"My strength... was obtained because of you?"
Melusine had no idea where her power truly came from.
And now, this "Morgan" before her was claiming that her strength originated from her.
To Melusine, such a claim sounded utterly absurd.
Yet, the expression on this "Morgan's" face was one of absolute certainty without the slightest hesitation or hint of deception.
Not only that, but she presented her argument with such logical coherence, with such a clear beginning and end, that it seemed impossible for it to be fabricated!
Fairy Morgan continued at this point:
"Indeed. Think about it in the legends of France, how strong were you supposed to be? Does that match your current power?"
In traditional French legends, Melusine's strength was by no means extraordinary. After all, she was merely a half-human, half-serpent fairy.
Her true power came from the Spirit Origin of Lancelot she had acquired, as well as the strength of the Albion Dragon.
"It... doesn't match."
Melusine answered honestly on this point.
This was also something that puzzled her greatly. Her memories from a few years ago were completely blank.
Then, she woke up
And possessed this power.
Given that, if someone had suddenly bestowed it upon her...
It wouldn't be unreasonable.
"Mmm, yes, it doesn't match, does it?" Fairy Morgan nodded at Melusine.
Good. This little one had taken the bait.
The next step
Was to make her understand just how much "I" had done for her.
Watch me weave my tale.
...Ah, no, this isn't exactly a deception.
I'm merely stating facts.
Of course, some things require a little... artistic embellishment.
If you happen to misunderstand, that's hardly my fault.
Then, Fairy Morgan went on:
"Our world is currently facing the approach of another world. The convergence of these two worlds has had a significant impact on us. Because of this, you fairies have undergone such drastic changes the emergence of the Six Clans, the shifts in the fairies' mindsets, and so on. And within all this... I played a small part."
"...By giving me this strength?"
Melusine asked Fairy Morgan.
Fairy Morgan only smiled faintly and said nothing.
"In the other world, Lostbelts exist... and so do you. Ensuring you possess the same strength as that world's version of yourself is simply what I ought to do."
What I ought to do doesn't mean I actually did it, though.
Remember that well, little Melusine.
Fairy Morgan mused silently.
Hearing this, Melusine looked up at her and asked:
"So... what do you want me to do?"
Are you asking me to betray the Wind Clan's chieftain?
I...
Melusine recalled the teachings of the Wind Clan's chieftain and found it difficult to act against her.
Seeing her expression, Fairy Morgan immediately understood what she was thinking.
Her will seems quite firm. It won't be easy to sway her. Still, I know the Wind Clan's chieftain's personality well. From what the Rain Clan's chieftain told me, that woman's moral compass is... decidedly lacking.
Though compared to Aurora, the Wind Clan's chieftain from the other world's Lostbelt, this one is slightly better. But only slightly.
It wasn't that this world's Wind Clan chieftain wasn't terrible it was just that the Lostbelt's Aurora was exceptionally terrible.
It was hard to say
But if the situation grew dire enough, Melusine would eventually realize the Wind Clan chieftain's true nature.
At that point, she would inevitably betray her.
Fairy Morgan was utterly confident in this.
Outwardly, however, she maintained a solemn demeanor and said to Melusine:
"I understand your concerns. Rest assured, I would never resort to such underhanded methods to force you to join my side. I merely want you to consider who is truly at fault for this war?"
"Was it us who demanded that you fairies attack?"
Fairy Morgan countered.
"No."
Melusine shook her head.
"Then, do we humans require you fairies to 'save' us?"
"..."
Melusine fell silent.
Seeing her speechless, Fairy Morgan gently patted her shoulder and said:
"I know what kind of person you are. So, what you must do now is observe carefully... and make your own choice."
"Very well. It's getting late you should leave now."
"Mm."
Melusine nodded and turned to depart.
As she left, she glanced back and said to Fairy Morgan:
"In the battles to come... be careful. If something were to happen to you, it would be... unfortunate."
"Alright. Thank you for your concern."
Fairy Morgan smiled warmly at Melusine's words.
She watched as Melusine walked away.
Not long after her departure, Gawain approached.
"I sensed someone entering your tent earlier. Was there a visitor?"
She held her sword at the ready, adopting a guarded stance.
"Yes. A visitor from the Fairy Kingdom."
Fairy Morgan stretched lazily as she replied.
"What?! An enemy?!"
Gawain scanned the surroundings, her posture tense.
Seeing her reaction, Fairy Morgan couldn't help but laugh.
She waved a hand dismissively.
"Now, now. Put away your sword. She's not our enemy."
"Then what is she?"
Gawain frowned in confusion.
"Well... she might just be your little sister."
Fairy Morgan pondered for a moment before answering.
"WHAT?!"
Gawain froze.
Good grief.
Just how prolific is my mother's maternal instinct?!
As far as I know, she's still a woman under twenty!
This...
Gawain was at a loss for words.
...
Orkney Castle
The Fang Clan continued their assault, hauling logs toward the castle walls.
Using these logs as makeshift ladders stacking them atop one another, their bodies serving as supports they allowed the rest of the Fang Clan to charge upward.
This method proved surprisingly effective.
Several Fang Clan fairies had already managed to scale the walls this way.
Atop the ramparts, Tristan nocked an arrow, drew his longbow, and loosed a shot
Striking down a Fang Clan fairy at the forefront of the charge.
"These creatures... they truly have no fear of death."
He sighed, glancing at Bedivere beside him.