[Morgan withheld the details of her plan.]
[She must have a way to ensure that any prestige you gain will ultimately serve her.]
[But you do not mind.]
[If it helps Morgan achieve her goals, then it is a path worth walking.]
[So, you set to work.]
[You rallied the city guards, strengthening the patrols and fortifications.]
[You gathered the refugees under the name of Britain, ensuring they received food and work.]
[You asked Morgan to craft enchanted seeds. While they could not fully counter the decline of the Age of Gods, the land's yield increased noticeably.]
[You did not merely command—you worked alongside them, standing in the fields, laboring beside the displaced.]
[Your influence in the capital grew stronger, your standing rising ever higher.]
[The people of the city spoke to you with reverence, addressing you with honorifics.]
[Children told stories of you in the streets, swinging wooden sticks like swords, mimicking your stance.]
[But none of this concerned you.]
[You remained a knight loyal only to Morgan. That fact never changed.]
[By day, you toiled in the fields, leading the refugees in planting the new crops.]
[By night, you labored upon Morgan's body just as diligently.]
"Your Highness, will you tell me now why you wanted me to do all this?"
"No."
Morgan's slender, delicate fingers traced along Rei's cheek in a playful manner.
"It's not time for you to know yet."
"I understand, Your Highness."
"Good." Morgan nodded, then leaned in close to Rei's ear, exhaling a soft breath against his skin.
"Tonight... I will not allow you to rest."
[You continued carrying out Morgan's orders.]
[The scope of your work expanded, affecting more people than ever before.]
[Yet, knowing it was all for Morgan, you found yourself more driven than ever.]
[Many joined in your efforts for renewal, and for a time, the illusion of prosperity took shape.]
[You realized that the dream you and Morgan longed for was, in a subtle and gradual way, becoming reality—at least, in some sense.]
"Rei, Uncle Rei!"
A group of little girls surrounded him, their bright, innocent eyes fixed upon him.
"What is it?"
Rei crouched down, offering them a warm smile as he gently patted their heads.
"That big sister over there,"
One of the girls pointed toward a distant corner.
"She told us to ask you—why are you still alone? Don't you feel lonely?"
"Well…"
Rei followed the little girl's finger and spotted a few figures quickly retreating into nearby houses.
They must be the "big sisters" she was referring to.
"That's because he prefers to be alone."
[A familiar voice rang out.]
[You turned around to see Morgan, rarely seen on the city streets, appearing at this very moment.]
[You realized she had overheard your conversation with the girls.]
"Eh—?"
The little girl blinked her wide, clear eyes, glancing between Morgan and Rei.
"Uncle Rei… likes being alone?"
"Indeed."
Morgan's lips curled into a small smile.
To everyone else, it was the perfect, regal smile of a royal—flawless, elegant, and beyond reproach.
But to Rei, it was anything but friendly.
And his instincts quickly proved correct.
Still wearing that same composed smile, Morgan gracefully bent down.
"Children, go back and tell those sisters of yours—if they continue to trouble this knight with such meaningless questions…"
"I may just consider hanging them from the city walls and leaving their bodies for the eagles to feast upon."
"Understood?"
Despite the pleasant tone in Morgan's voice, an unmistakable chill crept into the air.
In mere moments, the girls scattered in fright, their tiny feet carrying them away as fast as they could.
Morgan, watching their hurried retreat, seemed even more pleased, her smile softening into something almost… affectionate.
Rei cleared his throat lightly before bowing respectfully.
"Your Highness."
"Hm. Knight." Morgan nodded in acknowledgment.
Although their nights were always ablaze, a fire igniting at the slightest spark, in this moment, they exercised absolute restraint.
The tryst between a knight and his princess was not something that could be openly acknowledged.
Yet, that being said—
Compared to Morgan, whose desires were laid bare under the cover of night, Rei, who always maintained his unwavering reverence, found it much easier to remain composed.
"Your Highness, I did not expect to see you here."
"Knight, from your tone, it almost sounds like you're unwilling to see me."
"Not at all." Rei shook his head with the utmost sincerity.
"Your presence, Your Highness, brightens my entire day."
"Please, allow me to serve you in any way as recompense."
"Hm." Morgan nodded thoughtfully.
"In that case, Knight, take me to see the land. I wish to witness the fruits of your labor."
"As you command, Your Highness."
[You now had a justified reason.]
[You led forth a horse for Morgan.]
[With your assistance, she mounted it in an elegant manner, and you naturally took the reins.]
[With a perfectly justifiable excuse, the two of you left the city without arousing suspicion.]
Clip-clop—
Clip-clop—
The horse's hooves rhythmically rose and fell along the earthen path between the fields.
"...No one can see us now, can they?" Morgan murmured from atop the horse.
"No, Your Highness."
Holding the reins, Rei promptly reassured her.
"We've traveled far enough. No one will be watching."
"Then, Rei, I command you," Morgan pulled on the reins, bringing the horse to a halt, "get up here. Now."
"...Understood."
Rei was well-versed in the art of battle.
Even with another rider already mounted, he vaulted onto the horse with effortless precision.
"Hold me."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Rei's arms wrapped around Morgan's waist, grasping the reins while also pulling her slightly smaller frame into his embrace.
A familiar, intoxicating fragrance drifted into his nose.
It was her scent.
He took a few indulgent breaths, savoring it.
The wind rippled through the sea of wheat, sending golden waves rolling across the fields.
And then, Morgan's voice murmured softly—
"Does it smell good?"
"Yes." Rei made no effort to conceal his thoughts. "Your Highness, you always leave me utterly entranced."
"I hope you're not merely trying to flatter me."
Morgan's lips curled into a victorious smile.
"Still… since you take such great pleasure in this, shouldn't you leave something behind in exchange?"
"Your Highness, everything I have belongs to you. I cannot fathom what else I could offer you."
"Oh, but there is something left to take." Morgan gazed out across the fields, watching the wind stir the endless golden stalks.
"I have told you before, everything of yours is mine… even your reputation is no exception."
"So—"
Morgan leaned back slightly, pressing her body against Rei's firm chest.
"Rei…" Her voice was low, almost a whisper.
"I command you to marry me."
"That way, I can take your name as well."