A Woman Who Lacks Love

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===

But Scathach was, after all, Scathach. She snorted lightly, effortlessly providing an explanation without revealing any weaknesses.

"Just feeling regretful, that's all... after all, I've contributed to this country as well. If it were to collapse over such trivial matters, my efforts would be in vain."

"Is that so?"

On the surface, Artorius appeared deep in thought, but inwardly, he couldn't help but chuckle.

Scathach said, "I'm worried about the country collapsing, so I care about your marriage, kid."

At first glance, it seemed to make some sense, but upon closer analysis, it was utter nonsense.

Artorius's empire wouldn't simply crumble like that.

He had fate, strength, and prestige that surpassed everything else.

As the founding monarch, he had the power to suppress any dissenting or rebellious voices. His realm was built with his own hands.

Under these circumstances, the idea of the country collapsing due to the issue of the empress's selection was ridiculous.

Scathach was a very clever individual. Her abilities were of magical wisdom, not magical foolishness. There was no way she couldn't see through it.

So, there was only one truth.

Scathach was looking for an excuse.

And a very poor one at that.

If Scathach had really put some thought into it, she could have come up with a much better excuse, one that even Artorius wouldn't find fault with or detect any loopholes.

But she chose to give this feeble excuse.

What did that mean?

It meant that Scathach intentionally wanted Artorius to see through it. She wanted to convey her 'point of view.'

'I see. So that's how it is...' Artorius thought, a delighted smile creeping up on his lips. 'Not surprising at all, it's Teacher Scathach after all. She's got quite the moves. Good thing I'm not too shabby myself.'

Having reached this understanding, Artorius could draw his conclusion.

Why did Scathach behave this way?

There was only one truth behind it all.

'She likes me, huh...'

Thinking this, Artorius's mood brightened.

'I am truly outstanding. Even a beauty like Scathach couldn't resist my charm.'

"..."

At the same time, Scathach noticed Artorius's expression had become somewhat strange, the kind that made her want to punch him in the face.

"So, what now?" Irritated by this change, Scathach asked Artorius, "Be more specific. What are you planning to do?"

"Of course, I'll appease them." Artorius replied nonchalantly, addressing Scathach, "I'll tell them, whether it's Morgan, Mordred, or any other women I love, it has nothing to do with my status as the emperor or this empress's candidates thingy. My love for them is just because I love them. That's it."

"..."

"Hmph."

Hearing Artorius's answer, Scathach fell silent for a few minutes before grumbling, "Whatever, I'm not that concerned about this... What about the heir issue then? You don't really want to be the Emperor of a thousand-year empire, do you?"

"Why not?"

"..." Scathach raised an eyebrow at Artorius's response.

But before she could say anything sarcastic, Artorius's next words dispelled her doubts.

"Teacher, as a Divine Spirit, you can freely move in the surface world without True Ether. Why is that?"

"Of course, it's because— well, that's indeed one way to do it."

With just a slight hint from Artorius, Scathach understood what he meant.

Standing here and conversing with him was not Scathach's real body but a puppet body she had created.

It was exquisitely crafted, using the finest materials. It even had some kind of ascension module installed due to Scathach's own peculiar taste, capable of carrying her strong soul, thereby avoiding the issues of being unable to adapt to the environment after the decline of the Age of Gods.

As for what Scathach had just understood, it naturally pertained to the issue of Artorius's heir that she had just mentioned.

He planned to create puppets, pretending they were his children, and manipulate them to ensure the succession of the royal family.

In this way, on the surface, the House of Pendragon would appear like any ordinary mortal dynasty, constantly changing, but in reality, it would merely involve replacing one puppet's body with another. Artorius Pendragon would remain the puppeteer in control of everything.

'Look at him, acting so confident. Did he already plan to do this? What a crafty fellow.'

Thinking this, Scathach felt somewhat bored.

"Since you have a plan, I won't say much more."

Saying this, she stood up, ready to leave.

"Teacher."

But before she could do so, Artorius called her back.

"Anything else?"

"Please continue to help me in the future..." Artorius said. "I still need your guidance and assistance."

"Hmph... that goes without saying." Scathach snorted. "I'll keep an eye on you until the end."

"That might disappoint you, my dear teacher..." Artorius smiled. "Me and my empire will know no end."

===

And that's how Artorius passed Scathach's ordeal.

He turned around and got back into bed, snuggling up to Morgan's soft body, finding the most comfortable position, and then closing his eyes again.

"I still need you, Morgan."

He whispered in Morgan's ear, saying gently:

"You're a foolish woman, lacking love and security."

"Of course, I love you. But this time, I can't give you the throne of the empress."

"I also know that what you truly desire isn't the empress's throne, power, status, or anything else."

"What you want is love, someone, who cares for you, likes you, won't look at you with disdain, accepts your dark side... accepts your everything."

"All your actions, the arguments, the struggles, or whatever it may be, are merely your way of worrying, testing, and probing my love for you."

"Foolish woman."

At that moment, the pretending-to-be-asleep Morgan exclaimed—"Kyaa?!" as Artorius pressed her down directly.

"Y-You—"

"I'm almost laughing." Artorius looked at her with an assertive gaze. "You're not very smart... emotionally, I mean. It's okay to maintain the evil witch facade in front of others. In front of me, it's better if you're more straightforward and just be yourself, Morgan."

"I—"

"Did you hear what I just said earlier?" Artorius didn't give her a chance to speak.

"...Um, I heard."

"Will you be obedient from now on?"

"I..."

Confronted by the imposing and oppressive dragon, feeling hot and dry-mouthed, Morgan hesitated for a moment and then gave herself away.

"I-I will... I'll be obedient..."

"Good."

"Ahhh~"

The gasp soon turned into pleasure. Morgan le Fay, who almost wanted to melt into Artorius entirely, was completely lost in the moment.