Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Holding Avalon in my hands truly helps me to feel safe and comforted. Its golden and royal blue color complements Excalibur brilliantly. Avalon has kept me safe for almost my entire previous life. Giving me near godly regeneration and not letting my body age, causing me to be basically immortal. When I lost it during the war with Morgan Le Fay, it felt like I had lost an old friend.
Since I just finished training, I feel like I need to take a bath. Though I didn't even break a sweat from that entire ordeal. I lift up my arm to smell myself and...still smell like Flowers and ambrosia. A wonderful smell honestly, though not as good as steaming hot food.
But I still want to take a bath anyway. As I make up my mind the room around me fixes itself using magecraft, I let Avalon unmaterialized while that's happening. And start heading towards the training rooms entrance.
"Raphael, what do you think I should do regarding S.H.I.E.L.D and the World Security Council?"
[ The best course of action based on what you are trying to accomplish in this world, is to make some kind of alliance or agreement with them, placing yourself as a figure of importance in this new world. The immunity that you could gain from them should allow you to accomplish many of the ideas you have regarding the people of this world. This should be your first step, other than greeting the other important beings on this earth. ]
I stop to take in the information Raphael said "Well, that is some really good advice Raphael. I should ask you about more things later regarding this world and its people. Anyway, let's head to the indoor bath."
I walk out into the shining halls of Camelot's castle, the door to the training room closing behind me. I greet the Enforcement Knights standing guard outside.
"Tell the others I will be in the bathhouse if anyone needs me." I continue on my way towards the bath, my white cape trailing behind me. Excitement fills me as I get closer to the bathhouse.
"This will be the first time I take a bath in this new life. I just can't wait." I pass by some patrols of Enforcement Knights but pay them no mind as I speed walk towards the bath. My mind set on relaxing in the indoor bath.
I stop in front of the two pathways to my left in the hall leading to the changing rooms for each gender. One has a blue cloth hanging in front of it, while the other a pink one. I chose the pink one for obvious reasons.
I walk into the changing room, it is just as beautiful as the rest of the castle. Whites, blues, and golds make up the most of the colors lining the room. Elegantly made tapestries depicting regal lions hang on the walls.
One wall is lined with a large cabinet with holes carved out in a grid like format. Baskets sit in the holes, waiting for clothes to be put inside them. While on the opposite side is lined with white sinks across the whole wall, that have stools under them for women to sit on. Mirrors sit above the sinks perfectly polished.
A rug sits covering the whole floor, it depicts the landscape of Avalon, flowers of all colors fill the land with blue crystal clear rivers flowing through them. Beautiful trees of all kinds dot the landscape. Doesn't really fit with the whole color scheme going on here but I like it.
It seems Rhongomyniad really took to my Japanese tastes. I do preferer Japan's paraphernalia compared to Britain's when I lived there during my last life, so I don't mind.
I dematerialize my armor and clothes leaving my body bare. I take a look in one of the mirrors admiring my form, it truly encapsulates the beauty and perfection that a divine being would have.
My light green eyes glow with a captivating pull, conveying regal strength but also something deeper if you were to look closer. My blond hair shimmered like spun gold, catching the light in a way that makes it seem ethereal. My lips, a natural light pink, that seem to sparkle if looked at a certain angle. My skin looks radiant, like a goddess from folk tales.
"Then there's that.....this must be one of Merlin's tricks, wherever Merlin is I will make them pay."
I look away from the mirror grabbing one of the bathrobes sitting on a bench next to the bathhouse door. I wrap it around my body and tie the belt, then make my way into the bath.
Camelot's indoor bathhouse is a grand, intricately designed space with white marble walls and golden carvings of knights and dragons, the ceiling open to let in shimmering daylight. The large pool-like bath reflects soft light, steam curling up lazily in the air.
I, clad in a simple linen robe, stood at the edge of the bath. The gleaming Rhongomyniad was leaned neatly against a marble column, its presence almost glowing with authority.
"When did that get there? Hmm, I guess since Camelot is Rhongomyniad itself, it can really appear and do whatever it wants. Not that it really matters." My fingers worked the fastenings of my robe, mind drifting as I prepared to step into the bath.
"This realm is… odd," I mused aloud, thinking about the clash of my medieval upbringing with the futuristic wonders I'd seen in the Marvel Universe. But here, within Camelot's rebuilt walls, I felt at peace. The weight of Rhongomyniad in summoning this stronghold was immense, but the result, my Camelot restored, made it worth the burden.
I disrobed, the cool air brushing my skin briefly before I descended into the water. It was warm, soothing, a comfort I hadn't allowed myself in so long.
"This," I murmured, "is almost as soothing as Avalon."
With a sigh, I sunk deeper, my blonde hair fanning out on the surface. My body relaxed, though my mind still churned with thoughts of this world's uncertain future.
"No knights at my Round Table, yet the throne must still guide them," I muttered, staring at the rippling water.
I cupped the water in my hands, letting it cascade over my arms. Washing away the day's sweat and dirt felt symbolic. It was as if I was also cleansing away some of the hesitation that had followed me into this new world.
A soft hum escaped my lips, a melody from my youth, wistful yet strong.
Without warning, a golden circle of sparks opened beside the bath, and a figure stepped through. The Ancient One, clad in her flowing robes, glanced around briefly before her eyes fell upon Artoria.
I froze mid-motion, my expression torn between composure and mortification. "Wh—Why does everyone insist on interrupting me during the most private of moments?" I barked, crossing my arms over my chest as I sunk lower into the water, not that it matters since the water is crystal clear.
The Ancient One raised a brow, unfazed. "You are quite the hard person to locate, King of Knights."
The Ancient One raised a placating hand, their expression calm and unbothered by the situation. "My apologies, King of Knights. I did not anticipate you would be... indisposed." Their tone held a trace of amusement, though their eyes remained piercing. "I sought you out after seeing visions of Camelot's sudden appearance and your role in this world's fate."
I narrowed my eyes. "You could have waited until I was… clothed. Is this truly the decorum of your era?"
Unapologetic, the sorcerer replied, "This was the most direct path to you. And time, as you may know, is not a luxury when the fate of the world teeters on an edge."
I let out a huff, droplets of water splashing as I shifted in the bath. "If you have come to accuse me of wrongdoing, I assure you, my presence here seeks to bring unity and hope. Not ruin."
The Ancient One seated themselves on a bench near the bath, their gaze steady. "You are a figure from a legend long past, yet here you stand, bringing your kingdom with you. Why? What is it you hope to achieve in this age?"
My expression softened, my regal demeanor tempered by quiet resolve. "Camelot was a beacon, not for perfection, but for hope. In my time, I erred in my pursuit of an ideal kingdom. Here, I aim to create a Camelot that accepts imperfection, yet strives for greatness, a Camelot for a new age."
The Ancient One nodded slowly, their curiosity evident. "A noble goal. But this world is fragile, and its people wary of those who wield power. How will you prove your intentions?"
I smiled faintly, the warmth of the bath aiding in my composure. "Through action, not words. I will lead with justice, kindness, and strength. If this world deems me a threat, I will relinquish my crown. A true king does not impose their will; they earn the trust of their people."
The Ancient One nodded slowly, stepping closer to the edge of the bath, her tone calm but probing. "You wield immense power, Rhongomyniad, a lance tied to the very fabric of reality. I've seen visions of it tearing this world asunder. Yet I see no malice in your actions."
My visage softened slightly, leaning against the smooth edge of the bath. "Because there is none. My Camelot is not to dominate but to inspire, a beacon in this day and age." My light green eyes met the Ancient One's, unwavering. "You've judged me already, haven't you? What does your intuition say?"
The sorcerer smiled faintly. "It tells me you are honest… and dangerously earnest. But your path must tread carefully. Even the noblest intentions can sow discord."
I tilted my head, soaked hair clinging to my shoulders. "A wise warning. Perhaps I'll take it into council with… myself. Seeing as I have no Round Table."
The Ancient One chuckled lightly, amused by Artoria's dry wit. "Perhaps you'll find this world has knights of its own, even if they do not bear the title."
My lips twitched in the faintest smile. "You remind me of Merlin, cryptic, bothersome, but ultimately helpful."
The Ancient One inclined her head. "I shall take that as a compliment."
As the portal began to reform, the Ancient One hesitated. "Know this, King of Camelot. The threads of your fate are entwined with this world's heroes. Your presence here is no accident." As she turned her back to leave I didn't notice the faint blush on her cheeks when she does.
I watched the sorcerer vanish, leaving only the steam and silence in her wake. I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. A soft laugh escaped me. "No peace, even in a bath."
Still, my heart felt lighter. A new Round Table might not be so unattainable after all, or I could just summon my old one.