[The news spread like a plague.]
[Everyone knew the White Dragon's Claw wanted to see the Princess.]
[Trait Activated – Hostile Presence:
Speculation ran rampant.
A conclusion was reached—
You were furious after suffering defeat at Morgan's hands.]
[Every knight who saw you attempted to confirm this theory.
But you refused to answer.]
[Because you knew—
Every word spoken about Morgan would fuel another discussion.]
[But even your silence drew attention.
They believed it was proof of your rage—
And Morgan's prestige grew once more.]
[You returned to silence—
Waiting for a familiar presence to appear.]
[Your patience was rewarded.]
One day,
A knight stood before you.
"Get up."
Rei looked up—silent.
But the knight already knew.
For weeks, this madman had only one desire—
To see Britain's Princess.
"You're lucky."
The knight sighed.
"Word of your request reached the Princess."
"She's here."
At those words—
The chains binding Rei rattled violently.
The knight drew his sword, pressing it to Rei's throat.
"Stay still! Keep quiet!"
"Let me see her…
Let me see the Princess!"
His desperate, frenzied cries only convinced the knight further—
Morgan was the blade that severed the White Dragon's Claw.
And now—
The claw had lost all reason.
"Calm yourself!"
"You're being taken to her now."
For some reason,
Despite being sworn enemies—
The knight felt an unexpected sense of pity for the man before him.
[You were taken from your prison.]
[As you walked, countless knights watched you with curiosity.]
[They were bewildered—
That Morgan, victorious and untouchable,
Had actually come to meet this defeated, broken man.]
[But you did not feel joy.
The true challenge lay ahead.]
"Princess."
The knight spoke with deep reverence.
"I've brought him."
"Mm. Leave us."
"Let him enter on his own."
The familiar voice came from behind the curtain.
Before the knight could even urge him forward,
Rei had already stepped inside.
Inside the tent,
There was no one else.
Only one familiar figure stood there—
Morgan.
"It has been a while, Rei."
"Princess…"
"It has indeed been a while."
Saying this,
Rei fell to his knees before her.
And at that sight,
Morgan's lips curled into a faint smirk.
Truth be told—
She had missed this.
"Rei, do you know?"
Morgan's voice was steady.
"Your devotion always amuses me."
"It is so utterly worthless—
Like a desperate merchant trying to sell me a product I have no use for."
"But my loyalty to you will never waver, Princess—
Even if you have no need for it."
Even as a prisoner,
Rei's respect for Morgan had not diminished in the slightest.
Morgan stepped forward, standing before him.
Her gaze was no longer laced with scorn.
"Rei, I believe I have told you before—
I do not care about you."
"You are merely a piece on my board, one I can discard at any time."
"Yes, Princess."
Rei nodded.
"I have always known this."
"But even so—
I still wish to serve you."
"You are my Princess.
Now and forever."
As soon as he spoke,
Rei felt a light tap against his forehead.
[Morgan used her magic—
The chains binding you fell to the ground, clanking dully,
announcing your temporary freedom.]
"You look much better kneeling like this."
Morgan mused.
"A failed assassin."
Rei knew what she was referring to—
His failed attempt to kill Vortigern.
And that—
Was what weighed heaviest on his heart.
"Forgive me, Princess."
"I… failed to carry out your command."
"I expected as much."
Morgan sat back on her chair.
"I never placed any hope in you,
So I was never disappointed."
"I never believed you were capable of killing Vortigern."
"But I must say—"
"Your actions were beyond my expectations."
"You have accomplished almost everything I needed you to."
"So continue to be my pawn—
I want to see just how much more use you have left."
[Hearing Morgan's words,
You realized she had no intention of stopping.]
[Vortigern's words echoed in your mind.
Doubt crept into your heart.]
[As her most loyal knight—
You decided to reveal everything.]
[You saw Morgan clench her fists—
A clear sign of her displeasure.]
"Rei!
Are you the same as Vortigern?!
Do you also believe I will lead Britain to its ruin?!"
"No, Princess.
I do not believe that."
Rei's voice was unwavering.
"On the contrary—
I believe you are the one most fit to command Britain's armies."
"And because of that—
I fear you may suffer unnecessary losses."
"That would not only be your loss—
But all of Britain's as well."
At those words,
Morgan turned her head away.
"Rei."
"Do you truly believe that?"
"Yes, Princess."
"I have always believed that.
Wherever you stand—
That is the true Britain."
A long silence.
Finally,
Morgan let out a quiet, self-deprecating laugh.
"Rei."
"You understand nothing."
"I…
have never been truly acknowledged.
"This is the first time…
I have felt the voices of the people calling for me."
"I cannot let that go."
"I must prove myself to my father.
I must show him my worth."
"Otherwise—"
Morgan stopped herself.
There were things
She was not ready to tell Rei.
But Rei did not care if she kept secrets from him.
He cared only for her safety.
Vortigern was no ordinary opponent.
A direct military confrontation
Would be no easy battle.
Fortunately—
Rei had already found a way.
"Princess."
"You need not face Vortigern in battle to prove yourself to the King."
"There is another way."
Morgan narrowed her eyes.
"What way?"
Rei took a deep breath.
He steadied himself.
"The White Dragon need not be slain."
"Cut off its claws first."
Rei met her gaze, unwavering.
"Princess, if you bring me before the King—
And execute me as the White Dragon's Claw."
"Then your victory will be undeniable."
"And the King will have no choice but to acknowledge you."