The Power of Order was something Artoria also had no knowledge of. Sad as it was to hear that from one who had dealings with the divine, he at least had some information to share. "It's the power of the Father God who decided the rules of the world. I've used it accidentally a couple of times, and on purpose once... but it's too new to use haphazardly. I've been trying to avoid my opinions being too hard; I don't want to make any accidental world laws or anything."

Artoria's advice was plentiful and useful. He should make use of Miwa, even if all she offered him was guidance. Charlemagne was no stranger to relying on the minds of his comrades; she could be counted as such now. Sakura proved infinitely helpful, but he should also lean on her mother's greater knowledge and experience if possible. He could also apparently make use of his King title, which Artoria brought into question. Artoria couldn't help him directly; she didn't have to. She offered Loch Ness as a safe haven and a location of additional knights. That could prove helpful. "If I can, I'll go searching. Thanks. Oh, and my title was... uh... Status," he said, forgetting the exact title he was given by the Nexus. Charlemagne had no reason to hide things from this woman. His full list of parameters and skills was on display, along with other vital information. There, he saw what he needed. "King of Faith. I haven't messed with it at all yet. Busy week."

[Apollymi]

"It gets better. Over time you will find, that things worth living for, are also things worth being better for..." she offered the lad. Emotions were not nearly her strong suit, but Artoria Pendragon had already lived the part of her life where she let her own emotional ignorance and lack of understanding drive away others. She would not be the sort who did not offer an ear and a spare word of kindness when it could be given. "Just be wary. The more sensitive might not be willing to walk the path with you which would lead you to your own destruction. Losing a voice of reason because of the ones you spawned of discontent will leave you with regrets," she offered of her own experience. Artoria was finding herself being surprisingly candid with Charles. Perhaps, she was mellowing out, in her old age? The idea of that left the young woman smirking, just slightly, how different her world had become in so short a time period.

Ah, but that smile would be fading rather rapidly. The sword he held over the table was apparently the one he mentioned. She looked at and felt an almost familiar tug and would have wondered why, since she'd never laid eyes on this particular weapon before but Charlemagne's words would clarify the situation. It contained a piece of Longinus. "I will have to rescind that invitation to Loch Ness. Worry not of that place... it is likely compromised, but it is my responsibility and I will take care of it," Artoria mentioned with an ill-content sigh. "That is to say the Spear Longinus belongs to Percival, the Knight of Doves," she said. "He would not have willingly parted with his weapon, I was raised with him, and trained him to that end. So if part of it belongs now within this sword, Loch Ness is not the haven I left it to be," she said adding a few extra points to her list. This of course explained why Galahad had not been found and why she'd not laid eyes on a certain shield bearing blonde knight. All would be fine though... She moved on rather quickly, and held her hand over the table. "May I?" she asked holding her hand open to receive the weapon. She could at least look at it a bit. "The Dragon Knight is a fine opponent to test strength. I would advise looking for different types to truly stress test its abilities and your own. Speed is usually the secondary thing to look for when testing a new weapon, dexterity if you can find it," she said. Still willing to help.

Ah but this would not be the only potential slip of Artoria Pendragon today. Charlemagne apparently decided to describe the workings of the Power of Order. The powers of a Father God to determine the rules of the world. Her emerald eyes widened the fires in them dancing and her tongue slipped just a bit. "That is such an isekai protagonist ability. The restrained get to have all the fun. I could not say I would not be changing many rules all the time if I had such an ability," she pouted? Surely, she did not do any such thing. She was simply giving commentary. The dignity of the Queen of Knights surely would not allow pouting as a part of her persona. "Still while I would not advise changing the rules of the world arbitrarily. Though, you might find bending them in some specific instances to be rather useful. Do not be afraid to exploit obvious weaknesses and loopholes..." she gave that advice in passing.

Though she'd been thanked for the help, she'd have to think of something a bit less openly useful. Ah, but it seemed the lad already had quite a bit on his plate, having forgotten his title and needing to call upon his Status to give it in full. "Truly, I do not envy you whatever has plagued you," she said about the nature of his week. As for the title itself. "Faith? The King of Faith... that may be one of the most open-ended concepts for Kingship I have heard of so far. And I hold the light of hope in my hands..." she said exasperated, but... seemingly pleased. In fact, a little subtle itch was developing in the mind of Artoria Pendragon, she wished to fight this lad, and if her condition were better she would. For now, she'd relegate herself to the task of advisor to the next generation of Grail Holder. "Regardless, as it means or can mean many things... it likely has many uses. If you do not feel comfortable using it. Your Wisdom Goddess may be able to help guide you a bit... or any who migrated from the other side may be able to help you, parse out the details. You can always start small, I did with my first uses of my title. The Pharaohs might be more useful in such a case..." she explained the network of care that grail holders could eventually look forward to fully utilizing.

[Bloodedge]

"Trust me, I've had plenty of time to notice that," Charlemagne stated firmly. He had things worth living for, things he would die for, but... "Lately, it's just been fight mode day after day. Well... there's been something else, but that's a level of confusion and uncomfortable crap I don't really want to get into. I was putting off coming here because of..." He paused. That stupid tongue of his was going to get him in trouble one day, or at least in a very awkward and impossible to escape situation. Silence was often golden. "... Anyway─"

Loch Ness was not the place it was originally purported to be, apparently. Charlemagne once knew Percival and his possession of Longinus. What he didn't know, was that something foul had to occur for said lance to fall out of the other knight's hands. He could have assumed it was offered as tribute, or even passed on in retirement. "Oh... I didn't know him well enough to even think that. We trained together at the sanctum, but that's about it. It was so long ago. Do you want me to check Loch Ness? I could do it if there's room in the journey, and maybe report back to you through here with anything I find out," he offered. Whether she accepted or not, there was a request made by Artoria involving his sword. With a nod, Charlemagne passed it over the table for her inspection. "Go for it," he said. As for training, he did have access to at least one dexterous and speedy individual. Siegfried, however, had not been a very good sample. "It wasn't very good as a test. Not much of a fight either."

When told about the Power of Order, Artoria had a very interesting thing to say. She was right; it did sound like the power of some isekai protagonist. If he ever figured it out completely, Charlemagne would likely use it as such too. Exploiting loopholes was once second nature to the lad. "That'd be nothing new. I play trading card games," he specified, remembering how he managed to achieve victory so often. Utilizing his identity as the King of Faith would have a similar end result eventually. The goddess Miwa could offer some guidance, surely ─ as could Sakura, he believed. It really was a very nonspecific concept that sounded very exploitable... whatever it really meant. He was advised to consult Egypt's Pharaohs as well, though that wouldn't work so easily in the present situation. If anything, he'd have to visit Miwa. "I'm actually on the way down right now. Anything in Chaldea will have to wait. I'll go for an audience with the goddess if her daughter can't help."

[Apollymi]

It seemed that though he was only lightly displaced from his discontent, Charlemagne was well on his way to understanding the truth of life. Artoria's journey towards something like that was much longer and in all honesty still ongoing but if she could share words which eased someone else, she always would. Charlemagne though, had a habit of rambling, he spoke of the constant fight. He spoke of things both confusing and uncomfortable, but also putting off his trip... a pause. Artoria's eyes rose to meet the lad as he became quiet and then rather quickly changed the subject. "I understand that too... surprisingly enough. I will leave it though, if you wish not explain yourself fully..." she said a knowing little smirk. She played against an assumption, she was rather artfully told by her sister that if she was called upon to be nice and as such she considered any aggression against Charles to be off limits per her own agreements, she was after all, a woman of her word.

As for the matter of Percival apparently there was something to it. He and Charlemagne had trained against each other in the Sanctum started by her younger sister but he did not know him well enough to make assumptions about why his weapon was no longer in his hands. "I might have been a bit overwhelming as a younger person. I beat into him the idea that one such as him should not part with his weapon even if his life depended on it... lessons like those are not forgotten even after a thousand years, but there is no need to check on Loch Ness. It is a lake after all... I will have the Fae Princess look in on it. It would be no extra work for her, and I would be able to let you know if my assumptions are wrong or not," she added. No need to add more to the journey of a lad like this. Some things were best cared for by others regardless. That sword soon found itself in her hands and she turned it around in her fingers. She tested its weight following the line of its blade and seemed to be quite interested in viewing it from all sides and angles. "My my, we are quite a cute thing, are we not? I would say beautiful but the Light of Hope is present~" she murmured. "Unnamed though and so very full of potential... I do wonder why your wielder has not named you?" she asked of Charles looking over the blade at him. Of course there was the matter of his fight with Siegfried which he claimed was no test and no real fight at all. Her once stoic visage seemed to shift, into an oddly menacing but jovial grin. "Hoh? Then perhaps you are already much more used to your new abilities than you know... how delightful!~" she was beyond amused at the idea of fighting Charlemagne and properly would have suggested it immediately, but for a certain thing she was presently dealing with.

Apparently Charles was used to exploiting weaknesses. He claimed he played trading card games previously and Artoria had some light experiences with such things. Not necessarily her favorite kind of game but one she could understand a bit. "I have found that understanding games and the like can help give a bit more perspective to certain aspects of magical combat," she stated. Charlemagne was apparently on a trip down and would not be capable of visiting the Egyptians immediately. Still... he claimed a goddess or two might be of help to him and she could only nod. "If you can they would be the best option in my opinion. The lower world is full of darkness though... I am sure you understand that but I would be remiss not to advice caution on such a trip," she added gently.

[Bloodedge]

Charlemagne really didn't have the desire to explain certain things about his previous Nexus visit, and why he kept pushing this one off in his mind. On the other hand, he'd never been one to conceal truth in any harmful way. The topic was one that had to be broached at some point, and... it was certainly one better addressed on the 'sooner' side of things. "Well, it's nothing like that. Really, it's something I'd expect Jeanne to mention... though I don't know if she would have? Did she? Was there, just maybe, a uh... thing mentioned when she came back yesterday?" he wondered in a roundabout way.

It seemed Percival's views on weapon retention were pummeled into his mind at a young age. Somehow, that information wasn't surprising at all. What was surprising, was the rejection of his offer to inspect Loch Ness... and the very queer way Artoria chose to appraise his new sword. He hadn't named it, nor had he discovered its latent potential. The reason, of course, was the same as his reason for most recent negligence. "Well since getting it, I was halfway unexisted, dropped to the lower world, spiritually pieced back together in THE weirdest, somehow hottest way imaginable, and... yeah. Busy week. I haven't had the time to even think about it," he explained. That unsettling grin wouldn't be getting any acknowledgement from Charlemagne. He'd seen enough battle maniacs to know what that meant, and he already had multiple fights on his plate. He could only hope this one didn't present a challenge directly, like some others tended to.

"Soooo yeah," he said, thinking up some form of diversion from the topic of combat ability. "I've got a few days to basically relax now. Even then, I have to keep thinking about what's next. I might be able to come up with something in that time."

[Apollymi]

Artoria had been willing to let Charlemagne off the hook about whatever thing he was trying to avoid mentioning. Ah, but he wouldn't let himself off the hook. When he spoke of it again, he claimed it was something he thought Jeanne would mention and wondered if she'd mentioned a thing... any thing that happened when they met up with each other. Oddly enough, Artoria couldn't resist a bit of a joke at the lad's expense. "A thing? I suppose she did mention a thing or two... I do wonder though if she mentioned the thing you speak of," she questioned seemingly serious only to take a drink from her cup with a rather pregnant pause and smile good naturedly afterwards. "Yes, she may have mentioned the magical world mechanics leading to what I decided to whittle down to the most important points. I am getting a new niece or nephew. There is another Grail Holder who has been wronged by the 'gods'. There is a separate King to her Queen and I get some kind of little brother out of the deal... all is well. There is no reason for awkwardness between us," she clearly.

Moving on, there was the matter of his unnamed sword which apparently went without a name because of all Charlemagne had gone through in the last few days. The word vomit that fell from his face included something about the weirdest and hottest way to rebuild ones' self. A chuckle left Artoria at these words, so very awkward. "Congratulations..." she said in a jovial manner. "I am not judging, nor am I making light of the bad, but even you seem to acknowledge the good. I get it more than I would normally like to admit. This world is outlandish at times..." she commented. "Even so, with a bit of time, you might consider a name for it. Make it your own in the truest sense imaginable. Besides... there is strength in words and weapons are precious. They deserved to be called upon like old friends and greeted with respect," she shared her own philosophy about the importance of weapons and names. "I should also say if you have time, do not neglect your own care. Eat well, talk to those you trust, and calm your mind. Ideas and strategies will come, but you can only make true use of them, if you are the best version of yourself you can be," she advised. Artoria oddly spoke from experience. She'd seen a great amount in this world and fully understood that some things required time and others required companions.

[Bloodedge]

Charlemagne was aiming for a confession in the gentlest way possible. Upon offering what he could in terms of information, he received... strangely, teasing delivered in a very serious manner. Before he had a chance to react to that, Artoria gave honest clarification. Jeanne had told her quite a few things about the strange relationship between them ─ the 'somehow married, somehow twins, somehow etc.' nonsense promoted by Albertus Animusphere. Oddly enough, Artoria had nothing to really say about the ordeal. Charlemagne was nearly lost for words. "... Oh. Well, that's a waste. I was expecting a long series of questions, and a big dash of judgment. I should have tried this meeting when it first came to mind, if this was going to be the outcome."

Stranger still, Charlemagne was congratulated for the way he was held together. She seemed to understand what he was getting at, as if she'd been through something similar. No, that wasn't possible... was it? The Queen of Knights had to be some sort of asexual entity beyond the realm of base instincts like that. Alas, she claimed to understand more than she'd care to admit. What else could that mean? "Apparently. Congrats, or condolences?" he wondered aloud, admittedly accidentally. Moving on though, his sword did need a name. He'd manage to toss a few around in his mind this past few moments, and one reappeared from his previous Nexus visit. Now that Artoria was talking about greeting a weapon as an old friend, he was thinking of an old friend and the one thing he wanted to see in that greeting. It was the one thing Jeanne seemed to be missing in her current form ─ something she was never short of before. "Merriment," he muttered. With that in mind, he quickly came to the conclusion of translating a word to match one goal kept for all his comrades. "Joyeuse. I think... Joyeuse," the lad concluded. "That's my goal. I'll take your advice, and I'll take that sword to Aincrad. Jeanne, Angie, Roland, Liv, Ren... everybody. I want to see merry faces on all of them when it's all over. What do you think?"

[Apollymi]

Artoria was in a teasing mood and Charlemagne would be the recipient. Oddly enough, the lad did not expect such levity given the seriousness of the situation he found himself in. Of course, few would know that Artoria was always like this in a very specific situation. When it came to a singular individual in her life a certain amount of allowance would always be given, and she would explain it just the same. By her own approximation the lad before her would understand. "You have no need to fear judgement from me for one reason specifically, the matters of this world's mechanics aside... those who are the Children of the Stars, follow a single extra rule, beyond those that we share with each other to live by," she explained using an odd way of referring to their given surname. "We do not take from the baby," she said finally. They all agreed that nothing would be taken from the baby, whether emotional, physical or intangible. If she did not wish it, they would not do it... as such Charles had been safely integrated, in the same way that Siegfried had been.

What was likely more odd, was Artoria admitting to understanding the nature of the world's presented complications. The way Charles mentioned his 'piecing' together made her realize he likely had some sort of sexual encounter. it was far from her place to judge, she'd never done such a thing to start with. Even so, it seemed he was apt to congratulate or commiserate, given her own undetailed experiences. "It is congratulatory. Even with the oddities such things present I cannot say I truly regret this turn in the path I walk," she said with a gentle smirk. In truth, she understood now, how little she'd been living this life of hers. And now that she lived she could at least appreciate a thing or two... and enjoy the sincerity of those around her, in a way she hadn't before. It seemed she wasn't the only one thinking of others. As she continued her inspect of Charlemagne's sword he seemed to have a few name options and even a pretty firm reason for choosing it. She'd once felt very similarly so she understood the notion, more than anything else she felt the truth of it from him as he took in his visage. The merriment of his friends and family was his goal... to bring joy, was such an idealistic thing to make your goal, but also so very fitting. She looked at the blade and rotated it in her hand. Her fingers gently traced the blade up to its tip. "A sword to bring smiles to the faces of others and leave joy in its wake," she posed it as if speaking some truth... in the Nexus a place of mystery a certain glow seemed to be settling upon the blade. "A name which encompasses the bonds between you and others..." she seemed to be speaking directly the the blade. "The name of a strong companion on your march towards merriment," she smiled at the blade and held it in her hands. "Joyeuse." she proclaimed properly. "A fine name for a blade. Look after him, goals like his are so fleeting and lovely it should be your honor to look after him," she spoke to the blade of Charlemagne before reversing her grip in a smooth motion and handing it back to him. Ah, but what would happen to this blade as such an odd and old magic was induced? Only when Charlemagne reclaimed his blade would the truth be revealed.

[Bloodedge]

In addition to the knowledge and guidance Charlemagne gained during this audience with the Queen of Knights, he was to inherit a rule of the now-extended family of Artoria, Jeanne and so forth. It seemed they had a creed that involved taking nothing from 'the baby' among them, whom context implied could only be Jeanne. No taking, Artoria said. Given Charlemagne's plan for the end of this adventure, that phrase didn't quite work for him. "Don't take from the baby, huh..." he mumbled, thinking it over for quite some time.

While Charlemagne floated around in his own head, Artoria confirmed his curiosity. She had definitely fallen to the deviance of this world as well. Just as he recently discovered, she found it worthwhile. In that regard, they were truly kindred. Everything he'd been through recently was degenerate, but oh so valuable in the grand scheme of things. Apart from everything involving Father An, he really wouldn't change a thing. "I guess I could say the same. I've still got some complications to work out, but whatever," he said. Moments later, Charlemagne's sword was finally receiving a name. Artoria found Joyeuse acceptable. Her ringing endorsement resulted in the Nexus's acceptance as well, bringing a new light to the blade. Oddly though, her every word seemed to be for the weapon itself. No matter. Charlemagne knew the knight-queen had her oddities, but he had no desire to judge. Joyeuse was handed to its wielder while that glow settled. Charlemagne reached out to grasp its handle, and then... another glow began to spread across the entire tool. That was also the time Charlemagne finished his earlier train of thought. "Don't be so quick to dish out honors," he said. "I'm going to commit a cardinal sin, you know? Sorry, but I've got to break a rule. I'm taking from the baby," he continued.

The blade of Joyeuse gradually became something... almost silver. No, it couldn't be called that. Silver itself would gaze upon Joyeuse and think itself grey. The sheen of Joyeuse's blade created a spectrum of colors that spread into its aura. Accents of blue and black passed along guard and sheath alike, settling in homage to the queen who accepted arms for the greater cause, and the warrior who accepted a lifelong companion. All the while, Charlemagne was still making his point. "I swore to Jeanne, and I'll swear to you. I declare an oath, my soul as witness. I'm taking that darkness if it's the last thing I do."

[Apollymi]

The knowledge that the Hoshimi didn't take from their youngest member was something which seemed to catch Charlemagne. Of course he would be hung up on that, contrary to whatever he thought, Artoria had also been told of his desire. Her younger sister had called it, 'A stupid fuckin' pipe dream' if she was remembering the phrasing correctly. Even so, it wasn't something which Artoria would argue against, part of the reason she was so easily summoned to this realm, was because she intended to see the truth of this lad's words for herself. And he'd presented himself as nothing but earnest. Moving on, according to the lad, though he also saw his own activities as celebratory he had some complications left to iron out. A gentle nod of Arotria's head would occur at the news. "These things happen... sometimes things have to be less orderly than our preferences..." she offered the lad this information not of her own situation but one she'd observed.

Still there was the matter of the sword, now aptly named Joyeuse. His hands on the handle it was left to change under the influence of Artoria and the Nexus. A bit of a boon, this white room always was, as the things she desired within became possible even if they were previously impossible. For instance a blade of the same quality material as Excalibur. Apparently, this special blade was being partnered with someone who had the intention of breaking a cardinal rule. An oath would be made under the gaze of emerald fire, twice sworn on himself did Charlemagne proclaim to take the darkness of Jeanne d'Arc, even if it was something which killed him. There was a certain sparkle in the eye of the Queen of Knights who looked upon the lad as if burning this image into the depths of her soul. "On your honor, Charlemagne." Just those words were her acceptance of his most honest desire. In truth, when it came to her younger sister, her hands were tied. She'd have burned the heavens and the earth and every other world if that girl wished it so... but even steeped in darkness as she was, she did not wish harm on any but those who wronged her directly. And would not call the calamity of her siblings down upon the world as punishment for the actions of one. "I will leave this in your hands, as a twin the rule of not taking is somewhat less clear... exploitable even." she said with a gentle upturn of her lips. There was no dishonesty in Charles, as he declared even on his death to fix an issue for the world. Returning the Holy Maiden to her status as a true Saint was no small undertaking still, he would be left to it, such was the nature of Artoria Pendragon, to leave a man to earnestly pursue his goals.

[Bloodedge]

Truer words had never been spoken. Frankly, if things always went according to plan, Charlemagne would have a very boring time in this world. Even so, a little bit more smoothness of transition would have been much appreciated. "Tell me about it," he agreed with a sigh. This wasn't going to get any easier. At the very least, Charlemagne had always been able to consistently rely on others to help him through the long journey of isekai life.

A declaration was given, and an oath was received. He spoke it to Artoria as he had spoken it to Jeanne, but the true purpose was to invoke his first Skill. Oaths in this world were binding. When Charlemagne gave one however, it was more binding than normal. He would be strengthened while acting toward the oath's purpose, and made significantly weaker if he was not doing so. This was on more than his honor. With the specifics he gave, such a promise would be carried for life until it was met. "It's too late. Whether you accept it or not, it's something I have to do now. Breaking promises isn't cool~" he assured. With that, Charlemagne fully claimed the sword Joyeuse and performed a few practice twirls. It seemed a bit larger than before, but also even lighter than it was. Was he even holding anything? Moving it around was no different than moving his arm by itself. "Woah, that's crazy!" he exclaimed. Alas, there was no room for too much amazement. Another thing had been previously mentioned, and Charlemagne regrettably thought it was a good idea to ask about it. "So... one more thing. Do you think King Gilgamesh could tell me any details about god-killing? I don't really want to ask, but. . ."

[Apollymi]

Charlemagne and Artoria Pendragon surprisingly got along fairly well. They even shared a strange amount of confusing taste and distaste for the way the world works. The lack of consistency in adventures and fun were part of the the goodness of them, but also part of the frustration. Life was never black and white and more so... never really good or bad. It was fine. Things could be better they could also be much worse. Moving on, apparently the lad hadn't needed Artoria to accept his oath. It was apparently something sworn on himself and didn't require acnowledgement. Still, an earnest oath from a knight was something that fell under the Queen of Knights purview. According to the lad breaking promises wasn't cool. She'd heard he was fond of being cool and couldn't disagree. She shared such sentiments whether outwardly or buried beneath the surface of her queenly visage. "Definitely should never break promises. Oath-breaking is a terrible habit. Still, the words of earnest knights will always fall upon my ears. Their hopes and dreams are mine to protect and indulge," she said casually.

She watched from that point forward, as the lad got a feel for his new weapon. She'd seen that kind of excitement before, on the faces of many knights who received the weapons most perfect for them. A knowing smile graced her lips, a perfect part, a weapon which was an extension of the self was one of the best things this world could grant someone. She believed this truly. Ah, but all good things had to have a hiccup or two. As she drank from her cup it would seem that he wished still to speak potentially with Gilgamesh, fishing for information about killing gods. A nod came to the lass as she gave it a bit of consideration. Her brow furrowed as she knew the Golden King could indeed answer the lad's questions, but whether he would, or if he'd even answer the summons was something entirely different. "And here I was... having a good time," she mumbled once again seeming to be almost pouty. "He can likely answer your questions... call upon him. I will remain, just in case," she offered the lad truthfully.

[Bloodedge]

They agreed that keeping promises was the only real way to go about life. Even so, Artoria laid claim to the hearing of all knights' oaths. He couldn't argue with that. Actually, his first thought was that it was a pretty cool thing to do. "That's awesome," he said aloud. As the Queen of Knights, Artoria Pendragon was one Charlemagne had to answer to if demanded. On the other hand, as one who did not count among the Round Table members, Charlemagne did not actively seek her guidance or acceptance. His own people were the only ones he needed the acceptance of, yet... "I appreciate it."

Now then, the pleasantries had come to an abrupt end by Charlemagne's own machinations. Speaking with Gilgamesh was another act one did not approach lightly. Even thinking about it, Charlemagne wished there was a better alternative to finding answers. As it seemed, Artoria agreed. She decided to remain nearby if he called upon the King of Heroes. If nothing else, he could consider that comforting. "Ugh... alright," he groaned. The lad stood then, sheathing his sword and summoning his grail. When he'd called upon Artoria, there was something notable about the event. The Holy Grail itself was a key, so it seemed he had to use it for invocation. As such he poured liquid from the filled grail onto the floor. Those ripples in reality returned at the point of contact. Charlemagne took several moments to consider his call, but then... "I call upon..." That summoning would not be permitted. In the middle of his sentence, Charlemagne was assaulted by a geyser spray of his own grail's fluids. It spewed from the ripples and drenched his face, leaving the lad speechless and absolutely dumbfounded. "... Uh... that's not how it went last time. Not cool," he surmised, certain he now looked like a moron.

[Apollymi]

Artoria was called awesome by Charlemagne. How interesting. She received compliments quite frequently, but she enjoyed the way that one hit her ears. He appreciated her sentiments and because of this, she'd gladly offer them. Charlemagne was a reasonable person and she quite enjoyed that part about him. She could even see, the logic behind a lad like this being good for her younger sister, though he wasn't the one chosen by her. His closeness to her could be appreciated, in the way that friends were made in their previous lives, she understood this, even if her closest friend was the sword at her side.

Ah, but that little jovial exchange would be ending soon. She'd told the lad to call upon the man whose mind he wished to pick. And she'd done her duty, understanding that same man's temperament and offered to stay and smooth things over. Even understanding all of these things, what happened next was laughable at best. He tried to call upon Gilgamesh but hadn't even gotten through the sentence, his face was covered in rippling grail wine and he'd thought it uncool. Calmly, the Queen of Knights reached into her pocket and removed a handkerchief to offer to the lad. This was one of her own, hand-stitched by her with her initials in its corner. Chivalry at its finest. "I figured it did not, Wipe your face. It is likely his own doing, moody as he is..." she said of Gilgamesh. But though her words were calm there was a vein directly over her left brow which was pulsing in anger. She was furious and it would only become more obvious over the next few seconds. "You who calls himself sovereign of this world, should answer when you are called upon. Especially to this place which should be considered your throne room. Answer the call of the queen you named," she said those words with such venom. "King of Heroes!"