Londinium — the God King's Palace.
Melusine knelt on one knee upon the spotless floor of the grand hall, her head bowed slightly. Through the mirror-like reflection on the polished surface, she caught a glimpse of the figure seated upon the throne.
The God King who ruled Londinium. The one who had led humanity in a war against the fairies for two thousand years.
He was also the man who had drawn her out of the ambiguous realm between life and death, granting her a new life and a new name—Tenkei Shiomi.
At this moment, he reclined lazily against the throne, his eyes closed, expression unreadable.
The letter Melusine had presented was taken by a girl dressed in luxurious attire standing beside Shiomi, who began to read it aloud on his behalf.
Though the girl's face was half hidden behind a silver, filigreed mask that made her identity difficult to discern, Melusine's draconic eyes—gifted as one born of the Last Dragon—pierced through the Magecraft woven into the mask and recognized her immediately.
Baobhan Sith, the only princess of Londinium.
The one whom Shiomi had bestowed the title of Fairy Knight Tristan, the most exalted being beneath the God King, chosen to lead the fight against Camelot.
"Her Majesty Morgan sends her greetings to Father, along with a formal proposal for peace talks and the signing of a treaty," Baobhan Sith announced after closing the letter.
Shiomi nodded faintly. "I see."
Then, turning his gaze—though his eyes remained closed—he asked, "Fairy Knight Lancelot, have you read this letter?"
"I have," Melusine replied.
"What are your thoughts?" Shiomi asked again.
"This..." Melusine faltered.
She hadn't truly considered the letter's meaning in depth. After all, there must be some tacit understanding shared between Morgan and Shiomi. Whatever was written in a formal, public document like this would reveal nothing of their true intentions.
At best, one might read it as Morgan growing weary of a war that had only briefly paused these past seventeen years, seeking to establish peace at last.
But she knew Shiomi's question ran deeper than that. Perhaps he was asking for her conviction.
"For Britannia, to end this war even a day sooner—to let the border finally fall silent—would be a blessing," Melusine said softly, lifting her gaze. Her tone held a faint sorrow as she looked at Shiomi, who still kept his eyes closed. "Serving Her Majesty the Queen, I have witnessed far too much blood and death over these two thousand years..."
As an envoy, she had come to Londinium without her armor, wearing instead an elegant gown—hoping, perhaps foolishly, that he might look upon her just once.
But his eyes remained shut, his demeanor indifferent, as though even a glance wasn't worth the effort.
It hurt. Yet she understood.
To His Divine Majesty, the only one who truly mattered was Queen Morgan. Melusine was merely the blade entrusted to protect her.
She had no right to wish for more.
"I see," Shiomi said absently, nodding once. "I understand the Queen's intent. A reply will be given soon."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's consideration. However, our Queen did not request an immediate answer—there's no need for such haste."
"There is every need for haste," Shiomi replied lightly. "You've endured much on your journey here. Go and rest. If the attendants below fail to treat you properly, speak up."
Melusine realized then that the audience was over. She wouldn't even have the chance to draw closer, to exchange a few words that weren't bound by duty.
Still, the thought that he cared enough to acknowledge her exhaustion brought her a small, quiet happiness.
If only... what came next hadn't happened.
The palace gates stood wide open. No one entered or left. Aside from the royal guards stationed within, any movement would be immediately noticed.
And so, before Melusine could rise, she heard it—the sound of measured, armored footsteps echoing through the silent hall.
Each step was steady, deliberate... and swift. By the time she looked up, the figure had already passed her side.
She caught only a glimpse—a tall knight, a pure white cloak rippling at his shoulders with every stride.
And on the throne, Shiomi's body had shifted slightly—sitting a little straighter.
"You are—" Baobhan Sith's voice trembled with astonishment, her masked eyes filled with confusion.
Shiomi raised a hand lightly, signaling her to remain calm, then smiled.
"So it's you," he said, his eyes still closed, his expression far gentler than before. "You've actually come all the way here."
"No one stopped me. I simply walked straight to the palace. Perhaps your defenses are a little too lax."
The knight's voice was clear and serene, like moonlight—perfectly matching the pure aura that surrounded her. Even without seeing her face, Melusine could tell she was a knight both powerful and untainted.
"That's... a long story."
Shiomi pressed a hand against the armrest and rose from the throne, descending the steps slowly until he stood before the knight.
"You must be tired from your journey. Have you eaten? If not, shall I prepare something for you myself?" he asked with calm sincerity.
"...It seems you were in the middle of official matters." The knight's voice carried a trace of joy, though she also sounded slightly hesitant—as if worried her arrival had interrupted him.
"It's already taken care of."
Shiomi reached out and took her hand naturally. The knight didn't resist—clearly, she was used to his touch. "Come with me."
He led her deeper into the palace, hand in hand, utterly unconcerned with the others present. Baobhan Sith followed silently behind them, pausing only to nod toward one corner of the hall before departing.
A moment later, a maid approached Melusine.
"Sir Lancelot, please allow me to escort you to your quarters."
"Who was that knight just now?" Melusine asked, standing up, her gaze lingering on the doors leading deeper into the palace.
"That should be Lady Artoria. Though, I haven't seen Her Majesty in a long time," the maid answered naturally. "She seems to have changed quite a bit. I imagine she's just returned from an errand assigned by His Majesty the God King."
It wasn't a secret in Londinium—just something few found worth mentioning. Even the palace staff only knew of it in passing. The fact that there were no orders of secrecy only made it seem more trivial.
"I see..."
Melusine's heart swelled with unease.
Shiomi's demeanor toward that female knight was clearly different—warmer, gentler—than the way he treated her.
In all the time she had known him, Melusine had only ever seen him act that way toward Morgan.
Could it be... that you don't love only Queen Morgan?
The question echoed silently in her chest.
The belief she had held for so long now wavered, trembling on the edge of collapse.
If that were true... then what had her two thousand years of patience been for?
With that bitter thought, Melusine felt her heart plunge from the mountaintop into the depths of a cold valley.
The small joy she'd once felt volunteering to come to Londinium now curdled into something sharp and sorrowful.
All she wanted now was to rest.