Under Artorius's gaze, shimmering with a flame of desire, Morgan swallowed nervously. Reluctantly, but facing the undeniable truth, she found herself at a disadvantage when confronted with this prince.
Despite her reluctance, she mustered the courage to express Artorius's desires.
"I can conduct research... but it would be best to find mages who have a deeper understanding of fate. The more top-tier mages we can gather, the better..." she said to Artorius. "In addition, immense magical energy is required. And... you must have complete control over the target you wish to transfer 'fate' to."
"Immense magical energy is not a problem..." Artorius replied, his gaze flickering.
"Complete control... that is also not a problem... as for mages with the deepest understanding of fate... do you have any candidates in mind?"
"Well..." Morgan began pondering.
"You do, don't you?" Artorius interrupted.
The distance between Artorius and Morgan grew closer as if a slight movement forward would allow their lips to meet. It was as though with a bit more assertiveness, he could press the seductive and alluring Morgan against the wall, and ravish her body...
"Yes, I do..." Morgan admitted.
Under such pressure, Morgan compromised once again and revealed what she knew—the most familiar individuals when it came to fate.
They were characters who appeared in both Celtic and Norse mythologies.
At the fading of the Age of Gods, as many gods fell and the survivors retreated into the Reverse Side of the World, unable to return, it was the perfect timing for Artorius to find the best candidate.
A top-tier mage well-versed in 'Rune', especially 'Primordial Rune', Morgan said the name.
"Scathach."
Artorius seemed to be not surprised, he stared at Morgan with an expression that said—"Ah, hearing that name doesn't surprise me at all."
Meanwhile, Morgan, even though the flicker of desire in Artorius's eyes was brief, couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy.
'This rascal, even though he's holding me and dancing with me, is thinking about another woman.'
This jealous emotion, which was unimaginable when they first met, gnawed at Morgan's heart.
"Very well, with her, we have two candidates..." Artorius said, seemingly unaware of Morgan's emotional turmoil. He wore a joyful smile and began considering other candidates.
The more exceptional mages, the better.
Under the current circumstances, they would need at least three candidates.
As for those 'average mages', given the power and reputation of Artorius right now, he could acquire as many as he needed.
As the final brilliance of the Age of Gods, the territory of Rome was home to countless mages. Artorius would have no shortage of mages willing to be recruited...
But when it came to truly 'top-tier' ones...
'Merlin, perhaps?' That frivolous man was the first to come to Artorius's mind and then he contemplated. "That pleasure-seeker, I wonder if he'll lend a hand... Fifty-fifty."
If Merlin were to respond as the 'Court Mage of Britain', he would likely decline Artorius's request for such a 'dangerous' endeavor.
However, if respond as the 'pleasure-seeker incubus', the mischievous mage who didn't shy away from any mischief might be more enthusiastic. After all, back then, when Artorius's grandfather, King Uther, asked for his help in creating a 'manmade savior', he eagerly helped. That was the kind of person he was.
'For now, let's consider Merlin as one option. But relying solely on Merlin might not be enough. Hmm...'
As he pondered again, Artorius came up with another candidate. At the same time, Morgan, who had been observing him closely, immediately sensed his thoughts—another woman came to his mind.
'Damn this womanizer. I'm still in front of you!' Her jealousy and resentment towards Artorius intensified.
'With that person, we have four...' Artorius concluded simultaneously. Having completed his calculations, he shifted his attention back to the woman in front of him.
"Excellent."
Confirming that his plan had taken another step forward, he felt satisfied. A radiant smile appeared on Artorius's face as he looked at Morgan.
"..."
That's right, before that, Morgan had never received anything.
Whether from her father, her sister, or any of her siblings, she had never received anything.
Even though she was the eldest daughter, her father always favored her younger sister. He invested all his love in her sister and went through so much trouble to make her the ruler of Britain.
She was the eldest daughter, according to inheritance rights, she should have been the first.
Even according to the 'Mystery' aspect, she inherited the authority of the 'King of the Island' and was a blessed child. Her status was even higher than that of a 'manmade savior' sister!
Why did all the attention go to her sister? Why wouldn't her father even give her a little bit of love?
Then, as she grew up, for a period of time, Morgan also tried to love her sister.
But it didn't work.
They were family, sisters. Even though they didn't live together when they were young due to family circumstances, they were still sisters. She had even helped her sister so much. But why? Why wouldn't her sister even look at her properly?
Her sister didn't want to be with her, didn't want to accept her feelings, and didn't like her. If that was the case, then she didn't want a sister like that either.
And those children—as children, shouldn't they unconditionally obey their own mother's commands? They should unconditionally obey her, love, and respect her. But why? Why did all of her children gather around her sister instead?
Just thinking about it ignites hatred and resentment, surging incessantly. Then emotions spiral out of control, anger builds up, wanting to destroy everything cherished by that foolish sister...
Ah, no, it's not about destruction, but about taking away.
No, actually, all of those things belong to her in the first place, so it's just reclaiming what is rightfully hers.
This Britain, this throne, whether it's familial love, friendship, or romantic love, everything must be taken back from Artoria's hands.
Of course, besides that, there's also...
Someone that belonged to her sister, and that someone was now softly spoken in her ear...
"You did well, Morgan le Fay."
Someone named Artorius Pendragon, the son of her sister, Artoria—King Arthur.
"As our first collaboration, I feel quite satisfied."
An existence perfectly aligned with Morgan's desires right now.
Whether it's the desire for affection or the desire for revenge.
"I believe that in the future, we will—"
Artorius's words were forcibly cut off as a dagger was thrust into his side.