Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
To be honest, Arthur had never imagined he could endure such a hostile environment for two whole months.
Whenever he was on the verge of giving up, there was someone by his side.
That person was Artoria.
She even offered words of encouragement… though without much enthusiasm, saying things like, "Keep going! Don't give up! Persistence is victory!"
In practice, however, she did nothing more than silently deal with the enemies… and then simply eat.
And, curiously, she never complained.
If he complained… wouldn't he be losing his own dignity?
"Congratulations." Morgan stopped in front of the two, a calm smile on her face. "You've passed my training."
She then turned her gaze to Arthur.
"It seems you have something to say?" she asked.
"Morgan, I'm never believing your nonsense again!" Arthur wiped his dirty face with irritation.
"I didn't force you to train with me. I obtained your master's permission. If you're angry, go complain to her." Morgan paused briefly before continuing.
"Besides… these two months were quite useful for you, weren't they?"
Arthur hesitated for a moment… and then fell silent.
It was true.
Those two months of training had been extremely useful.
Both the skills Morgan taught him and his control over magic had improved significantly.
Likewise, his practical combat experience had grown remarkably.
All of that was undeniable.
"Speechless now, aren't you?" Morgan poked Arthur's cheek with a teasing smile. "I see… you complain like that, but deep down you recognize the training was effective."
"Hmm… if you really think it wasn't enough, maybe we can extend it for another two months—"
"Yes, it was very effective! Thank you, Morgan!" Arthur replied immediately.
What a joke!
Those two months had nearly driven him insane. Even with company, he definitely wouldn't be able to endure another two months in that place.
"Lily, do you have anything to say?" Morgan asked Artoria.
"Thank you," Artoria replied. "It was a memorable experience for me."
Morgan's smile softened, and her eyes grew gentle as she affectionately patted Artoria's head.
"It was just rigorous training. If you liked it, I can take you to other places in the future."
Artoria remained silent.
And then…
It felt like there would be no "after."
In just over a month, the selection process would begin. Once the sword in the stone was drawn, the focus would shift entirely to reclaiming the territories occupied by the Saxons.
It could be said that those two months had become her last peaceful memories.
Why did the atmosphere suddenly become so strange…?
Arthur looked around, muttering to himself.
"Didn't we agree on this before? When I become a Knight of the Round Table, we'll fight the Saxons together, right?" Arthur said suddenly.
"Even so…" Artoria turned to him and shook her head. "You're not from this kingdom."
She had been naive before.
There was no reason for him to put himself in danger for her, fighting in a war that wasn't his.
They were friends.
And precisely because of that, she should consider his safety.
"Unfortunately, I'm still just a knight in training," Arthur retorted.
"You're also not from this country," Artoria said again, shaking her head.
Then why is this Saber King so fixated on this?
Arthur grumbled internally.
"Alright, alright, that's enough!" Morgan interrupted the conversation with a light gesture. "Not now… but who knows what the future holds."
Hearing those meaningful words, Arthur's ahoge instantly stood on end, as if reacting to some invisible danger.
In the future?
That's impossible… it's not like I'm going to become King and Morgan the Queen…
This is getting way too strange.
Before Arthur could think any further, Morgan continued:
"Your performance over these two months was excellent. I'm very satisfied. Now let's take you back."
---
After the three safely returned to Britain, Morgan looked at Artoria, who was riding ahead, and suddenly said:
"Lily, go on ahead. I need to take this child back to the Land of Shadows."
Artoria turned, gave Arthur one last look, and nodded before disappearing into the distance.
After watching her leave, Morgan guided Arthur toward her palace.
"Morgan… this isn't the way to the Land of Shadows, is it?" Arthur felt a faint unease growing within him.
"It's not over yet, Arthur…" Morgan said in a low voice. "In fact… your final test is just beginning."
Final test?
Why does that sound so ominous?
Arthur felt a chill run down his spine.
His instincts were screaming that something was wrong.
"Don't worry. Do you really think the kind and gentle Morgan would do anything against you?" she asked softly.
"No," Arthur replied.
"Then why are you still worried—"
"Because you're going to take advantage of me," Arthur finished.
"Oh? Now you're even provoking me?" Morgan pinched his cheek firmly. "But I'll forgive you this time."
After all…
There are still things I'll need him for.
When they arrived at the palace, under Arthur's watchful gaze, Morgan personally closed the massive doors behind them.
As the shadow of the gate enveloped them, Arthur felt an inexplicable unease grow inside him.
Why were the gates closed?
Why were they closed the moment I returned today?
"What are you waiting for? Let's go," Morgan said, urging him forward from behind.
Now that I've come this far… there's no way to escape her.
Besides, she won't hurt me… so why am I hesitating?
After everything I faced in the forest… what exactly am I afraid of?
Morgan looked back at Arthur… and suddenly began to laugh.
"What kind of expression is that? You look like you're heading to your death. I'm not going to hurt you."
"I know that… but can't you just tell me what's going on?" Arthur replied with a bitter smile. "You've already helped me so much… I'm willing to help you too. So why not tell me now?"
Morgan smiled mysteriously.
"Come to my room. It's a secret between us… no one else can hear it."
Then, with a graceful gesture, she slightly lifted the hem of her white skirt, revealing her legs.
Arthur: "???"
For some reason, his heart began to pound uncontrollably, as if something inside him was about to explode.
Morgan's smile widened even further, and her eyes seemed to shine with a predatory light—like a wolf observing defenseless prey.
(End of Chapter)