Fairy Round Table Realm, Poem of Eternal Mist

Beryl ignored this and instead arrogantly straddled a vase stand nearby, crossing her legs:

"Oh? Your Majesty, all the members of Parliament are present today. Would you like me to tell them how you 'treated' me, this good man who takes such good care of your daughter?"

The word "good man" sounded particularly ironic coming from Beryl's mouth. How dare this complete scumbag, this social outcast, utterly despicable, utter such a word?

Morgan rose slowly, his long robe trailing on the ground, and walked step by step toward Beryl. His imposing aura seemed to freeze the air in the entire hall.

'It seems the previous lessons weren't profound enough. Today, in front of everyone, I was unwilling to resort to violence.'

"Come on?" Beryl challenged defiantly, "Let me see if your pride is more important, or..."

"It seems I have to change my approach." Morgan's voice suddenly turned cold. "Even if it costs me the throne, I will never tolerate your arrogance again!"

'boom--!'

A powerful magical energy blast shot out, blasting the arrogant Beryl, along with his words, out of the royal court. Morgan, unfazed, straightened his sleeves, gracefully turned, and returned to his throne, as if he had merely brushed away a speck of dust.

Seeing their disgusting enemy driven away, Ritsuka, Mashu, and Da Vinci finally relaxed their tense nerves a little, but the anger in their hearts still burned quietly.

Sei Shonagon snorted and clapped her hands: 'It's truly gratifying to see that kind of scum thrown out!'

Gareth clenched his fist, filled with righteous indignation: "If you ask me, he should be torn to pieces! This kind of scum only harms more people if he stays in the world."

Senjimura coldly watched the direction Beryl had disappeared in, his tone carrying a worldly-wise indifference: 'I've seen plenty of such petty scoundrels. They're nothing more than troublemakers relying on a few clever tricks; it's a miracle they've survived this long.'

Morgan gracefully adjusted her cuffs, as if she had merely brushed away a speck of dust: 'The troublesome person is gone, now—' she turned to Ritsuka and the others, her voice regaining its solemnity, 'Distinguished guests, thank you for your invaluable assistance to the Fairy Kingdom during this once-in-a-millennium calamity. In return, I will fulfill any request you may have within my power.'

Ritsuka waved her hand somewhat awkwardly: 'Well... actually, we didn't do anything special...'

Next, Morgan formally introduced them to the council members. Although most of the Camelot councilors held deep-seated contempt for humans and found it hard to believe that these 'inferior races' could participate in the fight against the Great Calamity, faced with irrefutable evidence, these conservative nobles had to acknowledge the protagonist group's achievements. After all, without their assistance, this exceptionally dangerous Great Calamity would have been difficult to handle—Morgan had foreseen a year ago that the scale of this calamity would far exceed that of previous ones. Under the Queen's pressure, the councilors finally reluctantly expressed their approval to Ritsuka and the others.

When it came time to reward those who had contributed, Morgan displayed the magnanimity of a king. Upon learning that Gareth and Sei Shonagon wished to tour Camelot, she immediately arranged the most luxurious tour and covered all expenses. But when her gaze fell upon Senji Muramasa, the swordsmith simply shook his head indifferently.

'At my age, I have long since lost all desires. Gareth and Sei Shonagon are still young; let them enjoy themselves. As for me, it is enough for me to protect these children when needed.'

Morgan nodded slightly, then turned to Ritsuka and Mash: 'So, Fujimaru Ritsuka, Mash Kyrielight, how about I bestow upon you one hundred million units of Enhancement Quanta?'

"One hundred million?!" the three exclaimed in unison. This number far exceeded anything they had seen in other Lostbelts; such a massive amount of quantum energy could not only enhance existing abilities but also break through growth limits. The Queen's actions were reminiscent of the First Emperor, who had always been watching over them.

After accepting the generous gift, Ritsuka and Mashu were left behind alone. As Ritsuka stepped back into Morgan's palace, she couldn't help but recall her previous experience of being treated there. At that time, she was severely injured and received meticulous care from the Queen.

Morgan cut to the chase: "It's time for you to fulfill your mission, Fujimaru Ritsuka."

'But…' Ritsuka hesitated, her face filled with struggle. She didn't know how to face the queen who had once saved her and devoted herself to governing the country.

"This is inevitable." Morgan's tone was heartbreakingly calm. "Even if you don't want to oppose me, this Lostbelt will eventually come to an end. You should know all too well what happened in the Chinese Lostbelt. Even if it's not severed, a world that defies common sense cannot escape destruction."

Ritsuka and Mashu both held their breath.

【remember】

The First Emperor's voice echoed in my mind: 'My glorious achievements will eventually come to an end; all of this is an inevitable consequence of defying the tide of history. When I learned of your demands, I was already prepared. Non-existent history will ultimately be swallowed by reality. But I do not believe you are destroying the world; you are merely trying to save your own. Since becoming a True Immortal, I have long seen through all of this. Go, fulfill your mission! Perhaps on your journey ahead, you will encounter those who share my ideals…'

Recalling the First Emperor's parting words when they left the Lostbelt in China, Ritsuka finally understood the true meaning Morgan wanted to convey. Since they had chosen to save the Earth from the brink of collapse in 2017, they had to see this path through to the end.

"Although... I'm sorry." Ritsuka raised her head, her eyes glistening with resolute tears, "You saved my life, a debt I will never forget. But this is my mission! I will become stronger, and then... fight you fair and square."

Seeing Ritsuka's hesitant yet resolute statement, Morgan smiled with satisfaction. This girl, who once needed her protection, had finally seen the path she was on.

"Mash Kyrielight." Morgan turned to the girl beside him, "To help you understand the truth of Britain more deeply, you now need to travel to the fairy kingdom two thousand years ago to help a specific person."

'Two thousand years ago?' Ritsuka exclaimed, 'Does this mean I have to be separated from Mash? Your Majesty, this…'

"Senior, please let me finish." Mashu stepped forward, her eyes resolute. "Ever since arriving in Britain, my mechanical exoskeleton has completely failed to activate, and even Mr. Galahad's power has become extremely unstable. I have a feeling that there's some connection between all of this—so please let me seize this opportunity! I must find out the truth about what's happening to me!"

A knowing glint flashed in Morgan's eyes: 'I see... Fujimaru Ritsuka, you heard everything. But this separation won't be long. By the time you arrive in Edinburgh, you'll be strong enough.'

Seeing Mashu's resolute expression, Morgan said no more. She unfurled a purple magic circle, the time runes flowing within it unlike any ordinary spell—this was a secret technique that touched upon the taboos of time, strictly forbidden in the Fairy Kingdom. To pursue the truth, Mashu stepped into the circle without hesitation.

"Senpai, I'm sorry we have to part ways so soon after our reunion." Mashu's voice was filled with reluctance, but her gaze remained firm. "But please don't worry about me..."

'Mash…' Ritsuka took a deep breath, 'This is an inevitable path. Let's become stronger together for our goal!'

With encouraging glances exchanged, Mashu's figure gradually disappeared into the light of the time magic circle.

After seeing Mashu off, Morgan gently sat on the edge of the bed and raised her hand to remove her veil. Her stunningly beautiful face appeared exceptionally captivating in the candlelight.

'Ritsuka, don't forget your initial beliefs.' Morgan's voice suddenly softened. 'My precognitive abilities are fading... I may no longer be able to foresee the future...'

"No, you've already helped us so much," Ritsuka said sincerely. "Morgan, thank you for everything you've done for me."

As Ritsuka left, Morgan slowly lay down. Indeed, her precognitive abilities were rapidly fading, and she might never again be able to foresee the impending tragedy. But she had to continue watching over Ritsuka's growth—in this perilous fairy kingdom, too many forces were lurking in the shadows. Everything was changing rapidly and unpredictable.

'Your Majesty...' the fairy knight Gareth quietly entered the room.

'Garres, you did a great job,' Morgan said softly. 'You've protected them perfectly all the way. Now, there's another task for you.'

'Please give your orders, and I will do my utmost!'

Continue following them until the child completes her pilgrimage. In the meantime, investigate Kelby's matter thoroughly—since she chose betrayal, she is no longer a fairy knight.

'I understand...' Gareth's voice was slightly hesitant.

"From this day forward, she is expelled." Morgan's tone turned abruptly cold. "Pass down the order: if she dares to resist, force is permitted. I must find the person behind her!"

Fragment - Fairy Round Table Realm, Poem of Eternal Mist

After leaving Camelot's royal city, Ritsuka strolled alone through the brightly lit streets. The city's prosperity rivaled that of any metropolis in the pan-human era, with bars, restaurants, and boutiques lining the streets. While lacking high-tech embellishments, the stone buildings adorned with hanging glass lamps, the open-air tea houses wafting with the aroma of delicious food, and the bustling fairy nobles together wove together a modern urban panorama brimming with European charm.

Ritsuka's thoughts drifted to her final conversation with Morgan.

Don't forget what you started with.

Her initial belief was naturally the determination to save humanity. Having chosen this path, she could not give up halfway. Looking back on all the adventures she had experienced so far, which one wasn't fraught with danger? Which one wasn't averted through perseverance and hard work? If she had truly given up, she would have long since turned to dust in some unknown corner. Although the path to saving humanity was exceptionally difficult for her, as a young girl, it was an unavoidable mission under the threat of the alien god's transformation into a blank slate.

What worried her even more was Morgan's declining precognitive abilities. This meant that the road ahead would be fraught with uncertainty. In the seemingly peaceful fairy kingdom, undercurrents were swirling: the alien apostle was still watching from the shadows, many powerful figures harbored resentment because of her assistance to Morgan, and with no media control here, her whereabouts would inevitably be exposed sooner or later. From now on, she truly could only rely on herself.

Lost in thought, Ritsuka had unknowingly passed through the commercial district and arrived at the accommodation area. The buildings here were divided into residences for local residents and hotels open to the public. To cope with the daily influx of visitors, all kinds of luxury hotels had sprung up like mushrooms after rain. In front of a lavishly decorated hotel, she saw Chizuru squatting on the steps waiting.

"Why did you take so long?" The swordsmith stood up, stretching his limbs. "I've been waiting for you for a long time... Huh?" He noticed sharply that a figure was missing from Ritsuka's side. "Where's the girl with the shield?"

Ritsuka waved her hand gently, indicating that they should go inside to talk. Morgan had booked the entire hotel, and bronze horse-headed soldiers guarded the door, which saved them the worry of being spied on by others.

In the hotel restaurant, the companions who had arrived earlier were enjoying a sumptuous dinner. The long table was laden with exquisite dishes, their aroma filling the air. Despite being extremely hungry, Ritsuka first recounted Mashu's journey to two thousand years ago.

"What? Mashu went two thousand years ago?" Da Vinci put down his cutlery in surprise. "Why didn't they discuss something so important with us first? This couldn't be...?"

"It's not what you think!" Ritsuka hurriedly explained, "Mash said she wants to know the truth about Galahad's power..."

'But how can you agree so easily? Morgan is ultimately our enemy. Isn't this just a ploy to lure us away from our prey?'

'Absolutely not! If Morgan really wanted to harm me, I would be dead already. Why would I...?'

"...The answer Mashu seeks, perhaps only she herself can find." Da Vinci sighed softly, gazing absently at the crystal chandelier, "But now we don't even know where Oberon has gone..."

Just then, Artoria, who had been engrossed in enjoying her food, suddenly looked up, her cheeks still puffed out: "Ah! I remember now! Oberon has a piece of land in Wales, and he always likes to hide there when he's being lazy! He's probably hiding there this time too!"

Seeing her wolfing down her food while talking incessantly, Muramasa couldn't help but chuckle: "Alright, alright, we understand. Focus on your food, be careful not to choke."

"I'm talking about serious matters!" Artoria retorted defiantly, and sure enough, she choked on her food and started coughing.

Muramasa quickly handed over a glass of water: 'See? What did I tell you? Eat slowly, talk slowly.'

Artoria's endearing antics lightened the previously tense atmosphere considerably. Amidst laughter, the next objective became clear—to reach Oberon's hideout in Wales. However, night had fallen, and the journey would have to wait until tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in a private room of a high-end bar, Koyanskaya was elegantly sipping red wine, a copy of the Fairy Kingdom Times held between her slender fingers. Several toy capsules in her handbag beside her were faintly emanating an ominous aura. Suddenly, a dazzling starlight swept through the room.

"Oh?" Koyanskaya slowly put down her newspaper, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. "It's an honor to have you here. Didn't you say you'd never leave that nest? I was right, wasn't I, Alien Priestess?"

Starlight coalesced into a silvery-white figure. The alien witch gazed at the leisurely and carefree Goyanskaya, her jewel-like eyes slightly narrowed.

■■■■■■■■■■■

(Paraphrased: I came here in person, and you're just slacking off?)

"Really?" Koyanskaya adjusted her glasses, exuding a CEO-like aura. "You think you have the right to order me around? Although we're nominally master and servant, I don't belong to you. Everything I do is for NFF Corporation. You don't think I'm some kind of idiot like Rasup, do you?"

She arrogantly turned her face away, and the alien witch shook her head slightly at the sight.

■■■■■■■■，■■■■

(Paraphrased: That human girl is threatening the Imaginary Tree, and you're just going to stand by and do nothing?)

"What does it have to do with me?" Koyanskaya swirled her glass lightly. "What she does is her business; the only thing I care about is the NFF's interests. Oh, and by the way—don't try to bribe Gus. Unlike Ashiya Dōman, I hate outsiders trespassing on my sacred territory."

■■■■■■■■■■■

(Silent gaze)

“Besides,” Koyanskaya adjusted her glasses, “didn’t you already collude with the opposition here? I heard you even have a trump card up your sleeve. Since you’re so well-prepared, why bother coming to me?”

■■■■■，■■■■■

(Paraphrased: That queen ruined my plans and must pay the price. Since you're so stubborn, I won't force you.)

The alien witch slowly rose, stardust falling like teardrops from her silver hair. Before leaving, she uttered a profound statement:

■■■■■■，■■■■■■■？ ■■■■~

(Paraphrased: It's not bad to continue watching. The sight of the Earth collapsing must be beautiful, right? You'll definitely like it, Koyanskaya~)

'What?! Wait! Explain yourself! Alien freak! ...Damn it!'

Earth collapsing? Is this guy really going to destroy the Earth? Koyanskaya suddenly stood up, a chill creeping up her spine. She wanted to ask more questions, but the alien witch had already vanished into starlight, leaving her alone in the private room, gritting her teeth.

-

Outside the door, a young girl in a scarlet dress stood leaning against the doorframe, her heels lightly touching the ground, as if she had been waiting for a long time. Her signature pointed fairy ears and crown-like hair ornament silently proclaimed her identity. Fairy knight Gareth instinctively tightened his grip on Ritsuka in his arms, but fairy knight Tristan leaned closer, gazing at the girl's peaceful sleeping face, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

'This is the girl Mother treats with special favor? She seems rather ordinary.'

"What do you want to do?" Gareth said in a deep voice. "His Majesty has clearly ordered that no one except me is allowed to approach this place tonight."

"Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Don't get me wrong, Head Maid. I'm not here today to..."

Before she could finish speaking, a gleaming katana was already at her neck. Senjimura, who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion, noticed the disturbance inside the inn and immediately appeared to subdue the enemy.

"Princess in high heels, I advise you not to covet her." The blade pressed down slightly. "If you dare to make a move this time, I will show no mercy."

"Tch, what a grumpy old man," Tristan sneered. "Looks like you're all unusually united tonight. Fine, I won't bother with you anymore."

A crimson magic circle swirled beneath her feet, instantly engulfing her figure. Senji Muramasa sheathed his sword, gazing at the empty corridor with a sigh: 'There's no time to relax... This fairy kingdom is no longer what it used to be.'

**Ten minutes ago**