[F/Z] Secret
After the Caster group, who had "illegally summoned" the Holy Grail, was defeated, Irisviel and her party returned to the Japanese-style mansion purchased by Kiritsugu Emiya. Irisviel, who was the vessel for the Lesser Grail, should have been resting on the Rubik's Cube, but the snow-haired, red-eyed lady said that she was in good condition. So she said goodbye to Artoria and they all dispersed.
From tonight onwards, strange tales about monsters from the Miwa River will likely circulate in Fuyuki City, but those are not things that the participants in the Holy Grail War should worry about.
To be fair, if Morgan could be mobilized to fight alongside them, perhaps more of the disaster or impact could be reduced.
—But in doing so, we lost the opportunity to make Lancer lose one of his Noble Phantasms.
Even though Artoria disapproved of Kiritsugu Emiya's style, she had to admit his meticulousness in scheming against men.
This further alienated the Knight King from his Master.
Especially since she had just had a falling out with Morgan and was in a bad mental and emotional state, although she wouldn't let those feelings interfere with her performance, she couldn't help but feel a little restless.
Morgan's remarks at the banquet did indeed touch Artoria's heart, giving her reason to trust him as her wariness gradually loosened. However, before she could change her impression of the ruthless Queen, Archer's bombshell made it impossible for her to ignore him.
She reigns over a fairy kingdom in another world. Artoria is unaware of the scenery of that continent or the appearance of its people, and she does not want to hold anyone accountable before she understands the reasons behind it.
...It was like a cuddly cat that had rolled over in front of her, revealing its fluffy belly, and reached out its claws the moment her fingertips touched that soft spot. Although it didn't actually scratch her, it still made her pause instinctively.
The overwhelming emotions ultimately coalesced into a lingering, complex feeling.
The moment she saw the small figure Morgan had brought back, the slight weariness and frustration that had been weighing on Artoria suddenly surged from her chest to her brain!
"What are you doing!?"
When Artoria came to her senses, the question had already slipped out.
The Knight King saw his own anger reflected in those icy blue eyes, not the hatred and obsession that had been brewing within them in his memory.
She clearly didn't intend to criticize the other person, but sharp words involuntarily spilled out: "Does your method of winning include using children?"
As a queen who has spent years traversing brutal battlefields, Artoria knows better than anyone that victory cannot be achieved through the code of chivalry; the blood on her hands does not all come from her enemies.
However, at this moment, Artoria was extremely angry.
This anger was mixed with a hint of shameful relief, which swelled with each denial from the kings and the brilliance of the holy sword. She used this as an outlet for the emotions that had been building up inside her, to convince herself that it was "justified" to doubt Morgan, and to prove that her will was "correct".
The word "misplaced anger" should not be used to describe King Arthur.
Especially after hearing Morgan ask this question after explaining the girl's ordeal:
"Does Artoria think it's better for this child to stay in the insectoid chamber?"
Through these words, Artoria suddenly understood Morgan's true intentions.
—She wants to make up.
But, but... if we could so easily let go of our suspicions, then what were the pain and torment of the past?
Although one has the miraculous opportunity to reunite with an old friend as a servant, how should one view the person in front of them if there are no pleasant memories between them?
Even if Morgan resorted to vicious words or any hostility that symbolized war, Artoria would still be able to take clear action.
Faced with Morgan's joyful smile towards King Arthur, Morgan's desire to get along with King Arthur, Morgan's anger on King Arthur's behalf due to others' attitudes, and Morgan's pity when she sees King Arthur injured, it's as if she's discovered that the ferocious beast that's always watching her has a delicate and adorable side. Artoria becomes unsure how to interact with her, or how to deal with her kindness and the sparkling light in those icy blue eyes.
Morgan's question echoed in Artoria's ears again: "What would Kiritsugu Emiya do if he found out?"
That man would certainly not abandon his obsession for the sake of a mere child; he might even freeze his own mind to set a despicable trap, even if it would result in the loss of a young life.
After a long silence, Artoria spoke in a deep voice: "Did you tell Irisviel?"
"If that's your wish, it will remain a secret between us."
The voice that slowly entered Altriael was like a bright red berry preserved in sweet honey. As the sweet juice slid down her throat, it left behind an intoxicating fragrance that filled her nostrils.
Like the allure of a witch.
Morgan leaned closer to Artoria, whose face showed a conflicted expression, and whispered under her slightly surprised gaze, "After all, we agreed on this, didn't we?"
"Even though I don't have much relevant experience or knowledge, as your older sister, I have so much to say to you, and so many things I want to experience with you. Artoria, from now on, are you willing to give me those opportunities?"
"Of course, Sister Wang."
-
Morgan hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.
After confirming the location of the Lancer group, Kiritsugu Emiya and the others led Artoria to defeat them.
Kiritsugu Emiya's preparations did not escape the notice of the Island Witch, who was not surprised by his methods and did not offer any opinions.
While Kiritsugu Emiya and his group were preparing for battle, no one noticed that in a separate room, a young child was sleeping peacefully on a tatami mat.
As Artoria finished dressing and headed towards the door, she passed Morgan in the corridor, and the two exchanged a knowing glance.
Her long, flowing hair swayed with her steps, creating silver arcs in the air. The princess raised her hand to brush aside the golden strands of hair that brushed against the knight king's cheek. The soft touch left by her delicate fingertips was almost imperceptible, much like the downy feathers that fall from a flock of birds.
Artoria's emerald green eyes clearly reflected the silver-haired woman's gentle smile.
"May you have good luck in battle, Arthur."
—Like relatives stationed in the capital, watching their monarch depart for the battlefield.
A scorching heat quietly spread to his chest and was hidden in his heart, which was built with high walls.
That was a spark, a tiny flame that illuminated the long night in my memory.
Things that were never accomplished in the past, activities that were desired to be experienced, are now checked off on that wish list.
If I had more time, I would love to spend a little more time together.
Morgan's thoughts.
After making this remark, Morgan turned his attention to the image reflected in the water mirror.
Inside the moonlit church sanctuary, the elderly man hidden in a dark corner—the head of the Matou family—stood behind the white-haired man who was protesting to the overseer. Seeing the priest fall silent after hearing the request, the white-haired man… known as Matou Kariya, became increasingly agitated.
Perhaps realizing that Matou Kariya had made no progress in persuading the supervisor other than venting his anger, the head of the Matou family spoke quietly:
"Even though any means used during the Holy Grail War are reasonable strategies to achieve victory, matters concerning family succession, especially those families closely related to the mechanics and design of the Holy Grail War, should be considered special cases."
Under Matou Kariya's indignant glare, the scheming Matou family head and the supervisor exchanged words, during which Matou Kariya, who was about to speak, was reprimanded, and Matou Kariya expressed his desire to join forces with the Tohsaka family.
The conversation then moved to a private room, where a powerful alliance was formed just as the Saber group was about to challenge the Lancer group, and they were heading straight for the Emiya residence.
Morgan, looking through the mirror, took in everything, including the alliance's strategy and the true name of the Golden Archer.
Let's briefly summarize the current situation:
She must fight two opponents: Lancelot, the most skilled of the Knights of the Round Table, and Gilgamesh, the oldest king who possesses the Gate of Babylon.
Hmm—it doesn't seem like an easy task, but she has already made a promise with Artoria, and whether it's to keep her word or to uphold the dignity of her role as an older sister, she can't let them down!
Morgan subconsciously ignored Lancelot, who was just a human knight, and assumed that Gilgamesh was the only troublesome one.
After all, an opponent with divine qualities requires a completely different approach, so Morgan carefully considered and prepared accordingly.
Aside from Gilgamesh, who is quite difficult to deal with, she also needs to process the memories of other people to ensure that the girl in the tatami room remains a secret.
Since everyone in the magic path understands that breaking into a magician's workshop is the worst possible strategy, they plan to have Gilgamesh deal with her, and then have Lancelot seize the opportunity to rescue the girl—Matou Sakura.
Even though Morgan had considered sneaking away with Matou Sakura, leaving the empty house and a series of traps to entertain them, she had a gut feeling that if she did that, Gilgamesh would not let her off easily.
It's unclear how familiar Gilgamesh is with her. If he even knows a little about her methods of fighting, then we'll need to consider an additional layer of countermeasures.
...Damn it, she also wants the ability to see a thousand miles!
Hmm, she wasn't referring to that kind of perverse humor in the present (a certain nightmare: ?), but rather to the future!
"Tell me, what kind of stage have you prepared for me?"
As the dazzling golden light descended majestically upon the vast mansion, the golden king, seated atop Vimana, wore a smile on his lips.
Judging from Gilgamesh's serene expression, he was fully aware that Morgan had discovered the surprise attack beforehand, yet he did not warn the head of the Tohsaka family or any allies. He arrived here almost as if he were watching a good show, which made Morgan realize once again his nature as a pleasure-seeker.
"You and I are not actors for others to amuse themselves."
"Ha, what a smooth talker."
Seeing that Morgan, standing in the courtyard, made no further move, Gilgamesh raised his chin, his narrowed crimson eyes casting a sharp glint in his gaze. "Let me confirm your motives for harming children?"
Upon hearing this, Morgan spoke in an almost cold tone: "That... perhaps I'm out of touch with the times. I can't understand the wasteful practices of modern magicians, and I can't see the benefits of using 'lust insects' to invade children's bodies and organs and forcibly modify their special magical attributes."
The island witch calmly stated the facts, as if the treatment the girl suffered, as she described, was not cruel torture.
Given that Matou Sakura is an adorable "younger sister," Morgan couldn't help but say these things to Gilgamesh.
She knew they would work.
For even as a tyrannical and domineering ruler, Gilgamesh possessed a golden soul, and his laws, though brutal, radiated human brilliance.
Upon hearing this answer, a hint of displeasure appeared on Gilgamesh's handsome face.
Just before Gilgamesh could speak again, the head of the Tohsaka family seemed to say something. The Golden King tilted his head and listened for a moment, then raised the corner of his mouth and let out a soft chuckle. "Hmph—you're much more interesting, Tokiomi. What, are you trying to ask me to bestow the Holy Grail upon you?"
"If the 'Holy Grail' refers to the spoils of this Holy Grail War, then giving that thing as a reward to a subject would only tarnish the honor bestowed by the king," Morgan added on a whim.
Gilgamesh's gaze returned to Morgan, who shrugged.
"If you have any doubts, just take a look for yourself and you'll know."
Upon arriving in this world and learning of the Holy Grail War, Morgan, who originally intended to obtain the Holy Grail as a gift to gain favor, became curious and explored the so-called Holy Grail. However, she discovered that it was full of filth, which would likely turn any chance of friendship into enmity. Thus, she abandoned her ambitious plan.
As for why the truth wasn't told to Artoria or Einzbern?
Aside from increasing distrust, reducing opportunities to spend time together, and greatly disappointing Artoria, Morgan wouldn't gain anything. She wasn't that stupid.
Morgan, standing before Gilgamesh, who is said to be able to see into the future—and thus presumably possesses futuristic vision—confesssively and honestly reveals everything.
Perhaps the head of the Tohsaka family was quite shaken by the bombshell thrown by Morgan, Gilgamesh raised an eyebrow and spoke in a deep voice to his Master who was communicating telepathically.
Morgan wasn't listening to the conversation on the other end, but judging from Gilgamesh's expression, he seemed to be in a pretty good mood...?
It's like discovering that your quiet, uninteresting pet has learned a new trick, and that this trick is novel, fun, and popular.
Seeing this, Morgan slowly felt relieved.
Just as the Hero King let out a soft laugh and looked towards Yuanzang Mountain, a sudden change occurred!
The black knight, who should have been hiding and waiting, suddenly sprang up and attacked Morgan with a foul howl!
Morgan, who had already prepared numerous counter-attack spells, was not intimidated by the raging Knights of the Round Table.
However, the numerous autonomous spells that should have blocked Lancelot's attacks seemed to malfunction, allowing the knight to pass through the barrier and rush straight towards Morgan.
--How is that possible...?
Morgan was quite certain that Lancelot did not possess profound magical skills, nor had he ever been protected by a magic nullifier.
unless……
His past is also her future.
This means that she personally bestowed her blessing upon Lord Lancelot.
Morgan stared in astonishment at the knights who were charging in, shrouded in thick black fog.
At this moment, time seemed to slow down countless times; the brief window was still enough for Morgan to cast a spell to attack her opponent, but...
Blurry images of snowflakes flashed through Morgan's mind, the mottled colors outlining the investiture ceremony before the throne and the resolute expression of someone adorned with radiance.
Even though he committed intolerable mistakes, Lancelot was King Arthur's subject and a subordinate to whom he placed his whole heart and soul.
Therefore, Lancelot's exit should be through being defeated by Artoria.
Morgan hesitated for a moment and missed his chance to counterattack, while the knight with unparalleled martial arts skills seized the opportunity to close in!
Lancelot's weapon, the Unbreakable Lake, is a sword given to mankind by the elves, just like King Arthur's Excalibur. It shares the same source of resilience and honor, and even when it is corrupted into a demon sword, its performance remains unaffected. Even Morgan y Penny cannot withstand a single blow from it.
But Morgan did not receive the expected slash. To her astonishment, the blinding red light reflected from the dark helmet pierced through the black mist.
"Morgan... Your Highness..."
That is the shortest spell.
Before plunging into boundless darkness, Morgan heard the deep murmur of a king—
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