Everything suddenly became much simpler.
Morgan had originally been wondering how she could make Ian and Artoria's relationship something special.
Now, it seemed, there was no need to think about it so much.
Those two had probably gotten together long ago, in some corner where she couldn't see.
This saved her a lot of trouble.
"Confession—"
Ian stopped pestering Morgan and instead approached the question with a very serious attitude.
"What is that for?"
"Why should I do that?"
"..."
After confirming it several times, Morgan was certain that the Ian before her was not joking.
She answered after a moment's thought.
"It's a way to make her understand that you care a great deal about her."
"It's perfect for your situation with Artoria."
"I see."
"But—"
"I don't know how to confess."
Ian looked directly into Morgan's eyes.
Veins were actually bulging on his arms.
"What should I do?"
"Tell me."
"..."
Even though his words were short, Morgan could still feel Ian's earnestness.
If he weren't interested in Artoria, he would never act this way.
Of course.
Morgan didn't rule out the possibility that she might be mistaken.
But—
There was no harm in trying.
"It's very simple."
"Just let me teach you."
Saying this, Morgan temporarily paused her investigation of the land beneath her feet.
She took his hand and said softly:
"First step—"
"You must take the initiative to hold her hand."
"This way, it will show that you are sincere."
"Here, try it now."
"..."
Following Morgan's instruction, Ian took her hand, which he had only just let go of.
"Very good."
"Just like that."
Morgan praised his progress and then continued.
"Next, you look directly at her."
"Remember, it must be a very passionate gaze—"
"One that she absolutely cannot look away from."
"Understood."
Answering Morgan, Ian stared at her with the most sincere gaze.
It was a look too intense to be described merely as 'passionate'; Morgan found herself blushing slightly.
"Like this, right?"
"Ahem, yes."
Morgan gave a fake cough.
"That's the kind of fiery gaze you need. If Artoria can't look away, she'll have to face your words."
"Then, what's next—"
"What should I do then?"
"Say 'I like you'."
Morgan instructed Ian.
"Say it in a super-serious tone."
"I like you, Morgan."
Clang.
Morgan felt as if something had just struck her head.
In her original plan, she was supposed to hear Ian say the words "I like you, Artoria" in front of her.
But now, the object of the declaration had suddenly become her.
Even though they were hollow words, faced with the rather handsome young man before her, Morgan felt her heart couldn't help but tremble.
"Is this right?"
Ian pressed for the result.
"Will it be okay if I say it like that then?"
"N-No problem."
Recovering from that false affection, Morgan's expression appeared somewhat complicated.
But she hadn't forgotten her goal.
"This way, you should be able to properly win over Artoria."
"Just remember to call her name, not mine, understand?"
However, Ian did not answer Morgan's concern.
He just suddenly asked another question.
"Morgan, you understand this so well. Is it because people often say this to you?"
"..."
"Of course!"
"I'm very popular in Britain!"
The reality was clearly not so.
Morgan was indeed very beautiful.
But—
No one had ever said anything like that to her.
The reason was simple:
Those on the outside had no chance to meet the princess;
Those on the inside understood Morgan's status and would never have the opportunity to say such things.
She was very proud.
But no one ever paid that pride any mind.
Thus—
Morgan realized this was perhaps the first time she had ever heard a confession.
"So it's experience."
Ian nodded thoughtfully.
"Then I'll go find Artoria now."
"Don't!"
Morgan stopped the action-oriented Ian.
"If you want to try, wait a little while."
"If you go now, she probably won't have any time to listen to these words of yours."
After all, they were still in the middle of investigating the village's problems.
"Understood."
Ian nodded, then seemed to remember something and spoke again.
"Then if I'm still not sure, can I find you again?"
"..."
Morgan was silent for a moment, then smiled.
"You're quite dedicated."
"But, no problem—"
"If you want to practice with me, you can come anytime."
"Okay."
"Then I'll go back to Artoria's side for now."
"Mm, go on."
Watching Ian walk away, Morgan looked at the hand he had held.
She felt a sour pang in her heart.
A knight like this, why did he have to belong to Artoria?
Tell him to go confess, and he actually starts practicing right away.
Why didn't she have a knight like this?
Hm...?
Why am I thinking this way?
A day of investigation quickly came to an end.
Morgan found no other opportunity to be with Ian.
This was not surprising.
His interactions with her were, in the end, because of Artoria.
Curled up on a haystack, Morgan, with an ineffable melancholy, slowly closed her eyes.
However—
The moment she fell into a dream, she saw an incredible scene.
RUMBLE—
RUMBLE—
In the pitch-black sky, thunder echoed through the heavens.
Before the princess of Britain was a constantly churning ocean.
A great dragon roared in the distance, then spread its massive wings.
SPLASH—
SPLASH—
Waves rose on the sea's surface.
Morgan subconsciously shielded herself with her arm from the surging rush, but she felt a familiar magical energy.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw a scene beyond imagination.
The figure that had always been inside the crystal had now taken physical form.
She was a woman with a proud figure, but her eyes looked somewhat abnormal.
Obsession? Longing?
Words such as these could no longer describe her.
"Morgan—"
"I've finally been waiting for you!"
The mother named Tiamat gripped the princess's shoulders.
"Tell me quickly!"
"That magical energy I gave you, did it help my son?!"