Everything suddenly became simple.
Morgan had been wondering how to make Ian and Artoria's relationship unique.
Now it seemed there was no need to overthink it.
Those two were probably already close behind her back.
That made things much easier.
"Confess—"
Ian stopped clinging to Morgan and addressed the matter seriously.
"What's that?"
"Why should I do it?"
"…"
After confirming several times, Morgan was sure Ian wasn't joking with her.
After thinking for a bit, she explained:
"It's a way to let the other person know you care about her."
"Your situation with Artoria is perfect for this."
"I see."
"But—"
"I don't know how to confess."
Ian looked Morgan straight in the eye.
Veins bulged on Ian's arm.
"What should I do?"
"Tell me."
Even though each of his sentences was short, Morgan could still feel Ian's concern.
If he didn't have feelings for Artoria, there was no way he'd be acting like this.
Of course, Morgan couldn't rule out the possibility that she might be wrong.
But—
It didn't hurt to try.
"It's simple."
"I'll teach you."
With that, Morgan temporarily stopped investigating the ground beneath her feet.
She took his hand and spoke gently.
"Step one—"
"You must take the initiative and hold her hand."
"That way, it shows your sincerity."
"Come on, try it now."
In response, Ian took her hand—the one she had just let go of.
"Very good."
"Just like that."
Morgan approved of his quick learning and continued.
"Next, look directly into her eyes."
"Remember, it has to be an intense gaze—"
"One that she can't possibly look away from."
"Got it."
Ian responded and fixed his eyes on her with absolute sincerity.
The passion in his gaze was beyond description. Morgan found herself blushing slightly.
"Like this? Is this right?"
"Ahem… yes."
Morgan faked a couple of coughs.
"This kind of heated gaze is exactly what you need. If Artoria can't avoid your eyes, she'll have to face what you're saying."
"So, what's next—"
"What do I do after that?"
"Say, 'I like you.'"
Morgan instructed him.
"You need to say it in a completely serious tone."
"I like you, Morgan."
Clang.
Morgan felt like something struck her head out of nowhere.
In her plan, she expected to hear Ian say "I like you, Artoria" in front of her.
But instead, the person he said it to was her.
Even if it was just a practice line, facing this rather good-looking boy made Morgan's heart flutter for a moment.
"Was that right?"
Ian asked about his delivery.
"Is that what I should say later?"
"No, no problem."
Recovering from the fake confession, Morgan's expression turned a bit complicated.
But she hadn't forgotten her true goal.
"With that, you should be able to win over Artoria just fine."
"Just remember to say her name, not mine, got it?"
But Ian didn't respond to Morgan's reminder.
Instead, he asked another question.
"Morgan, you know all this because people often say that kind of stuff to you?"
"…"
"Of course!"
"I'm very popular in Britain!"
That was obviously not true.
Morgan was indeed beautiful.
But—
No one had ever confessed to her before.
The reason was simple:
Outsiders had no chance to get close to the royal princess.
Insiders knew her status and wouldn't dare say such things.
She was proud.
But no one ever cared about that pride.
And so—
Morgan realized this might have been the first confession she'd ever heard.
"So it's experience."
Ian nodded thoughtfully.
"Then I'll go find Artoria right now."
"Wait!"
Morgan stopped Ian, who was already about to take action.
"If you're going to try, wait a bit."
"She probably doesn't have time to listen to you right now anyway."
After all, they were still investigating the village issue.
"Understood."
Ian nodded, then added as if something came to mind.
"If I still don't get it later, can I come find you again?"
"…"
Morgan was silent for a moment, then smiled.
"You're pretty serious about this."
"But sure—"
"If you want to practice with me again, you can come to me anytime."
"Okay."
"Then I'll head back to Artoria now."
"Mm, go on."
Watching Ian leave, Morgan looked down at the hand he had just held.
She felt a strange bitterness in her chest.
Why was a knight like that hers?
The moment she told him to confess, he immediately started practicing seriously.
Why didn't she have a knight like that?
Wait…?
Why was she even thinking that?
The day's investigation soon came to an end.
Morgan didn't get another chance to interact with Ian.
Not that it was surprising.
After all, their contact was always because of Artoria.
Curled up in a pile of hay, Morgan closed her eyes with an unspoken sorrow.
But—
The moment she fell asleep, she saw something unbelievable.
Boom—
Boom—
Thunder roared across a pitch-black sky.
In front of the princess of Britain surged a stormy sea.
A giant dragon roared in the distance, then spread its enormous wings.
Splash—
Splash—
Waves stirred across the surface.
Morgan instinctively raised her arm to shield herself from the spray, only to feel a familiar magical power.
When she opened her eyes again, she was greeted by a shocking sight.
The figure that had always been trapped in the crystal had now taken physical form.
It was a voluptuous woman, though her expression wasn't quite normal.
Lust? Obsession?
Words like that couldn't describe her anymore.
"Morgan—"
"I've finally found you!"