Chapter 72: Taking the First Step, Again

Alright, that takes care of the preparations.

Before we start the story again, I have one question.......

...Morgana, do you like me?

What is this all of a sudden? Saying something so embarrassing in the middle of the street.

Well, for one, you're my teacher. I still have a lot to learn from you as a mage.

You're kind to everyone, unlike me, and you have the sense of responsibility befitting a Fairy Queen.

So... I don't dislike you.

Except for the part where you call the next Fairy Queen by such a low-class name.

You didn't like it? I thought it was cute and suited you.

That's exactly why I'm saying it's low-class!

For me, Morgan le Fay, beloved disciple of the great Oberon and the heir acknowledged by all, to be called cute?!

Just you wait. I'll grow up soon and become a lady far sexier and more perfect than you!

.......

Yeah, I guess I'm looking forward to that.

...Um, are you alright? You've been saying strange things this whole time.

Who knows? Maybe I'm only starting to hesitate now.

Truth is, I don't enjoy being hated either. That's why I've lived pretending to be nicer than I am.

But in the end, I couldn't find any other way. It was a problem with no solution.

Um... I'm sorry, but I still don't understand-

Morgana, answer me one last time.

One who is loved without loving. One who loves without being loved.

Who do you think should become Queen?

...What? Why are you asking that all of a sudden.......

Urgh...-! Khk-!

Even if you come to hate me.

And even if I become unable to hate you.

Could I still love you?

...O-Oberon...! I... I-I can't breathe...! I can't breathe...!

Answer me, Morgana.

While I can still shed tears.

...N-No!

A-Are you okay, Morgana?!

Did you have a nightmare? Would you like some cookies?!

Leave her. She probably choked on a piece of chicken in her dream again.

Or maybe she went hungry for two days in it. For her, that'd be a nightmare too awful to imagine.

...No, wait. Are you crying right now?

...C-Crying? Who said I was crying?! It's because I yawned, that's all!

I was actually looking forward to Elizabeth's coronation, but they've had us sitting here for hours already!

........

No, that's a lie. Normally you'd be all over those cookies, and you're not even looking at them.

This is an emergency, Bedivere! We need a dessert bigger and sweeter than those cookies!

Th-Then I'll bring cake! Please don't cry and hang in there a little longer, Morgana!

I said I'm not crying!

If I can't even remember what the dream was about, then obviously it was just some stupid dream.

Honestly... human pomp and ceremony never changes.

When I was crowned Fairy Queen, one hour was enough.

Let me guess. Thirty minutes for the meal and thirty for the coronation?

No. Obviously it was fifty-nine minutes for the meal and one minute for the coronation.

Thorough self-care is the foundation of rulership!

I, Morgan le Fay, the Fairy Queen, have never once compromised on proper meals and a full night's sleep!

I think I get why the fairies don't remember this brat.

So all she did as queen was eat and sleep.

You held out so well, Morgana! Here's your cake!

Oh... this is perfect timing.

The steak I just ate has only just finished digesting.

Will it kill you lot to behave yourselves for even a moment?

I worry Her Highness Elizabeth may have picked up bad habits from you.

Oh...! Munch munch... has it finally... munch... become time... gulp-!

What's the big deal with a coronation? You give one speech, put a crown on your head, and that's it, right? Let's get it over with.

Eeh... b-but even so, shouldn't there be at least a little pizzazz to it?

The countless people looking up to their liege... and Elizabeth at last taking her seat upon the throne!

It's a moment none of us will ever have again. Like something straight out of a fairy tale!

Sadly, reality isn't a fairy tale.

And in reality, pomp and ceremony exist for a reason.

The position of king of Britannia is a special one. Special enough to be called an emperor reigning above the other six kingdoms.

That's why we meant to gather the rulers of every kingdom in one place and elevate Her Highness's authority, but.......

Oh... this cake is actually quite good.

Oh, agreed. This one's definitely something special.

That is why... we wanted to hold as grand a coronation as possible, but.......

They say the royal chef made this cake and named it after Elizabeth!

The six kinds of fruit used for the decorations represent Britannia's other kingdoms. And the large cherry in the center is meant to symbolize Elizabeth.

Why is Her Highness in such a hurry...!

A month... no, at least a week, and I could have completed all the preparations.

But to tell me to prepare even the banquet in a single day...!

Aw, don't be so low-class about it. Our versatile Sir Mordred, Chancellor of Britannia, Duke of Titania, Commander of the Knights of the Round Table, and Defender of the Realm.

When your titles increase, your workload increases too. That's true in every age, East or West. If you don't like it, then retire.

Do you take me for one of you? Having a lot of work is exactly what I wanted.

But these past few days, one incomprehensible situation after another has me concerned.

I'm sure Elizabeth has her reasons. Probably.

Maybe she just really wanted to eat this cake already. Probably.

I'm sure she entrusted it to Sir Mordred because she believes in him! Ah, probably...

More importantly, what's with that outfit, Bedivere? What happened to your usual clothes?

Ah, ahaha... well... the outfit the Goddess of the World Tree gave me is a little too much for a coronation.......

It was a bit lacking in places, wasn't it?

It was a little too bold for Bedivere. Though I liked that version too.

More than anything, this is the outfit Princess Elizabeth gave me as a present!

It's like the home of my heart... yes, that's part of what it means to me.

She's not a princess anymore. She's the queen now.

Ah... I-I'm sorry!

Haa.... it's fine. It's not like I care for pretentiousness either.

Her Highness will be giving her speech shortly. You lot are, at least for now, comrades of the queen, so behave yourselves.

Wait, didn't that guy usually talk casually to Elizabeth?

It's always the ones like that who are best at picking sides.

He's probably figured out who's really in power now and is stretching his legs out where it's safest to lie down.

...I merely show the proper respect in the proper place. Now more than ever, this is a time when the monarch's authority and rule are needed.

Um... Sir Mordred, would you like a bite too? This cake is really delicious.

You've got cream on your mouth, Bedivere.

You are the foremost knight of the Knights of the Round Table, and the knight closest to Her Highness. You must carry yourself accordingly.

Ah-! Aah... yes.......

Hngh... I got scolded again.......

See, Ethan. That bat-like jerk finally made the queen's knight cry.

Guess it can't be helped. For the dignity of the Britannia royal family, we'll just have to tell Elizabeth.

This is maddening... how did I end up tangled with people like you?

By the way, are you really okay with this? You were playing double agent all this time because you wanted the throne.

I can't imagine it's easy for you to work for Elizabeth now.

Are you trying to make me a traitor before the coronation is even over?

All I needed was a chance to prove my worth. And I couldn't just stand by and watch a tyrant ruin the country.

...Compared to that, my own ambition was a secondary matter.

Oh, so that means you did have some ambition after all?

Now what should I do...? I may have just witnessed the ember of rebellion.

The moment the coronation ends, let's go tattle to the queen. And we'll include the part where he made Bedivere cry too!

Haa.......

It has been a long time, and we have taken a road far longer still to reach this day.

You all walked beside me to the very end, but some chose a road from which they could never return.

But even if our paths diverged, that does not mean they should be forgotten. And even if we did not dream the same dream, that does not make their hearts fade.

To heal a wound, one must first wipe away the blood and dust, and bring it into the light.

So that the sunlight called Britannia may reach the hearts of the wounded.

And so that we may not shame the names of those who fell before us.......

Please, walk with me... toward a new dawn!

Waaaaaaaah-! Long live Queen Elizabeth!

...Bedivere.

Ah-!? O-Oh, is it not time to clap yet?! I-I'm sorry!

No, that was perfect. Elizabeth was probably having trouble finding the right moment to continue.

Alright, then. Shall we stir things up a bit?

Honestly, the way you people work a Fairy Queen is downright brutal.

It's only because my mercy is as deep as the sea and as high as the sky.......

...Otherwise I'd have told this bat all about today's plan already, you know?

Wait, what in the world have you been talking about this whole time?!

H-Hey...! Don't stand up on your own! The coronation isn't over yet-

Sir Mordred...! Please come before me at once.

Yes...? Ah... yes! Your Highness!

Good. Now kneel on one knee, just as you did when you were knighted.

Uh... like this?

Yes, now hand me your sword and close your eyes.

...Your Highness? Forgive me, but... what exactly is this......?

Ahem... somehow this is making me even more nervous than the speech.

But I've already made up my mind. Yes, I need to do this properly... like a real monarch.

Sir Mordred, I hereby appoint you Regent of Britannia.

.......

...Wait, what did you just say?

I said I'm adding "Regent" to your alreaaaady very long list of titles, Sir Mordred.

As Queen of Britannia, it means I entrust all the authority I possess to you.

.......

WHAT...!?!!?!

While drifting alone through the 「Sea of Stars」, I came to a realization.

Even for a queen, you only live once, so I've decided to cast off all the shackles and restraints of this world and set out in search of happiness!

So. That. Means. While I'm away, you'll look after the throne for me, all right?

Right, right... Can't go wasting the only life you've got.

As it happens, we were just in need of one more person to keep this pig on a leash.

If we're talking about the Queen of Britannia, then I suppose she can just barely be considered this Fairy Queen's equal.

Uh... um... I.......

...Because I'm Elizabeth's knight? It only makes sense for me to follow my liege, right?? Probably...???

Okay, I think even our dear regent understands well enough by now.

Shall we go? In search of our queen's happiness!

Huff... huff... huff.......

...Hey, wait... slow down a little...!

A-Are you all right, Ethan? Do you feel unwell?

No, I'm just out of shape.

All I did while I was back home was desk work... Guess I'm not what I used to be.

You're not even the Swordbringer of the Holy Sword anymore.

You went from a chosen pig to an ordinary pig, so I guess it can't be helped that you've only got pig-level stamina left.

Ghk... To think I'd end up on the same level as that freeloader who does nothing but eat and sleep.

Huh? I'm still full of energy, thank you very much!

Well, Elizabeth and Bedivere cleared the way for us.

...Oh, right! Elizabeth, are you okay?

Of course! Didn't you just see me take down the royal guard without a scratch?

I still can't go all out with this power just yet, but at least for now I think I'm fi... Cough-!!

...E-Elizabeth! Bl-Blood...!

You idiot...! That's why I told you not to push yourself!

Think of yourself as a burning log. The more you use your power, the more it eats away at your life!

It didn't feel real when I only heard about it, but... it's true.

That Elizabeth is dying right now... and that she doesn't have much time left.

Ahaha... Yes, if both Merlin and Morgana diagnosed it, then I'm sure there's no mistake.

I've told you over and over, but the 「Sea of Stars」 where you stayed is like a furnace for the soul.

It's dangerous enough to melt an ordinary human soul away in an instant! The fact that you're even alive right now is a miracle!

I can't exactly say there's nothing wrong... but yes, I'm still all right.

Because we're all together, just like always. We'll find a way somehow.

That's the one part I agree with. We've already saved the world once. You think we can't even save one little life of yours?

R-Right! I'm sure it'll work out somehow!

Honestly, all of you have nothing but happy and dumb thoughts in your heads.......

Well, even so, there is one thing I agree with.

The great Fairy Queen who has already saved the world many times is right here, after all.

So I'll make that naive hope of yours a reality!

Hic... waaahhh...!

Everything will work out, Princess! I'll stay with you until the very end!

I'm not a princess anymore, though... and "until the very end" sounds a little ominous.

Hwaaaah-! S-Sorry...!

Even so, I'm a queen in name, and I don't feel at ease running away and abandoning the affairs of state.

I've left far too great a burden on Mordred, and I feel ashamed toward everyone else as well.......

Elizabeth, this is exactly when you need to stay calm.

If word gets out that Britannia's queen is living on borrowed time, that would be a disaster.

Especially with the Ygritte Empire constantly watching for a chance to strike.

Who knows when that fool emperor Lucius will invade, so Britannia can hardly afford to lose even more of its strength.

And the other fool knights might come chasing after us too, saying they want to save Elizabeth.

Yes, and this turn of events is probably much better for Mordred as well.

A capable regent protecting the kingdom in place of a childish queen.......

...Hehe, I came up with it myself, but it's not a bad arrangement.

.......

...Somehow, it feels like Elizabeth has suddenly become much more mature.

You think so? Yes, I think so too.

I'm not a princess anymore. I'm a queen now. I ought to grow enough to be worthy of the crown.

I-I'll work hard and grow stronger too, Pri...! Ah, no! Elizabeth Qu... Queen!

Am I the only one who feels like we've had this conversation ten times already?

How about just calling her Princess when it's only us? Sort of like calling Elizabeth "big sis."

Big sis? Me...?!

How should I put it... that's such a thrilling word...!

Whaaat...!? N-No, you can't! If we do that, the royal dignity will...!

What use is dignity when it's just us? Save that for when you're dealing with someone like Mordred.

I'm for it. Once a way of speaking sticks, it's not so easy to shake off.

And "Your Majesty" does sound a little old.

Of course! Though it suits a supreme Fairy Queen like me perfectly!

Ahaha... Hearing that, I really do miss being called Princess.

.......

...Uwaaaah...! I want Princess to stay Princess forever too!

Mm, but when other people are around, we do need to be careful, all right? The dignity of the Pendragon Royal Family is at stake.

Y-Yes! Elizabeth Qu... ah, no! Princess!

Save the touching conversation for later. I think we've already got pursuers on us.

I just wish Mordred would be a little less competent today, of all days.

Hehe, then as queen, I'll have to evaluate my regent's abilities even more thoroughly.

Come on, let's set out again! Toward our new adventure!

Th-There! Her Highness is over there!

Sir Mordred! We found them! Her Highness and the villains who abducted her!

Villains? Since when did we get saddled with that role?

Maybe they got confused because of Ethan. Orcs and pigs do look alike.

Hngh... Honestly, being chased by Orcs and Goblins was easier.

To think we have to fight our comrades-in-arms like this, after sharing life and death together.

Sob... my heart... my heart hurts so much.......

It'll be okay, Bedi. I'm sure Mordred will smooth things over somehow.

You've all rested enough, right? Shall we get going again?

I want nothing more than to lie down and sleep for half a day like this... but well, it can't be helped.

Hey, get up, freeloader. If you're using her lap as a pillow, Bedivere can't get up either.

Ethan, this is amazing. I can only see half the sky.

Oho, now that's an interesting way to put it.

U-Um... why are you both looking at me like that?

All forces! Protect Queen Elizabeth with everything you have!

As for the rest... just leave them barely alive!

Wow, that's harsh. Barely alive, huh... we're still heroes who saved the world once, you know.

Ahem, I've saved it not once, but several times, actually.

Everyone... my heart... my heart hurts so much.......

They're all coming after us because they're worried about Elizabeth...!

.......

You know, Bedi... I wasn't lying earlier when I said I wanted to find happiness.

Whether that place is atop a precarious throne, or a string of adventures where you can't predict even a moment ahead.

In the end, I thought the path that suits me... no, suits us... is to create a story that can end with everyone smiling.

So let's smile this time too. So everyone can cast off their worries.

So it can be a first step worthy of us!

Honestly...! Why do you put so much effort into dressing up the idea of "let's just run away"?!

Hahaha...! I suppose I've somehow developed a taste for speeches!

Still, I looked pretty cool, didn't I? And the crown suited me perfectly too!

Uh... what crown? There hasn't been anything on your head since that speech.

.......

Oh, no, no, no...! I left my crown behind!

Whaaaat?! That's a huge problem!

Sh-Should I run back and get it?! Maybe if I use the power of the World Tree...!

Uwaawaah... I... I... bit my t-tongue...!

Who cares about some lump of metal like that? Everyone's already calling you queen anyway, aren't they?

At this rate, just tell Mordred to wear it around. His eyes were already full of greed anyway.

I told you...! Stop making me out to be a traitor whenever you feel like it...!!

Wow, figures a former double agent would have sharp ears too.

The same goes for you, Your Majesty! How could you dump such an absurd burden on me?!

...If it was going to be like this, you should've just given me the throne outright...!!!

Whaaat?! You bastard...! So you're finally showing your true colors...!!

Treason, treason...! Caught in the act...!!

Oh, come on... that would be going too far!

I believe in Sir Mordred's loyalty, patience, wisdom, compassion, restraint, integrity, valor, insight, and humility.

So, Sir Mordred too... no, everyone, please believe in me and cheer me on.

Until the day Britannia's true queen returns!

Huff... huff... huff.......

Huff... huff... huff.......

Are you two all right?! Please, don't overdo it... Cough-!!!

Th-This is bad! Princess is coughing up blood again...!!

Me and this one will be fine. We're just both short on stamina, that's all.

Honestly... we look pretty pathetic.

The former princess of a fallen kingdom is terminally ill and coughing up blood like water, and the former Swordbringer of the Holy Sword has become an Orc worse than a pig.

Hey, if nothing else, just call me a pig.

And even this great Fairy Queen lost her Power of Reincarnation while cleaning up after that pig.

Uh... well... sorry about that.

At least Bedivere is the only one among us who's perfectly fine... no, she's way stronger than before now.......

M-Morgana? It's embarrassing when you stare at me like that.

...She's much stronger than before, so why does she still feel so unreliable? Is it because she's back in her old outfit?

Ghk...! To think I, a Fairy Queen no less, would be ruled by prejudice...!

S-Still, please leave anything that needs strength to me!

Ever since I received power from the goddess of the World Tree... I think I've gotten a little more confident, at least!

Mm, I've always relied on Bedi. I doubt that will ever change.

But don't push yourself too hard. At least not until Merlin finishes investigating the World Tree.

So our next destination is the World Tree after all.

Whatever that damn tree really is, I just hope it gives us a clue to cure Elizabeth.

It did seem strange from the start.

To think something that immense was rooted in Britannia, and not even Merlin, let alone me, the Fairy Queen, knew about it.

And those mysterious fairies guarding that place too... They must be connected to Oberon.

So Oberon is the mastermind behind all that scam about the Holy Sword and the God of Destruction, huh.

.......

Uh... sorry. Come to think of it, you said they were someone you admired.

Oberon was the only one I ever admired. ...But honestly, I don't really know anymore.

Now, all that's left are faint traces of how I felt back then. In the end, my memories of Oberon have been broken for a long time.

Why would someone who couldn't even kill an ant do something like that, and why did she suddenly vanish from the world?

...And how did I forget her? I really don't know. Not at all.

.......

Morgana.......

Aaaah-! That is not the point right now!

Instead of dwelling on what's already over, we should be thinking about how to keep Elizabeth alive-

Found them! They're here, Sir Mordred!

Gah...! Y-You didn't hear what I just said, right?

Damn... they've caught up to us already?!

I-I'll hold them off! Everyone, run!

No, Bedi. We're already completely surrounded.

Ahaha... as expected of Mordred. To move the troops without giving us even a moment to notice.

.......

If it has come to this, then I'll have to get serious. I might have a little trouble controlling my strength, though...!

Silence, you traitor! How dare you turn the moment that heralds the revival of our Kingdom of Britannia into a laughingstock!

...A-And I want to hear Your Highness's answer as well! What exactly have I... have we been fighting for all this time?!

...!!

To reclaim King Uther's throne from the usurper, we buried far too many comrades in the ground.

And yet... you would cast aside that grave responsibility so lightly and leave?! I... I-!

...Quiet.

Keep your mouth shut while I still have the authority to forgive you.

Urk... S-Sorry, Sir Mordred! I got carried away.......

The burden a king must bear, and the context of rule, are not things a mere knight can presume to measure.

Much less when the other three at Her Highness's side are also heroes who founded this kingdom and saved the world.

Do you not realize that the drivel you just spewed is what truly insults Britannia?

...I-I deserve death!

Enough. Correcting a subordinate's mistakes is also my duty.

All of you, stand down. I have something urgent to say to Her Highness.

...Y-Yes, sir! All forces! Fall back!

Mordred.......

.......

...Elizabeth, you've always frustrated me.

No matter how small the matter, you always try to handle it alone, and even when something goes wrong, all you say is that it's fine.

Born with rights that a bastard like me could never compare to... and yet you're such a naive princess that you don't even know how to use them properly.

But I think that's changed now. I never thought you'd be able to throw me around like this before your coronation ceremony was even over.

.......

I don't know what circumstances you're dealing with, but if you can't tell me right now, that's fine.

If you're doing what needs to be done where you're needed, then I'll believe the Elizabeth I know would do exactly that.

...Yes, I believe too.

The Mordred I know. That bold prince who used to talk back to the late king without a shred of hesitation.

Hmph, but don't get too comfortable.

If you leave the throne empty for too long, I might just sit on it myself.

Gah...! That bat-like bastard is finally showing his true colors...!

Treason, treason-! Caught in the act again-

Everyone, please be quiet for now.

The queen and her regent are discussing affairs of state, and in the gravest terms, no less.

Eeeeek...! B-Both of you, apologize right now!

Ah, yes... I'm sorry.

I-I... Elizabeth is scaring me for the first time...!

This is insane... How did I end up getting mixed up with people like these?

Stop dawdling and just run. I can only intervene for a moment.