_pub~_
The head of the skeleton monster fell to the ground as Artoria sliced off its head.
Doing the same to her blade, she allowed the blood splash on the ground.
"That was the last one." Tristan spoke, riding his horse near Artoria.
"The rest of the cult members have been apprehended by the knights, including the ones hiding in the Underground like his majesty said."
"Good."
Artoria looked around, to see some of the soldiers carefully packing the dead bodies of the beast people inside the wagon.
It was tradition to burn the dead bodies of those who died as a result of conflict, so their souls do not linger in the painful reality they lived in.
Closing her eyes, Artoria acknowledged the deaths of her subjects.
Merlins suddenly landed in front of Artoria, gripping her staff in her grasp.
"Your highness, we have a problem."
Artoria opened her eyes, "What is it?"
"His Majesty is missing, along with the demon lord."
"Uhn? What do you mean missing?" Artoria instantly had a worried expression on her face.
"I don't know. His dragon only told me he disappeared while he was battling the demon lord." Merkin confessed.
"He can't just disappear... Take me there!" Artoria grabbed Merlin by the hand, and with a single pull, she placed her on the horse.
"Tristan!" She called out, "I need you to make sure everyone involved in this summoning is apprehended."
"Yes your highness!!!"
After relaying her command, Artoria whipped her horse, racing towards Ha Joon's location as fast as she could.
Finally she arrived there...
Her shock was evident when she found out the once vibrant city of Telvar had been leveled to the ground.
There were no citizens around which was obvious since most had evacuated, but the destruction... proved that a huge showdown took place.
"I can still sense the unusual mana reading here, I'm sure he fought with the demon king right here."
Merlin leaped down from her horse, immediately looking around to scan the area.
"I remember you mentioned this demon lord was Barbatos, the strongest demon lord to ever exist. What are the chances he killed my husband and ran away?"
Artoria asked, gripping the whip of her horse tightly, embracing what was to come.
Merlin sighed, "Artoria, you know I wouldn't lie to you..."
Artoria looked at her.
"Yes Barbatos is incredibly strong, this is simply one of those times where I can determine exactly what will happen. That said, I doubt Ha Joon would lose a battle that easily. Like you said, give him the benefit of the doubt".
Artoria smiled, "Look at you being all smart..."
"Heheh, I guess I'm learning from the best. In any case..."
"Ah, you must be my master's wife."
Merlin understood what was going on, but what she didn't understand was how Ha Joon was able to acquire such an ability.
He wasn't a mage, neither was he a wizard. She had always known him to be a warrior class.
Truthfully, she was always confused as to what type of class Ha Joon had. He always seemed to specialise in different types of abilities, even abilities she never expected any human to possess.
Like the ability to tame a god.
It was more than impossible.
It wasn't just her who had questions, even Artoria was initially surprised as to the nature of this man.
But...
At the end of the day, he was still the man he claimed he would be.
Camelot's savior.
A smile formed on Merlin's face.
"Well, you know what Ha Joon would want us to do. It's best we get started before he arrives and nags us for being lazy."
Merlin placed her hand on Artoria's shoulder, who was still trying to hold back her frustration.
"Yeah...You're right." Artoria took a deep breath, looking at the massive white dragon in front of her.
"Tell the knights, we will start the official execution tomorrow, let us go."
....
A few months had passed since Ha Joon became trapped in the pocket dimension, and life in the Kingdom of Camelot continued.
Artoria Pendragon, had taken full command of the kingdom's affairs, ensuring the day-to-day operations ran smoothly.
Her once fierce warrior presence had transformed into a more diplomatic and calculated leadership, although she still remained the formidable knight everyone knew.
The streets of Camelot were peaceful, but there was always a lingering feeling of anticipation in the air—everyone was waiting for their king to return.
---
The city streets buzzed with merchants selling their wares and children running through the cobblestone paths.
"Fresh bread! Warm from the oven!" A baker called out, his voice cutting through the crowd.
Nearby, a knight walked past, his armor clinking as he moved. He nodded in recognition of the baker's greeting, but his expression remained somber. Many of the knights were still uneasy.
Though the demon lord had been dealt with, the fact that their king was still missing left them on edge.
Inside the castle, Artoria was in the middle of a meeting with some of the kingdom's advisors. Her hands rested on a large map sprawled across the table.
"Your highness," one of the advisors, a duke from the eastern provinces, said. "We have had word that the northern borders are facing some unrest. It seems the Suldan kingdom is becoming restless again."
Artoria narrowed her eyes, her hand tapping the hilt of Excalibur as it rested beside her.
"We will not bow to the demands of Suldans," she said firmly. "Send more scouts to observe their movements. If they are preparing for war, we will respond accordingly."
Merlin, seated nearby, waved her hand. "No need to worry too much, Artoria. The last time the Suldans tried anything, they ended up retreating with their tails between their legs."
Artoria sighed softly. "Yes, but with Ha Joon gone, I can't afford any missteps. The kingdom has to remain strong in his absence."
"Of course," Merlin said, giving a reassuring smile. "But don't forget, you've handled far worse before. The kingdom trusts you."
Artoria nodded but didn't fully relax. Her mind was constantly occupied with concerns of the kingdom—and, of course, her husband. She couldn't help but wonder what was happening in that parallel world where Ha Joon fought the demon king.