211 Farewell (I)

In a spacious and tidy study room, bright sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glossy shine on the mahogany desk.

Morgan, clad in a black dress that accentuated her tall and curvaceous figure, stood near the desk. Her fairy-like delicate face appeared somewhat complex.

"Are you really sure about this?" Morgan asked with a melancholy tone.

"This is the only way we can currently find to save Britain."

Arkhan replied calmly as he sat behind the desk, flipping through last month's performance report of Artoria.

"No need to be so tense; it's just exploring other worlds, like going on a vacation."

"Do you think I'm a three-year-old child?!" Morgan placed her hands on the desk strongly and a hint of irritation appeared in her pale golden eyes. "This involves a global crisis, not some child's play! And who knows how long it'll take for you to return!"

"That's why I should be the one to take this journey." Arkhan closed the report, looking up at his sister earnestly. "Because this is something only I can do."

She turned her head away, not meeting his eyes.

"I shouldn't have let you bear all of this alone in the first place..." Morgan muttered with a sorrowful voice, then continued inwardly. 'It should have been my responsibility...'

"Unfortunately, it's too late now. My fate is already tied with this kingdom." Arkhan said nonchalantly, his gaze showing no hint of gloom or regret.

He spoke not only to comfort her but also from the sincerity within himself.

The experiences of these seven years had deeply connected him to this land, becoming an irreplaceable part of his life. Even knowing that the road ahead might be endless, he still chose to walk it.

For the world he loved, for the people he cared about.

"...You fool!" Morgan clenched her teeth, turned, and walked out in anger, letting the door slam behind her.

Silently moving through the corridor, her footsteps echoed loudly as the attendants and servants hastily retreated to the sides, afraid to even breathe.

At this moment, Princess Morgan, with her current demeanor, unintentionally reminded them of how and who she was seven years ago.

Returning to her room, Morgan closed the door, leaned against it, and slowly slid down. She huddled like a helpless little girl, her hands embracing her knees.

"Hiks..."

Burying her head in her arms, tears streamed down her smooth face.

Self-blame and regret gnawed at her heart like vultures, and she had never despised herself this much, loathing her own overwhelming weakness.

Because of her weakness, she couldn't save the kingdom she deeply loved; she could only place her hope in others.

Because of her weakness, she couldn't stop the person she deeply loved, only helplessly watching him embark on a difficult, lonely, and lengthy path of savior.

===

Camelot, Royal Palace.

"Teacher, here's my monthly report for your review. Let me know if there's anything that needs correction." Artoria handed a stack of documents to Arkhan.

Arkhan carefully flipped through them, a slight smile playing on his face. He nodded approvingly.

"Well done, Lily. You can handle the affairs of this kingdom perfectly now."

Although praised, she showed no excitement. Instead, she fell silent, and her entire being exuded a melancholy aura.

"...It's not every day I compliment someone. Can you at least give me some reaction?" Arkhan chuckled.

"You... are about to leave, right?" Artoria looked at her teacher with complex emotions in her eyes.

"...You make it sound like I'm about to meet God or something... Oh wait, I think I already have..." Arkhan muttered under his breath.

"..."

Unfortunately, his sarcastic remark didn't ease Artoria's emotions. She stayed silent for a moment and then spoke in earnest.

"Let me take on that task for you. I'm your squire—no, your knight; solving your problems is my duty."

Arkhan looked at Artoria with a mix of frustration and amusement, tapping her head lightly with the document in his hand.

"Why do you think I put so much effort into training you? Stop worrying about irrelevant things. I have only one task for you—manage this kingdom well and don't mess up. If I come back after saving other worlds and find my own world in chaos, be prepared for a spanking."

Artoria's fair face blushed subtly at his words, then looked at him seriously.

"Please trust me, I won't let you down!"

Arkhan nodded satisfied but suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, I've been meaning to ask this long ago. Why do you always call me 'Teacher' instead of addressing me as your brother?"

Artoria stayed silent for a moment, then smiled.

"Let's make a promise. As long as you return safely, I'll start calling you 'Brother' from now on."

"That's not a very enticing promise..." Arkhan said while standing up and heading towards the door. "But, I accept."

Artoria silently watched him leave, her gaze fixed on his retreating figure, like a statue standing in place.

===

Arkhan walked all the way and arrived at a beautifully decorated courtyard, filled with the fragrance of flowers and the sound of birds.

"I'm Mordred, the daughter of the Chosen King, the most righteous knight in the world. You evil villains, watch how I take care of you!"

A little girl in a pink princess dress, as delicate as a doll, brandished a wooden sword, chasing an 'evil' maid with a demeanor completely contrary to her sweet appearance.

Arkhan leaned against the wall, quietly watching the little girl, his eyes showing a hint of warmth.

As the chase continued, the 'evil' maid suddenly slipped and fell to the ground. The righteous knight quickly caught up, lightly tapping her shoulder with the wooden sword.

"Just and noble knight Mordred, complete victory!"

The little girl cheered, and the other 'villains' who had already 'died' stood up, applauding and cheering for the hero.

Arkhan smiled and walked forward slowly.

"Father!"

Seeing the newcomer, Modred's eyes instantly lit up.

She dropped the wooden sword and with her short legs, ran towards Arkhan, entering his embrace. She greedily breathed in the familiar scent, and a look of affection appeared on her small face.

Arkhan ruffled Modred's little head and turned his head to the maids.

"You all can leave."

""Yes.""

The maids slightly bowed and one by one left the courtyard.

"Father, Father, today Mordred defeated ten villains again!"

The little girl proudly showed off her achievements to her father.

"Father saw it all. My Momo is indeed amazing. In the future, you will surely become the strongest and most righteous knight in Britain." Arkhan smiled gently.

The little girl laughed happily and hugged her father's neck tightly like a koala.

Arkhan played with Mordred from noon until evening, just the two of them, no outsiders. The courtyard echoed with the tinkling laughter of the little girl.

As the sun set, he sat on the roof with her on his lap. Together, they watch the slowly descending sun on the distant horizon.

"Momo, Father may have to leave for a while. You must be a good child and listen to your mother, okay?"

"Um! Mordred will be a good child and wait for Father to come back." Mordred obediently nodded.

Arkhan was slightly surprised at her response.

"Aren't you going to ask where Father is going?"

"Merlin told me... Father is going to a very, very faraway place, and it will take a very, very long time to come back. He also said that you're doing this to save people, save many, many people. So, even though Mordred is unwilling, I can't cry or be misbehaving. I have to be a good child and not let Father worry."

Mordred paused and suddenly showed a happy smile.

"But Father spent a long time playing with Mordred today, and Mordred is super happy! When Father gets back, we must continue to play like today, kay?"

She raised her hand, showing her pinky finger at him.

As the sun vanished, a somewhat raspy voice reverberated in the dim darkness.

"Yeah... Father promises... When Father returns, we'll play together a lot, as much as you want..."

Arkhan raised his pinky to Mordred's, and shortly after, the pinkies of father and daughter intertwined.