The next day.
"Research on extending the lifespan of artificial humans? Ah— I see… so that's what this is about."
After hearing Morgan's words, Leon immediately understood that the true objective behind her proposal was Mordred.
It could be said that the existence of an artificial knight like her was sustained by a rather cruel principle—she exchanged her own future for overwhelming power in the present.
A short lifespan… in exchange for extraordinary talent and strength.
Leon, in a way, admired Mordred's unwavering attitude toward that reality.
Even knowing her time was limited, she still chose to burn every moment of her life with full intensity.
To him, there was something artistic about it.
Something grand, almost beautiful, in the way she chose to live.
But if there were a way to extend Mordred's life—to remove that limitation—then there was no reason for him to refuse.
"I've heard that Your Highness also possesses great knowledge in medicine. If we join forces, I believe this problem will cease to exist."
Morgan spoke with confidence.
Leon merely shrugged.
"That's true… but unfortunately, I have many other things to deal with right now. I don't have the time to fully dedicate myself to researching artificial human technology."
He wasn't lying.
Thanks to the information obtained from the World Tree, he had a great deal to handle—things like the Cult of Diablos…
People who had come from the same world as him over six hundred years ago…
And various scattered artifacts that needed to be retrieved.
There was simply too much in motion for him to manage.
Time… was far too precious to be spent on a single line of research.
"Hm? But…"
Morgan was surprised by his answer.
She was certain Leon had understood her intention.
And yet, he refused her proposal.
For a brief moment, a thought crossed her mind:
Does he really not care about Mordred?
"...There's no need to overthink it."
Leon smiled faintly.
"There's already a ready-made solution to this problem, isn't there?"
He raised his hand.
Then, an object was tossed toward Morgan.
She caught it instinctively, her eyes widening as she recognized it.
The blue-and-gold sheath… Avalon.
The legendary artifact of the King of Knights—the one she had stolen and handed over to Leon.
"As long as someone possesses this sheath, any kind of damage can be healed. That means the physical strain of an artificial human… stops being a problem."
Leon's tone was casual.
As if he were discussing something trivial.
"You… really intend to give this to Mordred?"
Morgan was genuinely shocked.
"With all due respect… don't you think that would be a waste?"
It was difficult to say it out loud…
But in her view, Mordred simply wasn't worthy of an artifact of that level.
And more than that—
She was surprised by how easily Leon gave up Avalon.
Even knowing it had been obtained through questionable means…
It was still an artifact of absurd caliber.
A true "plug-in" for immortality.
And he simply… handed it over as if it were nothing.
"Morgan, it's just a sheath. Don't overthink it."
Leon replied indifferently.
"Besides… I'm not losing anything."
From another perspective, the sheath was his—and Mordred was also his.
So in the end…
Nothing had really been lost.
And there was another reason.
If Leon used Avalon himself…
Then Noelle's role would become meaningless.
That created knight, who served as his absolute shield, would lose her purpose.
And he didn't want that to happen.
Morgan pressed the sheath against her chest and gave a slight bow.
"...On behalf of Mordred, thank you, Your Highness."
Leon observed her for a moment… then smiled with a faintly teasing expression.
"Haha… no need to just thank me. Don't you plan to do something more practical?"
Morgan froze for a moment.
Then—
She took a deep breath.
Her body trembled slightly.
Even as a proud and cold witch…
Before that man—someone destined to become the ruler of the world…
She had no right to refuse.
If he demanded something…
She could not deny him.
With that in mind, Morgan slowly began removing her clothes.
"..."
Leon fell silent for a second.
Then—
"Seriously… can't you react in a more interesting way?"
He seemed genuinely at a loss.
"You're making it look like I'm forcing you."
He sighed.
"Forget it."
Leon looked away.
"Go do what you need to do. I already arranged everything for Britain last night. It's time for you to return to your land."
Morgan stopped, her cloak half-open.
Her cheeks slightly flushed.
A strange mix of embarrassment… and something undefined.
She quickly composed herself.
That afternoon—
Morgan and Mordred returned to the British Isles.
In Leon's words:
"It's just Britain. It's not worth me showing up personally."
"Mother, aren't you coming with me?"
Mordred asked.
"Our roles are different."
Morgan replied calmly.
"You move forward in the open."
"I… will handle what lies in the shadows."
"Ah… I don't really get it, but whatever!"
Mordred placed her hands on her hips, staring at the land before her.
Then she shouted at the top of her lungs:
"The sword that was once broken has been reforged… and the knight can finally return to her homeland! I, Mordred, have returned!!"
"...Your sword wasn't broken."
Morgan replied dryly.
"Ah, come on! It's about the mood! It has to sound impressive!"
Mordred shot back energetically.
If Morgan hadn't grabbed her cloak at that moment, Mordred would have already run off like an overexcited child.
"It doesn't matter whether your sword is broken or not…"
Morgan sighed, placing a hand on her forehead.
"But if you keep this up, I'll break your legs."
She truly seemed exhausted.
But at the same time…
There was something different in her gaze.
She looked ahead at the land of Britain.
Her fingers tightened unconsciously around her staff.
Her breathing grew heavier.
Morgan spoke in a low voice, almost a whisper filled with emotion:
"This will be the last time, Artoria… I will reclaim everything that belongs to me."
Her eyes gleamed beneath the black veil.
"Britain…"
"I, Morgan… have returned."
(End of Chapter)