"This is… quite something."
Even Grímr, who had seen more bloodshed than most could imagine, immediately understood what had happened when he saw the sleeping infant in Aesc's arms, protected by Magecraft.
"Regardless, this doesn't mean Baobhan Sith's life was saved," Shiomi said, giving his sleeve a small flick. "It only altered the way she would have been reborn as the next generation's fairy. Whether for revenge or any other reason, the coronation ceremony has already lost its meaning."
Grímr frowned slightly. "So what now? Cancel it?"
"No. In this situation, canceling it isn't an option," Shiomi replied coldly, his gaze sweeping over the other three in the room. "Since they're so dissatisfied—then let's satisfy them."
"How could this happen... We worked so hard on Aesc's new dress," Totorot said miserably, staring at the ceremonial gown laid out on the rack.
"Reality is what it is." Aesc held the infant Baobhan Sith with care, though her heart felt just as frozen.
Had Baobhan Sith not noticed that faint trace of anomaly—had she not fought her way out and survived long enough to reach them—Aesc had no idea when, or if, the fairies' plot would have been exposed.
"But we haven't received any other reports of irregularities," Ector said.
"Same here. Nothing unusual on my end," Wryneck added.
They weren't objecting; they simply didn't know how to deal with a conspiracy whose source and perpetrators were completely unknown.
"There's no need to panic," Shiomi said calmly, lifting his chin slightly. "For tomorrow's coronation, Wryneck—you'll be in charge of the royal guard, correct?"
"That's right," Wryneck replied.
"Good. That much is already public knowledge. Proceed as planned," Shiomi said. "All guards are to be fully armed. When I smash the ceremonial cup—that's the signal. The moment it happens, you strike. Every fairy inside or outside the venue without a white scarf is to be executed on sight."
He brought his hand down sharply, mimicking a cutting motion.
"...Understood," Wryneck answered after a brief moment of stunned silence, his voice heavy.
"Ector," Shiomi continued, "go to the barracks and prepare the Round Table Army's elite. Once chaos breaks out at the ceremony, you'll mobilize immediately. Divide your forces into three groups and eliminate all rebel fairies within and beyond the city walls. Use the same identification method as Wryneck."
"Yes, understood." Ector had already anticipated the order.
It was then that Totorot realized what was happening. "Wait! You had us make enough white scarves for the entire city—was this the reason?"
"No," Shiomi replied, his tone even. "Originally, they were just meant to identify the city's residents. But now… their purpose has changed."
Totorot frowned, clearly distressed, but said nothing more.
Baobhan Sith had already been struck down. If they didn't act, the next flames of hatred and blades of betrayal would turn against them—the very ones who built Londinium. Even from simple self-preservation, she could understand Shiomi's resolve.
"This will throw Londinium into chaos," Grímr said grimly. "It'll turn into indiscriminate slaughter. The only difference will be which side gets wiped out first. Can't we just take out the ringleaders?"
"There's no need," Shiomi said flatly.
"I see." Grímr scratched the back of his head. "Then what do you need me to do?"
"You and Totorot will escort Aesc and Baobhan Sith out of the city. Wait for me somewhere safe beyond the walls." Shiomi walked to the window, gazing out at the lively scene beyond the palace.
Fairies from afar mingled cheerfully with the city's residents, laughter and light filling the air. But he knew it was nothing more than a façade.
The fairies had already proven with their own hands that they were unworthy—unfit to share in everlasting peace.
"Understood. I won't let you down," Totorot said quietly. She knew Shiomi's intent: he didn't want her drawn into what was about to come.
Grímr sighed, a trace of resignation in his voice. "True enough. This side's just as important. I'll follow your lead."
"Thank you." Shiomi turned back and nodded in acknowledgment.
He then looked toward Wryneck and Ector. "For your unwavering loyalty across these long centuries, you have my deepest gratitude. If you would rather not stain your hands with blood for what I've commanded, you may leave now. I'll handle everything myself. But if you choose to remain here tomorrow—there will be no room for regret."
His gaze hardened. "And should you waver at the final moment, don't blame me for casting aside old bonds and meeting you on the battlefield."
"The peace we've struggled for over countless years… is fated to end today," Ector said quietly, lowering his head. "I share your anger, my king. You have my word."
"I've no intention of forgiving those traitors either. Just give the order, my king," said Wryneck firmly.
"'My king,' is it?" Shiomi smiled faintly. "I haven't even been crowned yet."
But neither fairy said another word—their resolve was already clear.
"Very well. You may go." Shiomi lifted his hand, and the barrier surrounding the room dissipated.
He had set it out of caution, but it seemed the traitors hadn't dared to come close enough to eavesdrop. Once Wryneck and Ector had departed, Totorot and Grímr also withdrew to rest in other chambers.
"In the end, we accomplished nothing," Aesc said softly, her tone calm and unreadable.
"I'm sorry..." Shiomi murmured. He wanted to say more, but those were the only words that came out.
Aesc lifted her head, her expression trembling on the edge of tears. "I'm the one who should apologize. For nearly four thousand years, you've followed me, chasing after my ideals. I—"
"Then there's no reason to apologize at all," Shiomi said gently, brushing his hand against her cheek. "Leave the rest to me. Take Baobhan Sith—no, take our child—and wait for me outside the city, just as I said."
"I was going to say..." Aesc hesitated for a moment before continuing. "If I already knew this would be the outcome—what would you think?"
Shiomi only shook his head. "Then do you know who sent me to you?"
"...I see." Aesc suddenly realized how rigid her thinking had been. Whether or not she knew the future didn't matter. His wish—to walk beside her, to share her joy and her suffering—had never depended on fate.
Tears rolled down her cheeks, and Shiomi reached up to wipe them away.
"Get some rest. I'll take care of what comes next," Shiomi said quietly.
"And after that?" Aesc asked.
"After that... we'll talk, properly this time." He drew her into his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "And we'll raise this child together—to make sure Baobhan Sith's new life stabilizes."
"Honestly..."
Aesc let out a long sigh, her heart heavy but resolute.