Typemoon: Starting Out as the Lion King's Personal Knight

Credits: daxterdaxter

"Huh?" Not just Mash, but everyone present was stunned by Alaric's shocking answer.

After all, when Alaric previously mentioned this second matter, he had been incredibly serious. This made Bedivere and the others listen intently with grave expressions when Mash brought it up again.

But none of them expected such an unexpected and baffling response.

"Sir Alaric, you have a sense of humor."

Bedivere said with an awkward laugh.

"Huh? What's the matter? My disciple, are you hiding something from me?"

Sanzang, seemingly intrigued by Alaric's words, immediately moved closer with a curious look, waiting for him to explain.

"It's not a big deal. I had planned to ask you all to help me find Master Sanzang, but since she came to me herself, there's no need."

Alaric said casually, "Look, Master Sanzang is one of the best of the best. She's an indispensable presence for our battles."

"Oh, oh, Sir Alaric is right! Miss Sanzang is very important to us."

Mash, understanding what Alaric meant, smiled warmly at Sanzang.

"This one is called Mash, right? Thank you for the compliment!"

Sanzang beamed with happiness. "Don't worry! As a high monk and a lady, I'll show up with a bam to rescue you all when danger strikes!"

With Sanzang's presence, the heavy atmosphere dissipated, replaced by her sun-like enthusiasm.

In the face of Sanzang's vibrant energy, everyone couldn't help but smile sincerely.

"Before we set out, does anyone have anything else to say?" Alaric asked.

"There's one more thing, Lord Alaric. Do you know Lady Serenity's whereabouts?"

Cursed Arm Hassan fixed his gaze on Alaric. At this point, he hesitated no longer and asked bluntly.

"Serenity? Is she another Hassan?"

Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash asked curiously.

"Serenity Hassan is one of the younger members of the Old Man of the Mountain's sect. She's still immature and was likely captured by the Knights of the Round Table.

We haven't had time to prepare a rescue plan, and we don't even know her exact location."

Cursed Arm Hassan replied gravely.

It had all happened too suddenly. Serenity had disappeared without a trace. It was only a few days ago that Cursed Arm Hassan noticed her absence. However, no matter how much he investigated, no one could pinpoint when she had gone missing.

Originally, Cursed Arm Hassan planned to discuss this matter during one of his biweekly meetings with Alaric. But with Chaldea's arrival, he had to temporarily set Serenity's safety aside to focus on the current situation. However, now that they were planning to head to the Azrael Shrine, the circumstances had changed.

Cursed Arm Hassan knew he had to lay everything out clearly.

"Seeking the help of the First Old Man has always been part of our plan, but it was delayed because we couldn't see any hope of victory before.

If Lady Serenity leaks our plans, though, it could spell disaster."

Cursed Arm Hassan explained.

"That would indeed be a big problem!"

Mash immediately recognized the severity of the situation and said, "We should prioritize rescuing Serenity Hassan first!"

Ritsuka Fujimaru thought for a moment and said, "Then we should rescue Serenity Hassan first, and afterward, go to see the First Old Man of the Mountain!"

"That's what we should do, but there's no time. Lord Alaric's actions interrupted our plans," Cursed Arm Hassan said.

Had they been given more time, they would have been able to rescue Serenity. But with Alaric's recent defeating Round Table Knight Mordred, everything had spiraled out of control.

As Alaric had said, the Lion King was about to complete her plan. At that point, their resistance would become meaningless, and they wouldn't be able to save anyone.

This only strengthened Cursed Arm Hassan's resolve to meet the First Old Man of the Mountain, especially after Alaric himself made the request.

However, Alaric's next response left them all slightly taken aback.

"Serenity? She's fine. After all, I was the one who captured her," Alaric said nonchalantly, revealing a shocking truth.

"What? Sir Alaric, why would you capture Serenity Hassan?"

Mash asked instinctively, her face full of disbelief.

To Mash, Alaric—who had been so friendly with Cursed Arm Hassan and the others—had no reason to capture Serenity Hassan. It seemed completely contradictory.

Not only Mash but Cursed Arm Hassan and Hundred Faced Hassan also looked stunned. However, Cursed Arm Hassan quickly accepted the truth.

"If it's Lord Alaric, then it's entirely possible for him to take Lady Serenity without anyone noticing. But why did Lord Alaric capture her?"

Alaric's strength was undeniable and far beyond what they could contend with. However, Cursed Arm Hassan had seen Alaric's goodwill toward the Mountain People firsthand.

Over the past six months, the continuous supply of resources from Alaric had allowed the Mountain People living in the desolate mountains to survive. This gradually erased Cursed Arm Hassan's initial resentment toward him.

Precisely because of this, Cursed Arm Hassan couldn't understand why Alaric would capture Serenity Hassan.

"Sir Agravain gave the order. I didn't take it too seriously, but I had to fulfill it; otherwise, I wouldn't be allowed back into the Holy City."

Alaric explained bluntly.

A few days ago, under Agravaine's orders, Alaric had captured Serenity Hassan and taken her to a fortress under Agravain's control.

The fortress, guarded by countless Enforcement Knights, was considered the strongest outpost outside the Holy City. Even if Cursed Arm Hassan and the others discovered the location, rescuing Serenity Hassan would be nearly impossible.

"So that's how it is?"

Mash and Ritsuka Fujimaru nodded thoughtfully.

"Why would Sir Agravain want to capture Serenity Hassan?"

Bedivere couldn't help but ask.

When it came to the Knights of the Round Table, Bedivere seemed unable to suppress his curiosity.

"To gather intelligence, I suppose. Originally, I was told to capture other Hassans, but they're all determined to commit suicide upon capture, so it's impossible. Serenity, however, is too young and has a body that prevents her from taking her own life."

Alaric explained.

Capturing Serenity was a decision he made after careful consideration, ensuring that her disappearance wouldn't lead to any major problems.

Cursed Arm Hassan and Hundred Faced Hassan quickly accepted Alaric's explanation.

Over the past six months, Alaric's actions had been contradictory. While he had shown goodwill toward the Mountain People, he sometimes wielded his blade mercilessly, slaughtering countless refugees. His infamous reputation was enough to silence crying children at night.

After a brief moment of thought, Alaric offered a solution: "Since I'm the one who captured Serenity, I'll be the one to rescue her.

However, I won't be able to accompany you to meet the First Old Man of the Mountain afterward. Please send my regards to him."