If Morgan hadn't already realized that Tiamat's maternal instincts were completely off, she would've assumed that kissing was just some trick to help her son find a wife.
Kissing as a way of identification? What kind of method is that?
But the problem was—Tiamat was serious.
So, this "wake-the-Sleeping-Beauty" method was serious too.
"Can I ask why that would work?"
"Because—he's special."
Lying in the Sea of Life, Tiamat hugged the air. Her warm breath and strange behavior made her seem a little unnerving.
"He's a dragon, and also human."
"So—if someone kisses him while he's in human form, they'll probably see his draconic side."
"That child hasn't done that with anyone but me yet—"
His true form is a dragon?
Morgan was stunned. Dragons were mythical beings of immense power. If a simple kiss could reveal that, it was quite the unique trait.
Still—Morgan thought back on what Tiamat had said.
Some of it didn't seem… appropriate.
Was that really something a mother should say?
"But that method is meaningless!"
Before Morgan could fully process the thought, Tiamat suddenly roared again.
"Because no one is allowed to do that with Ian!"
Her eyes flashed red.
"If I ever find out someone has done that—no matter where they are in the world—I will kill them."
"I'll absolutely kill them."
"…"
For a moment, Morgan felt like all her own obsessions were child's play compared to Tiamat's madness.
"Right… that's not a very practical method."
"Um, Tiamat, I've got some things to take care of right now. I'll contact you later."
"Mmm—"
Tiamat was still lost in imagined rage against an unknown rival.
"If you find anything out, tell me immediately."
"If not, I won't forgive you. Ever."
Boom—
Thunder rolled across the clear night sky.
It was the exact same unnatural phenomenon Morgan had seen before.
There was no mistake—even though they seemed to be in different worlds, Tiamat could still affect Britain in a very real way.
"Yes, I will."
Finally done with her intense conversation, Morgan collapsed onto her bed.
Her supposed "hope" was proving to be an extremely warped existence.
How troublesome…
Still, now that she knew Tiamat's goal, there would definitely be ways to use it to her advantage.
Just wait—she would take back Britain, no matter what.
That thought carried her into sleep as her eyes grew heavier.
---
As time passed and the stars faded, morning quietly arrived.
Morgan sat before her vanity, carefully fixing her appearance.
Even if no one cared or paid her attention, she would always maintain her grace.
"To never lose in etiquette to anyone—"
That was her bottom line.
But this morning felt… off.
Morgan heard footsteps.
Yes, despite having lost her right to the throne—and even her maids avoided her—someone was now approaching her room.
She set her comb down, tied her hair, and leaned against the wall to listen.
Her instincts warned her: something was wrong.
And that premonition soon became reality.
Just not in the way she expected.
Thunk—
A loud impact struck her door.
A moment later, a hand burst through the wood.
As Morgan stared in disbelief, the hand shook from side to side, tearing a hole in the door.
Two eyes peered through, staring unabashedly into her room.
More specifically—at her.
"Excuse me, may I come in—?"
"…"
Morgan couldn't remember the last time she was this surprised.
But her experience quickly helped her regain composure.
Or rather—it was the eyes that calmed her.
There was no mistake.
The one outside was the short-tempered knight who had drawn the sword with Artoria.
Why was he here?
Morgan's alertness rose.
"Why do you want to come in? What's your purpose?"
"I smelled something."
The young man answered as he widened the hole in the door.
The sturdy wood gave way like paper.
"Please let me in—"
"…"
If his tone earlier was polite, now it was more of a demand.
Morgan even suspected that if she didn't open the door, he'd just tear it in half.
Click—
The princess of Britain opened the door.
Even so, she prepared herself for battle.
If he tried anything inappropriate, the magic she'd been researching would ensure he paid the price.
However—
Just like his sudden arrival, what happened next was even more unexpected…
Ian stared at Morgan for a while before speaking.
"You're really beautiful."
"Hm?"
Caught off guard by such a direct compliment, Morgan couldn't help but feel a bit pleased.
She was well aware of her own beauty, but—
The feeling didn't last long.
Because the next thing he said was:
"Just as beautiful as Artoria."
Several black lines appeared on Morgan's forehead.
She wanted to say something, but in the end, she suppressed the urge to vent in front of this rare visitor.
"So, why did you come here?"
As soon as Morgan finished speaking, she felt someone's breath.
Soon she realized that the boy had somehow moved closer without her noticing—and was sniffing her!
"What are you doing?!"
Morgan took a large step back.
She never imagined that this knight who helped Artoria draw the sword would do something so bizarre.
"Is it just my imagination?"
"It really feels like..."
"You smell just like my mother."
"Huh?"
Morgan's head felt a little muddled.
On one hand, what he said coincided exactly with what Tiamat had told her.
But on the other hand…
Why did it feel like she was just insulted?
Before Morgan could say anything more, Artoria appeared behind him, panting slightly, clearly looking for someone.
"Hey, why did you run off so fast..."
"Huh—?"
"Ahem."
Noticing Morgan, Artoria gave an awkward cough.
"He just got lost."
"There's no other reason."
"…"
Suppressing the surge of resentment that always rose upon seeing Artoria, Morgan forced a smile.
"My king, I understand."
"Phew, that's good—"
"Excuse us!"
Artoria grabbed Ian's hand.
"We still have something to do!"
"Alright."
As she watched Artoria and Ian walk away, Morgan was now fairly certain—this Ian must be the son Tiamat had mentioned.
Wait a minute…
If she were to let him be kissed by Artoria—
Tiamat might see her as an enemy, right?
The updated version of "Fighting Fate 2.0" quietly took shape in Morgan's mind.