Era of Heroic Spirits: I Was Exposed by Alaya

Stealing someone so blatantly?

Couldn't you be a little more subtle?

Zhuge Liang and everyone present stared at him in stunned silence.

Fortunately, the reporters had already been cleared out, leaving only high-ranking officials from both nations.

This was an official meeting between China and Britain, a matter of national dignity. If word got out, people would think China's attitude was far too aggressive.

Your Majesty, this is just—

Absolutely brilliant!

The people of China love to hide behind others, feeling their way across the river while quietly amassing wealth.

The problem is, now they can't hide anymore!

Qin Shi Huang commands China's 108 heroic spirits spanning thousands of years—a force so overwhelming it inspires despair.

In contrast, among the world's two hundred-plus nations and regions, the vast majority don't even possess heroic spirits at all!

Looking across the globe, only U.S.—which plundered Greek relics like pirates and delusionally seeks mechanical ascension to create gods—can reliably suppress China by a narrow margin.

But as China rapidly advances, even the U.S. can't guarantee its defeat.

In such circumstances, with China already soaring like a dragon in the sky, who is left to hide behind?

Staying low-key now only invites exploitation.

Better to stand strong!

Even when facing King Arthur, ruler of the Round Table Knights, they must refuse to yield an inch!

Zhuge Liang swiftly formulated a slew of plans in his mind.

The Emperor's declaration that Nameless belonged to China meant that no heroic spirit from any other nation could take him without the Emperor's approval.

Tsk, why not have King Arthur marry into China and bring all of Britain as dowry?

Just the thought was a little thrilling!

Zhuge Liang eyed the grim-faced British delegation as if gazing upon a flock of plump sheep—

No, no—beloved family!

Under the collective gaze of China's representatives, Artoria coldly regarded Qin Shi Huang:

"Your Majesty, Nameless walks through human history—how could he belong to any single nation?"

This was blatant provocation!

Nameless, who had sacrificed himself time and again to protect all of humanity, was now unilaterally claimed by China.

In other words, they were refusing to let her take him!

"Protecting humanity knows no borders, but protectors have nations of their own."

Qin Shi Huang's tone was detached, as if delivering an imperial decree.

"Nameless is a citizen of China. No one but this Emperor has the right to take him away!"

The Master had given so much to Great Qin—naturally, he would remain to enjoy its boundless prosperity.

Who would allow him to be taken elsewhere?

"Nameless is your teacher. You seem to have no right to speak for his will, do you?" King Arthur countered, equally unyielding.

The two supreme heroic spirits clashed openly, their words sharp as blades.

The others exchanged uneasy glances, sensing something subtly off.

Both of these spirits were supremely rational, wholly devoted to their nations—so why had things suddenly escalated like this?

Sir Gawain, the Knight of the Sun, broke into a cold sweat and bent slightly to whisper a reminder:

"My King, our homeland…"

A few simple words, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Let's not forget—Britain's economy, livelihoods, and politics were all in turmoil, with prices skyrocketing.

Without cooperation from China, an economic crisis loomed.

No matter how mighty King Arthur was, she couldn't solve such problems with strength alone!

A flicker of displeasure crossed Qin Shi Huang's flawlessly handsome face.

"If you seek cooperation with this Emperor, you should adopt the proper posture of supplicants!"

Let's not forget—Britain was the one in dire straits, desperate for China's aid.

Those who beg should at least kneel.

Yet instead of humility, they had the audacity to demand the Master's custody.

Qin Shi Huang spared no courtesy, ruthlessly exposing their hypocrisy to their faces.

"..."

King Arthur finally realized this was no longer just a matter of bilateral cooperation.

It had become a personal clash between the two rulers.

In this era of heroic spirits, the exalted spirits stand as independent individuals.

Each possesses the power to summon wind and rain, stirring the tides of fate.

Once they set their minds on targeting Britain, there would be no chance for cooperation unless she completely yielded.

"It seems today's negotiations didn't go well. I won't disturb you further, Your Majesty Qin Shi Huang. Let's talk tomorrow."

Artoria rose directly and left, her great cloak billowing behind her.

Following silently behind her, Mordred suddenly asked curiously, "Your Majesty, may I boldly inquire about your gender?"

"Hahaha! This emperor transcends the Three Sovereigns and surpasses the Five Emperors. How could mere gender constrain me? My gender is myself!" Qin Shi Huang laughed heartily.

His laughter brimmed with dominance and might.

The First Emperor, manifested in this world as a heroic spirit, was no flesh-and-blood being but more akin to a mechanical construct.

His appearance and gender were entirely of his own choosing!

"Uh..."

Mordred stared at him.

The transcendently beautiful Qin Shi Huang—was he like that divine weapon Enkidu, beyond gender?

Genderless meant he could choose freely!

Damn it, Nameless, you truly are a femme fatale!

Not even Father and the First Emperor can resist you.

Once I find you, I'll lock you in the basement where no one can see you!

Artoria stopped in her tracks and turned with a cold snort. "Your Majesty, surely you couldn't possibly find Nameless, could you?"

Back then, at the Battle of Camlann, Nameless had stood between her and Mordred.

His body was ravaged by their Noble Phantasms, on the verge of shattering and disappearing when Artoria forcibly embedded her strongest defensive Noble Phantasm, Avalon, into him.

Though it couldn't stop his disappearance, it served as a tracker, allowing her to search for Nameless.

But after watching the video "First Emperor of the Ages," it became clear that Qin Shi Huang had left no contingencies behind!

He had even returned the Heaven-Questioning Sword—the blade Nameless used to challenge the gods on behalf of humanity—back to him.

"Thy failure to locate the gentleman is natural, but this emperor can!"

Qh Shi Huang replied with unshakable confidence.

At these words, everyone stared at him in shock.

Zhuge Liang fanned himself with his feather fan, unable to suppress a smile.

Truly befitting of His Majesty, accomplishing with ease what others could not!

As for Mordred, her expression turned slightly peculiar.

Why did that sound so familiar?

Damn it, Father said the same thing back then!

She had eagerly followed to Fuyuki City precisely to find Nameless.

And what did she find? Nothing!

Mordred felt like a little fool, being toyed with by her father in every possible way.

Maybe she should consider collaborating with Qin Shi Huang?

The thought made her heart flutter with excitement.

If Qin Shi Huang wouldn't let her take Nameless away, could she marry into Nameless' court instead?

Hmm, that actually seemed possible!

With her status as a heroic spirit, even China—overflowing with heroic spirits—would never refuse another powerful warrior!

Now the question was: would Qin Shi Huang agree?

While everyone else was stunned, Qin Shi Huang gazed at the Britons with pity.

"Do you truly believe We have repeatedly emphasized that the gentleman is a citizen of China for no reason?"

"Huh?"

Artoria vaguely sensed something.

Her relaxed expression suddenly tensed.

Beside her, Zhuge Liang and Chen Gong nodded knowingly, wearing expressions that said, I understand now.

Mordred, however, was utterly lost.

"So, what's the method?"

But no one bothered to explain. Instead, they all stared at Qin Shi Huang in awe, leaving the proud Prime Minister of Britain increasingly frustrated.

Could these people not speak without riddles?

Riddle-speakers, get out of Fuyuki City!

And then—

Qin Shi Huang actually did roll out—

No, he left Fuyuki City!

Having just arrived, he departed overnight aboard the Epang Palace!

"What the hell just happened?"

Mordred was beyond exasperated.

Could Qin Shi Huang really find Nameless?

If he did, she might actually have to consider that marriage alliance—just to spite her father!

Returning to her room, Mordred pulled out her phone and dialed her newly acquainted, adorable little friend.

"Roya, I'm telling you something that hasn't been announced yet—don't breathe a word to anyone!"

For some reason, she had instantly clicked with this girl.

In just two days, they'd grown as close as long-lost sisters.

From the twilight of the Age of Gods in Britain to her manifestation as a heroic spirit in the modern world, Mordred had never experienced such a strange, warm feeling before.

So, naturally, they shared everything.

Besides, Qin Shi Huang would announce the matter soon anyway—telling her a little early wasn't a big deal.

***

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