Gloucester (I)

...I see. So Tristan stayed behind.

He was a great knight. I don't know much about fighting, but even I could see that.

So if that's what he chose, it must have been right.

？！

...

What do you want to do, Fujimaru? Do you want to go back to the ranch?

There's probably not anything left of him by now, but you could at least mourn him.

The whole ranch is in ruins now, and the Tam Lin's already left. It should be safe to go back if you want.

？！

I agree. Tristan didn't sacrifice himself so we could go backwards.

He did what he did to give us a chance to move forward. We can always report back to him after we've found Mash.

...

I see. Forget I said anything, then.

Anyway! I really showed up just in the nick of time, didn't I?

That's one of the many benefits of my royal charm. I get to ride in on a white horse to save the day.

Now I'm really glad I pleaded with Aurora to let me borrow this carriage. The only issue is

Snort. Is there some sort of problem with the color of my coat?

...Well, I guess it...kind of looks whitish in the right light. If you squint...

Anyway, that's all I have to say about that.

？！

So you're feeling better now? Great. Then here's another piece of good news.

The city of Gloucester up north is about a day's journey from here.

They hold auctions for rare and valuable goods every day there.

And word has it that one of their hottest new items is a faerie with an unusual iron weapon.

Apparently, some peddlers found them near the Nameless Woods...

...and they plan on putting them up for auction as soon as tomorrow.

! A faerie with an iron weapon near the Nameless Woods!?

That's gotta be Mash! I'm sure of it!

...Apparently, they hoped to sell this faerie for quite a pretty penny.

They did a good job of sticking to their guns against Gloucester's lord...

But then, it came out that they had prior charges of theft, fraud, and harboring anti-queen sentiments, so they were arrested.

And since Gloucester's lord is big on capital punishment, they were supposedly hanged last night.

？！

I rushed back to Salisbury as soon as I found out...

But when I heard you'd already left, I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

So I asked Aurora for a favor on the condition I'd owe her one in return, and got to the ranch as fast as the carriage could carry me.

I see. So that's how you managed to get something so valuable. That was some very quick thinking.

Thanks. While I'd prefer to rest up in the Autumn Forest if we could, time is money and all that.

I assume it's "so long" to Salisbury and off to Gloucester?

？！

Excuse me. Could I say something first, snort?

Wh-what is it, Horsey? We were just having a moment here, you know.

I know. But I am a proud fae horsethe most rambunctious and chivalrous stallion in all of Britain.

So as a matter of principle, I can only entrust my back to those I have recognized as my master.

I was willing to come this far on Lady Aurora's orders...

But if you insist on going to Gloucester, well... I trust you see what I'm getting at?

Carrots?

A battle!

Neigh-heeeigh! Contract, finalized!

I'm amazed you took my secret technique in stride like that!

You must be a fearsome warrior who has overcome all sorts of harrowing ordeals.

Very well, from here on, my legs are yours to command. As long as your path isn't unsavory, I'll take you wherever you wish to go.

If this fae horse is the best she had to offer, maybe Aurora isn't as well-liked as we thought.

？！

Anyway, I trust there's nothing else left to say, yes? Then please, take us to Gloucester.

Oh, and don't forget to drive safely.

I can handle a few bumps, but Fujimaru, Altria, and Da Vinci are all very tired.

Not to worry. I can assure you that I've never broken a speed limit in my entire life.

By the way, Oberon, what's with that outfit? I kind of liked your old cloak.

Oh, this? This is what I wear whenever I'm gathering information.

The queen's soldiers don't always take too kindly to people asking questions about the state of Faerie Britain...

So I try to avoid standing out by dressing in drab traveling clothes.

I see. I'm impressed, Oberon. I'd never consider an outfit like that "drab."

Oh? I didn't know you were interested in fashion, Altria. Does that mean you prefer outfits like Da Vinci's then?

N-no, I wouldn't say that...

I mean, someone like me, dressing like her? That'd be laughable...

Hmm, true enough. You're definitely not ready yet.

Oof!

Okay, that's enough Altria-teasing for now.

Fujimaru, Da Vinci.

Would you mind telling me how much you learned about Faerie Britain while I was away?

？！

Hmm. The regularly occurring calamities...the mors...faeries who imitate human societies...

The Salisbury rebel army... The Round Table Army of Londinium...

And the three Tam Lin.

I'm impressed. If you already know that much, then I only have one thing left to tell you.

？！

High Queen Morgan's objective.

As you know now, she's been inscribing Command Spells into faeries, levying magical energy from them as an existence tax, and ending the lives of any faeries who aren't able to pay up.

Well, it turns out she hasn't been running such an oppressive regime for the last two thousand years just to maintain her rule over Britain.

Her real objective in this is to attack Proper Human History and transform it into a land of faeries.

She wants to expand Faerie Britain to encompass the whole planet, overwrite Proper Human History entirely, and turn the earth into one giant British Isle.

I know it's hard to believe, but it's true.

It's why High Queen Morgan continues tormenting the faeries even to this day.

As you can see, we need to defeat her for humanity and faeriekind alike.

Kneel. Present.

Worship. Submit.

Bow your heads, leaders of the six clans. Bow your heads, thirty ambassadors, one hundred officials.

You are in the presence of High Queen Morgan, the ruler who expands our boundaries, upon whose shoulders all of Britain rests.

Hear her words, and obey.

...The same faces, yet again, hm? How terribly dull.

I offer you neither absolution nor salvation.

Remember always that all of Britain, down to the smallest pebble, is mine.

Without my protection, the land of fae would not see the next sunrise.

Yes, Your Majesty. We are ever your humble servants.

All of our time is yours. Our loyalty to you will never waver.

...Hmph. Very well. You jesters may stand against the wall.

I will now allow each of the clan heads to speak. What have you to say?

Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. Please allow me the honor of going first.

The council recognizes Lord Spriggan, head of the Earth clan and lord of Norwich.

Thank you, Secretary. According to our observations, Norwich's calamity pool should reach critical mass in approximately ten days' time.

I'd like to take this time to say that if there are any lords present with property still in Norwich...

...please come speak to me after this meeting.

I can assure you that even if the mors engulfs all of Norwich, our bell tower will remain safe within an impenetrable fortress made with anti-mors iron.

If you wish to store your valuables there for safekeeping, I am sure we can come to an arrangement.

It sounds to me as though you don't care if your entire city disappears as long as your money stays safe.

The council recognizes Lord Woodwose, head of the Fang clan and lord of Oxford.

My request remains the same as ever. Your Majesty, I urge you to take this opportunity to expand your army.

The mors continue to grow in number every year, and these Round Table Army upstarts need to be dealt with.

So I must ask that you increase your human shipments and assign more humans to the barracks.

Oh? Does this mean the Fang clan alone is no longer up to the task?

I suppose not even the faerie once known as the sword of Britain, the great Lord Woodwose himself, can defeat the specter of advancing age.

Silence, you infant. How dare you speak to me like that? If we weren't in Her Majesty's presence, I'd crush your head in my jaws for such insolence!

Now, now, Woodwose. You should know better than that.

Remember, every faerie in Britain looks up to you.

The lord of Oxford and owner of the restaurant most responsible for our food supply should conduct himself like a gentleman. Right?

R-right... I know that, Aurora. I do.

I'm not the raging frontline fighter I once was. I'm the calm, rational leader of my clan.

...What a joke.

If this is to be no more than the usual sniping at each other, would you mind if I excused myself, Your Majesty?

We're putting up a very rare item for auction today, and I have a lot of work to do getting things ready.

The council recognizes Lady Murian, head of the Wing clan and lord of Gloucester.

I already said my piece.

Neither this calamity pool or the anti-mors countermeasures have anything to do with Gloucester.

So if all you twisted faeries want to do is argue with each other, by all means, do so. Without me.

Then again, Norwich HAS sent us good product lately, so I suppose we can offer our aid, if only a little.

Do give my regards to Count Peperon, Spriggan.

Let him know that if he ever decides to move to Gloucester, he'll always have a place here.

...

Lady Cnoc na Riabh, head of the King Clan and ruler of Edinburgh. Absent.

...

Lady Ainsel, head of the Mirror clan and guardian of the Lake District. Absent.

At this time, and with High Queen Morgan's permission, the council would like to welcome the Tam Lin from New Darlingto

Grrk...!

Who the hell do you think you are? You think a damn secretary has the right to say my name?

Come on, Mother, when are you going to stop letting these stupid secretaries run these shows already?

Can't you pick someone less hideous?

What about a human with their limbs sewn to the wall? Or one who's been put to the guillotine?

I swear, Mother, you're way too soft on faeries and humans alike these days. Maybe you need more excitement?

...

Huh? Why so quiet all of a sudden? Isn't it your job to kick up a fuss when something unusual happens?

If you can't even do that, you don't deserve to live. Would you all rather die to my string instead?

O-oh, if it isn't Tam Lin Tristan! How good of you to grace us with your presence!

You are the knight among knights who defends all Britain! And above all, you are the high queen's beloved daughter!

The only one in all of Britain who will carry on Her Majesty's magecraft!

There you go. That's it. I knew you could do it if you tried.

Buuut, I still think it lacked a little something... I've got it. Patheticness.

Which is why you three are going to show the others how it's done♡

Aah... Gaaaaaahhh!

My feet! My ankles! They're goooooone!

Ahahahahahaha!

Go on, jump! Let me see you hop around on those little stumps♡

Ah, right. You're not supposed to spill blood here, and you three are getting it everywhere. Ugh, so rude.

You've gotten enough blood on the throne room floor. Just throw yourselves out the window into the pit now.

Ah! My body! I can't control my body! No! Please! Stop! There's no coming back from the pit!

Somebody, please! Stop that girl before she

Aaaaaaaaaaaah!

Swoosh! Nothing but pit☆

Well, Mother? What do you think? Makes the meeting so much more fun, right?

What were you doing!? That was Camelot's own Minister of Justice you just threw out the window!

You bloodthirsty fiend! Know your place, Tristan! You think because the high queen took in a low-class faerie like you as her own "daughter," you can

Silence, Woodwose. This is a family matter.

See? Her Majesty loves it. Time for YOU to learn your place.

Sucks to be you, you overgrown cur♡ Why don't you just retire already? We're way stronger than you ever were.

What did you say to me, girl!?

Stop, Woodwose. Don't let her drag you into her games.

You're the head of the Fang clan now. You can't let your temper ruin our reputation.

Oh, great. Lady Gawain the hard-ass. A little more dullness to round out this boring meeting.

You're lucky she showed up when she did, old-timer. Just wait. I'll take your feet next time.

Give us your report, Gawain. What transpired at the ranch in the south?

Yes, High Queen.

Some rebels calling themselves the Round Table Army managed to take control of the ranch.

The guards you entrusted with staffs were captured, and all of the humans attempted an escape.

Upon learning of this, I took it upon myself to go and contain the situation, without waiting for your orders.

While I succeeded at wiping out the rebels, I'm afraid I also destroyed the facility and allowed three interlopers to escape.

I'm also having the escaped humans transported here for reeducation as we speak.

High Queen, I am prepared to accept whatever punishment you deem fit for me.

What is your ruling, High Queen?

It is all right. In light of your accomplishments at Sheffield, I will overlook your failure today.

Lift your head, Gawain. I planned to demolish that ranch in any case.

While you did take it a bit too far, you have ultimately saved me the time of mobilizing the Earth clan.

...Now, is there anything else you have to tell me?

Yes, Your Majesty. One of the interlopers was a human you've told us about before.

It was the Master from Proper Human History.

The Master of Proper Human History...! Then, Beryl Gut was right!

There's more.

One of the faeries accompanying the human appeared to be from Faerie Britain.

From what I could tell, she seemed to be about sixteen in human years, and she used the same kind of magecraft as you.

She what?

What are you saying, Gawain? You don't think that faerie is the Child of Prophecy, do you?

The Child of Prophecy is no more than one of Ainsel's delusions! High Queen Morgan is Britain's one and only ruler!

How could you believe such nonsense like a common peasant!? You are a servant of the high queen! You should be ashamed!

Oh quit yapping, you goddamn mutt.

Now, now, Lady Tristan. You can't blame Lord Woodwose for being upset.

The Child of Prophecy is also connected to the Tintagel incident, after all. You know, the coastal village that was harboring her?

Well, Lord Woodwose there is the one who razed that village to the ground. Though it seems the child herself escaped him.

Apparently, there was a girl of about sixteen with long golden hair who managed to break through the blockade of Fang clan faeries surrounding the village.

The soldiers who witnessed it said she fought like a raging storm.

They also called her "the girl who uses magecraft," "the queen's second coming," and "High Queen Morgan's daughter."

Don't you dodge my spell, Capless. That was meant to kill you.

I'm Mother's only daughter, got it?

I couldn't care less about this Child of Prophecy, but you'd better not spread rumors like that any further.

These aren't my opinions, Lady Tristan. The Fang clan are the ones spreading these rumors.

Still, think about it, fine upper-class faeries of Camelot.

The mors continue to increase in number. A calamity is about to befall Norwich.

There's Cnoc na Riabh in the north, Londinium in the south, and the recent rebellion in Sheffield.

And now, we have the invader from an outside world that Lord Beryl Gut warned us about!

I don't believe Ainsel's prophecy any more than you do, but you can't deny that the pieces are all falling into place.

The Child of Prophecy is real.

Or at least, the common faeries who know nothing of politics believe she is, which is enough.

This is no time for our clans to be fighting amongst ourselves. We must put our people's minds at ease.

So I suggest we work together to do something about it, starting with the calamity pool at Norwich. What say you?

You do have a point. Whether the Child of Prophecy is real or not, we must do something about Norwich's calamity pool.

High Queen Morgan, would you be willing to send your army to Norwich to quell this disaster?

I believe Lord Boggart, ruler of Sheffield, made a similar request?

...I understand how you feel, Aurora, but we can't send out Camelot's soldiers.

While I'm certain Her Majesty's troops would make short work of the calamity...

Sending them out would also leave Camelot vulnerable.

Cnoc na Riabh is constantly on the lookout for any weakness she can exploit. We can't leave the castle unguarded.

I agree. The way things are going now, it's going to be the War of Spring and the War of Summer all over again.

Only this war will be fought between Her Majesty and Cnoc na Riabh, the self-proclaimed queen.

We do have the upper hand over her forces, but only just.

The Wars of Spring and Summer... You speak of the Fae Era war between the north and south faeries, yes?

Indeed, the northern faeries have been claiming dominion over Britain for thousands of years.

I thought they had settled down and agreed to submit to High Queen Morgan's rule, but it seems they're still up to their old tricks.

Ahh, how deplorable! Why can't they simply pledge their loyalty to our high queen, like we have done!?

Given the circumstances, I suppose this truly isn't the time to worry about Norwich.

Though it pains me to say this as their lord, I'm afraid I have no choice but to let my residents die and

Worry not. I will use the water mirror on Norwich.

It will destroy the calamity, along with most of Norwich, but the bell tower will remain intact.

So long as the castle remains, it will fall to you to rebuild, Spriggan.

It is time for you to demonstrate once again the skills that enabled you to take Norwich from its previous lord.

If that is your will, High Queen. Now, how much can I expect in the way of financial aid?

I will give you one third of the flotsam wasting away in the west treasury.

It is foreign detritus that has drifted here from Proper Human History, but you could ask for no greater reward, could you?

Ooh! That sounds wonderful, Your Majesty! Thank you! Thank you!

But, what about the residents of Norwich? None will survive this.

Isn't there anything you can do to make them evacuate, Spriggan?

Oh, I've been urging them to evacuate for some time now. But they all refuse to leave.

They're either too attached to the land, or they love their jobs, or they don't think the threat is real, or they think the Child of Prophecy will save them, or some combination thereof.

As great as my clan can be, I'll be the first to admit they can also be a bunch of hardheaded fools.

Having said that, where would you propose they go? Salisbury? The Wind clan's city?

You know just as well as I do how poorly the Earth and Wind clans get along. It's a problem not even the high queen herself has been able to solve.

It's rare that things like this wrap up with a nice little bow. So no, I'm afraid Norwich is a lost cause.

Why don't they come down to my place? We'd be happy to take in any poor refugees looking for a new home.

That's just the kinda place New Darlington is. Ain't that right, Lady Spinel?

Right you are, Red Beryl! I didn't know you were listening in on this boring old meeting!

Now, now, my fair lady, don't be like that. There's nothing boring about it.

These clans have agreed to put aside their many differences and focus on what's best for Britain's future, you know?

You won't find a more entertaining show anywhere in the country. Not that you'll find any other show in this country either, but still!

...I've changed my mind.

Lady Aurora, let's arrange a time to discuss the particulars of evacuating Norwich's residents to Salisbury once this meeting is concluded.

Whatever our differences, I'll gladly take that over subjecting my fellow faeries to the National Slaughterhouse Theatre. These problems concern Faerie Britain, and we faeries should be the ones to resolve them.

Oxford will be glad to take in refugees as well.

While I can't stand how many rules the Earth clan's "smithing" breaks, that doesn't mean I'm about to send them to a needless bloody death.

Gloucester's neutral stance remains the same as always.

Our doors are always open, both to refugees and to faeries who are tired of being beholden to their clan's customs.

Huh? What, now you guys are all buddy-buddy? I guess you must really hate me, huh.

Man, that makes me real sad. You'd think High Queen Morgan's first-ever boyfriend and future king of Britain would get a little more respect!

Yeah, Beryl! Hurry up and marry Mother already!

The most powerful faerie in all Britain marrying a human... Freaking hilarious!

And then, you'll marry me next, right?

Isn't that what you humans do? Marry as many people as you like?

Of course, Lady Spinel. But let's not rush things.

No matter how much you may care for someone, the moment they belong to someone else, a lot of the shine tends to come off.

There's no guarantee the same won't happen to you.

Once you see me as Her Majesty's husband, you might wonder what you ever saw in me at all.

So we don't want to make any hasty decisions when it comes to marriage. And who knows? Maybe the partner of your dreams is even closer than you think.

Hah, you don't have to worry about that! There's no one else for me but you!

...

...Very well. I understand your concerns.

My course of action remains unchanged from my public declaration.

"At the end of year 2019 of the Era of the High Queen, Faerie Britainthe land of the fae shall rule this very planet."

The walls of light that surround the British Isle will disappear, and our world shall overwrite the wicked world that lurks outside.

Once it does, you shall all be free of the calamities, and a new age shall begin.

I shall build a new land of faeries, and your clans shall die to serve as its foundation.

...Yes, High Queen. Your will is our command!

...Hmph. Then here is my decision.

Nothing need be done about the calamity pool in Norwich. So you will not advise its residents to evacuate.

Regarding the Child of Prophecy... I will consider the threat she may pose to my rule.

Furthermore, once the invaders from Proper Human History Beryl Gut spoke about are found...

...they are to be captured and brought here, alive. There is something I will have them tell me.

If the Master Gawain saw is also accompanied by the Child of Prophecy, so much the better.

Woodwose, Spriggan, Murian, and Aurora.

You are all to assemble a team and begin your search at once.

I want to see these rebels and invaders brought before my throne.

Whichever clan brings them to me shall be rewarded with five hundred acres of land.

This meeting is now concluded. Clan heads, you are dismissed.

Tam Lin, here is your next mission. As before, you need not search for the Child of Prophecy.

I don't get it, Mother. What good are any of those stupid clan heads going to be?

I could find the Child way faster than anyone, right? All Lancelot has going for her is speed.

I can use the infinity mirror you gave me to go anywhere at a moment's noti

There is no need. Leave the Child of Prophecy be.

I will send word of my edict later. The rest is in your hands, Tam Lin Gawain.

You heard Her Majesty, Tristan. Can you not behave yourself, even for a moment?

You do know the reason she was so strict with you is because the clan heads were here, yes?

She may be our all-powerful high queen, but she still needs to keep up appearances.

She can't treat you like her daughter at a council meeting. And then there's your attitude toward Beryl.

How do you think it looks for the queen's daughter to be so intimate with a human man? And the high queen's own lover, at that?

Have you ever considered the kind of pressures she faces? The kind of things people say about you? Your own morals as a knight?

Ugh, just shut up, you big, dumb bitch! Who the hell do you think you are, lecturing me?

I don't know how you even have time to worry about my rep, seeing how you're always on the lookout for your next literal romantic snack.

How many lovers have you had this year, anyway? For such a big gal, you sure are good at bed-hopping, aren't you?

Oooh, maybe you could give me some pointers about romance sometime.

Eh, I guess since you literally dig into your lovers right after you've got them in bed, it's probably more a matter of filling your stomach than your heart, huh?

...What did you say?

Juuust kidding! Come on, don't glare at me like that! I understand! Really!

I'm totally aware that your romances are always sincere.

I mean, you're so awkward, you couldn't two-time someone if you tried, right?

You know what they call you, right? "Gawain of Many Loves," "Gawain the Big Eater"... Gosh, you poor thing! Nobody understands you, do they!?

They have no idea that you only jump into bed with those you really, genuinely love!

...

I'm going back to the castle. You should stay on standby until further notice.

Ugh, that meeting sucked so hard. I didn't get to spend any time with Mother, AGAIN.

And Woodwose's stench was the worst. There's nothing more foul than old game mixed with bad cologne.

Spriggan's fake-ass smile made me want to puke. Murian's goody-goody act was so transparent.

And Aurora's the worst of all! Ugh, I wish I had a good excuse to rip her to pieces!

Man, I hope she slips up soon.

If she'd just act against Mother, I could wipe her and her stupid Salisbury out all at once...

Hey, are you even listening to me, Beryl!? ...Huh? He's not here? He was right by the mirror a moment ago.

Oh, I see. He must be down at the theatre.

They're doing a show with those humans we captured over there today.

So they make the humans fight each other, and the last one standing gets to live... What'd he call it again? Gladiatorial games?

I used to think it was a pain in the ass, but it's actually pretty fun!

Especially the very last part, when you tell them the champion gets to go free and stuff!

Idiots! As if that would ever happen! Ahh, humans really can be so entertaining!

...Then again, I guess this really isn't the time to be laughing.

I know what Mother said, but... I can't just let this go.

Who does this Child of Prophecy think she is, anyway? Everyone knows I'm the only one who uses magecraft besides Mother. She's only got one daughter, and it's me.

No way I can let trash like that live! Ughhh, this is pissing me off!

Okay, I know what to do☆ Times like this, there's nothing better than shopping!

Let's see what the newspaper has today...

The Knocker Company's getting out of Gloucester... New brands are coming soon...

Huh, so Spriggan's shop is going out of business.

Well that's too bad. Spriggan sucks, but his shop at least had good shit.

Huh? Hang on. Does this mean it's gonna be replaced by...

I knew it! It's gonna be a Count shop! I'll say this for Murian: she always knows what's hot!

Looks like I'll be going shopping in Gloucester again then. Plus, she also mentioned she was getting things ready for a special auction...

Fine by me. I'll make it an auction nobody will ever forget♡

Look, Fujimaru! You can see the city off in the distance now!

It might have taken us a whole day, but we're almost to Gloucester!

Yup. And now that we're here, we shouldn't have to worry about the queen's soldiers coming after us for a while.

Gloucester belongs to Murian, the head of the Wing clan, and fighting is against the law here.

She doesn't pick fights with any of the other clans, and she's not completely under Morgan's thumb, either.

As far as Murian is concerned, this is an autonomous region that just happens to have diplomatic relations with Faerie Britain.

That's how she tells it anyway.

？！

Even Morgan only has limited power in Gloucester. As for why that is, well...

You can tell something's different here, right, Da Vinci? Say, with the mana density?

I'm glad you brought that up. I was just going to ask about that.

There's nothing wrong with my gadgets, but the ones powered by magical energy are refusing to work.

Is that because of this area's unique Mystic traits? Because the rules of the world itself are different here?

Exactly. As to why, well, that gets into the nature of faeries themselves.

And not just here in Faerie Britain. This applies to Proper Human History as well.

Like how there are several different kinds of faeries.

Some are former gods fallen from grace. Others are accumulations of human and animal animosity, and bits and pieces of their souls.

They're essentially thoughts and feelings with nowhere else to go wrapped up in a shell made from human rumors.

These sorts of faeries only exist because human society exists, and strictly speaking, they're not pure faeries.

Pure faeries are those that form within the planet or the planet's inner sea, and whose existence is in no way contingent on human civilization.

In the magecraft world, faeries born within the planet's inner sea are known as Great Fathers and Great Mothers.

You can think of them as...Divided Spirits of Earth's soul. Yes, that's close enough.

In scope, they're comparable to personified-nature gods, but unlike gods, they don't impose any rules on humans.

Great Fathers and Mothers are pure supernatural beings.

In this Lostbelt, faeries of that rank who appear on Earth's surface, either through some sort of mistake or on a mission from the planet itself, are known as A-rays.

In Proper Human History, the faerie who lent King Arthur his sacred sword was a Great Mother...

And I'm guessing Proper Human History's Morgan also inherited that Great Mother's Authority.

Though of course, Morgan's father was also King Uther, the ancient king of Britain, so I suppose that would make her a human-faerie hybrid.

King Arthur, on the other hand, is a human-dragon hybrid.

They may seem similar on the surface, but deep down, they couldn't be more different.

Oh? How so?

The fact that one ultimately decided to defend humanity, and the other, Mystics.

King Arthur chose a Britain where humans could thrive, and Morgan chose a Britain where Mystics could thrive.

As for which one chose correctly, well, your own Proper Human History bears that out.

If Mystics had continued to rule Britain, it would have resulted in it being excised from all of human history.

But I digress. Getting back on track...

A-rays are equivalent to a Great Mother, but possess a will of their own.

They have a unique ability to remake the world around them according to their inner truthor rather, their essence.

This phenomenon is called a fae domain. It's a Grand Mystic that only very powerful faeries possess.

And A-rays generate descendantsor terminals, if you prefersimply by existing.

These descendants are called forest children and stone children, and they're the majority of faeries in Faerie Britain.

These descendants may have only a tiny fraction of a A-ray's power, but that doesn't change the fact that they're descendants.

And some of these descendants have more A-ray blood in them than others. Murian, the head of the Wing clan and the lord of Gloucester, is one of them.

All that is to say that Gloucester has a fae domain that can be quite a pain in the neck:

A domain that takes Murian's temperament and mischievous nature and turns it into a law that denies strength itself.

A law that denies strength itself? So, the weak become strong, and vice versa?

It DID behave like that for a time, but now, it's a little different.

These days, nobody is allowed to bring strength achieved through training into Gloucester.

All who enter, even Morgan herself, are left with no more than the strength they were born with.

？！

Yup. The ones most adamant about making rules are also always the ones with a way around them.

So it's probably safe to assume that Murian's the only one in the city who doesn't have to play by her rules.

And if that's true, it also means her word is law there, so keep that in mind.

Hmm. It sounds like this "A-ray" term is unique to this Lostbelt.

In our world, they'd probably be close to Elementals or True Ancestors.

So, are there any other faeries that've inherited these A-rays' powers? Maybe the other clan heads?

Like, does Aurora have a fae domain too?

No, she doesn't. Most faeries with that kind of power end up being excluded from their clans.

Sometimes they're outright ostracized, other times they're unable to control their own laws and end up falling apart.

Yup. Of the six clan heads, the only ones who can impose their fae domain on others are Murian and Cnoc na Riabh.

Most of the other domain holders fall apart and become ghosts wandering the countryside.

They're called Nightcalls, and depending on how you look at them, they can be even scarier than the Tam Lin.

Okay, everyone, we're almost to Gloucester.

I know this is a surprise, but I'm actually a member of the Fang clan, so I'd rather not go inside if I can help it.

I'll be camping out here while you do your business, so just call for me when you're ready to leave.

And just so there's no misunderstanding, let me be perfectly clear:

Despite how I look, I'm not a Wind faerie. I'm a Fang faerie. I'm sure you must be shocked, but it's true.

？！

Okay, let's split up.

I'll go with Da Vinci, and Fujimaru will go with Altria.

The auction will be held at night, so kill the time however you like.

Anything goes in Gloucester, so you'll find a lot of faeries living it up here.

You still have that money you earned in Salisbury, right? Well, you can use it here too, so don't be afraid to cut loose.

Don't worry. Just think of it as a date, and it'll be nighttime in no time.

Girls love to go shopping together, right? Well, now's your chance!

So, how about you, Da Vinci? Is there anywhere you'd like to go?

We could go to a café, but personally, I'd recommend the warped observatory. It's so dizzying it'll make you want to throw up!

Oh for... He's already headed there! Why'd he even ask in the first place!?

Anyway, I know this is short notice, guys, but are you all right with this? You are? Okay, I'll play along then.

Wait up, Oberon! Aren't there any museums around here!?

With so many faeries in this Lostbelt, there HAS to be at least one painter!

？！

...

Y-yeah... They didn't waste any time.

I guess it's just us now, then...

For the time being!?

Oh, uh, I'm sorry. This is all happening so suddenly that I'm still catching up... (Inhale... Exhale...)

？！

Well, we've already come this far. No sense holding back now, I guess!

Now that we're in Gloucester, we may as well enjoy it! Come on, I'll show you around!

？！

It's very strange, isn't it? I felt the same way the first time I came here, too.

Faraway things look big, close things look tiny...

Sometimes there's pink rain, sometimes the main street is covered in rainbows...

Sometimes boys become girls, and girls become boys...

Basically, it's a whirlwind of constant change. The last time I came here, I...I...

...I got zero out of ten in a princess pageant...

A girl wearing a scarf made out of insect thread...made me take off all my clothes...and

Really? But...I was just getting started...

She, uh...said they were so ugly I'd be better off without them... I wonder what that girl's up to now...

I sure hope she's not doing too well... I'll have to get her back if I ever see her again...

？！

Oh? I haven't seen you two around before. Are you here for tonight's auction?

Huh. I never would have thought to have my human stand out more than me.

You know, possessions that make people envious are ALL the rage in Gloucester right now.

Is that why you made yourself look so plain? So you could dress up your human instead?

It's brilliant! I'll have to try it myself!

...

？！

？！

You mean, about the merchandise being put up? The faerie with the iron weapon?

Well, apparently, they're a bad faerie from another world who rebelled against the high queen.

I'd love to attend the auction too, especially since there should be no problem keeping a criminal as a slave...

But since you need an invitation for this one, I decided to give up and just enjoy a night on the town.

I'm sorry... I know I should've been the one to ask, but I just kind of froze...

You're right. I guess I was more tense than I realized. I feel more relaxed now.

Anyway, she said something about an invitation, didn't she?

？！

Well, we won't be able to get one on our own. They're only sent out to upper-class faeries.

I don't like it, but it looks like our only option is sneaking into the auction hall.

But don't worry! There's no one better at stealth magecraft than me!

Just you wait! This time, I'm gonna show you what I can really do!

？！

Heeelp! Is anybody theeere!?

My pet mice just escaped from their caaage!

I promise I'll make it worth your while if you can catch them! Just please! Help meeeeee!

Huh? It looks like there's a bunch of tiny creatures running towards us...

What do you think we should do, Fujimaru?

？！

...Oh, right. He's still getting his bearings here, isn't he... Oh well, nothing to be done now.

Sorry, just thinking out loud. Okay, let's get this battle started.

I'm pretty sure you're going to regret this... But, at least it'll be a good lesson.

？！

Big things seem small, and small things seem big.

That's just what happens in Gloucester sometimes. Now do you understand?

Thanks, weirdos with too much time on your hands! Here you go: a generous coupon.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go make a bundle with my mice here! Later!

A coupon, huh. Let's see... "Knocker Company: Surprise and Security"...

Oh wow, it's for S&C! Do you know it? Spriggan & Capless, I mean!

It's Faerie Britain's very first department store! Grandpa told me about it!

This is great! And look! According to the map, it's not far from here! Come on, Fujimaru, let's go check it out!

...

？！

They're already building another store in its place, too... It looks like it's just called "Count." I've never heard of that one before...

But I can see they've got shoes, bags, hats...dresses...

Oh wow! Everything on display looks amazing!

They're trim, and shiny, and elegant all at once! I bet they'd be so much fun to wear!

Ooh, I want them! But then again, they'd probably be wasted on me!

The designs do lean a little feminine, but I'm guessing they're probably gender-neutral!

And wow, what're those strange clothes? The sign says...kimono? I've never heard of them, but I think it'd look good on you, Fujimaru!

I bet those boots would look absolutely perfect on you, Fujimaru!

Just look at that brilliant blue color!

It's so neat, so clean, and so clear it feels like you could lose yourself in it for days!

Huh, not bad. You've got a pretty decent eye.

But would you mind keeping it down a bit?

I'm trying to stay incognito, so I don't want to attract too much attention.

O-oh, I'm sorry. I'm from a very small town, so...

Hmm, I see. So, what? You wanted to see the big city before a calamity shows up and kills you or something?

You're lucky you're not one of those cheeky Gloucester faeries.

You're also lucky your ankles aren't to my taste. Be grateful your boots are so frumpy.

Th-they are? I guess they are, huh...

Still, they're very practical... An awd goggie could go to town on them, and I wouldn't feel anything...

Pfft. You actually have to worry about goggie bites? You must come from a real hick town!

I mean, you've got the looks of a pretty upper-class Wind faerie, but you're stuck doing your own farming?

Man, it must be rough out in the sticks, with so few human slaves to do the heavy lif...

...ting...

...This is weird. Really weird. Don't you think this conversation is weird?

...

？！

N-n-no, I, uh, I don't think so.

It's just, neither Fujimaru nor I are used to dealing with city faeries, so...

...Not used to them, huh. I see. So that's why you're not scared of me.

It feels like there's more to it than that, though...

(That's strange. How come I'm not pissed off? I usually hate every faerie I meet...)

...Oh well, I guess that's just how some days go. Plus, there's the auction coming up.

Oh, are you interested in the auction? Do you actually have an invitation?

Oh, uh, well...

We actually came here for the auction...

But we didn't know we needed an invitation to get in...

I see. An invitation, huh.

Hehe. You know, I do have an extra one...

But I'd sooner feed it to a goat than give it to YOU.

Thaaat's it! Finally, an expression that suits you. It's about time you learned your place, you uppity hick!

Trust me, a girl like you's at least a hundred years too young for the auction house. Come back when you're at least a little more grown-up.

Oh, wait, that's right. Low-class faeries like you don't even live for a hundred years, do you?

Guess you'll just have to make the most of your life in the dirt with the goggies while it lasts, then.

...(Agape)

...Yes, she was. I wonder if I said something that offended her...

Like we were actually good friends?

M-maybe you're right. She honestly didn't seem like such a bad faerie to me, either...

？！

An invitation? Of course I've already got one. What about it?

？！

...

Unfortunately, we weren't able to procure any formal dress, but since Oberon is so, um, dazzling...

I think we should be able to get in as part of his entourage.

Of course. Murian's something of a friend of mine. We'll have some of the best seats in the house.

So no, getting in won't be a problem. The problem is what happens once the auction starts.

The bidding on Mash won't start until the very end, at which point I'll be able to offer up to seventy million Morpounds. It's all counterfeit, of course, but it should be fine as long as no one works that out tonight.

The real problem is whether it'll be enough to outbid any other prospective buyers with odd tastes.

Usually, seventy million Morpounds would be more than enough, but given the, um, product, things are probably going to get ugly.

If things get bad enough, I could have to put up my whole Welsh forest as collateral.

Seventy million Morpounds? That's enough to buy a mansion AND a butler to take care of it.

And you're worried it still might not be enough? Just what are they saying about this "product," anyway?

All right, I'll tell you, but try to contain your surprise. They're saying the faerie is supposedly a traveler from another world, with an iron weapon...

...and the new Child of Prophecy.

Good evening, ladies and gentlefaeries.

Welcome to Gloucester's auction house.

Why put off until tomorrow what you can have today? Who cares about clan pride when you can boost your own brand?

We know what you want, which is why we are once again proud to present a wide array of items sure to pique your interest.

Have you taken a look at our catalog? Have you found any items that speak to you?

Wonderful, wonderful. I can see you're all enthralled by our selection. Then let's get right to it, shall we?

We hope you enjoy this latest Lady Murian production!

(It's starting! ...I see. So you say your bid yourself, huh...)

(In most auctions, the buyer quietly holds up a sign, and an agent then bids for them...)

(But it looks like agents aren't allowed at this auction, so we have to shout our bids ourselves.)

...

？！

(Did you see the third item up for auction? It's one of Shakespeare's unpublished manuscripts.)

(Maybe it's flotsam that drifted here from Proper Human History... Man, now I'm really curious...)

(Maybe I'll waste just a little money bidding on it... No, what am I saying. I HAVE to bid on it!)

(Oh, no you don't! We're only here for one thing: the Child of Prophecy! Besides, if you bid on something now, they'll notice your cash is counterfeit by the time they get to her!)

(Just do your best to resist! If you want an original work from a famous artist that badly, I'll make you something myself!)

(Whoa, really!? I didn't want to be the one to bring it up because I thought it would be a bit gauche, but now you're saying it's okay!?)

(Okay, Da Vinci, I'm gonna hold you to that! Just let me know when you need me to pose for my portrait!)

？！

(I can see this place is nothing new for Oberon. I feel a lot better about this, knowing that.)

(Okay, I'm just going to sit quietly until our auction comes up. Besides, I don't want to stand out too much, anyway.)

And now, it's time to introduce our last item of the day.

I'm sure you've all heard the rumors. This is the treacherous rebel who posed a threat to our high queen...

The child our beloved Ainsel promised would save Britain!

This brave child attacked Camelot with an iron weapon none had ever seen before, crawled out of the great pit...

...and even made a miraculous return from the Nameless Woods!

Is the prophecy real? Is this child our savior? It's time for all of you to see for yourselves!

I give you our final lot number... The Child of Prophecy!

...

Huh?

Bwaaa!?

？！

Well excuse the hell out of me for being old!

Wait, hang on. Who was that!? Say that to my face, why don'tcha!?

Easy there, ladies and gentlefaeries. Please, let's all take it easy!

This man's attitude may be as foul as his mouth, but his magical energy is truly impressive!

What's more, he's a gifted craftsman capable of forging wares that put all the blacksmiths of Norwich to shame.

And since the Child of Prophecy was supposedly apprenticed to a superb artisan...

Even Lady Murian agrees that there's a twentyno, thirty percent chance that this man is the Child of Prophecy!

Shaddup! How many times do I gotta tell ya? I ain't the goddamn Child of Prophecy!

I'm Senji Muramasa, a lone Servant! Now let me outta this cage, dammit!

I don't know what's going on here, but that's definitely Senji Muramasa, the Foreign God's Disciple!

What's he doing in Britain!? And why is he up for auction!?

You know that man!? Oh. Then, does that mean he's not Mash!?

？！

？！

A Servant... So he's a Servant too, huh? I see. So that's why...

Faeries here don't know what Servants are, and they can't tell them apart from faeries.

So we have a Servant who came from another world, with an iron weapon, who defied the queen...

No wonder they thought he was the Child of Prophecy! But he's not! This is practically fraud!

So what do we do now!? The bidding's already started!

？！

Got it! Leave it to me! Luckily, everyone else seems caught off guard, too...

So seventy million Morpounds should be more than enough. Let's start with a million and take it from there!

The bidding starts at one million Morpounds! Two million! Three million! Four million! Four and a half! ...Five million!

Lady Altria's party is now in the lead with a bid of five million Morpounds! Do I hear five and a half?

(Why did you use MY name!?)

(Don't you think it's much more exciting that way? The Child of Prophecy, buying another Child of Prophecy...)

(That's one for the history books!)

(Ooobeeerooon!)

That's five million Morpounds going once, going twiTen million! I hear ten million Morpounds! Things are really heating up now!

Do I hear eleven million!?

(Aw crap. Forget it. I see where this is going. I'm out.)

Twenty million! I bid twenty million Morpounds! Oh, enough of this! Seventy million!!!

(What are you doing, Altria!? You don't just lay all your cards on the table at once in a bidding war!)

？！

Seventy million! I hear seventy million Morpounds! Sold to the party of

One hundred million Morpounds.

I don't know what kind of nouveau riche clan you come from, but you have no business being here.

The day someone like you outbids me is the day all of Britain falls. So obviously, it's never ever happening.

Oh yeah!? That's what you think! Okay, in that case, um...

I bid one hundred and one million Morpounds with Oberon's land as collateral!!!

(Are you nuts!? My land won't even bring in ten million!)

Uh-oh. Um... I'm afraid I can no longer make a call on this auction.

What say you, Lady Murian!?

Which of these buyers has the more certain purchasing power!?

Very well. Step down, auctioneer.

Difficult decisions like these are mine to make.

Whether genuine or not, the fact remains that the Child of Prophecy is the main draw of tonight's auction.

Whoever buys him must demonstrate not just wealth, but standing.

So at this time, I would like to ask both remaining bidders to please come to the stage.

Ahh, so that's how it is. I'm glad you understand how these things work, Murian.

No one has more standing than me. Looks like the new money's headed for the executioner's block.

Oh crap, we've been called up to the stage!? This is unheard of for an auction!

Is this just how they do things in Gloucester, Oberon!?

No, I've never heard of anything like this before, either. Dammit, Murian... What are you up to?

Altria, I'm sure this is some kind of trap. It's best if you just stay in your seat.

If you go up on that stage, you're going to regret Um, why is Altria's chair empty?

I'm afraid you're too late, Oberon.

She already took Fujimaru's hand and headed for the stage.

Dammit! Why did she have to pick now of all times to develop an impulsive streak!?

？！

I need you to fight beside me! Please! I don't want to do this alone!

Then let's start with you, Lady Spinel.

Or should I say, Tam Lin Tristan?

Yep, that works.

I am the daughter of High Queen Morgan, and the artist of blood. I am the faerie with the most gorgeous dresses of all.

I am Tam Lin Tristan, the one who will one day own all of Britain.

Well? Your turn, little girl. Go on, share your pathetic name with all of us.

(Oh man, it's the faerie we met earlier! What do I do, Fujimaru!?)

(I can't believe she's a Tam Lin... And she's Morgan's daughter, too!? I swear, why do these things always happen to me!?)

See? I knew you couldn't do it. But hey, of course you couldn't.

What faerie could ever compare to me anyway?

You put up a good fight, but you're still just... Hey, you're that girl. Okay, I'll be nice and let you off

Then allow me to introduce her instead.

This faerie comes from the village of Tintagel, and will turn sixteen this year.

This miraculous child wields magecraft she taught herself, just like our queen did, and she also managed to slip a dragnet laid by Woodwose himself.

Please, take a good look, everyone. That is the Staff of Selection she holds in her hands.

Her name is Altria, and she is the genuine Child of Prophecy.

What's more, the attendant beside her is a visitor from the outside world.

He is the traveling star who will guide the Child of Prophecy, the other light that will save Britain.

His name is Fujimaru, and he is a human and Master from Proper Human History.

Wha...!? She knows about Fujimaru, too!?

No violence, please, Lady Tristan. The bidding is not yet over.

Now that you are both here on the stage, you both have an obligation to try and complete your bids.

But, unfortunately, Tam Lin Tristan, and Altria, the Child of Prophecy...

...you are equally matched.

Neither of you has an edge over the other in wealth or standing, so these can't be the determining factor here.

You think she and I are equally matched!? What are you? Blind AND stupid?

I outclass her in every conceivable way! Strength, beauty, elegance... It's not even a contest!

Hmm. What say you to that, visitor from another world?

Who would you say is worth more? Lady Tristan, or Lady Altria?

You're dead! You hear me!? Dead!

Shut it! I think so, too, honestly, but I don't need to hear it from you!

This isn't about who's worth more! This is a battle for our very souls!

Every time you open your mouth it's hick this or yokel that! Is that all you know how to say!?

Where did YOU grow up that they taught you it was okay to act like that!? Jerk! Dummy! Bully!

Wha...!? What did you just say to me!?

？！

Very well then, how about magecraft?

Both of you practice magecraft, which is considered pretty useless in Britain.

Magecraft itself may be nigh worthless, but faeries who use it are rare and valuable.

And here, we have two of them: the high queen's own daughter and the Child of Prophecy.

Since both these children are equally matched, perhaps they can settle this bid with magecraft.

After all, they both consider magecraft to be something truly valuable.

So surely, a display of their magecraft will show what they are both truly made of.

...

So you want me to kill this shit stain with just magecraft? Works for me.

I'll play along. I was planning on ripping her apart sooner or later anyway.

...Hmph.

If you're the queen's daughter, then you probably grew up in a fancy castle never wanting for anything, huh?

Then there's no way I'm losing to a pampered brat like you! So what if you're a Tam Lin!? We country girls are a lot tougher than you think!

That's how it goes when you eat fresh veggies every day of your entire life!

No fair! That didn't count! I wasn't ready that time!

This isn't my actual power! I'd have plenty of magecraft if I just went back to the castle!

Magecraft is built on hard work and steady effort.

You could have used SO many things here once you ran out of the magecraft trinkets you had on you.

(For example, this carpet that would go up in flames at the drop of a hat, or those lamps you could turn into bombs with a little magical energy.)

But instead, you just threw up your hands as soon as you ran out of the tools you brought with you? Really?

Now, listen and listen good!

You're at least a hundred years too young to learn magecraft! Why don't you start with parlor tricks?

(Yes! Nailed it!)

You. Freaking. Biiiiiiiiitch!!!

That's enough. We have a winner.

As Lady Altria's magecraft is superior, she will be the one to purchase this suspected Child of Prophecy.

This concludes tonight's auction. Thank you all for coming, and please take care on your way home.

That goes for you, too, Lady Tristan. I suggest you hurry back home sooner than later.

As I recall, you're supposed to be behaving yourself in Darlington tonight.

I suspect even the high queen would be cross with you once she heard you were actually here in Gloucester.

Kh...! You're taking the Child of Prophecy's side, Murian!?

No, Lady Tristan. I'm helping the high queen save face for making you a Tam Lin.

I can clean dirt off my auction hall floor easily enough, but the high queen's dignity is not so easily restored.

You see, some faeries are bound to take issue with your selfish antics and lose respect for the high queen.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you how fickle fae folk can be.

And I, for one, would rather not increase Cnoc na Riabh's numbers.

... ...Fine. I'll go then.

Next time, Murian, you'll have to come see me in Camelot.

As a fellow lover of art, I'd looove for you to take a look at my collection.

(...Gasp!) Oh man, it's finally over!

That was so nerve-racking! I thought for sure we were all gonna die!

But that girl actually beat Lady Tristan! I can't believe it!

She's no taller than me, and she has about the same amount of magical energy as me...

But she carries herself with so much dignity... She's amazing! Unbelievably amazing!

Ah... Ahahaha... My knees only just started knocking...

Sorry, no. My nerves just caught up to me, so now my knees are knocking, and my ears are ringing...

？！

Still, I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. She may have been dozens of times stronger than me...

But...the way she was acting, when she called herself Tristan, well, I just started seeing red.

Yup. I never expected to run into the second Tam Lin already.

But hey, at least you won your magecraft battle against her! That was great! The only problem now is

Huh, I'm back to normal now that the cage is gone. How the hell'd that work?

Our newly freed compatriot, Muramasa.

I didn't have time to tell you and Oberon this before, Altria...

But while Muramasa here's also a Heroic Spirit from the outside world, that doesn't mean he's on our side.

He's a Disciple of the Foreign God, which means he's working against Proper Human History.

So, he's your enemy, Fujimaru? But, didn't you call him "grandpa" earlier?

？！

Don't bother explainin'. We've just had a few other run-ins, that's all.

I ain't exactly mortal enemies with these people... But we ain't exactly friends, either.

We just keep runnin' into each other, for better or worse. Ain't that right, Fujimaru?

If you wanna fight me, I'll fight you. If you don't, that's fine, too.

I'll even brew you a cup of tea if you want. Like they say, even chance acquaintances are divine ordinances.

Anyway, I gotta say, girlie. Between that staff, and that outfit...

...

That was a hell of a show you put on! You really nailed that last line of yours, too!

Gotta say, you British mages are a real breath of fresh air!

I, uh... Thank you.

(Fujimaru, Fujimaru!)

(What's with this guy!? He looks so young, but acts so ooold!)

(He's also got a terrible aura about him, but I don't sense any hostility from him at all!)

Okay, just hang on, Muramasa. This doesn't change the fact that you're a threat to us.

So, for now, let me just ask you this: How did you end up in that cage?

I coulda kept this to myself forever and died happy...

But I s'pose you got a right to know. All right, I'll keep it quick.

After you people left Olympus, the Foreign God gave me a new order.

Told me to infiltrate the British Lostbelt and take care of its king.

She also said somethin' about how this place was still growin' when it wasn't supposed to no more.

Rasputin had his hands full with somethin' else, and we couldn't get ahold of Limbo...

So I made my way here and broke into the big castle at the Lostbelt's center alone.

Those Tam Lin whatsits were so taken aback that I didn't have any trouble makin' my way to the throne room...

But just when I was about to take the queen's head, someone crazy strong flew in at me outta nowhere.

The next thing I knew, I'd been knocked clean outta the throne room.

I tried to fight her off in the air, but she just swatted me down into a big hole outside the castle.

She also punched a bunch of holes in my Spirit Core in the coupla seconds it took before I fell into the hole.

A normal Servant would probably have died about, oh, twelve times from that...

But unfortunately, the Foreign God did somethin' unnatural to my body to keep me alive.

So I woke up later, still kickin'.

Once I was able to move about again, it took me three days to crawl outta the hole.

I'd broken my sledgehammer durin' the fight, so I stopped by a village with a blacksmith and spent another three days there fixin' it.

On my way home, I got lost in some weird woods and wandered around aimlessly for another three days before I collapsed.

Then I spent another three days in captivity after some unsavory faeries found me unconscious near a road.

After that, they sold me to this strange city, where I spent the last five days talkin' and showin' off what I can do with a forge.

So there you have it. Embarrassin' as it is, I still ain't done nothin' of note here.

Are you kidding!? Just making it to Morgan's throne room is incredible!

In the two thousand years of the Era of the High Queen, no warrior has ever made it all the way there before!

...Yeah?

And you're an experienced smith, too! The catalog said you can make anything!

...Well, yeah.

But, you're still a bad Servant, huh... I guess we'll just have to kill you here, then...

...Um...

It isn't a Servant's actions to date that determine whether they're good or bad, Altria.

Servants are basically mercenaries. All that matters is who they currently have a contract with, and what they're going to do next.

...Who're you? Another Servant?

I'm Oberon. And yes, I'm a Proper Human History Servant who was summoned to Britain a little before you all got here.

Senji Muramasa, was it? It sounds like you want to take out Queen Morgan as much as we do.

How about we team up, just until we defeat her? Yesterday's enemy is today's friend and all that.

Besides, don't you think it would be better for us to put all our wood behind one arrow, so to speak?

...Good point. I doubt I'll be gettin' any other help out here.

Sounds like a pretty good suggestion to me.

...Hmm. What do you think, Fujimaru?

I know Senji Muramasa's one of the Foreign God's Disciples, but he's also always been relatively reasonable.

This Alter Ego version of him might not be the same guy that helped us out in Shimousa, but he's still the same person at heart.

I don't think he's the kind of guy to go back on his word.

？！

Huh? You want this old young guy to come with us?

I'd love that! Blacksmiths are never bad people, you know!

Hmm. Putting Altria's curious blacksmith fangirling aside for the moment...

Are you sure you're okay with this, Muramasa? I mean, we're not exactly friends with the Foreign God.

You don't think she might consider this a betrayal? You won't just suddenly explode or something?

What? No. The hell do you take me for, anyway?

'Sides, this ain't a betrayal at all.

I'm just a swordsmith who accepted a job from the Foreign God. Loyalty ain't part of it.

Hell, if I owe anyone a debt, it's that girl over there.

You saved my bacon, so now, I owe you. The Child of Prophecy, yeah? I've heard about you.

If you just want me to stick around till you defeat the queen, I'm game. It doesn't even conflict with my contract with the Foreign God.

？！

Um... If you're all done, can I say something now?

Thank you for bidding with the Gloucester auction house.

Now then, our proprietor would like to extend her congratulations on your purchase while we take care of the financial side of things...

So if you'll please come with me, I'll take you to Lady Murian, the lord of Gloucester. She's expecting you at her mansion.

Nice to meet you, Altria! And you, visitors from Proper Human History!

That was SUCH an exciting battle! Now I know what the next hot trend will be☆

I'll call it:

"Convenient necessities you can make yourself! Simple! Fulfilling! Magecraft items for good luck!"

Hehehe. It's going to be the most plain-Jane trend in Gloucester's history!

Oh. Did that not go over too well?

Hmm. I figured there was no way a bunch of broke-ass, powerless, small-time faeries and humans...

...wouldn't be feeling nervous after being summoned to the home of the most charismatic producer in all of Faerie Britain...

So I thought I'd offset the tension and make sure you liked me by greeting you a little more cheerfully than I usually would.

But I guess this just goes to show why you shouldn't be too quick to leave your comfort zone. Then again, you do only get one chance to make a first impression...

？！

Yes, hello. I'm Murian. I don't need to keep going, right? Anyway, it's a pleasure.

Phew... Thank goodness you're back to your usual self, Murian. I was beginning to think you'd been body snatched.

What the hell was that? Are you turning into a mors or something?

Don't be rude, Oberon. I'm the perfect faerie lady, and I always will be.

That was just me going above and beyond.

I've been so excited to meet a human from Proper Human History who isn't Beryl Gut, you see.

My Fae Eyes might not be what they used to, but I can still make out auras.

You're Fujimaru, yes? You're just as darling as I thought you'd be.

If it looked like all you outsiders were like Beryl, I'd be killing you right now in a fit of rage...

But I'm relieved to see you have perfectly decent auras about you. It's enough to give me hope, if just a little.

Uh, thanks, but we're still trying to wrap our heads around this situation.

So, you know about Proper Human History, and you're welcoming us here anyway? Do I have that right?

Don't make me laugh! I'm not afraid of Proper Human History!

...

I'm sorry, that's not quite right. It's not Proper Human History that worries me.

It's you Chaldeans.

From what I've been told, you've been to all sorts of other worlds.

So first of all, I'm going to learn for myself exactly what it is you plan on doing in Faerie Britain.

...Though I already have a pretty good idea thanks to what Muramasa told me.

Muramasa? You told her about us?

Hey, I never dreamed we were gonna end up working together.

So yeah, I told her 'bout what happened in Olympus after she interrogated me. But just a little.

Interrogated you? Is that how you saw that? And here I thought it was a lovely tea party.

I mean, I suppose I might have had a teeeeeensy bit of trouble containing my excitement...

...after you told me all those fascinating things about the Foreign God, the Trees of Emptiness, the Crypters, and the Alter Egos, but even so.

You call that "teensy"?

So is it not true that the Wing clan're the most mild-mannered of all the faeries then?

No, they are. Or at least, they used to be.

But there aren't any mild-mannered Wing clan faeries left anymore. Not after

Oberon.

Oh, right. Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Please, go on, my fair butterbur princess.

It's okay, Oberon. You didn't interrupt me. Muramasa did.

...Fujimaru, I just want to make sure of one thing.

You DO mean to leave this Lostbelt alone, yes?

Your business here is only with Queen Morgan, since she was foolish enough to go after Olympus...

And Chaldea has no intention of attacking Britain itself. Can you look me in the eye and swear that?

？！

...I see. Not the most eloquent defense, but a well-considered one.

So, you're still trying to figure out who your real enemy is, and what it is you hope to acquire here.

I understand. You haven't even met Queen Morgan yet. Of course you can't make a final decision now.

Very well then.

Normally, I would capture you all here and present you to the queen...

But instead, I'm going to hold off on making a decision for now, much the way you are.

As long as Chaldea leaves Britain itself alone, I won't get in your way.

So you're welcome to keep enjoying your sightseeing in Britain.

As for you, Lady Altria: Have you memorized Ainsel's final prophecy?

U-uh, more or less. Let me see...

"I shall speak now of a future, of the end of the isle of Mystics, which came to be known as Faerieland."

"Let the innocent return. Here stands the queen's unknowable castle."

"We require now only a little more patience. After two thousand years, the dawn shall bring the king who will be our salvation."

"She shall be the child who saves the world, who binds both peoples together."

"A city of iron. A sea of soot. When the calamity recedes, her pilgrimage begins."

"Ring. Ring. Like raging thunder. Like weeping flame. Let us harken to the six bells ringing."

I think that's how it went, right?

...Let's say, more or less. You left out some key bits, but you got the gist.

Oberon, are you really sure this is the Child of Prophecy?

I mean, she hasn't even been able to weaponize her biggest selling point.

Oh, I wouldn't say that. I think she's got a few important points down.

As far as the two of you are concerned, the only important passage is the last one, since you're the guardian of the bell tower right above us.

The bell tower? You don't mean

I sure do. One of the six bells described in the prophecy is above us right now.

And I believe you found one in Salisbury too, didn't you?

Wait. Are you saying you DIDN'T come here to ring Gloucester's bell?

I, uh... Well...

？！

Mash...?

Sorry, but no one in Gloucester has ever even spoken that word before.

Are you sure she's not in another city?

Ah, okay. I thought one of your usual crew was missing.

What happened? You get separated and come to Gloucester lookin' for her?

Well, yeah! I mean, we heard there was gonna be a faerie with an unusual iron weapon being put up for auction!

How were we supposed to know that was gonna be you!?

I guess I have to take some of the blame for that. I should've looked into this more closely.

I could have at least found out if the faerie being sold was male or female if I'd just snuck into the auction hall.

Hehehe, as if you could pull that off.

My auctions are extremely well-guarded. Not even an ant, nor a single drop of blood, could get in without detection.

Good point. After all, it has been a few hundred years since you established your doctrineor maybe "objective" is a better word...

...that nobody is allowed to use violence in Gloucester, hasn't it?

But anyway, let's get back to the bell, Murian.

How come you're being so cold to Altria, even though you believe she truly is the Child of Prophecy?

...To be honest, I'm disappointed.

Queen Morgan may be a great ruler, but she is...excessively cruel.

It's not just the annual existence tax. It's the way she treats humans, and how she oppresses every faerie who isn't part of a clan.

It's the way she fails to handle the calamities. The way she monopolizes the flotsam. The laws that keep our society a pale imitation of human civilization.

In the last hundred years alone, she had all of Darlington moved, followed by building the National Slaughterhouse Theater.

She's always been ruthless towards those who defy her, but she's gotten even worse ever since she appointed Tristan as her successor.

There was a time when I thought she would be the ruler who would finally rid Britain of the calamities...

But now, she's just a witch intent on turning Britain into her personal plaything.

That's why Iwe, have been waiting for you, Lady Altria.

But you just don't look the part. I can't see you beating the queen like this.

It would be one thing if the other clans were on your side, but neither the Earth clan nor the Wind clan will be willing to make a move as things stand now.

So, you're not going to show us to Gloucester's bell then?

Not now, at any rate.

I'm the lord of Gloucester. I have a duty to keep it safe.

If I were to lend you my support now, Lady Altria, it would be seen as an act of revolt against the queen.

Not even my fae domain would keep us safe if that happened. If she wanted to, Queen Morgan could easily dispel it.

So please...

Please come back to Gloucester again, after you have grown stronger.

I don't care what form that power takes. It could be connections, or magecraft, or funding...

I'll take anything as long as it leads to a way of defeating the queen.

Remember, Altria, you are the fae folk's star of hope...

The chosen Child of Prophecy who will save Britain from its long twilight.

？！

That's right. So I hope you'll please do your part to help her, Fujimaru.

You're an old hand when it comes to beating up bad guys, right? I mean, it sounds like you've done it lots of times before.

Okay, Murian, I get that you're not our enemy now, and I'm grateful for that.

But what I don't get is why you'd go to all this trouble to help us.

Even given what you already knew about us from Muramasa, we're still outsiders who in some ways pose as much threat as Queen Morgan.

Yet, you already seem to have deep trust for Chaldea...or rather, for Fujimaru. And that just doesn't add up.

Is there something else you're not telling us?

Something I'm not telling you?

Of course there is. In fact, this is a perfect time to introduce her.

As you may have guessed, I've had another foreign guest who's told me all about you Chaldeans.

Come on in, Lady F. Let's see, I think her True Name was...

Koyanskaya. Tamamo Vitch Koyanskaya, Princess.

Good day, my dear Chaldeans. I'm so glad to see you all doing so well.

？！

Stop that, Fujimaru. Please, calm down.

Didn't I already tell you I won't abide violence in Gloucester?

Besides, she's an important guest of mine. A business partner, really.

She means Britain no harm, and she has no intention of interfering with Chaldea, either.

After all, under most circumstances, she wouldn't even be here now.

The only reason she's still here is because I insisted she stay after she tried to leave.

Hmm. And why did you do that?

Because she's an excellent bodyguard!

It's a shame she's so money-grubbing, but her combat prowess more than makes up for it!

I especially love that she can hold her own against the mors! This way, I don't have to bow and scrape to the Fang clan OR the Tam Lin!

...I see.

I was told we lost contact with you after you took Beryl Gut off to who knows where.

So now you're picking through Britain for stuff to sell? What're you playing at here, Koyanskaya?

Did you get tired of waiting for the Foreign God and Chaldea to off each other...

...and decide to show your true colors now that the Foreign God's shown up?

Oh no, nothing like that. The Foreign God and I are on equal standing, you know.

I'm still not sure exactly what that god is, but I am sure our contract clearly states that neither will interfere with the other until our goals have been achieved.

Suffice to say, I've never been in the same position, or shared the same perspective, as you three Alter Egos.

You, Lord Rasputin, and Lord Limbo are all Servants summoned by the Foreign God...

But I'm a Servant who manifested under her own power, so I'm free to do whatever I like.

I'm only staying here now because I found Lady Murian's proposal appealing. I have no interest in this British Lostbelt...

...or in you Chaldeans, who are apparently determined to get yourselves killed by sticking your noses in where they don't belong...

...ooor in whatever Queenie is up to, or in Faerie Britain's humans, for that matter.

I do hope I've made myself clear♡

Why no, of course not!

This world is already in such bad shape, there's really nothing for me to do.

Why, stocking up on new merchandise, of course♡

I've been filling my metaphorical larders with all sorts of rare delicacies unique to the land of the fae.

Every other Lostbelt has either been on its last legs, or had meager offerings, or was secluded, or something out of science fiction...

Honestly, none of them really had much to offer, but Britain! Britain is a whole other story!

The creatures here are equal parts unique, adorable, and vicious.

They're just the sort of models I was looking forthe kind I can use to strike fear into all of humanity.

？！

Please don't rile them up, Koyanskaya. We were just coming to an agreement.

I swear, why do you always paint yourself in the worst possible light when you have so much beauty to offer both inside and out?

I expect to be working with the Chaldeans in the future, so please do your best to get along with them, okay?

Oh, very well. If that's what the client wants, that's what the client shall get.

So, on that note: Lord Fujimaru. Lady Da Vinci.

I know we've had our differences in the past, but here in Britain, we're both on Proper Human History's side.

So I propose we let bygones be bygones and focus on accomplishing our respective goals.

Or at least, until you're reunited with Mash. Doesn't that sound fair, Fujimaru?

？！

...You're not wrong. At the moment, we definitely don't need any more problems than we've already got.

If you're willing to leave us alone, we'll do the same for you.

If ya ask me, we should cut her down now and be done with it. But, I guess we couldn't get away with that in front of Murian, anyway.

I-I, uh... I don't really know this lady, so...

I-I'll go along with whatever you all think is best!

A wise decision, everyone. Very well then, I'll continue to enjoy my latest pleasure trip here in

Well, I, for one, hate your guts.

...It's Oberon, right? I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that.

Shut up. Don't talk to me. Every word you speak feels like it's rotting my ears.

Murian, I'm saying this to you as your friend: that...thing is an abomination.

Your trust is completely wasted on her. I'd wash my hands of her now if I were you.

Well, that couldn't have ended much worse than it did.

You must have done some really heinous things to them, Koyanskaya.

Oh, absolutely.

Between wiping out Lord Goredolf's team of mercenaries, occupying Chaldea's headquarters...

...and turning its personnel into ice cubes, I'd say they came by that hatred honestly.

But I don't know anything about that Oberon Servant. Who is he? He doesn't seem to be from Faerie Britain...

Oberon just showed up in the Welsh forest about two months ago.

He's a Heroic Spirit from Proper Human History. Ah, yes, I guess that makes him a Servant.

Anyway, he likes to call himself the "Faerie King," and he usually spends his time performing shows in cities around Britain.

I got to know him before, when he first came to Gloucester.

...At first, I was thrilled to have found a fellow Wing clan faerie, since he looks so much like one, but...

...I'm sorry. I don't have to tell you this, but it would be dishonest not to say anything.

I know I may look like a Wing clan faerie...but I'm not. After all, your clanmates are already...

But hey, never mind that. You're the lord of Gloucester, right?

Then please, I need you to give me an unsecured loan! The fate of the whole world depends on it!

Well, as you saw, he's a very bright and cheerful character. More of a jester king than a faerie king, really.

He's also the one who told me ahead of time that the Child of Prophecy would be coming here.

I see...

(Hopefully he just has keen instincts, but either way, it's probably better to squash annoying bugs like him at the first opportunity...)

Oh, I just remembered. I should have my hands on one of those stories from the past you've been looking for soon.

There aren't many faeries left who remember what things were like two thousand years ago, during the Fae Era...

But luckily, I managed to track down a book one of Camelot's banished librarians had been keeping secret for ages.

It should get here soon.

You know, I'm surprised you're so interested in our history, especially when it's completely different from Proper Human History.

Is there something useful you're hoping to learn from our past?

Oh yes, absolutely.

My objective is to find Demonic Beasts that don't exist in Proper Human History and put them to work for me.

I have the ability to replicate furry creatures of any size and shape, and incorporate their data into my body.

Though unfortunately, I can only command up to nine big ones at a time.

I originally came to Britain to secure a sixth tail...

But now, I'm staying because I'm fascinated by the story of how Faerie Britain came to be.

I'm only sorry I've unwittingly caused you to dip into your funds, Lady Murian.

Oh, don't worry about that. I used to be quite the avid researcher myself before I became the lord of Gloucester.

I used to spend hours holed up in the library against my father's wishes, absorbed in the legends of Aesc.

I was a total bookworm... At least, until the queen let those barbarians torch the whole place.

...Then...

Are you going to revolt against the queen once the Child of Prophecy has grown stronger?

... ...No way!

The hope of all fae folk? Britain's savior?

While I never had high hopes for the Child of Prophecy to actually bring an end to Queen Morgan's reign...

...I won't deny that I've occasionally entertained the possibility.

But now, I find out she's nothing more than some pathetic, common faerie!

Her magical energy's average. She's neither especially beautiful nor large. She doesn't even have her own fae domain!

There's no way a faerie like that could possibly save anyone. I should've known the only one I can really rely on is myself.

It's a shame I ended up letting Senji Muramasa go after all the time I put into him...

But as long as I have you helping me, I don't need the so-called Child of Prophecy at all.

No, I think I'll just use Chaldea and the Child of Prophecy.

Ideally, I'm hoping that disgusting human mage actually manages to take down one of the Tam Lin.

If just one of them falls, there'll be nothing holding Cnoc na Riabh back any longer.

Queen Morgan, Cnoc na Riabh, the Child of Prophecy, and Fujimaru...

No matter who's left standing, I'll have plenty of game pieces to play with...

Ugh, dammit, Oberon. Why'd you have to ruin our precious chance to speak with the head of another clan?

？！

I understand why you're upset. I'll admit I behaved kind of childishly.

But I'm not going to apologize. I only said what needed saying.

I loved it, Oberon.

It takes real guts to say something like that to that fox woman's face.

Well, maybe not guts so much as a thick skin? Either way, it was impressive.

You'll have to tell me some tales of your escapades later. I'd bet you've got some real whoppers.

...Um, are you sure we shouldn't at least try to apologize?

I don't know about me, but Murian seemed like she was willing to help out Chaldea... Or at least, Fujimaru...

Oh, don't worry about that.

Murian never had any intention of helping us out.

Really?

All Murian wanted was some kind of military force that was neither the queen nor the Child of Prophecy. Something that would belong to Gloucester alone.

She probably had her eye on Chaldea for that at first, but now that she's found a replacement...

Yup. She's got a trump card she can use however she likes.

So now, she has no more need to team up with us, or to carry water for the Child of Prophecy.

？！

I-I see... Then I guess I'm pretty much useless here, too

Oh, there they are! Heeey! Wait uuup!

You guys are with the Child of Prophecy, right!?

Where is she now? Is she gone? Did she already leave for the next city?

Of course she did! She's not gonna stick around here waiting for Woodwose's soldiers to come after her!

Aww, I was really hoping to see her in person... Not that I blame her. I mean, she's THE Child of Prophecy!

U-um, is there something I can do for

Well, that's okay. At least we can give you guys these gifts for her. It's not much, but please, take it.

We always believed the Child of Prophecy would appear someday, so we've been saving what we could for when the time came.

We're sorry it's all small change and cheap stuff like old clothes, stones, and tree roots...

But this is everything we can do for her right now. We think it'll be at least some use.

So please make sure she gets it, okay?

...

Okay, I will. I think the Child of Prophecy will be thrilled to receive this.

Yeah? ...Yeah, we think so too! You guys make sure you keep her safe, okay!?

...

Wow, it's a small mountain of gifts. Can those metal arms of yours carry it all, Da Vinci?

Of course. You have my word that I'll get everything back to the carriage safe and sound.

Well, that was nice, huh, Altria? Sure, they might not have realized it was you...

...but that was living proof that even the faeries in Gloucester are pinning their hopes on the Child of Prophecy.

You're right! And with this many materials and magecraft goodies, we won't have to worry about keeping Fujimaru fed for some time!

...

Well, while I wish we could have spent a night here to enjoy more of what Gloucester has to offer...

...the fact that the lower-class faeries here know about the auction incident now means that the queen's army must know about us too.

So I'm afraid we can't stay here much longer.

I-I guess that's true. But we still haven't found any new leads on Mash.

If Murian hasn't heard anything about her, then there aren't any leads here to find.

And since it seems no one in Salisbury or Gloucester has seen her, our hands are tied for the moment.

Let's not forget we're also wanted for that ranch incident, so we have to be careful not to be anywhere the queen's soldiers are likely to nab us.

So I think we should stop looking for her ourselves and head somewhere safe, at least for now.

？！

Yes, it would. That goes for Salisbury, too. It's too dangerous right now.

So instead, what if we kept looking for Mash via different means?

You guys can lay low, and in the meantime, I'll go around to the different areas looking for information on her.

Just because you guys can't look for her now doesn't mean I can't, after all.

Give me three days, and I should be able to find out all the latest news in Britain. After that, we'll know where to go next.

No need to thank me. I can't deny it's not the most proactive method, after all.

Don't worry, I've already thought of that. In fact, you could say the land out here is why I thought to make this suggestion in the first place.

？！

So we'll be camping out for a while, huh? Then we'll have to look for an out-of-the-way campsite.

Ehehe, don't worry, I'm great at pitching tents! And I can also put up all the different Bounded Fields we'll need to keep undesirables away!

Really? That's great to hear, but you won't need any of that this time around.

Huh?

Oh, now I see... Sorry to steal your thunder, Altria.

But we really need to play it safe here, so I'm afraid you'll have to wait for another time.

All right, let's get going to my secret base!

See that forest over there, past the western hill? That's the Welsh forest.

It's a place that's long been abandoned by faeries and humans alike where old, dried-up things go to rest.

And, it's the personal domain of yours truly!