[Emiya Messenger] Touched
The next day.
Morgan made a point of observing Artoria's expression, only to see her greet everyone naturally before taking her seat in her usual spot.
So Morgan took the initiative and said, "Good morning, Saber."
"Good morning, Morgan." Artoria's emerald eyes reflected a tranquility like a lake.
—As expected of King Arthur.
Morgan, who had hoped to see Artoria's shy expression, sighed inwardly.
After watching the boys and girls go to school, Morgan and Artoria were once again left to look after the house.
Oh, and Lancelot too.
The Lake Knight, now freed from his spirit form, stood respectfully to the side, awaiting his lord's instructions.
"Artoria, are you exercising again today? Or are you contacting that person we mentioned last night?" Since the person who called Artoria Saber was no longer present, Morgan switched back to her original form of address.
Lancelot glanced discreetly at Morgan.
──Last night?
The loyal Knights of the Round Table had all sorts of ideas running through their minds.
"No." Noticing Morgan's deliberate emphasis on the word "last night," Artoria felt a slight warmth in her earlobes, like the subtle tickling sensation in her heart as she strolled through the fields past soft flower petals.
"Sakura asked me to help with the laundry, and since the weather is nice, it would be good to tidy up the garden while I'm at it."
Upon hearing this, Morgan looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows beside the corridor, where bright sunlight streamed down from the clouds, filling the verdant courtyard with vibrant life.
The wooden floor was bathed in a warm glow from the morning light, and the fair insteps immersed in this radiance could truly feel the golden, comforting temperature.
Wearing the sun hat lent by Artoria, Morgan stood in the courtyard, ordering Lancelot around, while the Knight of the Lake, carrying a watering can, obediently moved among the blooming flowers.
Artoria, who was not far away, glanced at them twice, and after confirming that Morgan's instructions were reasonable, she looked away and continued to hang the washed clothes on the clothesline.
Not long after Artoria looked away, Morgan spoke softly:
"Lord Lancelot."
While watering the blooming flowers, Lancelot, who was also keeping a close eye on Morgan's behavior, immediately replied, "What are your orders, Your Highness?"
"What are your thoughts on this world?"
Upon hearing this, Lancelot was speechless for a moment.
The island witch possesses a stunningly beautiful face; if she were to use it as a weapon, no one would likely be able to resist the temptation or schemes lured by her beauty.
However, unlike titles that carry accusations or resistance, such as witch or vixen, Morgan's gaze at him in his icy blue eyes was cold yet clear, as if she were simply curious about his will.
—Like a sincere and innocent young girl.
When it comes to Morgan le Fay, a member of the British royal family, Lancelot's only impression of her is that of her colleague's mother.
Lancelot unearthed this scene from the depths of his memory.
It was shortly after Camelot was founded. At the knights' table after a few rounds of drinks, the drunken knights started by comparing who had improved the most in combat, and then they all imagined which noble person they could win the favor of. Amid the heated discussion, one of the drunken knights mentioned the noble lady who wore a veil.
Who will that person choose as their personal knight?
"Although she is the most noble woman in all of Britain, she doesn't need a personal knight, does she? It's said her magic is ridiculously powerful, almost superhuman."
"Hmm—even if I can't see her face clearly, just being next to her is quite pleasing to the eye."
"Hey, keep your voice down. Talking about royalty is a serious crime."
Even though they were separated by several tables, the knights' conversation could still be clearly heard by those around them. Gawain, one of the Knights of the Round Table and the son of Gawain, who was always measured in his actions, showed a complicated expression, while Agarwin could not hide the resentment in his eyes. The two younger knights also looked like they had something to say.
Lancelot couldn't remember how the conversation ended.
Having had little actual contact with Morgan, he didn't understand her, but he felt that as a married woman... she must have many pitiful and helpless situations.
A change in identity always brings more responsibilities and constraints, just like the transition from girl to woman, or from woman to mother.
Lancelot could not comprehend the hardships women faced in that era, but that did not diminish his regret for women who possessed talent but could only die in despair.
— Morgan Le Fey was one of them.
In other words, Lancelot did not hate or despise Morgan compared to his colleagues who had deep ties with him.
"What does Your Highness mean?" Lancelot asked hesitantly.
Thus, the cold, frigid flowers seemed to say: "You were summoned as a Servant, but now there is no need for battle or scouting. Is there anything else you wish to do?"
Having understood Morgan's true meaning, Lancelot paused for a moment before slowly saying, "...To be able to serve my king again, this second life is enough for me. But if I have any wish, it is that the king will punish this sinner."
As Lancelot poured out his heart to Morgan, he recalled his past and felt increasingly ashamed. Unconsciously, he knelt down on one knee, his handsome face filled with remorse.
Seeing this, Morgan pondered for a moment.
Lancelot's affair with the Queen happened while Morgan was asleep, so she had no recollection of it and at most thought, "Oh, that's quite a farce."
Morgan knew everything King Arthur carried and his/her destined, tumultuous fate.
On a land gradually heading towards death, can that woman—Guinevere—share the unbearable burden on King Arthur's shoulders?
If King Arthur were just an ordinary human king, perhaps that would be true. However, the reality is quite the opposite: King Arthur was not human, while Guinevere was merely a human.
Even though they made promises to support each other, their perspectives were too different, and in the end, one abandoned the other.
—Therefore, King Arthur was destined to be aloof and lonely.
Bringing his thoughts back to the present, Morgan gazed at the dejected knight kneeling in the torrential rain and said slowly, "Although I have neither the right nor the standing to pardon you, you are King Arthur's most trusted subordinate, partner, and friend."
Seeing Lancelot biting his lip, Morgan continued:
"I didn't see any accusation in her eyes. I suppose... she values her bond and feelings for you more than love turned to hate because of this incident."
Whether or not he is forgiven or punished is not something Lancelot can decide; it is a matter of following King Arthur's heart.
Therefore, after King Arthur made his choice, all Lancelot could do was—
"Then, isn't it your duty to respond to this kindness?"
"..."
Lancelot remained silent for a long time.
Until the last drop of water in the watering can seeped into the soil beneath the clusters of flowers.
"I am extremely grateful for your heartfelt words, Your Highness Morgan."
When the unparalleled Knight of the Lake raised his head again, Morgan, who was looking at him, could easily notice a slight change in his gaze.
—
Even under bright sunshine, clothes still take some time to dry.
Artoria keenly sensed that the atmosphere between Morgan and Lancelot was different from usual, but it wasn't a bad thing.
Therefore, Artoria didn't say much, but suggested taking Morgan out for a stroll.
"The best way to get to know this city is through pilgrimage."
Morgan was momentarily dazed, for reasons he himself couldn't grasp in time.
Beside the lake reflecting the raging flames, dark embers filled the gray sky, and in the distance, the sound of someone crying seemed to drift out. Mottled bloodstains among the severed limbs and flesh covered the earth.
An indescribable emotion surged from Morgan's chest, like an invisible hand tightly gripping her slender neck, only to vanish like a mirage in the next moment.
"...Alright, I'm looking forward to it." Coming back to her senses, the silver-haired, blue-eyed island witch said, "Let's embark on our pilgrimage."
Replace blood with flowers;
Replace despair with joy.
After Lancelot was made into a spirit, Morgan and Artoria went out for a stroll.
The streets of Fuyuki City were spotless. Perhaps because most people were at work or school at this time, there were very few pedestrians on the road, and the atmosphere on the street was unexpectedly calm and peaceful.
Under a clear blue sky, a gentle breeze dispelled some of the summer heat.
An elderly woman who occasionally brushed past the two sisters nodded in greeting, while the clear, melodious sound of wind chimes emanating from within the fence of their house filled the air.
The flowing skirts, accompanied by the clatter of high heels, left two slender silhouettes on the tree-lined path.
Morgan was a little taller than Artoria. She tried to discreetly glance at her sister several times, taking in the swaying golden hair on the Knight King's cheek and the other's distinctive jawline.
The delicate hand hanging by the side of her leg quietly approached the blonde girl's hand, the rose-pink fingertips seeming to want to hook the other's fingers, but after a moment of hesitation, they withdrew from their original position.
A jumbled rhythm pounded in Morgan's chest.
Before the other person notices, I look up and pretend to admire the surrounding street scene, while secretly gathering my dissipated courage.
Morgan's bold move last night was merely a matter of taking advantage of the situation. The mere distance between them walking side by side already thrilled her. Facing the righteous knight king under the clear sky, she needed even more determination to take the next step.
Suddenly, perhaps due to excessive tension, or perhaps due to a lucky number being determined (?), Morgan stumbled on a protrusion in the road.
"ah……!"
Distracted in thought, Morgan subconsciously used magic, but as if remembering something, he suddenly withdrew his magic.
Just as Morgan braced herself for the pain of falling and the burning embarrassment of being so foolish, she suddenly found herself in an embrace.
The change in perspective made Morgan face upwards.
The arms that held her in their embrace weren't exactly muscular, but through the feedback from the points of contact, one could feel the strong, muscular muscles beneath the fabric, and the steady rhythm emanating from her chest.
The overlapping skirts spread out over her fair legs, and a burning heat spread from where their skin touched.
Ignoring the fluctuations coming from the other end of the Servant Contract, Morgan could only hear his heart pounding like a drum.
"Are you alright, Sister Wang?"
Morgan did not respond for a moment.
Artoria, her eyes gleaming blue, smiled gently and said softly, "Even the Queen gets startled when faced with an unexpected situation. Luckily, I'm right here beside you."
The clear blue sky and white clouds surrounded Artoria's face. Beneath her bangs, which shimmered with golden sand, her emerald eyes were filled with a resolute brilliance, revealing a captivating and dashing charm.
Morgan slowly raised his hand and placed it on the Knight King's shoulder, responding in a low voice:
"Um, thank you for catching me, Artoria."
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