While some people on the Boundary Isle were discussing various matters.
On the British Isles.
In Camelot, the King's Castle that rules over all Britain, located beside the Great Pit.
Gawain was walking while carrying Artoria—whose hands were handcuffed—toward the audience with the Fairy King and Queen.
"Oh la la~~~ Already back? My beloved little sister?"
Just before entering the Throne Room, in front of the tightly closed door, such a voice reached both of them. Artoria's body suddenly trembled slightly; she looked a bit afraid as she turned toward the source of the voice.
Beside the corridor leading to the Throne Room, a beautiful red-haired girl in a bright red dress leaned against the wall, waving at her with a wide smile.
"Tristan…"
"Wrong~~~"
The girl called Tristan approached Artoria, reached out, and pinched Artoria's round cheeks several times: "You have to call me Big Sister~~~ My little sister, Lia."
"Ugh… I can't… breathe… B-Big Sis~~~"
"There we go!"
Fairy Knight Tristan—whose real name is Baobhan Sith—only released Artoria's face with satisfaction after hearing the title she liked, then turned to Gawain: "You must be tired too, big ol' Barghest. It must've been quite troublesome bringing back my runaway little sister, right?"
"No, not at all, Your Highness the First Princess."
Gawain bowed respectfully to Tristan.
In terms of seniority among the three Fairy Knights, the most senior is Lancelot, followed by Gawain, and lastly Tristan. The power ranking is the same. Baobhan Sith is not a strong fairy. Even after donning her shell, she only reaches upper-middle tier among fairies.
Moreover, she does not receive protection from the Fairy King.
This is why Naoki Number Two said only two Fairy Knights are worth fighting. Compared to the opponents that truly need to be faced, Tristan is not a target of concern.
But in terms of status, Tristan ranks second among the Fairy Knights. After Melusine—who has followed the Fairy King since two thousand four hundred years ago and can almost be considered a second Queen to this day—the next is Baobhan Sith, the Fairy King's daughter.
Gawain—Barghest—actually has the lowest status.
Of course, even so, the relationship among the three Fairy Knights does not change due to rank or differences. Basically, the three have a very good relationship—not only because they share the goal of serving the Fairy King, but also due to various encouragements from the Fairy King and Queen.
After over a thousand years together, the three Fairy Knights can be said to be a solid trio.
Only the stiff and serious Barghest still uses formal speech with Baobhan Sith and Melusine in public.
Baobhan Sith smiled: "After Lia's matter is settled, how about we have a pajama party with Big Sis Melusine? For Lia… well, she'll probably be punished privately by Father, so we might have to wait another time, yeah?"
"Uhiii~~~~!"
Artoria immediately grew frightened upon hearing that.
"Um… Big Sister, Barghest, could you maybe later…"
"Don't worry, I'll help put in a few sweet words for you," Baobhan Sith laughed. "But Father really loves you, so I don't think the punishment will be too harsh. At most a few days of confinement. We'll sneak in to keep you company later."
"Your Highnesses, this is not something to discuss in front of the Throne Room."
Barghest reminded with slight embarrassment.
Though their personal relationship is good, Artoria is currently guilty. Openly chatting like this is not proper.
"Oh, right." Baobhan Sith clapped her hands. "Then it's decided—I'll go in first to see Father and Mother. After that, you two come in—"
Enter together.
Before Baobhan Sith finished, an authoritative voice suddenly projected into all three of their minds.
Baobhan Sith and Barghest immediately put on serious faces.
Transmitting voice directly into others' minds—like the surveillance Magecraft spread across all Britain—is an achievement of the Fairy King through Magecraft. Only inside Camelot can the Fairy King send orders directly into minds without limit.
(Your command, Father)
(Your command, Your Majesty)
After answering in their minds, Baobhan Sith and Barghest stopped personal communication with Artoria. They very professionally escorted her through the already-open Throne Room gates before them.
Unlike the exterior decorated magnificently like a dream fairy-tale land—a city in the clouds—the interior of the Throne Room was quite empty, almost devoid of decoration. There was only one massive throne large enough for two, and one back door directly facing the entrance and the Great Pit behind.
And inside the Throne Room, there weren't many people.
This was natural. The Fairy King enforces tyranny and dictatorial domination. All orders and laws he issues are discussed only with the Queen, his beloved wife. Ministers or the like are completely unnecessary; only mouthpieces to convey messages are needed.
Thus, in the vast Throne Room, there were only five people, including Baobhan Sith, Barghest, and Artoria.
Bringing Artoria before the throne, Barghest bowed her head and knelt before the two monarchs on the throne.
"Fairy Knight Gawain reporting: per Your Majesty the Fairy King's order, I have retrieved Her Highness the Second Princess, Artoria Caster—who fled the King's Castle several days ago—from the Boundary Isle."
[Well done, Fairy Knight Gawain. Step back for now; I will discuss a fitting reward with you privately later.]
On the throne.
The Fairy King, bathed in golden-white light, answered thus. After waving to dismiss Barghest from his presence, the Fairy King turned to Artoria not far away.
At that moment, the gaze fixed on her made Artoria unconsciously tremble.
[Eleven days—that is how long you left the King's Castle.]
[Welcome home, Artoria Caster.]
[My beloved daughter, my cherished Child of Prophecy.]
"Yes."
Artoria bit her lip.
"I'm back… Father."