"Mm, your findings are the same as mine."
In the village.
Artoria, having completed her investigation, nodded seriously.
"The soil of Britain... it's been ruined."
Recalling the villagers' descriptions, Artoria sighed.
"Starting several months ago, the yield from the land began to dwindle."
"To think we've only just discovered it now."
As she said this, a guilty look appeared on Artoria's face.
Even though at that time, she had not yet drawn the sword, nor did she have the obligations of a king.
"There's no need to blame yourself like this, Artoria."
"No one can perceive everything, and you are no exception."
"If we start working now, it isn't without the possibility of a remedy."
"The possibility of a remedy?"
Artoria sensed the hidden meaning in Morgan's words.
"Sister, do you know what to do?"
"Not exactly."
"But—"
A glint of sharp intent flashed in Morgan's eyes.
"We can try."
"Then I'll go get Ian, too!"
"He's still outside helping to distribute the food—"
Sensing a glimmer of hope, Artoria seemed very happy.
She was completely unaware of the hatred hidden in Morgan's eyes.
"No."
"There's no need."
Morgan grabbed Artoria, who was about to leave the house.
"The two of us are enough for this."
"You don't have to go to him for everything."
"Artoria, you are the future King of Britain. You must start thinking this way."
Already feeling tense from their previous conversation, now that Morgan had said this, Artoria naturally became even more concerned.
"Then—"
"Just the two of us, then."
One after the other, they arrived at the fields outside.
Looking at the scene before her, which could only be described as a disaster, Artoria bit her lip.
"Sister, what are you going to do now?"
"It's simple."
Morgan stretched out her hand.
A blue light shone upon it.
But if one looked closely, one would find that it was actually mixed with a hint of blood-red.
It quickly expanded, forming a giant circle.
Intricate patterns were carved on its surface, creating a dazzling, flickering display.
Without a trace of hesitation, Morgan struck it directly into the land at her feet.
Something incredible happened.
The land, which had been on the verge of death, gradually began to show signs of life.
Seeds that had been sentenced to death sprouted.
The small river, which had long since run dry, had fresh water flowing through it once more.
Everything came alive!
"Sister, what did you do?"
Artoria stared at the scene before her, her pupils trembling unceasingly.
"It was just a matter of treating the symptom."
Morgan suppressed the joy in her heart at having shown off in front of Artoria.
"Artoria, since you know the land became this way due to a lack of magical energy."
"Then—"
"By simply doing the opposite and pouring magical energy into the land, you can reap the rewards you desire, can't you?"
"This..."
Never expecting the solution to be so simple, Artoria's expression began to waver.
And this was exactly what Morgan wanted.
"Although what I'm about to say might displease you."
"But—"
"You should also know what it truly means to become the King of Britain."
"You feel it, don't you? Your... preparations are far from enough."
"Mm."
Without refuting Morgan's words as she had before, Artoria very seriously admitted her own shortcomings this time.
"I understand."
"But Sister, I won't give up."
"I made a promise to Ian. I must become the kind of king he can acknowledge!"
After saying this, Artoria became a little embarrassed.
She quickly added:
"What I mean is, a king that can satisfy everyone, including Ian."
"If it's possible, could I ask you to help me too?!"
Looking at the hand Artoria held out, Morgan's feelings could be described as quite complex.
Of course she didn't want to just agree, and even had the impulse to slap it away.
But—
For the sake of her plan, she endured the emotion in her heart and took Artoria's hand.
"Of course I will help you."
"You are the one chosen by the sword, and you are my sister."
"By all rights, I should be helping you properly."
"But before that, Artoria, I hope you can realize one problem."
"What problem?"
Artoria's trust in Morgan was now quite considerable.
"Well, I think the problem might lie with Ian."
"Eh?"
The topic had suddenly returned to Ian.
Artoria was somewhat caught off guard.
"What does this have to do with Ian?"
"My dear sister, of course it has something to do with him."
Morgan lured Artoria in, step by step.
"Don't you think you spend a little too much time on him?"
"You two are always clinging to each other, only separating when absolutely necessary. Do you really think that is the proper behavior for a king?"
"Of course."
"You may indeed have had a good relationship in the past."
"But—"
Morgan took Artoria's hand and placed it on Caliburn, the Sword of Promised Victory, which rested at her hip.
"If you merely linger on those kinds of feelings, aren't you doing a disservice to this sword?"
"A disservice to this sword..."
Artoria was silent for a long time.
"Sister, do you think I shouldn't be spending so much time on Ian?"
"I didn't say that."
Morgan released her hand.
"I just think that since you have the will to protect everyone, and the vision to make all of Britain a better place."
"Then you can't just remain in the past, without making some sacrifices, can you?"
"Perhaps that was a bit harsh—"
Morgan turned away.
"Artoria, you should think about it carefully."
"I won't disturb you."
Saying this, Morgan walked towards the door.
She knew Artoria would definitely be persuaded by her.
After all—
She had secretly used Tiamat's magical energy to cast a persuasion spell on Artoria.
She would definitely believe that her relationship with Ian was wrong.
Although it was the complete opposite of what she had initially planned.
Morgan felt this suited her better.
Taking something from Artoria... what a delightful thing to do!
Then—
Morgan looked over at the strange knight, Ian, who was still helping the villagers with their work.
She knew that the next few words she would say to him would be the final move in her game.
"Ian."
"Tonight is the perfect time to confess."
The scheme to sow discord between the knight and the king was about to reach its conclusion.