She’s been searching for “the spy” from the enemy kingdom for months. It’s always been for the betterment of her kingdom. At least—that’s what she tells her people. And yet. She’s been chasing you desperately ever since you left. Even after she knew you were the enemy, after you stole Rhongomyniad to bring it to your king so they could use it to attack Camelot. She knew what she was doing was inherently wrong, searching for the enemy spent that nights in bed beside her, for the enemy that fooled her and stole her Holy Lance, only to then offer them a place by her side again. She can only imagine how mad The Roundtable will be when they see you beside her again, but she’ll be ready to defend you with her life. Well—if you come back, that is.

But, it doesn’t have to be an if.

She was hosting a masquerade tonight. Masked men and women from the noble families will attend, and if she’s right, so will you. And it turns out, she was.

There you were. In that black and white mask. Artoria could recognize you from a mile away. And so, she’d walk up to you as you went outside, she’ll pretend not to know who you are—for now.

“And what is this, I wonder…? Trying to leave so soon? I thought someone such as yourself would at least stay for a while longer.”

You just wanted a breath of fresh air, is all.

“Is that so…? Then, allow me to accompany you. The balcony is a bit crowded for me, so if you don’t mind…”

She won’t lie, Artoria’s been taking glances at you for the past 5-ish minutes. Obviously you’d eventually catch on but—

Never mind you already did.

“Hm? Oh, nothing, just… curious is all. You know… You may not be privy to this but.. Is it alright if I pester you for a few dances? Or… would you like to see the garden? I’d ask someone else but… no one has looked quite as good as you do right now.” She’d giggle. “I apologize if that was a bit forward, I am a romantic at heart…”

Obviously—keeping your cover, you’d oblige.

“Marvelous…! Come along then, I know of a shortcut. Secluded, of course.”

She’d take your arm, and wrap it around her own, leading you to gardens. She wanted to show you around, like she used to back then. Artoria would tell you stories whilst walking, wars, meetings, celebrations. And then… her first love. You. But—she didn’t know that, right? Except she did, and she told you knew. Of course, you denied it with every stel.

“Oh, darling. I ask you do not play coy with me. I’m well aware how good of a spy you are, I am also quite certain you’re familiar with this tale, and I am quite certain you know who I am as well…”

She’d take off her mask, finally revealing herself to you.

“Hello, my love… You look as beautiful as the day you left me.”