[The defeated knights who fled from the front lines gradually arrived at Camelot.]
[Just as Morgan had said, they unquestioningly acknowledged your identity under the influence of her magic.]
[Like the citizens of the capital, they addressed you as King Loth, though they seemed to prefer calling you a Knight from the old days.]
[From these retreating soldiers, you pieced together a more surprising truth.]
[Despite utterly defeating King Uther, Vortigern did not press his advantage and continue his conquest—this was the only reason the knights were able to escape.]
[He seemed to be searching for something of greater importance in the land of Britain.]
[You suspected that this was closely tied to his previous mention of the fading of the Age of Gods.]
[However, what mattered more to you now was how this news benefited both you and Morgan.]
[After all, another war against Vortigern in your current state was far from ideal.]
[Morgan shared your sentiments.]
[Time passed as you both treaded carefully, uncertain of what lay ahead.]
"Princess."
Rei stood atop the city walls, gazing out at the vast golden fields stretching into the horizon.
"It's the season of harvest once again."
"Yes."
Morgan nodded and turned to look at Rei, her lips slightly parted.
"Rei, do you still find me as captivating as before?"
"Of course."
"Do you still love me?"
"Of course."
"What a pity—I still do not love you."
"That doesn't matter, Princess. Love is not something that requires reciprocation."
"Then kiss me, my knight. I want to hear if your heartbeat matches your words."
"As you wish."
Upon the city walls, the knight kissed the princess.
Beneath their feet, Britain's lands continued to wither.
Neither of them knew how much longer the elaborate lie they wove together would last.
But cherishing the present moment—on that, they were of one accord.
[Morgan's words had steadily become reality.]
[Your child, Gawain, was born in Camelot.]
[As she foretold, he was blessed by her magic from birth.]
[His extraordinary talent and rapid growth were undeniable.]
[Morgan ensured that these supernatural traits were concealed with additional magic.]
[Yet, under your and Morgan's careful guidance, Gawain's birth was not celebrated as a grand event—now was not the time for extravagant feasts.]
[But that did not mean he was neglected.]
[You both provided him with the finest environment to grow.]
[Morgan taught him the etiquette and knowledge befitting royalty, while you instilled in him the swordsmanship and courage required of a knight.]
[A special training ground had been arranged within the palace.]
[You and young Gawain practiced there daily.]
"Gawain, why did you stop?"
Morgan watched as the boy sat beside her and asked the question.
"I don't want to practice anymore."
Gawain turned his face away, clearly upset.
Morgan was always attentive to Gawain's moods.
"What happened?"
"Gawain, tell me."
"If your father is at fault, I will make sure he corrects it."
"Father, he…" Gawain turned back, his face flushed red.
"Father keeps staring at you! He's not even paying attention to our training! I don't like being treated like this!"
"…"
Morgan's lips twitched slightly—she seemed amused.
But in the end, she held back her laughter.
"Hmm… That is indeed quite inappropriate."
"Don't worry, I'll talk to him right now."
"Yes, yes!" Gawain nodded eagerly.
Morgan walked over to Rei and took his hand—this was the most intimate gesture she allowed between them in their child's presence.
"Rei, how could you treat Gawain like that?"
"He is our child. You should be guiding him diligently, shaping him into an exceptional knight under our rule."
"And yet, your eyes are fixed only on me."
"My apologies. I won't let it happen again."
"I never said I wanted you to change that."
Morgan's fingers gently traced along Rei's hand.
Her slender index and middle fingers parted slightly, mimicking the shape of open legs.
"I only ask that you choose the right time and place—"
"A better setting offers a better experience."
"For example, when we are in our chambers, you may look wherever you please."
"I see. Understood."
"Gawain, come here. Your father won't be distracted anymore."
"I'm coming!"
xx
[Gawain Had Never Slept in the Same Room as You]
[As your child, he had his own grand chamber.]
[Of course, if one were to trace back the reason for this, it was all part of your arrangement.]
[For the pleasure between you and Morgan would never cease, not even with Gawain's birth.]
[But that did not mean you indulged in debauchery and neglected the governance of Camelot.]
[You restructured the wounded armies, amended laws, and enacted more proactive and beneficial policies.]
[As the land's yield diminished, you compensated by planting vast expanses of enhanced magical crops to mitigate the crisis.]
[Many disputes in the city were resolved by your own hand—one could often see you walking the streets, attentively listening to the voices of the people.]
[The citizens were no fools. They could see the effort you and Morgan poured into ruling.]
[The fear left in the wake of King Uther's defeat was gradually dispelled.]
[Though neither of you had ever formally declared yourselves as rulers, in the hearts of the people, the Duke and Duchess of Camelot had long since become its true sovereigns.]
[Gawain, too, grew into an exceptional knight during this time.]
[He inherited your steed and your sword.]
"Father, Mother, I'm off on patrol."
"Go ahead." Rei waved his hand. "But remember, you are a knight now. You must always maintain control over your temper."
"Yes, I understand."
Gawain responded with utmost respect.
"I will never bring shame to you and Mother."
As Rei watched Gawain ride off into the distance, he felt a subtle ripple in his heart.
At that moment, Morgan took his hand.
"Rei, come with me somewhere today."
"Of course, Princess." Rei smiled. "But may I ask where you wish to go, so I can make some preparations?"
"There's no need to prepare anything."
Morgan gazed at the man beside her, her eyes filled with warmth.
"It's within the palace—and we've been there once before."
"Princess… Could it be—"
"Rei, you've guessed correctly."
Morgan offered a soft, elegant smile—one that veiled the ambition that never ceased to burn within her.
"I wish to see the throne once more."