Avalon—the Sea of Stars.
It was a realm only the innocent could enter.
Inside a tall, peculiar tower at its border, Merlin, observing everything happening through its sole window, reached out to stroke the small creature at his feet.
"What I'm doing might be called hypocrisy, Cath Palug."
"I did outrageous things to Artoria before, and now I still want to make amends, offering a thousand-year-late apology and praise. If that's not hypocrisy, what is? I'm not some kind-hearted big brother, you know."
"Fou fou~"
The small creature at Merlin's feet meowed twice, scratching his hand as if refusing to be petted.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch… You're such a cruel beast, completely heartless. Can't you see I'm sad? Comfort me a little."
"Fou~"
Its expression seemed to say [Keep dreaming, you bastard Merlin doesn't need comfort].
Truly a wicked, untamable creature. Despite being locked in here with him for a thousand years, it showed no affection at all.
[Ahhh~~ Check, check, can you hear me? It's me over here. If you hear me, say 'creak'!]
Merry's voice suddenly echoed in the tower. Pausing his tussle with Cath Palug, Merlin looked up. "Yes, I hear you. Thanks for passing on the message, my other self. Sorry for the trouble."
[No trouble, just a word or two. But your kid wants to talk to you directly—Alright, here's the phone for you, Lia. Want to curse him out? Go ahead, curse him to death.]
"Huh? Artoria wants to talk to me? Wait a sec, my other self, this is too sudden—"
[Is this Merlin?]
The same tone, but with subtle differences, froze Merlin in place. After a brief pause, he stood. "Yo, Artoria, long time no see. Glad you're still full of spirit."
[You're still watching the present with your Clairvoyance, Merlin.]
"It's my only amusement. So, what do you want to say?"
[Your apology—I won't accept it.]
"Huh?"
Merlin froze, blinking. Not accepted? He had agonized for half a day, plucking petals off hundreds of flowers just to decide to ask his other self to deliver the apology. His other self even laughed about it for a while.
And it wasn't accepted?!
Big brother Merlin is so disappointed!
[If you truly want to apologize to me, come to me in person, Merlin. Otherwise, I'll never accept your apology.]
"Well… that's a bit tricky. I'm locked in this tower now, can't get out."
[If you want to leave, you can leave anytime. You even escaped from Avalon to Uruk.]
Naoki's voice chimed in.
"Huh, when was that? Did I ever do such a thing?"
[About ten years from now.]
"Don't talk about the future right now!"
Merlin sighed in resignation. "I understand what Artoria means, but sorry, locking myself here is my self-imposed punishment. Apologizing in person is something I really can't do."
[Is that so… Then one day, I'll come to you and beat you senseless. Prepare yourself, Merlin.]
"No way, I've got to escape. Cath Palug, we need to move this tower."
"Fou!"
"Ouch! Don't bite me! Don't scratch my face!"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Manifestation in the Real World.
Watching Artoria hang up the call, Merry couldn't help but ask, "That's enough?"
"Yes, I'll talk about the rest when I'm face-to-face with him. Merlin's always been like that. As long as I think [it's normal because it's Merlin], my heart automatically accepts it. You could say it's a habit formed long ago."
During her pilgrimage across Britannia after drawing the Sword in the Stone to be crowned king, Artoria grew accustomed to Merlin occasionally causing trouble and then returning sheepishly to apologize.
She'd just beat him up in person later—Kay had told her that was the most effective method.
"More importantly, I troubled you earlier, Master, about my wish… Though I still have some regrets, I've officially let it go. If that was truly the best outcome I could achieve after giving my all, I shouldn't deny the effort I put in."
"Alright, that's settled then—Rei, disconnect from the Greater Grail."
[Command received.]
Her expressionless eyes slowly regained their spark. As the connection severed, Rei collapsed like a puppet with cut strings.
Naoki quickly caught her. "You okay? Did you drain too much Mana?"
"Uhm… sorry, Master, I was presumptuous."
"Come here."
Wrapping her arms around Naoki's neck, under the envious gazes of several onlookers, Rei kissed his lips. Like a gourmet savoring a dish, she unabashedly drew Mana from him.
Exchanging glances with those around, Merry stood. "Alright, let's all head out. You're all tired—rest up. Leave this place to them… This won't be over in just a minute or two of kissing."
"My apologies, everyone. I might monopolize Master for a bit. Aoko-sama, Riddell-sama, please understand."
The two, met with Rei's apologetic gaze, felt a bit awkward. Kissing their own man in front of them and then apologizing…
"It's fine, it's fine. As long as the kid doesn't mind, we're used to it."
Saying that, Merry was the first to leave the room. Following her, after shooting Naoki a sharp glare, Aoko and the others left one by one. In about ten seconds, the once-lively living room was left with only Naoki and Rei.
"Sorry, Master, I might be a bit selfish."
"What's this about being selfish? Just take my Mana, don't hold back."
"Then… could Master lie down first?"
Pushing Naoki to lie on the sofa, Rei climbed atop him, resting on his chest and gazing at him. Then she leaned down and resumed drawing Mana.
To speed up the Mana transfer, as Rei absorbed it, Naoki actively channeled it as well.
A vast amount of Mana flowed to her through their lips pressed together.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At the same time, in the shared consciousness realm of Rei and Manaka.
"This is the last time, my other self. If you want to do it, wait until the Holy Grail War is truly over."
"Yes, thanks for the trouble, my other self."
"It's fine. Besides, it let me get closer to Master. The taste of that kiss was great—I'm getting a bit addicted. I might not let Master go later either."
Rei licked her lips and smiled.
"Alright, alright, don't look at me with that murderous glare. After this, he's yours for a long time. You can do whatever you want with him, right? I'm the one who should be jealous."
"Remember to keep a space in your body. I'll use it later."
"Got it. Well then, I wish you luck from here."