[You confirm that you did not mishear her.]
[She truly does not wish to return to the capital immediately.] [And her voice trembles with hesitation—
As if she fears that this request will defy King Uther's decree.]
[You decide to ease her worries.]
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Rei gently pulled on his horse's reins.
"Then, let us delay our return."
"Are you certain this won't cause any issues?"
Morgan asked cautiously.
"There will be no issue."
Rei answered as softly as he could.
"And if there is…"
He patted the neck of his horse.
"Then we shall say our steeds have grown too weary."
Morgan knew this man would never lie to her.
She gave a small nod.
"Then let's go, Rei."
"As you command, Your Highness."
[You postpone your return to the capital.]
[You know this means disobeying King Uther's orders.]
[But you understand Morgan's heart far better.]
[You cannot bear to see her return in such distress.
To force her back now would only bring her suffering.]
[You and Morgan veer from the original path.]
[You travel deep into a forest, where a crystal-clear lake emerges before you.]
"Rei."
Morgan pulled on her reins, bringing her horse to a stop.
"I am weary. Let us rest here."
"Understood, Your Highness."
Rei obeyed immediately.
He dismounted first, then walked to Morgan's side—ready to serve.
"Careful, Your Highness."
"Mm, I know."
With his assistance, Morgan dismounted gracefully.
The two noble steeds—bred from Britain's finest stock—
Lowered their heads and began grazing without needing to be guided.
"Rei."
"I am here."
"What do you think of this place?"
"Hmm…"
Rei looked around, carefully considering his answer.
Because of Morgan's Words, Rei Began to Observe the Forest.
It was a lush, verdant woodland, where towering trees stood proud,
Their evergreen vines draping from the canopy like a maiden's flowing hair.
Sunlight streamed through the crown-like foliage,
Scattering light and shadow across the forest path.
Wildflowers bloomed along the edges, dotting the emerald grass like precious jewels.
Not far away, a tranquil lake lay in serene elegance.
Its rippling surface shimmered, clear to the very bottom—
So pure and untainted that, at a mere glance, one might mistake it for a slab of jade.
"It's beautiful." Rei answered truthfully.
"I've never seen such a breathtaking sight."
"And if you compare it to me?" Morgan asked suddenly.
"The lake is beautiful."
"Why!"
"Because no matter how much this forest changes,
It will always remain within the realm of words."
Rei turned to Morgan and spoke with unwavering devotion:
"But you, Your Highness, cannot be captured by any verse or poem."
Morgan let out a cold laugh.
"What an extravagant compliment."
"Is this what you learned from serving under Vortigern?"
"No." Rei shook his head.
"Your Highness, if I were merely flattering you, my words would be far more flowery."
"But in my heart, there is truly nothing in this world that can compare to you."
Morgan turned away, unwilling to meet his gaze.
"Enough… I won't argue with you over such things."
[Morgan no longer compares herself to the lake.]
[Instead, she walks ahead of you, as if leading you somewhere.]
[You follow her.]
[Eventually, you both arrive at the lake's edge.]
[Morgan makes an unexpected request—
She asks you to wash her feet.]
[You do not refuse.
Instead, you carry out her request with the utmost care.]
[The moment you touch her feet, you sense something strange.]
[You realize that she has also cast a spell on herself.]
"It's completely different from what you imagined, isn't it?"
Morgan rested her chin on her hand, watching Rei kneeling before her in the lake.
"Yes." Rei nodded earnestly.
"Your Highness, it is indeed unlike anything I imagined."
"It stirs my heart."
He had felt her feet against his skin before,
But never like this—never with his own hands.
They were pale, delicate, and flawless.
Not a single blemish, not a single scar.
Her slender toes supported the graceful arch of her foot,
And not a speck of impurity could be seen between them.
As Rei's hands cupped the sole, the gentle pressure caused it to subtly contract,
Yet its natural curve remained unwaveringly elegant.
The shape of her ankle was a perfect arc—
A seamless transition between strength and grace.
To call them a work of art would not be an exaggeration.
Morgan's lips curved into an almost indistinguishable smile.
"Do you know?" she murmured.
"These feet… were born from the very lake beneath you."
Rei immediately understood.
"Your Highness… Is this the place of your birth?"
Morgan did not answer.
But the wistful look in her eyes spoke volumes.
"Tell me, Rei."
"Now that you know this…
Does it still stir your heart?"
"Of course." Rei answered without hesitation.
"Day and night, now and forever."
"You're lying." Morgan stared down at him.
"No one would want a princess born from a lake."
"But I have never lied to you, Your Highness."
Rei gently cradled her foot,
Fingertips tracing the flawless skin as if committing it to memory.
Her skin was softer than silk, smoother than the finest porcelain—
A testament to the magic that preserved her beauty, untouched by time or battle.
"If this is the place of your birth, then I am happier than ever."
"Because your presence has blessed this land."
"The lake is clear because of you. The trees flourish because of you."
"You are the master of this forest.
Like the knights of Britain, the very land itself rejoices at your presence."
Morgan fell silent for a long time.
She did not respond with mockery, nor did she wear her usual cold smirk.
For the first time, Rei saw something new in her expression—
Not pride.
Not arrogance.
But sorrow.
Her elegant brows furrowed ever so slightly,
A delicate arch of melancholy,
Like the closing note of a tragic ballad.
Beneath the shadow of her lashes,
The deep blue of her eyes shimmered with loneliness.
It was a long while before she finally spoke again.
And when she did, her voice had lost its usual pride.
"Rei… but what if I was always destined to be discarded by my father?"
"What if I was never meant to be queen?"
"Would you still be my knight?"