Due to Aoko's party's interference in the history of Fairy Britain's Lostbelt, Oberon=Vortigern's ability to influence this world was waning. While Fairy Britain's destruction was inevitable, the odds of the Naraku Worm's wish to destroy the entire planet were decreasing, leaving the Fairy King in a gloomy mood.
"I know, I know, Blanca," Oberon, dressed in pristine white, stroked the moth princess in his palm. "It's not that I'm sad because I can't fight Morgan. Believe me, this is just pointless melancholy."
The Princess of the Autumn Forest knew everything. Though she couldn't speak, she chose to stay by Oberon's side, to be his eyes and messenger. Even if it all ended in ruin, it didn't matter—fairies in this forest were short-lived, unlike the powerful clan fairies.
Oberon had previously visited Gloucester and Manchester, but the former was completely neutral, and Muryan was too guarded to be persuaded to help the rebels.
Trying to start a fight in Gloucester was near impossible, as Muryan's fairy domain was special. As a Great Mother class fairy, Muryan possessed self-will, similar to human creativity, and more importantly, could rewrite the world's rules with her truth—her fairy domain.
Muryan's domain limited all acquired strength, only admitting natural-born strength; it was a demonic realm that greatly suppressed the Fang Clan (who valued combat and experience).
Within this domain, only Muryan herself was unaffected. As for Manchester, it was ruled by Barghest, the man-eater; while her subjects were fierce Fang Clan fairies, Barghest's authority was absolute, and few were interested in rebelling against Morgan.
Though the Fang Clan fairies outnumbered others, they were of little use in resisting Morgan. Oberon saw little value in his efforts there, perhaps only making Manchester more stable.
That left only one target: the northern fairy leader, Cnoc na Riabh. Though innocent, Oberon saw all such fairies as birds of a feather. Innocent? That didn't mean blameless.
Besides being a potential opponent to Morgan, Cnoc na Riabh was also, besides Muryan, the only other Great Mother fairy with a domain—even Morgan couldn't match that level of mystery.
In Fairy Britain, most fairies with such power were excluded from the clans, some exiled, others self-destructing, and a rare few becoming Nightcall, wandering the land.
Though it was difficult, Oberon resolved to try, believing that with Chaldea's Master's charisma and his guidance, they could connect with Cnoc na Riabh.
With that, Oberon shifted form into a giant moth and flew toward Ritsuka Fujimaru, who should be near the monstrous steed Redra Bbit and not far from Edinburgh.
…
"Aoko! I missed you so much!"
A silver flash rushed into Aoko's arms, making her use magic just to withstand the impact. "I've never felt these 2,400 years to be so long!"
Melusine rubbed her face in Aoko's soft chest, stunning Barghest nearby—she'd never seen the usually stoic strongest fairy act this way.
Incidentally, Barghest's altered memories had recovered. After enduring excruciating pain, she used Aoko's Fifth Magic to toss her madness into the future, ensuring she wouldn't lose control and go on a killing spree for a long time.
Though still sad, the boy she loved would always remain a part of her, anchoring her sanity. Black Dog Barghest was reborn.
To Aoko, the curse in Barghest's soul still existed. The current state was like opening the floodgates; to truly heal her curse-born flaws, she'd have to consult with Touko back in her world.
"My, my, you've grown up," Aoko smiled, stroking Melusine's hair. As one of the three who pulled Melusine from the swamp, Melusine's feelings for them were strong. Though 2,400 years had passed, she remembered her promise to Aoko. "Have you been listening to Artoria?"
"Mm!" Melusine responded happily, "I'm Artoria's most loyal, strongest knight—no exceptions!"
Wryneck was also happy—he didn't envy Melusine's power. He'd once fought the Dragon Fairy to a near standstill but lost due to the sheer difference in output (or possibly mobility).
"By the way, Artoria, did you notice the fairy I mentioned earlier?" Aoko asked.
"I found her," Artoria replied, "and I must admit, even as a fairy, Sir Gareth is an excellent knight. I found her in New Darlington and brought her back to Camelot to rest."
"...Gareth? The Round Table's Sir Gareth?" Mash exclaimed, "The beautiful one? She's a girl too?!"
"Yep," Aoko grinned. "Even King Arthur's a girl. What's so strange about Gareth being one? But this Gareth has a hidden background."