The ceremony proceeded as scheduled, held in the theater originally used for bloody massacres. While the choice of location might seem questionable from a human perspective, it perfectly symbolized Fairy Tristan's determination to sever ties with the past.
The theater had been undergoing renovations since Jiang You took over Beryl's work. Despite its grim history, it remained a landmark of New Darlington, and its architectural design was still remarkable. Tearing it down would have been a waste, and the fairies certainly wouldn't care about such sentiments. Now bathed in vibrant light, the theater had shed its oppressive atmosphere. The interior had been completely renovated, and the blood-soaked soil had been removed along with the stench that had permeated the ground. Without a reminder, no one would remember the horrors that had once transpired here.
Today, the theater was packed with nearly all of Britain's dignitaries and nobles. The appearance of the Child of Prophecy was a momentous event, and everyone was eager to see what made Fairy Tristan so special.
"Lady Aurora, that human male beside Her Majesty Morgan has looked at you for the seventh time now."
As Aurora's top enforcer—Salisbury's most formidable fighter—Melusine was naturally responsible for her safety during public appearances. Jiang You's faintly malicious gaze instantly put her on high alert. She recalled recent intelligence reports. "He seems to be the new Scribe."
"It's only natural for a human to be curious about my appearance. Pay it no mind."
Though she spoke dismissively, Aurora took advantage of a moment when Jiang You's gaze shifted to study him carefully. To be so close to Morgan, he can't be just anyone. He hadn't appeared before, so it was normal for him to be curious about the other Lords.
Aurora loathed Jiang You's fleeting glance. As the epitome of perfection, she had sensed in his eyes an unmistakable aversion, a desire to avoid her at all costs.
Maintaining her smile, Aurora secretly labeled Jiang You in her mind.
Having followed Aurora for so long, Melusine instinctively understood her mistress's thoughts. She had long accepted Aurora's true nature, resolving to exist solely for her sake ever since Aurora had pulled her from the festering swamp. That radiant, shadow-dispelling light had seared itself into Melusine's memory forever.
If that's the case, this fellow needs close attention, Melusine thought. If we can avoid conflict, all the better. But if he dares to threaten Aurora, I'll eliminate him before he can do any harm. She committed Jiang You's features to memory.
Unaware that he had been targeted by Melusine for a mere glance, Jiang You remained oblivious. In matters concerning Aurora, Melusine had become acutely vigilant, even to the point of self-abasement. She had even resigned herself to the fact that Aurora would never love her—and that was perfectly acceptable.
"More importantly, Lancelot, are you ready?"
As Fairy Tristan appeared before them, Aurora's lips curled into a cruel smile. The moment had come. "It's time to present the Child of Prophecy, with her malevolent intentions, with a gift."
"...Are you sure we should do this?" Melusine hesitated. She knew exactly what Aurora meant. After Aurora had followed Fairy Tristan to the Magic Workshop, she had pilfered numerous curse-related artifacts. Melusine held several of these items in her own hands. Aurora wanted her to spread the curse here—this wasn't the first time she had done such a thing for Aurora. "The Fairies here have nothing to do with this, do they? Mors' Curse is a grave matter for them... and you..."
"So you'd rather let this bloodthirsty creature become the Child of Prophecy?" Aurora maintained her warm, spring-like smile, though it now seemed stiff. "This is for everyone's good. Better a swift pain than a lingering one. We're simply tearing off her mask sooner rather than later. What could be more convincing than undeniable evidence? Or do you believe... this isn't the right course?"
"No, I'm just worried you'll be affected."
Melusine wasn't concerned about the fairies; her sole focus had always been Aurora. Of course, indulging in a little mischief within acceptable limits would be ideal, and she felt she had no grounds to criticize Fairy Tristan—they were two peas in a pod. "In any case, please be careful."
Just as she had carried out Aurora's instructions flawlessly regarding the Mirror Clan, she would now execute her orders flawlessly regarding the spreading of the Curse—regardless of the purpose.
"Rest assured, there's no safer place than here. Look, Her Majesty Morgan is right here."
Aurora glanced toward Morgan. Though the queen hardly needed guards, royal pomp demanded a proper display. The Queen's Knights, personally selected by Morgan, stood in impeccable formation behind her, their combat prowess not to be underestimated.
Melusine stole a glance at Fairy Tristan as she stepped forward onto the stage. Her demeanor had softened considerably since their last encounter, shedding much of her former frenzy. Her aura had also become remarkably more solid. It seemed a great deal had indeed transpired in the intervening time.
None of this concerned her anymore. It was a fact that Mors' Curse was being researched in the Fairy Tristan Theater's underground chambers. Given Morgan's doting affection for Fairy Tristan, the whole affair would inevitably end in a farce.
Using an excuse to leave the theater, Melusine darted into a nearby alleyway.
"Stalking a woman isn't exactly gentlemanly behavior, Court Scribe."
Jiang You had only taken a few steps when he found himself cornered by Melusine in the dead-end alley. With everyone else attending the Child of Prophecy's ceremony, only the two of them remained on the deserted street. Melusine had already drawn her weapon and adopted a combat stance.
"I sense a threat. May I eliminate you?"
"With your agility, you can practically ignore inertia. Following you is impossible."
Facing the strongest Fairy Knight, Jiang You showed no sign of panic. "So, you were deliberately waiting for me here, weren't you?"
"Men who are too perceptive are rarely charming."
Melusine was noticeably more animated away from Aurora's presence. "Though I do have many questions, curiosity isn't always a virtue. So, I apologize, but please rest here peacefully. Out of respect for my colleagues, I'll make this swift! Don't even think about escaping—I won't let you off the hook."
Jiang You now realized that this Melusine wasn't the carefree, lecherous dragon from Chaldea. This version was colder, more ruthless, and utterly devoid of humanity. The Melusine he longed for could never exist as long as Aurora lived. This Melusine was willing to serve as Aurora's Black Hand, and if this arrangement were ever exposed, only she would face the consequences as the Black Hand.
"On the contrary, I'm the one who won't let you off the hook."
Jiang You took a step forward, entering Melusine's attack range.
"Melusine!"