[Emiya Messenger] A World That's Too Gentle
When a set of Morgan's special tableware appeared in the Emiya family's cupboard, when Fujimura Taiga and Cufflin regularly invited the Island Witch to their parties, when Lancelot found a part-time job in the shopping district, and one afternoon when Morgan was alone with Artoria, he asked on a whim:
"Artoria, if I were to cook, what kind of dish could I try?"
"So suddenly?" After taking the folded clothes from Morgan, Artoria pondered for a moment and said, "--It must be 'that'."
"that?"
-- Pancakes.
According to Artoria, it's a dish that even someone who rarely goes into the kitchen can easily make—no, a dessert.
So, after King Arthur folding clothes, Morgan's memory album now includes another picture of King Arthur making desserts.
Artoria looked capable and neat in her apron, and Morgan followed suit by putting on Matou Sakura's apron. Then he turned around and gestured for the Knight King to tie a bow for him.
Feeling the tightening force from her lower back and hearing a "It's done," the silver-haired woman looked back at Artoria with a charming smile and placed a tender kiss on the Knight King's cheek.
"Thank you, Al."
"You're welcome."
Morgan had carefully observed the interactions between Rin Tohsaka and Sakura Matou, and the image of the two sisters cooking together was deeply imprinted in her mind.
The magician sisters don't seem particularly close in their daily interactions, but there's a certain unspoken understanding between them.
This made Morgan, who was doing the opposite, envious.
She often made intimate gestures towards Artoria, whether it was holding hands, hugging, or even stealing kisses. Artoria's reaction went from initial surprise to trying to get used to it, and finally to indulgence mixed with a hint of inexplicable emotion.
The issues between them cannot be erased simply by one party apologizing and the other party forgiving.
Just as trust is not built in a day, deep-seated grudges separated them at opposite ends, and the heavy pain and hatred in their hearts crushed the bridge called understanding.
Therefore, the emotions lingering in Artoria's heart cannot be simply defined.
Therefore, Artoria always had an awkward expression when faced with Morgan's kindness.
—Does Artoria hate Morgan?
Morgan didn't know.
King Arthur's fate was already sealed; everything he experienced along the way was merely a drop of water in the torrent of destiny, flowing and converging into the future depicted in the prophecy.
Morgan cannot deny that his own actions did indeed transform into sharp blades aimed at King Arthur.
What has happened cannot be changed.
The only thing that can be changed is the human heart.
Just like the change in name from "Artoria" to "Al".
From "Artoria" who was wary and suspicious of Morgan, to "Al" who adapted to Morgan's affectionate behavior.
The change stemmed from Morgan's continued sincerity, or perhaps King Arthur never harbored resentment towards his sister? Perhaps only Artoria herself knows the answer.
As Morgan's thoughts wandered, Artoria reached out and placed her hand on Morgan's hand, which was holding the stainless steel bowl, while her other hand encircled Morgan's hand that was tightly gripping the mixing stick, demonstrating to her sister what force and angle to use to mix the materials.
During the process, Artoria inevitably moved closer to Morgan's body—as if embracing that slender figure from behind.
"!"
Suddenly enveloped by Artoria's aura, Morgan's slender hand, held in her palm, paused abruptly. The warmth emanating from her hand suddenly felt as if it were melting the skin that was touching hers.
"What's wrong?"
Artoria's question rang in his ears, and strands of her gold and silver hair caught Morgan's eye at the corner of his vision, making him realize the distance between them as they whispered intimately.
This action should have been performed by couples in love, or between two people who are very close.
In a daze, Morgan recalled a hazy night from thousands of years ago.
The sensations that swept through my mind were the combined warmth of their breaths and the intense heat that ignited within me as my fingertips moved through my body—
Morgan, withdrawing from those memories, reflexively lowered her head, using her long hair to cover her burning ears. "It's nothing."
Morgan's reaction did not escape Artoria's notice, and a dark undercurrent surged in her emerald eyes.
Even though Artoria couldn't let go of her grudge against "Morgan le Fay" for many reasons, she was willing to believe in the feelings "Morgan" had shown during this period.
Like a thorny rose willingly lowering its noble branches, wrapping its soft petals around the fingertips that had been pricked by the sharp thorns, Artoria involuntarily moved her fingertips, wanting to part the layers of softness to explore the heart of the flower.
—If Morgan were to become a good person, and the constraints that once bound us were to disappear, would I be able to accept her? Would I be able to like her?
Artoria asked herself the same question.
Perhaps, just as he once sought a chance to start over, Morgan, trapped by his past memories, was in the same situation.
Could she gain something valuable by abandoning past negative prejudices and looking at Morgan from a completely new perspective? After careful consideration, Artoria concluded that this was not a gamble where luck had to be played on the table.
When Morgan entrusted her trust and best wishes to King Arthur, did King Arthur scoff at it or cherish it?
Before drawing a conclusion, Artoria chose to continue observing the other party.
Artoria snapped out of her reverie, her gaze falling on the figure she had pulled into her arms.
"Morgan, the batter is about to drip."
"Huh? Oh no...!"
Morgan's attention was drawn back by the reminder. After a flurry of activity, he found a rag to wipe the basin and, thinking he had been discreet, glanced at Artoria several times.
—After all, Morgan's vibrant side is indeed quite endearing.
Artoria, noticing Morgan's subtle actions, couldn't help but think to herself.
-
The pancakes made with Artoria have a smooth and creamy texture, and when enjoyed with sweet honey, they leave a sweet and fragrant taste on the taste buds and in the heart.
This is the most delicious dessert Morgan has ever eaten.
The snow-white powdered sugar sprinkled on the crust resembles specks of starlight, falling from the long night sky on translucent ripples, adorning the lake-like emerald eyes with twinkling stars.
When Artoria wiped the frosting from Morgan's lips with her fingertips, the scalding heat spread across the corners of his mouth.
"Al, you..."
"Food should not be wasted, especially delicious desserts."
Morgan stared wide-eyed at King Arthur, who casually licked his fingertip, his mind instantly filled with the fleeting glimpse of the other's tongue.
That night, Morgan, carrying a pillow and filled with trepidation, went to her younger sister's room and was welcomed inside by the bedroom's owner.
—How does Artoria perceive me?
Morgan lingered in this world for a long time, and her memory album was filled not only with many memories, but also with the subtle distance between them.
It was as if they could touch each other simply by reaching out their hands.
Under the bright moonlight, the two slept fully clothed. Morgan turned his head to gaze at Artoria's profile, still feeling unreal about the interaction that had taken place that afternoon.
Is that unreasonable?
No.
After all, Artoria was a queen. The Knight Queen was not without desires, but what she wanted was nothing more than the stability and prosperity of her country.
King Arthur's attitude was revealed in the smallest details of his actions.
It seemed that from a certain moment on, the eyes of Artoria that looked back no longer held only hesitation and confusion, but a deep, dark green rippled with a resolute determination.
Then, the blond-haired, green-eyed king changed his previous passive attitude.
Like a sword drawn from its sheath, the inscribed blade reflects a dazzling light, robbing the opponent of their composure beneath the black veil.
Is that a bad development?
No.
Morgan was taken aback by the rebuttal, but he was also delighted by Artoria's persistence.
This means that Artoria cares more than she fears, so she takes action to resolve that lingering feeling.
"Al," Morgan called softly.
Morgan was met with the slow opening of a pair of emerald green eyes, and their owner's softened voice asking, "What's wrong? Can't you sleep?"
Are you happy right now?
Upon hearing this question, Artoria turned to face Morgan and addressed the silver-haired, blue-eyed woman, "Why do you ask that?"
King Arthur keenly sensed something.
After a rustling sound of fabric, the other person's hand was held under the covers.
Are you feeling uneasy, Sister Wang?
"...No."
Even though Artoria didn't give a direct answer, the answer was obvious.
For a moment, Morgan felt like he couldn't breathe.
What right does she have to feel wronged?
Vivian is her, Morgan le Fay is her, and King Arthur's sister is also her.
She is depicted as a human, as King Arthur's elder sister.
But it is not purely human; it is a mixture of the self of a fairy and a witch.
She's a chosen one of heaven!
However, she only now has these warm memories.
Hand in hand, we strolled through the flower-lined corridor in spring, lost in bliss.
The joy of playing in the water together to cool off in the summer;
The joy of searching for mountain produce together during the Autumn Equinox;
Enjoy the cozy warmth of snuggling together in winter.
Followers do not need to eat or drink, nor are they affected by the seasons.
It is merely a projection of the soul remaining in the body, instinctively seeking the desires it had in life.
Even though he wasn't a Servant, Morgan was still unknowingly immersed in it and gradually accumulated countless treasures (memories).
Suppressed emotions were released in full force.
They leaned closer until their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling and filling the small space, their body heat seeping through the thin fabric of their clothes, making them feel one and the same.
I like it.
I love Artoria so much.
I love Artoria so much that I want to be with her forever, sharing every beautiful moment and letting the colorful starlight adorn all my memories.
but……
Morgan had a task he had to complete.
Therefore, she needs King Arthur's assistance to embark on a journey across time and space with him.
Yet, this world is incredibly kind.
Morgan was so gentle that he could not take away this precious peace.
Artoria Pendragon dedicated her life to Britain, and now that peace has finally been achieved, it would be too cruel to ask her to once again dedicate herself to that country.
Morgan loved Britain deeply, and he also loved King Arthur deeply.
However, we cannot ignore the suffering of the former while considering the latter.
Therefore, she left this world with only a blessing.
—May your future be filled with peace and happiness.
...Servants don't dream.
The whispers that brushed past her ear were so tender, like a dream, that Artoria couldn't help but linger for a moment.
It was as if she had returned to the distant days of working from sunrise to sunset. Apart from farming, learning various skills and taking care of horses, she had almost no time to rest. She once stood simply in the field, gazing at the boundless green grassland and letting her mind wander.
A gentle breeze from the edge of the sky softly lifted her hair, as if someone were gently combing it with slender fingers.
As the gentle rays of dawn fell into those clear, emerald-green eyes, and the golden-brown wisps of hair that obscured his vision were brushed aside, the snow-white bedding that came into view did not reveal the beautiful woman he had expected.
Artoria slowly sat up, her fingertips tracing the shallow folds beside her, dappled with golden light by the morning sun, as if she could still feel the lingering warmth of the rich fragrance on her fingertips.
"Sister Wang?"
It was as peaceful and serene as a dream accompanied by blessings.
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