[Retracing familiar roads, you returned to the royal capital.] [Although your arrival was later than expected, no one questioned it.]
[The citizens of the capital cheered at Morgan's return—]
[And curiously, they glanced at you.]
[Seated atop your warhorse, under the weight of their gazes—]
[You suddenly realized something.]
[Britain's flow of information was not nearly as swift as you had once thought.]
[News from the frontlines takes a long time to reach the royal capital.]
[You realize this delay could be exploited.]
[You glance at Morgan and find her already looking at you.] [Your gazes meet. Without words, you both understand—
There is an opportunity here.
But now is not the time to discuss it.]
"Rei."
"Come to my chambers tonight."
Morgan's tone was casual, indifferent.
She then refused the palace guards' escort, choosing instead to ride back alone.
"Excuse me, sir—"
A guard stepped forward, hesitant.
"Would you like me to show you the way, Lady Morgan's… guest?"
Rei regarded him for a moment.
It had been years since he left the royal capital, but everything still looked the same.
The only difference—
Was that he no longer recognized any of these guards.
So this… is what they mean by 'the world has changed.'
Rei gave the guard a small smile.
"I appreciate your kindness, but there's no need."
"I know my way around."
And then—
He drew his sword.
Under the afternoon sun, its silver blade gleamed.
"Also—"
"I am not Lady Morgan's guest."
"I am her knight."
[Your trait [Affinity: Persistence] has been replaced with [Affinity: Knight's Presence].]
[Affinity: Knight's Presence - Activated]
[Though the guards have never seen you before, the aura you exude convinces them of your identity.]
[They look upon you with admiration and inform their fellow guards of your title.]
[Word spreads quickly—Your status as Morgan's knight is now official.]
[They step aside, allowing you to pass.]
[Instead of returning to your quarters, you wander the city surrounding the palace.]
[You dismount, purchase apples and other goods with a few gold coins, and distribute them to the people you meet.]
[They are eager to chat with you, and through their words, you gather useful information.]
[Several young women, drawn by your presence and charisma, attempt to engage you in private conversation.]
[You turn them down politely, telling them they will find someone better.]
[Night falls.]
[Avoiding prying eyes, you arrive at Morgan's chamber doors.]
Knock, knock.
The heavy door creaked open slightly.
From within, a pair of striking blue eyes met his own.
"Rei."
"You're finally here."
The door closed behind him.
And silence returned to the room.
[Morgan locked every window.]
[No moonlight could enter.]
[The only illumination came from several red candles set upon the royal candelabrum.]
[Their warm yellow glow softened the chill of the chamber.] [A fine bottle of wine rested nearby, its scent rich and intoxicating.]
"Kneel, Rei."
Morgan's voice carried authority as she sat upon her bed.
Though puzzled, Rei obeyed.
And then—
A soft touch.
Morgan lifted his chin with her foot.
"Rei."
"You've barely returned, and already, you're chasing after other women?"
"I heard you spent the entire afternoon talking to young ladies."
"Do you have any idea what you're doing?"
"I don't recall ever giving you permission."
…So that's what this is about.
Rei sighed.
"Your Highness, I believe there's been a misunderstanding."
"I wasn't 'charming' them."
"I was gathering information—useful information."
Morgan raised an eyebrow.
"Useful information?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Surely, you noticed the same thing I did today."
"As for those women—"
"I have no interest in them."
"You should know that by now."
Morgan studied him for a long moment.
Then—
She finally released his chin.
"Hmph."
"Acceptable explanation."
"Pour us some wine."
"Let's drink."
"Understood, Your Highness."
Following her orders, Rei retrieved two goblets filled with deep red wine.
Morgan accepted one, swirling it gently in her hand.
The liquid remained perfectly balanced, never spilling over the rim.
"Alright."
Morgan took a small sip.
"Tell me."
"What did you learn?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Rei bowed respectfully.
["Forgive me, Your Highness, and forgive the late King—]
[But the connection between the capital and the battlefield is weaker than expected."]
["The flow of information is sluggish.]
[While speaking with the people, I noticed a clear delay in their knowledge of recent events."]
Morgan nodded slightly.
"That much is clear."
"They didn't even recognize you."
"If they don't even know the White Dragon's Claw—"
"Then they surely know even less about the frontlines."
At that moment—
Morgan and Rei exchanged another glance.
And in that gaze—
A silent understanding passed between them.
[They both understood—what they were about to discuss must remain an absolute secret.]
"Have a sip of wine first."
Morgan took a small sip, then extended the goblet toward Rei.
[You accepted the goblet and drank as well.]
[You sensed Morgan had cast a spell upon the wine.]
[Your conversation would be concealed within the depths of the goblet.]
[Through this silent method, the two of you quickly exchanged your thoughts.]
[You learned that Morgan also intended to exploit the delay in communication between the frontlines and the capital.]
[If successful, at least within the royal capital, she would no longer be seen as a princess exiled by Uther.]
[And when the war's inevitable defeat arrived—
She and you would hold the most advantageous position.]
[But only if you could maintain the deception.]
The goblets were now empty.
And their silent exchange was complete.
"Rei."
Morgan's fingers ran along the rim of her cup.
"Do you think this will work?"
"I cannot predict the future, Your Highness."
Rei's response was earnest.
"But at the very least, it is a plan worth attempting."
Morgan studied him.
Her piercing blue eyes softened slightly.
"You're never afraid in front of me."
"Yet every time I place my bets, I gamble with your life."
Rei smiled.
"At least that proves my head still has some use to you, Your Highness."
"Is that so?"
Morgan leaned back, stretching her legs slightly.
Her pale skin, smooth as jade, reflected the flickering candlelight.
"Perhaps there is more to you than just that head."
Clatter.
The empty goblet slipped from Morgan's grasp, falling to the bedside.