Naoki returned to Londinium at dusk, as the sun nearly dipped below the sea horizon.
Landing at the city gate with a large crate of wild edibles, under the astonished gazes of many humans, Naoki was about to carry it inside when Aesc ran to the gate.
Seeing Naoki with the big crate, Aesc paused slightly. "That's the food you found outside?"
"Yes. I've tasted everything—it's all edible. I'll teach the dining hall folks how to process it later. But unfortunately, no wild animals in Britain at all. For meat, we'll need another way."
Most of what Naoki brought were mushrooms, fruits, and wild vegetables. Though differing from Pan-Human History, items like mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, bamboo shoots, and such were available. Wild greens too.
"Thank you for your hard work, Merlin."
"No problem. Speaking of, weren't you teaching Uther Magecraft this afternoon? Why are you here?"
"I just felt you were almost back, so I came to see. I gave Uther some tasks—he'll finish around evening." Aesc explained. "Need help carrying those?"
"No, I've got it."
Naoki lifted the crate and walked into Londinium. Aesc quickly followed.
Behind them, humans near the gate—and inside the city—froze in place.
"That's… the Savior and the guy she brought back yesterday, right?"
"The Savior said he's her new comrade."
"Like the Fairy Knight?"
"Is he a fairy?"
"By the way, the vibe between the Savior and that guy feels kinda weird, huh?"
"Yeah. Like you can't butt in. I even wanted to talk to the Savior about some stuff earlier."
Various human voices echoed behind Naoki and Aesc.
Hearing them, Naoki couldn't help frowning. "The vibe between us seems weird?"
"Really?" Aesc looked a bit puzzled. "I think how I interact with you is normal. Isn't this how we act privately?"
"True… Then what's weird about it?"
"I don't know either."
Aesc shook her head.
But she might have a slight idea.
In Morgan's memories, there were experiences traveling with Naoki.
Memories of Naoki and a parallel-world Arthur visiting Morgan in Glastonbury. The three—plus Mordred—strolling around.
The atmosphere then felt similar to now. A familiar sense in her recollections.
After reaching the dining hall, handing the two-person-tall crate to the manager, and explaining processing and cooking methods one by one—
"Aesc, got free time now?" Naoki asked. "A few things to discuss. About the Great Pit and the northern region."
The Great Pit.
The North.
To Aesc, these were unignorable keys. She dropped her somewhat relaxed expression. "Let's go home. Better not discuss this outside."
"Alright."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Inside the house.
Living room.
Upon return, Naoki briefly explained the Great Pit situation and the faint mysterious resonance from the north.
By the way, Totorot was there too.
Unlike Naoki and Aesc, Totorot had lounged at home all day. According to her, Naoki's new house is too comfy. This thing called a sofa—I sink in and don't wanna leave!
Since she usually traveled outside, and this was a rare return, Aesc let Totorot do as she pleased.
After Naoki's explanation, Aesc fell silent briefly.
"I agree with your view on the Great Pit, Cernunnos, and the Hellworm."
Morgan's memories covered this. As a major Fairy Britain issue, Aesc remembered clearly. At this stage, her thoughts aligned with Naoki's. With the Hellworm suppressed by Cernunnos and unable to rampage, keep it stable for now.
Solve minor issues first, then tackle this seriously.
Currently, that meant waiting until the human-fairy war ended and achieving equal coexistence.
"As for the northern resonance you mentioned… I don't know anything about it."
"I see. Then I'll make time to investigate there myself."
Whether Albion Dragon remnants, the Mirror Clan's Lake District, or the King Clan's Edinburgh—Naoki felt he had to go.
After all, a meteor dragon lingered in Albion's remains. Though early, knowing it, Naoki had no reason not to extract it—preventing that bitch Aurora from stealing it later.
If Melusine fairy was kidnapped now, the Mirror Clan might avoid the Rain Clan's fate of annihilation. Plus, a clan that could all predict the future—who knows what key info he'd get.
As for the King Clan…
"Aesc, do you think we need to involve the King Clan… Edinburgh in the human-fairy war?" Naoki asked. "From my memory, it's the only region basically achieving human-fairy coexistence? They even fall in love."
"True." Aesc nodded slightly. "But that was about 1,600 years ago. I don't know Edinburgh's current state. Whether to intervene can only be decided after going… I think at least one or two months from now."
Londinium had many matters. Just developments needed time.
Naoki smiled. "No problem. Aesc, follow your plans. I'm not rushing. Just letting you know."
"After your affairs are done, we'll head north."
"Yes."