Though they had said they would depart today, the Queen Consort made sure to prepare breakfast for Shirou before their journey began.
——It was a meal for three.
According to her, both her husband and her queen had left Orkney for urgent matters and wouldn't be back for a while.
Even though it was just a small portion and couldn't quite compare to the elegant Western-style dishes made by Matou Sakura,
for a hungry Shirou, it was more than enough—a delicious and satisfying meal.
"Thank you for the meal. It was truly delicious."
After eating his fill, Shirou bowed his head and offered sincere thanks.
His compliment clearly delighted Morgan's foster mother.
However, Morgan herself was nowhere to be seen during breakfast.
Her mother explained she was still getting dressed, which meant she'd arrive a little later.
Shirou couldn't quite understand that—how long could it possibly take to change clothes?
That is, until Morgan appeared.
"—The aura she's giving off is completely different now."
The moment she stepped into view, Shirou couldn't help but blurt out his reaction in awe.
Until now, Morgan had always worn a fitted, elegant long dress that made her look every bit the refined princess.
But now—clearly in preparation for their upcoming journey—she had changed into what was unmistakably a specially crafted mage's outfit.
A pointed white witch's hat adorned her head, complemented by a tailored white robe that exuded the aura of a scholar while still allowing ease of movement.
Her black gloves and tie added a sharp contrast to the look.
In her right hand, she held a staff.
In her left, a mystic tome.
And with the glasses she still wore on her face, the image that came to Shirou's mind was the very picture of a classic mage—refined, powerful, and wise.
From the bottom of his heart, Shirou had to admit—this version of Morgan carried a completely different kind of charm.
His heartbeat… had noticeably quickened.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Shirou."
Wearing her new outfit, Morgan stepped forward and spun lightly, showing off her attire with a look of hopeful anticipation.
"So? What do you think of this outfit?"
"It's… really cool. Totally different from the Morgan I met yesterday. Like a perfectly plated French dish."
Shirou replied without thinking— and instantly regretted it.
She looked so beautiful that his mind, without even realizing it, reached for the most elegant comparison he could think of: fine cuisine.
There was also one thing Shirou himself hadn't considered—
In this world, which resembled a parallel Britain, there was no France.
So calling her a "French dish"… was strangely accurate.
"French dish… hmm, If you're using it as a compliment, then it must be some incredibly refined kind of food, right?"
As expected, Morgan didn't take offense.
Instead, she tilted her head with genuine curiosity, intrigued by the phrase.
"I've learned a little Western cooking from family. If you want, I can make you some," Shirou offered casually.
While his specialty was more Japanese-style cuisine, he had learned many Western dishes from Sakura after she began helping around the house.
"Hmm… Then it's a promise. Hehe~"
Morgan giggled, clearly pleased.
She wasn't a glutton by any means, but a beautiful meal was enough to lift her mood.
After showing off her new clothes, the two of them finally set out on their journey.
Before they left, however, the Queen Consort offered one last word of caution:
"Viviane, while you're out traveling, try not to reveal your real name. And when meeting other fairies, be sure to keep your face hidden under your hat."
"I understand, Mother. I'll go by the alias you gave me—Aesc. Please don't worry."
"Good… Just be sure to protect yourself, no matter what."
Perhaps parental love transcends race.
Even fairies are no exception.
As for the name Aesc, it was inspired by the massive world tree that stood near Orkney, said to reach the heavens.
The fairies called it Yggdrasil, and one of its ancient names was Aesc.
It carried the Queen's quiet hope for Morgan's journey.
….
After leaving the palace, Morgan seemed a little downcast at first— but soon, that shifted into a growing excitement to finally see the world beyond Orkney.
"This is amazing! I can finally see the outside world! I'm so excited—I want to see it all!"
Clutching her staff, Morgan was practically sparkling with enthusiasm.
"You're excited already, huh, Aesc? So… do you at least have a route planned?"
Shirou, walking beside her, sighed as if playing the adult for once.
Morgan's pure curiosity made him feel like he had to keep her grounded.
"If your plan is just to wander around randomly, I'm definitely going to protest."
"Hmph! Of course I've planned it out, silly Shirou. Even if I've been stuck in the palace, I've been gathering info on all the famous fairies outside! Look—there's Ainsel, chief of the Mirror Clan; Muryan, gaming champion of the Wing Clan; Ector, the blacksmith of the Earth Clan; and Totorot—"
To Shirou's surprise, Morgan had actually done her homework.
She rattled off names and clans as if reciting a fairy encyclopedia— so many names and types that Shirou was completely lost.
"Okay, okay—pause. I get it. But the important thing is—where are we heading first?"
Shirou cut her off, worried she'd go on forever like she was reading a cookbook full of unpronounceable dishes.
"Where, huh? Oh! You don't need to worry about that, Shirou. Our first destination is obviously the Mirror Clan's territory by the lake."
As she spoke, Morgan activated her magecraft, and a shimmering virtual map appeared before Shirou's eyes.
Morgan pointed her staff toward the northernmost point—Orkney.
"Starting from Orkney, no matter where we're headed in Britain, we'll have to pass through the Lake District. I figured it'd be the perfect chance to speak with the Mirror Clan's leader, Ainsel. I've heard that, like the Rain Clan, the Mirror Clan exudes a pastoral charm—but unlike the Rain Clan, they also possess the gift of prophecy. I've always wanted to witness that firsthand."
She spoke with confidence and clarity.
It seemed that her earlier excitement had just been a fleeting outburst.
In truth, Morgan was thorough in her planning, always thinking two steps ahead, never as reckless as she might first appear.
Or… at least Shirou hoped that was the case.
"Well, if you've already decided, that's even better. Let's go— …Wait, it's still raining outside. I forgot about that. I'll have to run back and grab an umbrella."
Looking at the endless curtain of rain beyond the palace walls, Shirou muttered in slight frustration.
"Hehe, even you have careless moments, huh, Shirou? But don't worry—I've already thought of that! Morgan Magecraft!"
She chuckled mischievously and waved her staff, casting yet another original spell of hers.
Above their heads, a transparent shield shimmered into existence, warding off the falling rain completely.
With that, there was no need to worry about getting soaked anymore.
"There! No umbrellas needed—let's go!"
Morgan beamed, then grabbed Shirou's arm without warning,
pulling him forward with strength he didn't even think she had.
"Hey—wait a second! We're not in a rush! There's no need to charge like a wild boar!"
Caught off guard, Shirou had no choice but to run alongside her— but that didn't stop him from voicing his complaints as they sprinted through the rain.
To which Morgan had only one response:
"Hehehe~!"