"They said it was a formal gown, but it looks more like a wedding dress..."
Watching Aesc change into the gown prepared for the coronation, Shiomi smiled as he gave his impression.
"Is that so? I also think it's too elaborate. It's not very practical to move in." Aesc lifted the hem of her skirt and paced lightly across the room.
Only Totorot, the seamstress, was utterly delighted. "Aesc really is the perfect bride! If only I'd known you two before your wedding!"
"It's not too late now, is it, Aesc?" Shiomi asked.
"Mm." Aesc nodded cheerfully in agreement.
Britannia was now unified. After tomorrow's coronation ceremony, she would stand beside her beloved King as Britannia's Fairy Queen, ruling together to create an eternal, peaceful millennial kingdom.
"Speaking of the coronation..." Aesc asked, "My husband, do you think I should continue using this name, or... revert to my original one?"
Shiomi answered with a gentle smile. "Naturally, that's your choice. Whether you're Fairy Consort Aesc or Fairy Queen Morgan, it makes no difference to me. You are who you are."
"Is that so? Then I'll have to think about it..."
Aesc genuinely seemed troubled by the question—neither a trivial matter nor an especially serious one.
At that moment, Baobhan Sith pushed open the chamber doors and entered.
"Sage, Witch. A messenger from Queen Mab of the King Clan has arrived, bringing a gift to congratulate the coronation," Baobhan Sith announced.
"A gift from Mab?" Shiomi raised an eyebrow. "She didn't come herself?"
"No, only a formal letter of congratulations," Baobhan Sith replied.
"No matter. Accept the gift and treat the envoy of the King Clan with proper courtesy," Shiomi instructed.
Baobhan Sith nodded silently, preparing to withdraw and continue her duties.
"Oh, and about those scarves I asked you to distribute to the citizens of Londinium—have they all been handed out?" Shiomi asked suddenly.
"They have," Baobhan Sith replied. "We distributed silk scarves bearing the Round Table Army's crest to all humans and fairies registered in Londinium's census. But... why must everyone wear them?"
"Just a simple distinction between subjects and visitors. Nothing more." Shiomi smiled quietly.
"I understand." Baobhan Sith took it as an administrative measure.
After all, since the end of the 'Autumn War' and news of the coronation had spread, fairies from across the land had been pouring into Londinium. The city couldn't possibly accommodate them all. Most came during the day to look around and camped outside the walls at night.
With enough scarves serving as easy identifiers, it became far simpler to distinguish fairies not under Londinium's jurisdiction.
Just as Baobhan Sith was about to close the door and leave, Shiomi called out to her.
"Wait. Aren't you going to share your thoughts with the future queen of this nation?"
Baobhan Sith froze for a moment, then answered with deep respect and genuine warmth. "The Witch-sama is radiant today. I believe that at tomorrow's coronation, you will shine so brightly that every guest who sees you will pale in comparison."
"That's far too much praise." Aesc sighed, casting Shiomi a helpless look before motioning for Baobhan Sith to return to her work.
As the door closed softly, the sound of laughter and gentle conversation faded from within the chamber.
The king and queen, soon to ascend the throne.
And she—Baobhan Sith—would serve them always, now and forever.
The very thought filled her heart with quiet warmth, giving her renewed strength to tackle the mountain of preparations ahead. She had to live up to their expectations. She could not allow herself to disappoint them.
Supply distribution, venue arrangements, crowd management—and above all, security.
Though the two city lord regiments of the Round Table Army were commanded by Wryneck and Ector, Baobhan Sith's task was to coordinate with them, confirming every detail and ensuring no potential threats remained.
After so long working under Shiomi, Baobhan Sith understood better than anyone how deeply his mistrust of the other fae of Britannia ran.
This was equally true for Aesc.
Baobhan Sith could not casually guarantee that the fairies of Britannia had changed since before the "Summer War," so she needed to pay even closer attention to every detail that might be overlooked. She worked until dusk, supervising the distribution of supplies outside the city walls.
She glanced again at the encampment stretching for dozens of miles beyond the walls—the fairies who had come to Londinium hoping to witness the coronation and bathe in the king's benevolence. Some were delighted, some full of anticipation, some grumbled about not being allowed to stay overnight in the city, and some still doubted Britannia's new king.
Both positive and negative voices were present. Even if they hadn't stood up to oppose Londinium, that didn't mean those fairies had fully accepted it in their hearts. After all, equal coexistence between humans and fairies was unprecedented. For the fairies who couldn't accept it, even if this state lasted ten thousand years, it would still be unacceptable.
"The future will likely be even more difficult..."
Thinking this, Baobhan Sith instructed the fairies distributing supplies to return to the city, then prepared to head back herself. But as she approached the gate, she caught sight of several fairies moving suspiciously to the southwest of the West Gate.
Since the fairies outside the city were all within the camp and its surroundings, no one was supposed to go far. Those figures were too far out, which made them stand out immediately. She touched the buckle at her waist—the Spell Tome was still secured there. Baobhan Sith made up her mind. For now... she would take a look.
She slipped along the edge of the camp, keeping out of sight, and quietly entered the southwestern forest. The cognition-blocking spell ran smoothly. The Spell Tome Aesc had given her was now something she could use with proficiency, most of its spells mastered—practical and otherwise.
Baobhan Sith knew very well that even with the tome, her combat strength was still that of a lower-tier fairy. This was risky. But if she didn't follow now, by the time she summoned the Royal Guard to investigate, it would already be too late. Better safe than sorry. If they turned out to be dangerous elements, she would not engage even if she had the strength to fight. She would return to the city at once, report, and let Wryneck or Ector lead the Royal Guard to handle it.
Before long, she picked up the trail in the trees. Deeper in the forest, a dozen or so fairies had gathered and seemed to be discussing something. Baobhan Sith hid behind a tree, suppressing her presence and listening intently.
"Huh? Are we really supposed to coexist with those humans?"
"The thought of humans outnumbering us, all over Britannia, and us not being able to touch them however we want—it really ticks me off."