Aesc.
Naoki knew this name.
It was merely the alias used by the first savior in the British Lostbelt.
Her true name was—
"Morgan."
Naoki uttered the true name of the girl before him, who looked exactly like Artoria.
"Or should I call you Vivian?"
"Both are my names—call me whichever you like. I don't mind at all."
Gliding down into the crater, Aesc approached Naoki. "However, I hope that in public later—meaning when there's a third party besides you and me present—please call me Aesc."
This was the alias Aesc had used since she began walking the earth thousands of years ago. By now, it had become another of her true names.
"Still… As the knowledge I've obtained suggests, you really are someone who can see everything at a glance."
"Obtained knowledge…"
Naoki frowned. "Could it be—"
"We'll discuss that later. I hope this remains known only to you and me in this world. There's a third party here who must not be told."
As Aesc spoke, the small—or rather, extremely tiny—figure who had shouted from the crater's edge earlier arrived beside them.
"Yo! You're the guy Aesc has been waiting for? I'm Totorot—please guide me in the future!"
The girl, only about fifty centimeters tall, greeted him while her eyes scanned Naoki up and down. "Hmm… Didn't notice from afar, but now… Aesc, doesn't he look a bit like Uther?"
"No, he's almost exactly like adult Uther, right?"
Uther?
Naoki raised an eyebrow. "Uh… Aesc, could this be…"
"That's also something I'll explain later. Sorry—I know you have many questions as a newcomer, but this isn't the place to talk. My camp isn't far. Let's continue there."
With that, Aesc waved her magic staff, levitating herself and flying out of the crater with Totorot.
Naoki followed suit.
(Aesc, Totorot, an Uther who looks like me… Did I really end up in this Lostbelt? And Morgan…)
In a short time, much information about his location flashed through Naoki's mind.
"Hey, what are you doing? Not coming?"
From above, Totorot waved at Naoki.
Naoki lightly pushed off the ground, leaping from the bottom to their side. "Sorry, was thinking."
"Then let's go. The camp's just ahead."
Aesc pointed to the forest ahead.
After walking a short distance through the woods following Aesc, a flicker of fire pierced the trees and entered Naoki's view. A simple camp was set up in a cleared forest glade. Three tents formed a circle. In the center burned a campfire, with skewered beast meat roasting outside. Beside the fire—
"Back already?"
"That was fast."
A mountain-tall knight in black armor and a werewolf-like man sat on either side of the fire, greeting Aesc and Totorot. Their gazes then shifted to Naoki behind them.
"He is…"
The werewolf frowned. "Is he the one you've been waiting for, Aesc?"
Aesc nodded. "You could say that. He's the one who can fulfill my wish—the one I've often mentioned. His name is…"
"Naoki." Naoki said. "Natsukawa Naoki. Pleased to meet you."
"Wryneck. And this iron lump is Hector."
The werewolf, Wryneck, eyed Naoki as if he were an enemy. Though it was their first meeting, his tone was far from friendly. The black-armored knight, Hector, gave Naoki a slight nod.
Wryneck looked at Aesc. "Since you've found him, let's head back. Londinium's still busy, right?"
"No. It's fine to return a bit late. I still have things to explain to Naoki. Please wait a little longer." Aesc said, then opened the tent flap and entered. "Follow me, Naoki."
"Hey—!"
Hearing Aesc would let Naoki enter the tent with her, Wryneck couldn't hold back. But before he stood, Hector pressed his shoulder. "Calm down, Wryneck. Aesc knows what she's doing."
"Tch!"
After a frustrated snort, Wryneck sat back, glaring at Naoki. "Listen well, newcomer. If you dare lay a hand on Aesc, I'll kill you immediately."
"Only if you can kill me."
With that retort, Naoki followed Aesc into the tent.
"Sorry—Wryneck is a bit exclusive."
As soon as they entered, Aesc spoke to Naoki.
"He cooperates well in front of me, but for some reason, toward anyone else, he's a little…"
"It's fine, I don't mind. I understand why he acts that way."
Though their first meeting, Naoki somewhat grasped the werewolf Wryneck's situation—he'd done similar things himself, so he understood perfectly.
Aesc frowned slightly. "I see. That's good. Wryneck is someone I trust deeply, and you're the one I've been waiting for. If possible, I hope you two can get along."
"Well… that depends on him, right? I think his favorability toward me has already hit rock bottom." Naoki gave a wry smile. "Anyway, can you explain now?"
"Please wait. I'll set up a barrier."
Aesc tapped the ground with her staff. A blue wave spread from the tip, instantly enveloping the tent in a thin light curtain.
"Done. I've set a soundproof barrier."
"You're really cautious. Aren't you afraid I'll do something bad?"
"You're not the type." Aesc said. "Though I only understand through a third-party perspective, I know you're the one person in this world who absolutely won't harm me and will absolutely be on my side."
"I've been waiting for you for over 3600 years, Natsukawa Naoki."
"Waiting for you—the one who can save Britain, save this world together with me."