While Ritsuka and the others were discussing how to confront Naoki.
On Artoria Caster's side.
Time rewinds slightly to a few minutes earlier.
—Pilgrimage
Hearing Aurora mention this, Artoria Caster was slightly surprised and then shook her head: "No, I didn't come for a pilgrimage... Why does Aunt Aurora think I came to start a pilgrimage?"
"Just a hunch. A few years ago, when I went to the Mirror Clan, I also discussed this with the Head of the Ainsel Clan."
Aurora said.
"If Your Highness wishes to begin the pilgrimage, I believe any Clan would open the doors of the Great Cathedral for you, and lead you to the Bell Room to ring the bell."
"Ahaha... Really? The Clan Heads think like that..."
Artoria Caster spoke without conviction.
Pilgrimage.
It was one of the missions of the Fairy of Paradise that she had known from the beginning.
Salisbury, Oxford, the Ruins of Albion Dragon, Orkney, Gloucester, Norwich.
She had to go to these six cities, ring the bells in each of those six cities, which were the embodiments of the Clan Heads, make the fairies realize the original sin inherited from their Ancestors, and guide them toward atonement for their sins.
This was something she had known since her birth, and over the past sixteen years, Naoki and Morgan had also discussed this with her several times.
Those were the words of Naoki and Morgan to her at that time.
Indeed, with the current state of Britain, even if she did the pilgrimage, nothing would change, it wouldn't affect the current situation. So, she didn't need to do the pilgrimage. Although it was a mission ingrained since her birth, it didn't mean she had to carry it out.
Morgan, whose relationship with her was akin to that of sisters, was an example.
She had done the pilgrimage multiple times, but hadn't completed her second mission. This showed that the Fairy of Paradise mission had no compulsion; she was free to choose whether to carry it out or not.
If she gave up, it would only give birth to another Fairy of Paradise, and no one would blame her.
Thinking of this, Artoria Caster let out a slight sigh and said seriously: "I appreciate the good intentions of Uncle and the Clan Head Aunties, but I have no intention of doing the pilgrimage now... I think my life right now is already very good, and I like it."
Her close older sister Baobhan Sith, the reliable knight Barghest who was both Master and sister, and Melusine who turned out to be cute in some aspects.
Plus her Father and Mother who were cold on the outside but warm on the inside, as well as the friends she had just met, Ritsuka and Mash.
Artoria Caster truly felt that her current life didn't need to be changed, didn't need to do anything. The pilgrimage was completely unimportant; she greatly enjoyed the current situation.
"I see... Hmm, if that's your thinking, I won't say much more." Aurora smiled. "In that case, pretend I never brought up this matter. The door to the Bell Room will also be closed, and will only be reopened when Your Highness wishes to go."
"Yes, that's good. Thank you for your understanding, Aunt Aurora."
After saying that, Artoria Caster stood up.
"Then I'll take my leave. It seems it's time for me to join Ritsuka and the others."
"Alright, take care on the road."
After waving to Artoria the bright smile on Aurora's face slightly dimmed. She closed her eyes on the spot for a few minutes before opening them again, and gently touched the small pair of earrings she wore on her ears.
Then—
*BZZTTT!*
Her consciousness was swallowed by a wave. Aurora's body immediately trembled violently several times, her cheeks showing a slightly unnatural red flush. Immediately after, the surroundings slightly changed, bringing her consciousness to a space covered by a semi-transparent dome.
A faint thud like a knock sounded above her head. Aurora looked up, then immediately knelt on the ground: "Your Highness."
"I've told you, I'm not your Highness, just his imitation."
At the restaurant counter, Naoki Number Two looked at Aurora, whose consciousness was projected into the crystal ball in his hand via the Mystic Code he had given her: "Have you finished talking with Artoria? How did it go?"
"As Your Highness expected, Her Royal Highness the Princess has no plans to start the pilgrimage."
"I figured as much. After all, I have a few tricks when it comes to taming. After raising her for sixteen years, it's no wonder Artoria has thoughts like that." Naoki Number Two propped his chin while laughing. "So, what should we do now? If she doesn't start the pilgrimage, that's one less way to divert the original's attention... Should we start a war like before? Mors could be utilized—Hmm, just do that."
After mumbling to himself for a bit, Naoki Number Two looked toward Aurora in the crystal ball: "Aurora, can I book your time for one day in the future?"
"Eh? One day? May I know what for, Your Highness...?"
"Hmm... Consider it as repayment for your long-held hopes; I plan to take you on a one-day date—how does that sound?"
Naoki Number Two showed a very bright and gentle smile.
Hearing this invitation from Naoki Number Two, Aurora's cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment, then she nodded slowly: "I understand...."
"Good. I'll tell you the exact date later. Just that I'm not sure exactly when. It could be in the next two days, or one or two months from now. I'll try to take you out as soon as possible." Naoki Number Two smiled and said, "I'm really looking forward to it, you know. A date with you should be more enjoyable than the times with Morgan."
"Ara ara~ Such words from Your Highness..."
Seeing Aurora's reaction in the crystal ball, Naoki Number Two suppressed the nausea and disgust in his heart, smiled, waved his hand, and then cut off communication with her.
[You're starting to learn how to toy with women's hearts. You should indeed do that with an appearance as good as yours.]
(Don't talk nonsense. This is also for our shared ideals. If I have to say... This is my true love for you. I'm just slightly taking advantage of other women's kindness toward me along the way.)
Thinking that, Naoki Number Two stood up: "Alright, time to meet those I haven't seen in a week. I hope this will be a pleasant reunion."