[F/Z] Morgan's Fundamentals

"Caster! The castle area has been invaded by the Lancer Group. Please assist in repelling them."

As Irisviel's words echoed in Morgan's mind, he rested his chin on his hand and said, "If it's to the point of being a trump card, then casting enhancement magic on you all is certainly not out of the question."

The Lancer group's surprise attack interrupted Morgan and Artoria's conversation. Morgan was about to ask Artoria about her weather preferences (knowing the likes and dislikes of the person you want to get close to is crucial!), and this interruption greatly displeased Morgan.

But when Artoria heard that the visitor was the green-clad lancer, her beautiful face couldn't hide her eager expression, so Morgan had to swallow back his complaints.

Morgan had no interest in the Holy Grail War. She only slacked off while planning to get closer to Artoria because she thought that an early victory would not help her (crossed out) trick (crossed out) Artoria into saving Britain from the Lostbelt.

As for how to fish in troubled waters without being noticed and make people feel that he is very attentive, it is thanks to the aloof image that Morgan had previously established.

After all, the island witch's willingness to cooperate with tactics and even propose solutions to confuse the enemy is an even greater honor than the wild cat emperor rubbing against your pants!

Anyway, if things really come to a critical moment, Irisviel has the option to use Command Seals, so Morgan isn't worried at all about anything major happening.

...and then Irisviel was stabbed through the neck by the assassin.

Just kidding.

Just as the black key in the agent's hand was about to pierce the Master's abdomen, Morgan, who was observing the battle through the water mirror, made her move.

The short-haired woman lay sprawled in a forest clearing, while a man in a holy robe lifted a white-haired android with one hand. In the next instant, a snow-white eagle, resembling a raptor created by the android, swooped down on the man—Kirei Kotomine—and shattered him with a black key, turning into a chilling frost that descended upon him. The Proxy instinctively released the woman in his arms and raised his arm to block.

"A magician?" Kirei Kotomine's mind raced, analyzing all the information about the Einzbern family. "No, this aura... is it a Servant?"

Just as Kirei Kotomine, sensing something, was about to speak, a murmur came from somewhere in a flash:

"It's astonishing that the Assassin, who should have been eliminated, seems to still be active. It seems that the so-called priests and con artists are no different."

Kirei Kotomine immediately fell silent.

Realizing he was in the wrong, the agent, reminded by his follower, eventually withdrew his fighting spirit and hastily left.

The crisis involving one human and one android was thus resolved, and Morgan personally led them back to the castle.

Looking at Maiya, who was in a deep coma, and Irisviel, who was receiving healing magic, Morgan lowered his eyes guiltily while trying to maintain a blank expression. But when he thought that he was just saving his Master who was in danger, he straightened up again.

However, since it was discovered, the blame for the illegal summoning was pinned on another Caster, while he himself was the legitimate participant. And if the person involved didn't protest (Ryunosuke Uryu: ?), then it was a fait accompli!

Fortunately, Kiritsugu Emiya went to chase after the escaped Kenneth, otherwise a heated argument would have been inevitable.

Given that the island witch couldn't personally perform the healing magic, and especially since King Arthur's sword sheath was functioning normally with Artoria's assistance, Morgan's cold blue gaze shifted to Artoria's left hand.

Noticing Morgan's gaze, Artoria asked, "What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

Morgan did not answer, but instead moved closer to Queen Arthur, lifting her arm covered by armor. Her fair, delicate hand was tinged with a thin sheen by the cold silver light, and her slender fingertips lightly touched Artoria's limp thumb.

The tender, devout caressing force was like a tickle on the tip of a feather; the subtle, almost imperceptible sensation blossomed from Artoria's fingertips. Her alarm bells, meant to detect malice, remained unresponsive, allowing the unfamiliar, tingling sensation to creep into her heart.

The sudden sensation made Artoria hesitate for a moment, then she suddenly realized something and took a step forward. "Can you lift the curse, Morgan?"

Under the expectant gaze of the king with blond hair and green eyes, Morgan slowly furrowed his beautiful eyebrows, and finally shook his head solemnly.

Even though Morgan did have a way to deal with the spearmen's curse, Irisviel kept her silent.

Morgan, with her fairy eyes, saw through the man's scheme at a glance.

Although it is not the ability to see a thousand miles but rather the ability to perceive the essence of things, it is not difficult to guess Kiritsugu Emiya's thoughts. He probably asked the lancer to make some concessions based on the principles of chivalry.

The only variable is Artoria herself.

It's obvious that the noble Knight King would not agree to this strategy.

Therefore, it must be implemented in another form.

Maintaining the current status quo is one way to coerce the riflemen, but there are other means to achieve the same goal as well.

Morgan had no objection to Kiritsugu Emiya's strategy, provided it did not affect King Arthur.

Therefore, the witch of Britain spoke slowly: "If it's just about removing the pain, I can still do that."

Artoria was taken aback by his words and murmured, "It's not really necessary."

"But Artoria will feel pain, won't she? Let me do something for you, after all, I'm your sister." Morgan said with a slight smile.

Like branches bathed in the spring sun after the snow melts, they are thriving while still carrying a hint of chill.

Faced with Morgan's smile and words, Artoria couldn't help but feel confused once again.

Based on Artoria's intuition, the person in front of her was sincere in his words and actions, which was a fact she found hard to believe.

Even though "this Morgan" comes from another possible world, reconciling with him and cooperating with him—this option was never in Artoria's mind, but it actually happened.

Even more so, judging from their previous interactions, Morgan was actually protecting King Arthur.

The red dragon of Britain, the lord of storms, the eternal king, bathed in many mysterious blessings and hopes, like a walking glory. King Arthur has always been the protector of his subjects and kingdom, yet few have sworn to protect that solitary king.

In particular, even the person involved never thought of being protected by anyone, and naturally devoted himself like an ascetic.

The almost omnipotent court magician merely narrowed his rosy eyes and watched with a sneer.

If she were treated as the weaker party, Artoria would have the right to refuse or even get angry, but if the other party showed her care as a blood relative, she could not betray such a kind intention.

Something's really wrong.

Suppressing her surprise, Artoria met Morgan's gaze and thought to herself as she saw her own reflection in those icy blue eyes.

—You shouldn't be this kind of person.

For the first time, the pulsation emanating from the heart of the dragon's furnace resounded in my ears.

The pulsation beneath his chest sends a continuous stream of intense heat through the blood vessels leading to his limbs and bones, while simultaneously being infused with an even hotter temperature by this unfamiliar emotion, the magic generated with each breath melting into his flesh and blood.

When the heat of ice and fire descends upon the island of Britain, riding the waves, it seeps into the soil and the intertwined roots of trees, reaching the place where the red dragon lies dormant. The boundless warmth wrapped in the biting cold penetrates the dragon's scales, which should be indestructible, like the white fingertips of a spring lady dancing in a flower field gently caressing the petals, tenderly soothing the sleeping dragon's magma-scorching consciousness.

Artoria murmured to herself, "It really is different, my sister."

Before Morgan could grasp the deeper meaning of those words, he suddenly saw Artoria remove the magical armor she had woven. The moment the protective gear that symbolized vigilance disappeared, and his fingertips touched his sister's hand and long fingers, the unreal feeling brought tears to Morgan's eyes.

The profound meaning behind this gesture is not only Artoria's initial trust, but also an acknowledgment of the goodwill extended by "Morgan".

For Morgan, that was her foundation.

Vivian is a beautiful lake fairy who gave the holy sword to King Arthur and took him to a secluded paradise. She is a harmless and kind being.

Morgan le Fay is the embodiment of Britain. In order to reclaim the throne that King Arthur had stolen, he devised many cunning schemes to inflict pain and torment on him. He is a despicable and insane being.

What is "Morgan"? It is the part of her that no one has ever written about, only as King Arthur's sister, a close and benevolent presence.

In the presence of any King Arthur, "Morgan" is an entirely unfamiliar individual, unlike any fairy, whether kind or treacherous, and it cannot be ruled out that he is a fictional character.

But at this moment, Artoria acknowledged and accepted Morgan's feelings.

And so the ever-changing, millennia-old ice floes were lifted up by the warm sunlight, and the chill gradually melted away in the comforting temperature, making a soft, rustling sound. The crystalline ice, carrying shimmering light, seemed like the tears of winter, and the heartstrings trembled gently under the kiss of the spring breeze that swept over the fragrant flower hills.

Is Artoria someone who gives her trust so easily? Not at all.

However, she was not some dream demon who was completely ignorant of emotions. Through her intuition, which had never been wrong, and her rational judgment based on what she had seen and heard, she realized that the Morgan in front of her was indeed quite different from the one she had been with before.

Therefore, it may not be a bad thing to give them appropriate trust.

Morgan, who understood all this from Artoria's changed attitude, did everything in her power to avoid shedding tears in front of Irisviel, Einzbern, and the other homunculus.

Even though he maintained a composed and aloof expression, a moist glint still welled up in Morgan's icy eyes.

Artoria, who was in the lead, showed a rare hint of shyness. Even though she looked away from her blue eyes, she could still catch a glimpse of Morgan's joy and satisfaction in the corner of her eye.

If you're talking about acting skills, then it's all too deliberate.

If you call it a trap, that would be far too clumsy.

Artoria recalled the rumors she had heard that Morgan was not as treacherous and cunning as he had always been, and that he also had a gentle and tender side.

Given that they could no longer coexist peacefully, and that only lies and scheming existed between them, she didn't take it seriously.

"...Artoria, does it still hurt?"

Artoria's thoughts were drawn back to the present by this word of concern, and the woman's beautiful face was filled with sincere worry.

"I'm fine, thank you so much, Sister Wang." Artoria withdrew her arms from Morgan's embrace, suppressing the subtle emotions rising in her chest.

Now, Artoria felt she could somewhat understand the complex expressions that occasionally appeared on Gao Wenqing's face as she gazed at Morgan Fleischer in her memory.