It's About Time

After several days, the Holy City of Camelot finally welcomed a rainfall.

Crystal-clear raindrops fell from the dense clouds, washing the white limestone walls and broad streets, making them clean and bright.

From a distance, the white city shimmered like jade, slightly diluting the solemnity and oppression brought by its imposing high walls.

In the center of the city stood a white castle, which stood as the royal palace.

It was so tall and grand like a noble white giant silently overlooking the city. Even a glance at it would instill awe in anyone's heart.

The continuous rain didn't penetrate the white castle, as if an invisible force kept it at bay. In the presence of divine beings, even nature could only choose to submit or retreat.

On a spacious open balcony, Merlin, dressed in her usual white mage robes, stood at the edge, her violet eyes gazing at the misty rain outside the palace. She appeared lost in thought or reminiscence, her expression somewhat absent.

*Tap* *Tap* *Tap* *Tap*

However, this rare tranquility was shattered by hurried footsteps.

Merlin turned her head and smiled at the tall woman clad in armor.

"It's you, Gawain."

Replacing Gawain, Barghest strode forward with a wild, beast-like aura. Yet Merlin seemed unaffected, still maintaining a serene smile, perfect but somehow lacking sincerity.

Stopping a few meters away, Barghest's eyes squinted into Merlin.

"Tell me, Merlin, where did Melusine go?"

"You've asked me that question many times already..." Merlin replied lightly. "I've told you, Melusine went to confront that outsider, and she hasn't been seen since. Judging by the outcome, she may have met an unfortunate end."

"That's impossible!" Barghest took a step forward, her aura growing more ferocious. "Melusine inherited the power of the first dragon, Albion! No one in this world can kill her!"

"Then I can only say you're terribly naive, Gawain..." Merlin said as raindrops pattered in the palace, accentuating her soft voice. "In this world, nothing is eternal. Even the once-mighty fairy clans are reduced to a few stray cats, wandering and barely surviving."

At her words, Barghest's expression darkened.

However, Merlin continued, seemingly oblivious.

"Even Albion itself has fallen, remember? How can you guarantee that Melusine won't experience the same fate?"

"What about Baobhan Sith?!" Barghest gritted her teeth. "If you know damn well how powerful that outsider is, why did you let her confront him then?!"

"I never forced Baobhan Sith." Merlin stated calmly. "I simply made a plan and left it to her discretion. She could have chosen not to take action and let those ignorant Servants test the outsider's strength. Even if they failed, she could have retreated in time."

"She wouldn't do that!" Barghest almost roared. "Baobhan Sith is a narrow-minded coward! She can't see the gap between her and her enemy's strength! Once her enemy is cornered, she'll jump out fueled by revenge, without a chance to escape! You also know she's someone like that!"

"Even if that's the case, it's her own fault, not mine." Merlin retorted calmly, her violet eyes meeting Barghest's without any emotion. "Fairies are like that, only concerned with self-gratification, completely indifferent to the consequences."

Upon hearing that, Barghest fell silent for a while before murmuring.

"Merlin, I'm starting to think that making a contract with you might be the worst decision I've ever made in my life..."

Merlin just smiled without saying a word.

"Don't think I don't know why you sent Baobhan Sith out..." Barghest said coldly, staring at Merlin. "I also know that this time, that stupid girl probably won't come back... Merlin, you always treat everyone as pawns on a chessboard, never letting go until you've fully exploited their potential... You're even more cruel than Baobhan Sith."

"Cruel, huh..." Merlin glanced sideways at the pouring rain outside and nodded slightly. "That's not a bad assessment. Barghest, you really are the clearest-sighted among all the fairies I know. If it weren't for your ties to your kin and friends, you could've lived more freely."

"If I lost those, then I wouldn't be me anymore..." Barghest muttered before turning to walk out of the royal palace.

Merlin watched her back in silence for a moment, then turned back, gazing at the rainy scene outside.

Before long, Barghest rode out of the white castle on horseback, galloping through the streets of Camelot in the pouring rain.

Having received a notice that the guards had opened the city gates, Merlin watched as Barghest dashed out of the Wailing Wall, disappearing into the distant haze of rain.

"Even knowing it's dangerous, you're still rushing in without hesitation... Barghest, you see farther than anyone, yet live with more sorrow than anyone..." Merlin sighed, then chuckled self-deprecatingly. "But what right do I have to judge her?"

She exhaled lightly, her mood returning to calm, her violet eyes devoid of any ripple.

"It's about time..." 

Merlin gently lifted her arm, fingers slightly curled, as if reaching for something ahead, inch by inch, probing forward.

===

Holy Roman Empire, Imperial Palace.

After a long day's work, Nero soaked in the expansive bath, steam enveloping her delicate face, enhancing its beauty. The warm water embraced her naked body, making her feel utterly relaxed, prompting a contented sigh to escape her lips.

Few knew that the reason she chose to establish the empire in this particular area was for the natural hot spring.

Just as rice was essential for Asians, bathing was an indispensable part for Romans. The Romans' enthusiasm for bathing was so intense that they regarded it as essential as eating and sleeping.

This was mainly because of the advanced technology of ancient Rome.

Centuries ago, they invented sophisticated water transportation and heating systems, which were revolutionary at the time.

Moreover, for the Romans, the bathhouse was also a suitable social venue. When an emperor wanted to reward or express affection for their subject, the emperor would invite them to bathe together in the palace baths.

Mash, Ritsuka, and Da Vinci had succumbed to Nero's enthusiastic persuasion and stumbled into the bath, but when she attempted the same with Arkhan and Melusine, they promptly refused without hesitation.

Remembering their response, Nero shook her head in amusement.

"Ah, what a guy who doesn't know how to enjoy life... Or maybe... bathing with me makes him uncomfortable?"

After muttering like that, Nero glanced down at her two soft peaks, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"Umu, then again, I am the Emperor of Rose. It's only natural for him to feel pressured."

Leaning back against the edge of the bath, Nero closed her eyes and mused.

"Umu... Maybe when they return, I'll have Da Vinci modify the plumbing and install a smaller bath on his house..."

She knew Arkhan and the other four were in the middle of battles at this moment.

However, she wasn't worried at all.

After witnessing the great battle between Arkhan and Melusine that took place near the Holy Roman Empire, no one should doubt their strength.

The trio from Chaldea were also competent and possessed decent strength. Moreover, they were matched against Servants whose strength wasn't overwhelmingly great, so even if they couldn't win, they could still hold their ground.

It was this unwavering confidence in them that allowed Nero to relax and enjoy the nourishing warmth of the hot spring at a time like this.

However, in her complete relaxation, she failed to notice a delicate, milky-white arm slowly emerging above her head.