[Emiya Messenger] King Arthur's Round
After several twists and turns, just as the three of them finished folding the clothes and putting them in the wardrobe, they heard the sound of students returning home from the entrance hall.
The timing was perfect.
Even the slow-witted Artoria eventually realized that Morgan was just teasing her.
How could the mighty King Arthur be so easily humiliated!
Moreover, no matter how experienced Morgan is, Artoria is still a queen with a wife.
She's about to demonstrate what it means for an underdog to defy their superior!
Artoria thought to herself.
Just as King Arthur was planning to turn the tables on Morgan, the latter was talking to a girl with black hair and blue eyes.
Rin Tohsaka, who inherited the position of head of the family, is young and exudes elegant family upbringing in every gesture. However, the fact that the Emiya family has an additional Servant, and that the other party is "that" famous witch, still makes her startled.
"Sitting at home, followers come from heaven, Emiya—your luck is becoming more and more perplexing."
"To be precise, we met on the street... but I've always considered myself quite lucky. Miss Morgan just happens to be Saber's sister, so I was able to meet Saber without any problems."
"That must have been a lucky event for Miss Morgan."
"I don't deny that, especially since Shirou's cooking skills are superb." Morgan took a sip of the tea that Matou Sakura handed him. "As a guest, I am very satisfied with his hospitality."
The princess of Britain subtly revealed that she had no intention of causing trouble, and Rin Tohsaka, realizing this, relaxed slightly.
After adjusting Morgan's danger level downwards, Rin Tohsaka enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Emiya residence. During the dinner, Morgan repeatedly observed the interactions between the magician sisters as a reference for her own communication with Artoria.
Artoria, meanwhile, was happily shoveling rice into her mouth.
Only Lancelot noticed that the Knight King had secretly sought out the black-haired girl after dinner, and spoke in a deep voice:
"Rin, I have something to ask you and hope to get your help."
"Saber? Uh, you look so serious! What's wrong?"
-
Artoria admits she doesn't understand fashion and her aesthetic sense regarding women's clothing is inferior to that of Rin Tohsaka and Sakura Matou, but instead of inviting the sisters as advisors, she gathers information and personally arranges her outings.
Since Rin Tohsaka said she needed some time to cash out Morgan's gems, she first provided Artoria with a sum of cash to give to Morgan for his use.
The shopping plan started in the morning, with the target being the department store next to the shopping street.
Perhaps it was the discerning eye of a noblewoman, but Morgan's taste in clothing speaks for itself. Coupled with her naturally beautiful face, every time she tried on an outfit, it was practically a fashion show.
Even the salespeople, who were used to giving sales-style compliments, couldn't help but sincerely admire her beauty.
With the careful guidance of court tutors and the strategic cunning accumulated over years of battles, Artoria perfectly concealed her aesthetic shortcomings by conforming to others.
Although Morgan can effortlessly pull off various styles, from British preppy to elegant heiress to sophisticated white-collar, the praise from the King of Knights is entirely genuine!
In particular, Artoria noticed that Morgan would smile shyly when she praised him, and King Arthur felt as if many butterflies were fluttering in his abdomen.
Can just a few simple syllables make you this happy?
Artoria thought to herself as she watched Morgan's delighted smile as she lifted her long dress and twirled to show off her beautiful figure.
—Holding her in her palm, her heel was fair and soft, her ankles had beautiful and delicate lines, and her rounded toes had a pale pinkish hue.
Her emerald gaze moved from the snow-white insteps to the slender calves, and then up the lace-trimmed skirt. She saw the woman's silver eyelashes slightly lowered, half-concealing the shyness in her eyes, and her charming face, which revealed a hint of allure, reflected in Artoria's eyes.
Thus, King Arthur could no longer ignore the stirrings in his heart.
There are many reasons why a knight might kneel before a lady, whether out of trust or loyalty, it all reflects his unwavering affection and desire to "protect" her.
Artoria dedicated her life to protecting Britain, Camelot, and its people, but never considered protecting Morgan.
Or rather, their tense relationship didn't allow Artoria to consider these things.
On the contrary, we must be wary of the other party resorting to underhanded tactics.
As the island witch slipped her delicate feet into the navy blue high heels adorned with exquisite silver patterns, the knight king's nimble fingers deftly twisted the matching leather strap, threading it through the shimmering silver metal buckle nestled beside her fair ankle.
—Like shackles used to imprison a princess.
Artoria took Morgan's outstretched hand and helped her stand up from her seat. "It suits you very well, Queen."
Morgan studied the fitting room mirror for a moment, then her eyes crinkled with delight. "You have good taste, Artoria."
Her face, similar yet with a touch of brilliance, opened with a gentle smile, her blue eyes, shimmering with light, reflecting the image of King Arthur.
Artoria reflexively pulled her fingers back, gripping the hand that was still not letting go in her palm.
"On the other hand, you'll have to walk a few more steps to know if it fits or not."
Upon hearing this, Artoria said, "Please give me your steps," and then pulled Morgan, who seemed not to have reacted yet, into her arms. She then began to dance according to the banquet memories deep in her mind.
Dance steps were not as diverse as they are today, especially for royalty. The main purpose of dancing was to demonstrate their relationship, particularly through the sweet gazes they exchanged and the intimate physical gestures that revealed their closeness.
Depending on the partner's identity and purpose, the lead dancer can gently show their kindness or forcefully reveal their domineering nature.
Now that Morgan has taken the initiative to show goodwill, Artoria is willing to treat Morgan gently. At the same time, her habit of being the one to dominate the situation makes her subconsciously control Morgan's pace.
At the end of their brief dance, Artoria wrapped her arms around Morgan's waist, who had tripped over a shoebox.
Unsurprisingly, she received a shy thank you from Morgan.
Artoria wasn't unaware of Morgan's subtle scheming, but the latter seemed intent on keeping it within acceptable limits.
Artoria didn't dislike this clumsy yet sincere island witch.
After achieving their primary goal of buying clothes, the group strolled around and arrived at the pier.
The sun-drenched waves were filled with dappled sunlight, bathing the graceful lady's skirt and hair in a soft glow.
As Lancelot, now in spirit form, watched from a distance the backs of the King of Britain and his sister walking side by side, a feeling of warmth welled up in his heart.
In the Knights of the Lake's memory, King Arthur was not only busy with wars large and small across the islands, but also troubled by the increasingly barren land, and hardly had a moment to rest.
Therefore, the scene before my eyes was as beautiful as a dream.
—Except for that Celtic man who flirted with our king and His Highness Morgan!
"Oh my, what a coincidence, are you two on a date again?" Two figures, one in blue and one in red, stood on the embankment. Their casual red eyes caught a glimpse of a beautiful woman approaching from afar, and then bright smiles appeared on their faces.
"Lancer... and Archer, what are you doing here?"
"As you can see, Saber. Archer and I are having a fishing contest! How about joining us? The winner can give the prize to a beautiful lady." With that, the blue-haired lancer gave Morgan a bright smile.
Artoria hadn't forgotten her purpose for today, but just as the words of refusal were about to come out, Cú Chulainn's declaration stirred her heart again, "I..."
"But fishing requires tools, and we don't have any of those," Morgan, the understanding older sister, said, noticing Artoria's hesitation.
Although Morgan also wanted Artoria to fight for him and win a heroic victory, and then present her with the prey like a knight facing his beloved, nothing was more important than the time he spent with Artoria!
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Morgan turned to the Lake Knight not far behind him and asked, "Lord Lancelot, your 'Knights Never Die Bare' can turn anything into a weapon, right?"
Morgan, who had formed a pact with Lancelot, was well aware of the various skills the former possessed.
When Lancelot is summoned as a Berserker, his Noble Phantasm is "Knights Never Die Bare-Handed"—no matter what weapon or weapon it is, as long as it is held in his hand, it can unleash the power of a Noble Phantasm. This originates from the story of Lancelot defeating a knight who was ambushing him with a tree branch when he had taken off his armor and was not carrying a sword.
Although Lancelot is now a Saber, Morgan doesn't take the class difference seriously at all.
Caught off guard by the question, Lancelot dispelled his spirit form and awkwardly bowed, replying, "Yes, but it has to be something that can be conceptually considered a 'weapon.' Fishing gear, for example..."
Morgan said calmly, "Why isn't fishing gear considered a weapon?"
Because of this remark, both Kufflin and the red Archer, who were not far away, turned their gazes toward him, the former's smiling red eyes filled with interest.
"Huh? But..."
"Lord Lancelot, this is a challenge initiated by the Light Child of the Celts. Since it is a 'battle,' the tools used can naturally be regarded as 'weapons.'"
Seeing Lancelot's blank expression, Morgan narrowed his eyes and said, "Or is it that as a knight, you don't even have the resolve to win for your lord through 'battle'?"
Lancelot reflexively replied, "Of course not!"
Upon hearing this, Morgan raised his head and smiled, saying in a resolute tone, "Then what you hold in your hand must be a weapon imbued with loyalty and resolve."
"Yes!"
Lord Lancelot seems quite easy to fool.
Morgan paused abruptly, wondering if he was bullying an honest man.
But it's really fun! Anyway, Lord Lancelot himself doesn't mind, and my date with Artoria won't be interrupted, so everyone's happy.
The British princess thought to herself, and a smile crept onto her lips.
Artoria, who had been observing the whole process, smacked her lips and ultimately let Lancelot be persuaded by Morgan.
—Something felt off, but Sister Wang seemed very happy, so it's fine!
King Arthur took in the sly smile on the silver-haired woman's face and took Morgan's hand in his again.
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