Making use of the "Tree" was no simple matter.
At least for now, Morgan's research was far from the point where Camelot could freely control it.
However—
Both Morgan and Artoria knew one thing very clearly.
If things continued like this, once Tiamat found a way to Britain, a dangerous situation would surely await them.
"Sister."
Artoria's and Morgan's eyes met in that instant.
Any more words were meaningless at this moment.
"Then, I'll be counting on you."
"There's no need to speak to me in such a tone." Morgan sighed. "Let's just say, this is for my own sake, and for yours."
"And even more..."
Morgan turned to look at Ian, who was between them.
"For him."
Morgan and Artoria's plan began.
The former began to lead the large group of magecraft apprentices to the "Tree's" location once again, attempting to understand the fundamental reason for its appearance.
As for the latter, she shifted her focus to Ian.
Since Tiamat was his mother, there had to be a way to get some information from him.
That being said—
When she was alone with Ian in the room, Artoria still felt an irrepressible joy.
After all, she truly no longer had to worry about him leaving her, and she could sit here with him so openly.
"Ian, have a drink."
Artoria said, then picked up the bottle full of grape wine and began to pour for Ian.
As the wine poured out, its rich aroma wafted through the room—a situation that was almost impossible before the "Tree's" appearance.
"Mhm."
Ian nodded and picked up the full wine glass.
However...
The dragon didn't seem to like such things, so he only took a few small sips before putting the glass down.
"What's wrong, don't you like it?" Artoria noticed Ian's action and asked softly.
"Is the taste of the wine itself not good?"
"No."
Ian shook his head.
"I just feel that as your knight, I shouldn't drink so much."
"After all, if someone were to cause you trouble, I must protect you, so... I absolutely cannot let alcohol control me."
"Eh?"
Ian's reason was direct, but also very genuine—this was exactly something he would say.
Artoria felt a warmth in her heart, but at the same time, she became even more clear-headed.
That's right. I like him so much; I can't let Tiamat just take him back, no matter what.
Thinking this, Artoria proactively picked up the wine glass and brought it to Ian's lips.
"It's alright."
"No one would dare to harm me now, Ian. You can rest assured."
"..."
Meeting Artoria's gaze, Ian seemed to be confirming something.
After a long moment, he finally nodded.
"Alright."
Taking the glass from the king's hand, Ian drank it all in one go.
This seemed to be his true self; he had only acted a little differently before because of his desire to protect Artoria.
"..."
Watching Ian drink the wine, Artoria felt as if she had only just found a certain kind of courage at this moment.
She quickly followed up:
"Ian, do you still remember your mother?"
"..."
Ian paused, looking as if he hadn't expected Artoria to ask such a question at all.
Seeing his reaction, the latter began to worry if she had asked the wrong thing.
But fortunately, this awkwardness only lasted for a short while.
Because Ian soon nodded.
"Of course I remember my mother."
"I always remember her."
"..."
Sensing that Ian's tone was no different from before, Artoria carefully continued her questions.
"Then, compared to you, is she... stronger?"
"Yes."
Ian answered Artoria's question almost without hesitation.
"My mother is far more powerful than I am."
"Everything I can do, she can do as well."
It was an unsurprising answer. Artoria even felt that Ian's description was still underestimating Tiamat.
After all, according to her sister's description, she was an existence that influenced Britain from another dimension entirely.
No matter how you looked at it... she had to be at a level far beyond Vortigern.
"Then, are you afraid of her?" Artoria asked after a moment of thought.
"I'm not afraid."
Ian also answered without hesitation, as if he had long since come to terms with this in his heart.
"She is my mother. No matter what, I will not be afraid of her."
"Aren't you afraid she'll use forceful means to take you away from Britain?" Artoria pressed.
"Of course I'm afraid of that."
"In fact, I think that's exactly what she would do."
Ian said this, but then took Artoria's hand.
"But I think that fear is meaningless—many things won't disappear or change just because you're afraid of them."
"If that's the case, what's the point of being afraid? Instead of being afraid... shouldn't one act to change things?"
"..."
The frown on Artoria's brow slowly smoothed out.
She had to admit something her sister Morgan had once said.
This magical dragon before her, who supposedly didn't understand humans, often saw things more clearly than any human.
No.
It wasn't that he saw things clearly, but rather that he didn't complicate the issue.
That's right. What was the point of being afraid?
If I'm afraid, will Tiamat not come?
If I'm worried, will Tiamat disappear?
That was obviously impossible.
"I see." Artoria nodded, showing her agreement with Ian's words. "Indeed, one shouldn't be afraid, because fear itself changes nothing."
"However, do you have any more information about your mother, Tiamat?"
"Perhaps... it might help us—Ian, you are on our side, right?"
"..."
The dragon did not answer Artoria's question, but fell into thought.
It was a rare sight for him to show them he was contemplating a problem.
"The sea." He finally gave this answer.
"The sea?"
"Mhm." Ian nodded. "Mother loves the sea."
"If she really is to come to Britain, it will definitely have something to do with the sea."