Morgan's gaze softened with an unexpected hint of sweetness. Ah, Artoria, you fool, she thought. You'd never guess that back in that illusory Singularity, Kael had already accepted my feelings, would you?
Such was the advantage of being the last to exit that Singularity. The world Kael created—meant as a trial and gift for those brave enough to confront Humanity's plight—saw Morgan as the final one to leave. Artoria, having exited earlier, remained clueless about what had transpired afterward.
"Still…"
Morgan's brows knit slightly as she bit her lip, thinking, Kael probably witnessed Artoria's display too, so she's still a formidable rival!
As for Merlin?
Morgan chuckled darkly. Just a useless succubus. Who cared about her?
Even after a millennium of wandering, Merlin's efforts were irrelevant. Besides, back in Britain, she'd been the one least inclined to believe in Kae's ideals. Thus, both Morgan and Artoria always held her in contempt.
Artoria and Morgan, the inseparable Pendragon sisters, regarded each other as their only true rivals.
Artoria scoffed, her voice icy. "Setting aside the matter of the Singularity, I still have a score to settle with you!" Her tone grew even colder as she added, "Morgan, with what right do you seek Kael's forgiveness? You killed him!"
For over a thousand years, their disputes had spiraled, their grievances entwined beyond repair. Yet they each harbored a singular, piercing memory:
Kael, sacrificing himself to forge the sword.
Morgan saw it as Artoria's incompetence that drove Kael to his sacrifice.
Artoria blamed Morgan's ruthless ambition for the loss of her beloved.
The tangled truth of it all was so muddied that even if Kael himself returned, he would struggle to untangle the roots of their grievances.
"…"
Predictably, Morgan's brow furrowed, her eyes narrowing dangerously. She hissed, "Artoria, must you always speak this way?"
"Then why don't we settle this in front of Kael himself and let him decide who he scorns more—me, or the useless sister who couldn't protect him?"
Artoria and Morgan had fought this bitter struggle for a millennium. Perhaps, in some unspoken way, they understood that neither could truly bear sole blame. But only through this feud could they keep themselves going, could they push onward…
To find Kael.
Quarreling the whole way, the sisters moved on without pausing, each determined to beat the other to Kael's side, each longing to hear his voice first.
Suddenly, Artoria's face twisted with a grimace, and she clutched her chest. "Something's not right… something feels terribly wrong."
"My instinct…"
It screamed at her—nine times out of ten, something dire was happening!
Her turquoise eyes flashed with urgency. Raising a hand, she summoned Dun Stallion and shot forward toward Fuyuki City.
Somewhere deep in her soul, she sensed something—something unsettling, something urgent. She had to hurry, or it would be too late.
"…"
Watching her sister's retreating figure, Morgan's expression flickered indecisively. After a long moment of deliberation, she too, without delay, called on her own mode of transport—a magically enhanced aircraft, propelled by a fusion of modern materials and ancient sorcery. The speed, not to mention the power, was enough to rival even the swiftest Noble Phantasms.
Though Artoria rode a mount from the Age of Gods, even she wouldn't reach Kael's home faster than Morgan now.
The two raced headlong toward Fuyuki, neither willing to concede an inch, both desperate to reach Kael first. And yet, they arrived simultaneously.
Her mount and Morgan's aircraft vanished. Artoria glared at her sister, lips twisting with disdain. "Hmph! You were quick, sister."
"Well then, shall we?"
Morgan remained silent. She gazed at the unassuming, modest home before them, feeling an overwhelming tide of emotion she struggled to contain. Just as she reached for the door, a flaming sword struck out, blocking her way.
Morgan recognized the weapon instantly. She'd seen it countless times, and it was seared into the depths of her soul—a symbol of her hatred.
"Nero!"
Morgan's control snapped, and with a growl, she unsheathed her own blade, Truth. In one stroke, she severed the Primordial Flame, though Nero seemed entirely unbothered by it. To her, weapons like these were replaceable, mere extensions of her power, artifacts she could summon endlessly.
"Such hostility, witch?" Nero leaned languidly against the doorframe, draped in nothing more than a thin, silken robe. She exuded an effortless beauty, a presence so radiant it would leave any onlooker breathless.
But neither Pendragon sister had eyes for Nero's allure—they only wanted to find Kael, to demand an explanation… and so much more.
Nero's gaze sharpened with amusement as she eyed Morgan and Artoria. "Witch… savage king of Britain…" she purred. "What an odd pair you make."
"I thought it was just some foolhardy magus. Imagine my surprise to find not one, but two 'old friends'."
Nero laughed softly. "Kai, that man's charm really is something else."
"Nero, what are you doing here?" Artoria, despite her usual composure, found herself struggling to remain calm. Her years with Kael had imparted his quiet wisdom onto her, a calmness Morgan lacked. "No, never mind," she said coolly, drawing her sword. "Leave now, or I'll tear you apart again. Foul beast, you're unworthy of standing beside him."
In Artoria's eyes, Nero was nothing less than a corrupting force. Her presence within even a thousand kilometers of Kael was a blasphemy.
It was all Nero's fault.
"Ah, what a pity," Nero cooed, her voice dripping with saccharine disdain. "But I only heed my Master's commands, you know."
Her laugh was laced with something deeper, more forbidden, as she leaned closer. Artoria held up her Holy Sword, shielding herself from the wave of dark allure that radiated from Nero. This wasn't an attack; it was the passive aura of the Beast within her, one that whispered temptation to any who dared approach.
Strangely, though, it was less the Beast of violence and avarice as she remembered. This aura, once saturated with violent and destructive impulses, had grown sharper, concentrated instead with a ravenous, unsettling lust.
It was as though Nero's very essence radiated with an intense, almost primal allure. For the first time, Artoria sensed a tangible hunger, though her intuition told her it bore no immediate threat. She spoke sharply, "I can feel it—Kael is inside. Move aside!"
Meanwhile, in the dreamscape, Kai was locked in a relentless struggle with the insatiable Merlin. The weight of her devotion and determination pressed upon him, and he could only hope Nero would hold off Artoria just long enough…
Just give me a minute to put on pants, at least!
The thought of Artoria and Morgan seeing him in such a vulnerable state sent chills down his spine.
No, worse—if they knew, then Nero surely knows as well! Surely she knows I've been playing a game of hearts with Merlin right under her nose!
I swear, I'm about to be laid flat by these madwomen!
Think, Kai… can this be settled peaceably?
As Artoria's patience frayed, Nero seemed in no rush to move aside. She had the leisure to let her gaze roam over Artoria with an amused glint, noting the subtle differences between them with smug satisfaction.
"Kai, that man has a keen eye," Nero murmured to herself, recalling his perceptive nature. To see every nuanced difference between them, down to the ahoge and her slight frame—it was an impressive feat.
But Artoria's patience was exhausted. Her sword at the ready, she was seconds from charging. Unless Nero planned to obliterate Fuyuki in a blast of destruction, she wouldn't hold Artoria for long.
Then again, Nero saw no reason to stand in her way.
With a smirk, Nero stepped aside. After all, Kai had told her only to watch for any Holy Grail War combatants—and these two certainly didn't qualify. It was no harm to let them in.
Meanwhile, inside, Kai was grappling with the sinking realization that he was still in a dreamscape—one in which he had somehow fallen under Merlin's beguiling spell.
Wait… This is just a dream, isn't it?
He breathed a sigh of relief. I worried for nothing!
Relaxing into the moment, he let himself go, while Merlin seized the opportunity to press closer.
Kai murmured, "I'm about to 'wake' soon."
Merlin, her voice soft, almost incoherent, whispered, "Oh, you can wake up anytime, darling…"
"You know," she continued, her tone coy and rich with promise, "once a succubus gains a heart, and a 'master' at that, there's no force on earth that could restrain her…"
"Kai… you are my master, my conqueror, and my—beloved."
The sheer magnetism of her words left Kai breathless. The fox-like Merlin was truly a master in every sense, a woman who knew exactly what she was doing, and exactly how to say it.
No one could say Merlin didn't know her way around words… or hearts.
Kai snapped "awake" and quickly realized things were not as he'd thought.
"Kai!"
The voices of Artoria and Morgan were right there in the living room, their footsteps rapidly approaching. It sounded like the door would open in a fraction of a second.
Kai's eyes glazed over, and he stared in dismay at the rather conspicuous lump beneath the blanket—and the slight, warm presence against his thigh…
This… this can't be happening, right?
Wasn't this supposed to be a dream?
There was no time to even find pants, and with no window open, the air was thick with a heart-thumping scent that was absolutely—
Yes. This is the end.
Even a tiny, heated breath brushed against his leg, prickling at his skin. Kai was about to pinch Merlin as a warning to settle down, but at that moment, the door swung open.
Artoria's teal eyes brimmed with tears as she called out, "Kael… it's really you… I finally found you, finally, finally…"
My whole world… has returned.
Morgan, leaning against the doorframe, said nothing, her piercing blue gaze fixed unflinchingly on Kai's troubled face. She didn't know why he looked so vexed, but she wanted to smooth the tension from his brow.
With that thought, she moved forward. Her cool, fragrant hand touched his cheek—and once there, it showed no signs of leaving…
This is real, she thought to herself. This isn't a dream…
This isn't a dream, this isn't a dream, this isn't a dream…
In her heart, Morgan repeated it over and over, unable to speak. She couldn't recall the years, the endless years it had been since she last felt his touch.
At that moment, all her tangled thoughts vanished—her shyness, her indecision, the words she'd prepared to explain what had happened in the Singularity, and the days she'd dared to hope Kael would accept her feelings…
None of it mattered.
Morgan had thought that when she finally saw Kael again, she would stumble, overwhelmed by her former student, the one she had loved for so long.
But now, standing before him, all of that was erased. Nothing mattered anymore.
Because she'd finally achieved her one true wish: to touch him again.
"!"
Artoria couldn't have predicted that the split-second she spent lost in her own joy would give Morgan the lead. Tears froze in her eyes.
Now was not the time for sobbing or venting her emotions. She had to protect her world.
Gripping Kai's hand, Artoria asked urgently, "Kael, are you—are you all right?"
She had so much she wanted to say, but when the words reached her lips, all that came out was this clumsy question.
Artoria's face flushed. This must be so boring for him. I must seem so… so disappointing.
Kai coughed, responding dryly, "I'm… doing fine?"
Honestly, he was doing more than fine. If they'd come a few minutes later, giving him time to open a window and put on pants, he'd be perfect.
But Kai hadn't the faintest clue about Artoria's internal crisis, nor did he think her question was awkward.
This type of inner "torture" was more self-inflicted than anything else, a habit that only happened with prideful people who tended to agonize over the tiniest things that no one else cared about.
What did leave Kai scratching his head was the sizable bump below his blanket, the slight stirring beneath, and the fact that neither of them seemed to notice.
How were they missing this?
In any case, if they were trying to spare his dignity by pretending not to notice, wouldn't they have shut the door and given him a minute to pull himself together instead of lingering at the door?
But Kai's presence alone was so overwhelming to them that the moment Artoria stepped in, she saw only his face. Sensing with all certainty that this was indeed her Kael, Artoria's focus on anything else evaporated.
And as for Morgan, she was like one entranced, frozen with her hand on his face, lost in thought.
Seated nearby, Nero sighed. They're so smitten they seem possessed… she thought, a flicker of envy flaring within her.
"Hmph. I am the finest jewel of the Roman Empire, the greatest Emperor and musician… there is nothing I desire that I cannot claim," she muttered to herself.
"As Emperor, this privilege is mine—I will have what I want."
Nero's gaze, smoldering with possessiveness, drifted to Kai.
She would claim him—this incredible man who had beaten her and defied all of Rome. Only in having him could Rome's shame be erased.
Kai finally concluded that Artoria and Morgan truly hadn't noticed. Merlin, apparently in no rush to reveal herself, had yet to make a move. Kai was just about to announce that he needed to dress when—
Just then, Merlin slid out from beneath the covers, pouting. Her rosy lips, now with a slightly moist sheen, looked as soft and plump as a piece of fruit.
Artoria: "…"
Morgan: "???"
Nero: "!!!"
"What are you doing here?" Nero demanded, her voice echoing. "Succubus, when did you sneak in? And how did you manage it without me noticing?"
Merlin shot her a glance, carefully pulling out a stray lock of hair stuck near her mouth and swallowing… something, her "gulp" sound impossibly clear in the dead silence.
Exhaling softly, she released a rich, unmistakable scent that immediately had Nero's eyes widening.
"So that was the smell that's filled this room all night…"
Artoria stared at the faint hue staining Merlin's lips, her mind going blank.
It was too much. This situation was beyond her mental capacity to compute; she couldn't even begin to process what she was seeing.
She may have no experience in this, but she'd existed long enough to be well aware of what it implied. She knew it wasn't some innocent game, nor was the stuff Merlin swallowed merely porridge.
Morgan's ocean-blue eyes were fixed on the sight, a fire flaring within them, edging toward darkness. She unsheathed her sword, her voice chillingly soft. "Hehehe… the blade that's never drawn blood—perhaps it's time to give it a new reputation."
Kai's head was spinning. He didn't for one second believe Morgan was bluffing. He quickly threw a blanket around Merlin and called out, "Morgan, stay calm!"
Artoria had already drawn her holy spear and sword, her expression blank and her mind running on autopilot. She wasn't sure why she'd instinctively reached for her weapons.
Wasn't this… wasn't this an odd reaction?
What am I even doing?
Why are my hands moving?
Why am I holding the holy spear and sword?
Kai barely had a moment to try calming down Artoria, still reeling with shock, before Nero raised her sword, the Primordial Flame, now thrumming with ominous energy.
"Nero, don't even think about it!" Kai held up his Command Spell. "Step back, now!"
He knew Artoria and Morgan wouldn't attack him, but Nero was a loose cannon. He couldn't afford to take any chances with her.
As Merlin struggled out of the shredded blanket, the sight confirmed Artoria and Morgan's worst fears. Their suspicions had been true.
Merlin was utterly shameless. And Kai, for his part, was… well, unflinchingly direct.
Artoria, peculiarly, seemed to regain her composure. She sighed. "Merlin… didn't I say I'd chase you to the ends of the Sea of Stars? Why didn't you run just a little farther?"
"Spear, set anchor!"
Kai was out of words. If Merlin ended up strung up and flayed by Artoria and Morgan, she'd more than brought it on herself.
Still, Kai couldn't resist trying. He took a deep breath. "Hear me out—listen to my explanation!"
Summoning all his strength, Kai disarmed Artoria, stripping her of her spear and sword. She held the spear for a moment, glaring at Merlin, but then tossed it aside with a sigh.
The chaotic interlude had given Artoria enough time to process the situation, while Morgan's gaze grew sharper, her blazing eyes never leaving Merlin.
Finally, Artoria and Morgan exchanged a glance, each seeing regret and frustration reflected in the other's gaze.
But besides the frustration and the regret, they also saw a glint of…
Joy?
If Kael could accept Merlin, then surely he would accept them as well?
They'd spent a thousand years fighting each other, each seeing the other as the ultimate rival. They'd spent all their energy in vigilance against one another, knowing how deeply each sister loved Kael
The one they'd never imagined to be a contender was Merlin, the one who never understood Kael and hardly seemed to care.
When she'd finally developed feelings for Kaelar tried to "redeem" herself, they'd thought it was far too late.
How ironic, then, that Morgan's boundless love displayed in the Singularity, so strong it even moved the Beast, had finally prompted Kael to open his heart to her and ultimately allowed Merlin to slip through.
Before, Artoria and Morgan had always viewed Merlin with thinly veiled disdain because of how she misunderstood Kael. It was why Morgan attacked her in the Singularity and why Artoria had chased her with lethal intent.
Part of it was misdirected anger and frustration, but another part had simply wanted Merlin gone.
But now?
In that strange instant, both of them felt a wave of relief—At least it wasn't my sister.
At least Kael wasn't in the clutches of the other sister, who would never share him.
Perhaps Merlin could be overlooked… How could she rival the Pendragon sisters?
The two exchanged a look, instantly coming to the same unspoken conclusion: their first target was this sneaky intruder.
Morgan's gentle touch turned to an unforgiving pinch, and she gave him a frosty smile as she tugged on his cheek, "My dear Kael… as your teacher, I'd very much like to hear what you have to say. Have you gained anything useful in the past thousand years?"
It was a rare sign of just how furious she was. Normally, Morgan wouldn't have dared say a harsh word to him, let alone touch him so roughly.
Artoria gave a cold smile herself, her earlier joy replaced by a distant chill. "Kael, I'd like to hear your explanation as well."
"It seems we've come at a bad time," she said, her voice calm. "Perhaps we should have come just a few minutes later… given you time to open the window and find some clothes."
Yes, my sweet little lion, that would have been perfect…
But of course, Kai couldn't exactly say that aloud.
He steeled himself, closed his eyes, and said, "No, you came at exactly the right moment!"
If he was going down, he'd go down with conviction. And besides, with the right approach, he knew he had at least one way out.
Grasping Morgan's hand tightly, he turned to her and asked, "Morgan, did you mean what you said to me back in the Singularity?"
Morgan's cheeks flushed a deep red, though her pride took over instantly as she snapped back, "Of course it counts! What—are you trying to back out of it?"
"And you, Lily?" Kai leaned in with a defiant calmness, fully admitting, "You saw it yourself. I'm no spotless saint—I'm just an ordinary person. A succubus sneaks into my bed? No way I could handle that. I'm not as pure as you thought, and I don't claim to be. In a time of peace, I'm nothing more than a regular person."
His expression softened, more earnest as he continued, "Without the turmoil of Britain or the threat against humanity, I'd never have become that 'saint' you look up to. I'm just someone who wanted a peaceful life."
"Then what am I to you? What's all of Britain to you?" Artoria's breath caught. Did Kael really feel nothing for Britain? Could he truly hold no attachment to the world he had saved?
Her love for him blinded her reasoning—a rare lapse for a queen so wise. All logic seemed to vanish the moment Kael entered the picture.
"It's not like that. Britain means everything to me," he assured her. "I treasure those memories."
"And I've already told you—I am willing to keep on loving you both." He paused, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as he looked back in recollection. "But I also now understand how to love those who love me. I'll honor that love."
"Love who I love—I won't betray true devotion."
Hearing this, Artoria and Morgan grew quiet. Artoria finally turned without a word and strode into the living room, leaving Kai momentarily confused.
Morgan cleared her throat, looking equally flustered. "Let's just… get you some clothes first, all right?" She glanced down and added, "Let's continue this conversation in the living room."
With that, Morgan closed the door softly behind her. From outside, Artoria's sharp voice pierced through, "Merlin! Get out here—now!"
"Yeah, Merlin," Kai sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You should probably head out, too. I'm in no mood to continue."
Merlin's voice was as soft as silk. "Of course. My beloved Kai, my dear… master, you have the final say." Her fingers traced his chest one last time before she vanished in a flurry of flower petals. When she reappeared in the living room, her attire had shifted to a modest, cloaked robe that looked downright demure.
Demure? Artoria and Morgan had a hard time buying it.
Ignoring their piercing stares, Merlin breezed into the kitchen, casually donning an apron around her slender waist, moving with an ease that suggested she had every right to be there.
"Ladies, care for some breakfast?" Merlin called out sweetly. "Shall I prepare something for you?"
The remark lit a spark in Morgan's gaze as she snapped, "You just got a little head start while we were delayed, Merlin. Do you really think you've won?"
"Oh, Merlin," she sneered, "don't even think about it. You're nowhere close."
Artoria's voice was ice itself. "Morgan is right. You haven't won anything. All you've managed is a brief lead—and I intend to catch up."
Unperturbed, Merlin chuckled softly. "Artoria, you seem to forget what happened in the Singularity. I wouldn't call it just a 'head start.'"
Artoria fell silent, her icy gaze unwavering. For someone as isolated and proud as the Eternal King of Britain, she wouldn't have even bothered with this quarrel—if it weren't for Kai.
Had it been anyone else, a single blast of her Holy Judgment would have sufficed to end the discussion.
Morgan kept her head down, reflecting on Kai's surprising directness. In front of her and Artoria, he'd just declared he wanted all of them. Was he not the slightest bit worried they'd react poorly?
But then again, maybe that was why he was her chosen man. Kai wasn't afraid to confront them with his genuine feelings, nor was he one to let anyone control him. And that fierceness drew Morgan to him even more.
And for all her strength, there was something in Morgan—a Celtic inclination toward seeking power, perhaps—that longed to be matched and conquered. It was a mark imprinted upon her very soul, and now she felt she'd found the one who could do just that.
In her heart, Morgan finally accepted Kai's bold resolve, her earlier anger dissipating into a sense of pride. Her Kai was truly exceptional, indeed.
Beside her, Artoria, too, was consumed by Kai's words—"Love who I love." She couldn't help but feel that perhaps Kai was testing her, challenging her sincerity.
And if she backed down over something so trivial, how could she call herself truly devoted?
"I owe him so much. If this is what Kai desires, then it's my duty to meet that need," she thought. Her gaze flickered to Merlin, busy in the kitchen, and a pang of sadness swept over her—but an odd reassurance followed.
If it's what he wants, then even if…
Sometimes, the favored simply cannot understand the privileges they enjoy. While Kai himself was wracked with guilt and worry, Artoria and Morgan harbored no resentment toward him.
They had no shortage of anger, true, but it was all directed toward Merlin.
Through Nero, Artoria had learned the succubus had snuck in just last night, arriving well after Artoria herself had been close to reaching Kai.
Artoria now fully blamed Morgan for holding her back; if not for that interference, she would have been the first to see him.
Morgan, for her part, thought differently. If Artoria had just disclosed where Kai was instead of going on with all those veiled hints, she would've arrived simultaneously with her sister.
And at the very least, neither of them would have given Merlin a chance to intrude at all.
It's all Artoria's fault, Morgan seethed, for being so tight-lipped.
Actually, it's Merlin's fault!
"If not for Kai's will," Artoria's cold voice rang out, "I'd lock you up in Avalon forever, Merlin!"
"Indeed," she continued, her voice laced with contempt. "But your good luck is that his will takes precedence, Merlin. Were it otherwise…"
Morgan joined her in icy solidarity. "Artoria is correct. Don't expect to monopolize Kai, Merlin. And don't think I'll stand aside, either."
Merlin returned their glares with a serene smile. "Did you forget our time in the Singularity, Artoria? I wouldn't call my lead a small one…"
Artoria didn't bother to respond. She didn't believe Merlin's so-called advantage held much meaning.
Morgan's smile turned faintly wicked. "Merlin, if you keep pushing, I'd be more than willing to revisit the matter in the Singularity."
"Oh? But you can't kill me, remember?" Merlin countered with a smug look. "After all, Kai is on my side, after all~"
Despite her bravado, Merlin was inwardly fulfilled. Having had an uninterrupted night with Kai, Merlin felt a sense of completeness, as if every lingering regret had been resolved.
She would even accept her death at Artoria and Morgan's hands if it meant she'd had this night with him.
If anything, Merlin thought it might even help bring Kai and the sisters closer together to make peace, even if that required her own demise.
But Merlin knew Kai well—he'd never allow such a thing. If he were the type to sacrifice others so carelessly, he wouldn't be the man she had devoted a millennium to.
A quiet confidence emanated from her—her wish fulfilled, her spirit unwavering. Nothing else would deter her from her choice.
Just then, Kai entered the living room, now fully dressed, glancing at the tension brewing between the three women. Nero sat off to the side, watching the drama unfold with a surprising detachment.
What Kai didn't know was that Nero was lying low to divert attention from herself. Nero had no interest in participating in their argument. Much like Merlin before her, she had her own secret plans, intending to stay on the sidelines until the perfect moment.
Behind her innocent facade, Nero was already crafting her scheme. Unlike complex, risky plots, she knew a simple approach had the highest chance of success.
Thus, her plan was as straightforward as possible: slip a computer component with just a hint of her power into Kai's setup.
As long as she acted without malice or intent to harm, she could slip through Kai's Geis. With that safeguard in place, Kai wouldn't be on guard, given his protective spell's passive effect.
Soon, my love, she thought. You'll be bound to me alone.
Had it been any other time, Nero might've hesitated. Her feelings for Kai were still a confusing blend of admiration and disdain that she herself couldn't entirely decipher.
But with Merlin's ambush and Artoria and Morgan's direct confrontations, Nero's sense of urgency spiked. She might not fully understand her feelings, but she knew one thing for sure—she wanted Kai.
After all, anything worth having was worth fighting for, wasn't it?
Kai took a deep breath, then flopped onto the couch in surrender. "Well, here it is. You all can decide how you want to handle it."
With a wry smile, he added, "I'm all yours. Do your worst, but I'm not going anywhere."
Morgan chuckled softly as she sat beside him, taking his head onto her lap and gently massaging his temples. "If you're exhausted, Kai, set it aside for now."
"A good woman doesn't burden her man with needless stress. Rest, Kai. I'll support you, no matter what."
No matter what. This was Morgan—her conviction as unwavering as her love.
Artoria's eyes softened as she sat across from them. "Kai… you once taught me to stay true to myself." She took his hand, voice steady. "What you've done here is simply that—acting with conviction. You don't owe us any apology."
Kai stared in disbelief. He'd expected an explosion, maybe even a drawn-out confrontation, but all he received was acceptance and unwavering support.
But, he mused, the sisters' earlier resentment toward Merlin was genuine. How had things shifted so quickly?
Kai didn't realize that the dynamic had shifted in his favor in ways he couldn't see. Unbeknownst to him, Artoria and Morgan had spent so many years burdened with their own remorse.
For her part, Morgan blamed herself for helping Kai forge the sword, a choice that indirectly led to his demise.
Artoria had likewise shouldered guilt for failing to protect Britain. That failure had forced Kai to sacrifice himself.
Unconsciously, over the centuries, they'd come to understand each other's views, uniting in a shared sorrow for Kai's fate.
Now, with a second chance to atone, they would never waver again.
Their anger might still burn hot toward Merlin, but it would never touch Kai. It was clear to them now.
They would bear the weight of their own rivalries, but Kai would remain untouched, loved, and protected above all else.
---
T/N: Merlin switched to Kai! How? Dream shenanigans and Nero is his servant so she should know his name, lets also imagine Artoria and Morgan's quickly picked up on it after a little bit so it will switch to Kai at the end
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
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