"Good morning, Your Highness."
"Yes, good morning."
"Thank you for your hard work, Your Highness."
"Yes, you've all worked hard too."
Absently humoring the citizens who greeted her, Morgan's attention was constantly focused on her ear.
It was a communication spell she and Baobhan Sith had established together.
Even when far apart, the two could hear each other's voices. It was a very useful and highly concealed spell.
"How are things on your end?"
Morgan asked without changing her expression.
"Can I... go in yet?"
"Wait a little longer, Mother."
On the other end, Baobhan Sith, standing at the castle gate, was also observing the situation at the entrance with a smile.
"Artoria hasn't come out yet."
"The moment she does, I'll tell you immediately."
That's right.
What Baobhan Sith and her mother Morgan were doing at this moment was none other than an act of "cuckoldry."
The wedding wasn't the end of this battle, but just the beginning!
Of course.
Morgan wasn't sure if she could actually go through with it.
But at the very least...
She had to try.
Although, Morgan felt that such an act was somewhat similar to her damned father, King Uther.
But she couldn't worry about that now.
If she didn't do something, even her own daughter would look down on her!
It was hard to say whether it was luck, or if fate intended to give Morgan this chance.
While she was still hesitating, Baobhan Sith's voice rang in her ear.
"Mother—"
Watching Artoria leave alone to handle her affairs, Baobhan Sith hid in a nearby shadow.
"The opportunity... has come."
"Remember, when you come over, don't take the main street."
"Use the path we scouted out yesterday."
"Alright."
Morgan exhaled softly.
She kept telling herself.
It's different from before.
Everything is different from before.
She was now the "pioneer of dragon research" in Camelot, and she had also gained ownership of a great deal of territory from Artoria.
Not to mention, she had a daughter like Baobhan Sith willing to help her.
Head up, chest out.
Morgan regained her usual prideful demeanor.
She knew she now had the right to do such a thing.
The princess set out.
Through a clever arrangement, she cleanly avoided Artoria's route and arrived in front of the castle.
"Mother, you're here so quickly."
"It seems you've been looking forward to this."
Baobhan Sith said, stepping out from the side.
"Good luck."
She made a small heart shape with her hands towards her mother.
"I believe in you."
"..."
Although it felt like the roles of encourager and encouraged were reversed—by all rights, she should be the one encouraging her daughter—Morgan still nodded.
No matter what, she knew she had to make a move.
Because of her status, Morgan walked into the castle under the respectful gazes of the guards.
As she strolled through the long corridor, her thoughts grew more and more heated.
Even though it's an act like having an affair...
Why do I want to do it so badly?
Click-clack.
Click-clack.
Morgan's shoes tapped against the steps, making a crisp sound.
I'm here.
Just around that corner, and I'll see him.
Morgan did all of this with great anticipation, but after turning the corner, she saw an unexpected figure.
It was Mélusine.
The moment she saw the other's expression, Morgan was almost certain of one thing.
And that was...
Mélusine was here to do the same thing as her.
Only someone who wanted to take advantage of Artoria's absence to do this kind of thing would have that unconcealable joy on their face.
Morgan sensed this, and of course, Mélusine was not slow on the uptake either.
She looked at Morgan before her and likewise guessed her intentions.
But—
She couldn't say it.
She couldn't just open her mouth right here and say to Morgan, "Are you here for an affair too?" could she?
That would probably have an unimaginably explosive effect.
"What a coincidence."
Mélusine forced herself to greet her.
"I didn't expect to see you here, Lady Morgan."
"Are you here to see Ian as well?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Mélusine wanted to slap herself.
Of all things, why did I have to mention "Ian"?
That's the very thing this woman in front of me is desperate to obtain. How could I bring him up?
Wouldn't she go crazy?!
However, that didn't happen.
Contrary to Mélusine's slightly panicked heart, Morgan, perhaps having prepared herself mentally in advance, did not feel flustered by the sudden encounter with Mélusine.
On the contrary, she was very calm.
As if Mélusine hadn't seen through her purpose at all.
"Yes, I am indeed here to see Sir Ian."
"After all—"
Morgan summoned her staff.
"I must consider for the King how to guide the people of Camelot onto the correct path of change."
"Logically and reasonably, I think I should have more contact with Sir Ian, who is a true dragon, shouldn't I?"
"And you, Sir Mélusine? What brings you here?"
"..."
A few drops of cold sweat appeared on the petite swordswoman's forehead.
She could feel that the other woman had come prepared, unlike herself, who had simply come looking for Ian on a whim while Artoria was away.
"Well..."
Mélusine began to stammer.
For a moment, she really couldn't find a better reason to answer Morgan's question.
And Morgan, knowing that Ian was not far away and eager to see him, didn't waste time thinking about the reason, but launched a direct "attack."
"Mélusine, you... don't have a reason to see Ian?"
"Then..."
"Could it be that you're planning to discuss some unsavory matter with Sir Ian while the King is away?"
"No!"
Seeing that the words that had once been Morgan's weakness were now being used as a means to "suspect" her, Mélusine quickly denied it.
"I am absolutely loyal to the King!"
"I would never do anything detrimental to the King!"
"Then why did you appear at this time?"
Morgan smiled faintly.
"Can you answer my question?"
"..."
Mélusine could feel that, in terms of cunning, she was no match for Morgan at all.
If no one came to help her...
She probably wouldn't be able to explain her way out of this.
Just as Mélusine was in a bind, she heard a click.
From Ian's room, a place that perhaps should have been reserved for a certain queen consort, a head poked out.
It was Ian.
He looked at Mélusine, then at Morgan.
"Why... are you all here?"