"What do you think of this outfit?"
"Well, it's incredible, Mother. I feel better than ever."
Mordred clenched her fists in excitement, clearly thrilled.
At that moment, she had changed clothes and was behaving exactly like a child who had just received a brand-new toy—spinning in front of the mirror, examining every detail of her new attire with shining eyes, completely unable to hide her enthusiasm.
At first glance, however, the changes seemed subtle.
Just a more refined red cloak, a few additional ornaments, and a more elaborate brocade, now adorned with intricately carved patterns. But for anyone who understood combat, it was far from a mere aesthetic upgrade.
"Basically… I feel like I'm at least two or three times stronger than before. I never imagined this equipment would have such an absurd effect. It's truly an incredible experience… I've never seen anything like it in Britain."
Mordred touched the accessories on her body with curiosity and satisfaction, almost as if she were exploring a new power.
"These are all magical artifacts given by Leon."
As was widely known, Prince Leon and Princess Anisphia of the Kingdom of Palettia were considered true pioneers of so-called "magical science."
Together, they had created countless revolutionary artifacts—innovations that completely transformed everyday life across the world.
From basic items like plumbing systems that provided hot water, and automatic lamps that turned on and off by themselves, to devices capable of cleaning an entire house without human intervention.
But this…
What Mordred was wearing now was on an entirely different level.
These were equipment designed exclusively for combat.
And their effects were simply absurd.
Increased magical power.
Expanded mana reserves.
Automatic energy regeneration.
Continuous healing.
Enhanced magical shields.
And many other increasingly outrageous effects.
Mordred felt as though she had received more than a dozen enhancements at once. Her body felt light, her mind clear, and her energy seemed inexhaustible.
Even her heavy armor had been upgraded.
New enchantments had been added, and rare materials—including special ores such as the mysterious "Orichalcum"—had been incorporated into its structure.
The result?
Her durability had increased by several levels.
She felt practically indestructible.
"I'd say that now… even if I faced the Sword of the King of Knights head-on… I might be able to withstand it."
Morgan observed everything in silence, analyzing every detail.
"...So the rumors are true. This Leon… really is a frightening genius. Even I can't replicate artifacts of this level."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
She had always considered herself an exceptional mage.
But faced with this, she felt somewhat outmatched.
After all, no matter how talented she was, Britain was still just an isolated island.
It couldn't compare to Palettia's magical advancement.
"Don't move… let me take a closer look… oh, so that's how it works… fascinating… truly fascinating…"
"Mother… Mother…"
"Mordred, lend me those equipments for a while. I want to study them. I'll return them afterward."
"...Uuuh."
Mordred's eyes trembled.
This was her new "toy."
And now someone wanted to take it away?
She quickly turned her body, shielding the accessories with her hands like a child protecting her treasure.
"No! I haven't even finished enjoying them yet!"
"Mordred… I am your mother."
A symbol of irritation practically appeared above Morgan's head.
"I'd even face my father without fear if it meant I could keep these a little longer!" Mordred shot back without hesitation, pouting.
"...This is simply absurd."
Morgan gritted her teeth.
"This troublesome child… perhaps three days without a roof will fix her."
She raised her hand.
A dark purple magic circle appeared beneath Mordred's feet.
In the next instant, magical chains erupted from the ground, rapidly advancing to bind her.
Clearly, Morgan intended to teach her daughter a lesson.
But—
BOOM!
"What?!"
The magical chains shattered instantly.
Morgan was stunned.
Her gaze immediately shifted to Mordred's armor.
"This resistance…"
Her current armor not only reduced elemental damage—it also possessed resistance against binding effects, poison, and even had automatic regeneration.
Leon had never been stingy with those around him.
Thanks to the combined enhancements from him and Anis, even ordinary soldiers from Palettia could face multiple enemies simultaneously without much difficulty.
He truly possessed the power to dominate the world.
"Ah, this is amazing!"
Mordred beamed.
She had prepared herself to be punished… but emerged completely unharmed.
Now she liked the armor even more.
She even decided she would sleep in it.
"...Mordred."
Morgan spoke after a few seconds of silence.
"You must earn His Highness Leon's trust."
"Of course. This time, I'll meet his expectations with my sword."
Mordred placed a hand on the sword at her waist, determination shining in her eyes.
"Then… after earning that trust… see if you can uncover his secrets."
Morgan narrowed her eyes.
"I'm certain he's still hiding many cards."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then—
"...Forgive me, but I refuse that request, Queen Mother."
"Hm?"
"I… am no longer a knight of betrayal."
Mordred's voice was firm.
"Honestly, I intend to serve His Highness with all my heart and body. I won't do anything that could harm him… not even on your orders."
Morgan fell silent.
"Even if it's you asking… don't put me in that position again."
Perhaps it was ironic.
A former traitor of the Round Table speaking about loyalty.
But this time, it was completely different.
This time, her king acknowledged her.
He acknowledged her worth, her birth, and her life—even if it was short.
How could she betray someone like that?
"His Highness said I no longer need to hide my face… that I can tell the world who I am."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"It's the first time… someone has truly recognized me like this."
She took a deep breath.
"So… I will repay that. I swear it by this armor, by this sword, and by my life. I will never betray him."
A powerful aura erupted from her body.
Morgan stood still.
The figure before her seemed completely different from before.
No longer that troublesome child.
But a knight.
A true knight.
Noble.
Loyal.
Strong.
For a brief moment…
She felt relief.
"...Hmph."
Morgan turned her face away.
"Do as you wish. But if you're going to do it, then do it properly. Don't disgrace me."
Her tone was cold.
But there was recognition hidden within it.
"Yes, Queen Mother!"
Mordred ran out of the room full of energy, already planning to return to the training grounds.
Watching her leave, Morgan murmured to herself beneath her black veil:
"...In any case, I have some free time."
"Perhaps I'll conduct a bit of research… on extending the lifespan of artificial humans."
She paused.
"...Should I ask Prince Leon for advice?"
"If I remember correctly… he's also extremely skilled in medicine."
(End of Chapter)