Morgana's Episode

Ethan, could you pass me the fork?

Do it yourself... Here you go.

Ethan, don't hog that sauce bottle, pass it over, please.

...

Hey... Morgana.

What is it?

You. Why are you always so aggressive towards me? You could speak a little more gently.

You should be grateful that I even talk to you.

...Fine. But at least don't do that when asking me for something. Honestly, you ask for my help a lot.

You're complaining a lot today.

Yeah! Honestly, this is just too much! It's not like I'm raising a kid, so I don't see why I have to take care of you all the time!

...I can't take it anymore. Morgana! I'm going to fix your bad habits completely from now on!

Hehe, that sounds interesting. Go ahead, try it.

Do you think this is some kind of bet? I'm serious.

Alright. If you follow my instructions properly...

Follow them properly, then what?

I'll buy you the limited-edition Dragon Tail Steak that was advertised in Mercia's restaurant!

What, what did you say?

That's not all! I'll also send you to the dessert festival! I'll figure out how to get the money for it!

That... too...?

So... what do you think? Are you still going to ignore me?

E-Ethan...

What?

You are truly...

An excellent human. You're definitely different from the other pigs. You really are the prophet's Swordbringer.

Oh, okay...

So, does this mean you've accepted it?

Of course! I, Morgana, the Fairy Queen, never fail when I set my mind to something. I'll gladly follow your lead.

Just so you know, I'm only doing this because you're the problem... be aware of that.

You sly fairy.

Hmph! I'm better than those who cling one moment and move on the next.

Anyway, so you're accepting the deal, right?

Yes. I don't like your arrogant attitude, but I can't refuse food I want to eat. I'm still the Fairy Queen.

What does the Fairy Queen know about gourmet food...

First things first, let's start with physical training!

This feels a bit awkward... why did you want me to take off my cloak?

You can't have something annoying hanging off you when you're working out.

Your problem is that you keep collapsing. It's probably poor stamina, but I think your habits are also contributing to it.

Don't think I'll carry you forever. If you understand, start running from now on!

Looks like you have a lot of complaints...

Hehe, fine. I'll show this clueless human just how well I move when I give it my all!

Hyaa!!

Oh...?

...Ugh, that's enough.

Cough!

What was that? You're a Fairy Queen, and you're out of breath after just jumping from there to here?

S-shut up. Fairies are intellectual beings. I'm not used to such primitive physical training...!

Is that so? Fine. Next, let's do something more fitting for an intellectual being.

I'm confident about that!

You've always been pampered, huh? Well, clean these clothes thoroughly.

What does laundry have to do with using my brain?

Shush! If you're truly the leader of intellectual fairies, you should at least know how to clean dirty clothes!

Ugh...

Fine, I'll do it.

This time, it's cooking. Alright, let's do it, Morgana.

Hah... I want to quit.

What? What are you saying? You promised!

Moving endlessly like this is unfair. Even horses get hay for working, but you're giving me nothing. Isn't this too harsh?

I'll let you eat, but you'll have to make it yourself.

You should understand the importance of those who make ingredients, but at least you should know how to make simple dishes to be of help.

Haa... fine, Ethan. This is the last one. I won't move any further today...!

Got it.

Not bad, actually.

Huh? Are you serious?

I'm not saying it's good, but for you, it's alright. You got something done, didn't you?

I just wanted to see that effort.

Is this even cooking?

Then why did you make me do something so tough?

Because we need to eat, you troublesome Fairy Queen... What would you have done if I got injured and couldn't cook for you?

Well...

Morgana. I'll guide you, so just follow me. You can manage that, right?

Haa... I suppose I have no choice. But only this time.

The training had some results.

She's pretty independent now? At least she won't starve to death.

Ethan, I think the meaning's changed a bit, don't you?

Haa... fine. If you're okay with it, I really want to stop moving now. I'm tired, and I'm hungry...

But why are you always just eating and sleeping? Isn't that too laid-back when there's a long and huge adventure ahead?

Don't talk nonsense. Do you think I want to do this?

Huh, you didn't?

Ethan!

Even if you're just a worthless pig, you should at least notice when I'm accommodating you this much.

Don't talk arrogantly while just lying down and flapping your mouth...

So what is it? If it's not voluntary, is there a reason behind it?

Yes, there is. A very big reason.

The reason I'm always just eating and sleeping is...

The reason is...?

Because I'm still in my growth phase.

...

What's with that awful look?

I just wasn't expecting that kind of answer, so I lost my words.

You could've just said it's because you're being lazy...

I'm serious! I haven't been reincarnated for long, and I'm still not fully recovered!

I knew that... so is it true...?

If you regain your original abilities, that would be great for us, but when will that growth be completed?

I don't know.

That answer doesn't sound convincing...

Excuse me. I wouldn't lie, would I?

...That's not likely.

Are you saying I'm lying? Even the other fairies were amazed by me...!

Now that you mention it...

Honestly, the real problem is that you don't care enough about me, Ethan.

Fine, fine. Let's call it a growth phase.

I'm not calling it that! It's really...

Yeah. So I guess I'll need to try harder. Helping a pubescent ally become independent? It's kind of exciting, you know?

Pubescent?! That's harsh.

Stop whining and start moving. This is special training with a reward on the line, after all, right?

Sigh... Fine. Don't say anything later!

Of course not. Now, let's get to weed pulling and fence cleaning!

...This is drifting further and further from the original purpose.

Ethan... I'm going to take a step forward now.

Watching Morgana surrounded by light, I swallowed hard.

Sounds exciting, huh? The special training is done, and now you are really starting to transform into a proper Fairy Queen... I can't help but feel emotional!

I...

What's wrong?

This growth phase is pretty tough. Can you... hold my hand?

What's going on, Morgana? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? It's getting awkward.

I'm not joking! Please...

Okay, okay...!

Whoa!

Don't panic, Ethan. This is a fairy ritual... I'm just shedding my old form to settle into a new one.

It looks like you're hugging me! Don't treat me like some old tree! Are you a cicada?

...Do you not like it?

Oops...!

It's not that I don't like it. It's just... embarrassing.

Then just keep up with your usual sharp words and complaints. This is... kind of awkward.

E-Ethan...! Now I'm...

Listen to me!

Just say you want to lean on me. What's with the shedding talk.

Fine. I'll lean on you for a moment, Ethan...

If you say it that easily...

Hold me properly. It's getting a little...!

Huh? H-Huh...?

Phew.

...?

It's over. Now could you back off a bit? I'm starting to get slightly annoyed.

...Nothing's changed at all?

Of course not. It's the equivalent of a human aging by one year. There's no way there'd be a big change.

Don't confuse me, you brat! You were acting all dramatic and nostalgic like you were about to die, and then this happens?

Fine, whatever. Just buy me a dragon tail steak already. I'm starving after shedding this form.

Are you some kind of insect? A crustacean? What even are you?

And about that steak... Sorry, but let's pretend it never happened.

W-What? Did you trick me, you evil pig!

Calm down. It wasn't me who tricked you, it was that restaurant. I'll buy you a regular steak, so put down that staff.

The restaurant tricked you... Could it have been a scam?

Yep.

Sigh, really. Humans are the worst. Worse than insects. I wish you'd all just fight and destroy each other...!

Is that something a Fairy Queen should say? Enough, calm down and let's go. At least you've gained some strength and independence from this.

I don't care. I'm not moving another step. Carry me!

...This month's in the red too.

Ugh...

You get it, right? It's not like I'm planning to sell you off, Morgana.

But I've realized we'll never get rich doing things the normal way...

B-But...

Even when we slay powerful monsters! Even when we take the jobs nobody else wants! Even when we survive death traps in ancient ruins!

No matter what we do, we're always in the red. Even when I earn enough gold to break my back carrying it.

That's not my fault!

The root cause is food expenses. And the real problem is your bottomless appetite.

S-So what are you planning to do? Dressing me up in this hideous outfit...?

They say those who don't work, don't eat. Starting today, I'm putting that into practice.

And the first step... is that outfit!

I call it... the Fairy Queen Bunny-Bunny Service!

N-No way! Absolutely not! Who do you think you are to force this on me?!

Did you forget?

You promised, if you blew all the funds again, you'd take responsibility and do whatever I said.

T-That...

I recall you even swearing it on the name of the Fairy Queen, didn't you?

Eeeek...!

You're the Fairy Queen, respected far and wide. Surely you wouldn't eat your words?

T-That's why I'm sitting here quietly! I even put on this ridiculous outfit!

Isn't that enough already?

Didn't you hear me? I said you're going to be working part-time.

Impudent! Forcing me into this hideous getup and leering at me is already a grave sin!

...Who's leering at who?

Like I don't know you're just doing this to indulge your filthy desires?

Huh...?

Morgana... don't tell me. You're not secretly worrying about glamour issues like a busty girl, are you?

I am glamorous! I've got curves for days!

Which part...?

Ugh! Idiot! Moron! You pig! You're no different from every other filthy, lecherous human out there!

Insult me all you want, but keep your promise. Think of the effort I went through preparing that outfit.

Hmph, and what exactly am I supposed to do in this eyesore?

This is... something you'd only wear at the beach!

And these ears and tail just get in the way. If you'd given me dragon horns and wings, I would've liked it much better!

Hey... that wouldn't be a bunny girl anymore.

Then what am I supposed to do in this dumb rabbit suit? Tell me already.

The faster we finish, the better. Got it?

Your energy's good, but that decision's up to the manager.

Manager...?

You know Ria's inn, right? You'll be serving customers in the restaurant-bar there.

S-Serving...?

What kind of humiliating task are you giving me, you fool?!

Haah... this is the happiest part of the day...

Order here!

....

Oooorder!

...Grrrnnnch!

Hey, bunny! Take my order!

Ethan... you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?

Doing what?

You shoved me into this awful place, and now you come here every night alone to eat and drink!

You're here just to mock me, right?!

That's just your inflated ego. This is how I've always ended my days, surviving hell.

Hmph! Lying pig.

Still, I'm surprised. Who knew you'd work so earnestly?

What kind of obvious statement is that? Do you know how many centuries I've lived?

Human work is nothing to me. When I do something, I do it properly...!

If only you were like that all the time...

What was that?!

Elizabeth and Bedivere work part-time, I handle chores. You usually just eat or sleep.

Ugh... I-I at least helped with patrolling and keeping the peace... sometimes!

J-Just eat and go already, you lazy pig!

Hey, bunny girl. Wanna come have fun with us?

Heh-heh, we'll show you a good time.

I'm working right now! I don't care how much you pigs squeal, I'm not interested.

Ooh, I love it. Insult me more! Louder!

W-What nonsense are you babbling?! Get lost already! Do you want me to show you real firepower?!

Hyaaah! This is heaven...

Little bunny girl's the best!

....

What? Why are you glaring at me like you just swallowed a lemon?

Nothing... I just suddenly feel like contemplating the many twisted varieties of mankind.

Spouting nonsense again. Anyway, I'm working hard, so no more nagging once this shift ends!

As long as you don't wreck our finances again, I won't nag. I'm tired too.

But hey... if you are so poor, how do you afford to eat and drink here every night?

Huh? Isn't it obvious?

With your paycheck.

Ethaaan!!

...I'm broke again.

This time it's completely Ethan's fault! It's all your fault!

Sigh... Fine, I admit it. I got carried away teasing you too much.

D-Did you just admit you were bullying me?! That's what you said, right?!

Still, wasn't it fun? You learned the joy of earning money with your own sweat.

Stop twisting it... Fun? Do you know how exhausting it was dealing with those pigs? And my wages got taken away...

I'm glad I quit already!

You spend my money all the time anyway.

And besides... even if it's annoying, it's still good that people like you. Who knows? Maybe someone will even tip you.

...A tip?

Yeah. Those guys were perverts who enjoyed being insulted, but they really liked you.

Even if you don't like it... try staying in that outfit for a while.

You might not only pay back Ria, but make enough to feast on the world's greatest delicacies.

I-Is that really possible?

Sure. Back in my world, plenty of people made money exactly like that.

In that case... I-I'll wear this for a while longer...

...But Ethan, what do you think?

About what?

About me, obviously! You're the one who forced me into this...

Does this great Fairy Queen... look good in a bunny suit?

Ugh! Then I really need to take it off right now!

It doesn't suit a runt like you. Especially with that flat, scrawny body... huh? Morgana?!

Then I'll engrave it into your filthy flesh... just how great I truly am!

W-Wait, it was a joke! A joke!!