One arm.
The reward Naoki decided on took into account Barghest's personal circumstances.
This story begins with the Great Calamity that occurred in Fairy Age year 1000.
Britain experiences a calamity every hundred years, and a Great Calamity every thousand. In year 1000, the Great Calamity arrived on schedule—but unlike previous Great Calamities that Naoki and Morgan could easily crush, this one was different.
The Naraku Worm sleeping deep beneath the British Isles—after the events of year 400—intervened in Britain once more. It spurred the birth of the Mors King, who led an army of Mors to invade all of Britain.
As a result, at the cost of destroying the Wind Clan's territory, Salisbury, Naoki used Moon Fall to annihilate the Mors King and its army.
Afterward, as Naoki knew, the Mors King cursed the Fang Clan. This directly caused Barghest to be born in the Fang Clan in Fairy Age year 1600.
Just like adopting Artoria, shortly after Barghest's birth, Naoki—upon hearing the Fang Clan had birthed a fairy capable of devouring Mana—went to the Fang Clan territory, Oxford. He subdued Barghest with pure strength and made her his subordinate, bestowing upon her the name Fairy Knight Gawain.
From then on, Barghest became the most loyal knight under Naoki.
This wasn't just because Naoki held absolute power over her, nor because he willingly accepted her as a foreign creature.
Another key reason was that Naoki had the ability to keep Barghest.
Barghest had an innate urge—she wanted to devour those she loved.
"Those she loved" weren't just romantic partners. Barghest's principle was survival of the fittest. As long as the target was strong, she would unconsciously lower her guard, grow close, even become lovers. She could fall in love at first sight without meaning to.
But due to that urge, she often devoured her lovers in less than a month and returned to being single.
Thus, Naoki proposed this arrangement—he allowed Barghest to consider him, the strongest in all Britain, as her lover. If she wanted to eat him, that was fine. Arms, legs, or body—if she wanted to eat, go ahead. As long as it satisfied her.
After all, Naoki was immortal in multiple senses.
Even without the Holy Sword and its scabbard, the terrifying Mana in Savior Mode allowed regeneration—and even semi-permanent resurrection operations.
So from then on, Barghest became the black dog Naoki kept, his most loyal knight. Naoki became her eternal lover who would never leave her and could always accompany her.
Though Barghest felt this was improper toward Queen Morgan, it actually deepened her loyalty further—she became even more devoted to Morgan for allowing such interaction with her King.
Giving his arm as a reward to Barghest—to suppress her urge—was something Naoki had done frequently over the past thousand years.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Barghest, her face slightly flushed, joyfully accepted the reward.
Meanwhile, Baobhan Sith—sharply noticing the blush on Barghest's cheeks—couldn't help speaking up: "I'm telling you~~~~~ you're really easy to please, Barghest. A little greed wouldn't hurt, you know? I don't think Father would mind. Right, Father?"
"No, how could I… I'm just a knight—how dare I ask for more grace from Your Majesty? I'm already deeply honored with the current state; I truly dare not ask for too much."
"You're really too easily satisfied, unlike me."
Baobhan Sith laughed and approached Naoki: "Father, business is done. Now can you be with me—"
"What are you doing, Baobhan Sith?"
Just as Baobhan Sith was about to cling to her father, a cold voice suddenly came from the Throne Room entrance.
Baobhan Sith and Barghest froze. They turned simultaneously toward the entrance and immediately knelt before the figure appearing at the threshold.
"Mother."
"Queen."
The newcomer was none other than Morgan, now the Winter Queen.
Morgan paid no attention to the kneeling Barghest or Baobhan Sith hurriedly stepping away from Naoki. Though they were her trusted knights and beloved daughter, the moment she entered the Throne Room, Morgan's heart was no longer on them.
Approaching Naoki, sitting beside him on the throne, and connecting her magic circuit to it, Morgan naturally leaned into Naoki's chest.
"I sensed Artoria entering my Garden. You let her in?"
"Yes. To handle a rebellious daughter who ran away from home, locking her up for a bit is enough." Naoki said, combing her hair from behind. "What brings you here?"
"Just checking the Great Pit's situation. Even with you here, I'm still a little worried. Call it overthinking." Morgan said, "Is business finished?"
"After this, I need to contact Cnoc na Riabh. Chaldea has arrived at Orkney—If they just stay there, I have no plans to eliminate them. But the moment they intend to leave Orkney, annihilate or capture and imprison them all the instant they set foot on British soil."
"Cnoc na Riabh, huh… Yes, Mab's daughter can be trusted."
After saying that, Morgan looked down at Baobhan Sith and Barghest.
"Withdraw, Tristan, Gawain. Lancelot is waiting for you in the rear garden. You promised to gather, didn't you?"
"Eh—Ah~~~~~ Right!"
This was the Queen's cue to dismiss them—Baobhan Sith realized it immediately.
Their mother had strong possessiveness over their father. If it was unavoidable like with Barghest, that was fine. But if anyone else tried to get close to Father, Mother's mood would instantly sour!
(Tch, what a shame. This was a good chance to get close to Father… Do I have to wait another time with Big Sis Melusine?)
Baobhan Sith, with her little plan in mind, left with Barghest.
After the two departed, only Morgan and Naoki remained in the empty Throne Room.
"Mmm…"
No words or glances were needed—their feelings over two thousand four hundred years made them naturally embrace and kiss.
This was their private time. Daughters, knights, or anything else were too disruptive right now.