Although somewhat dissatisfied that it was Merlin instead of Magi Mari, Souya quickly analyzed the gains from this simulation.
Hmm, it seems aside from this status called 'Karmic Bond', there are absolutely no other rewards.
What a massive loss!
Thinking of his remaining two simulation chances, Souya felt a pang of heartache.
However, heartache wouldn't change anything. Since it had already happened, there was no need to dwell on it.
But, if nothing unexpected happens, that Artoris should be Artoria, right?
Recalling the other party's androgynous face and the exaggerated feat of eating a meal for three solid hours, Souya confirmed his suspicion.
Well, having a bond with the adorable Saber isn't bad. After all, she is the protagonist of this era in Britain.
Besides, the gold standard of having ten thousand Type-Moon fans and a million Saber fans backing you is quite high.
Only then did Souya notice that the usually chatty Trash System hadn't popped out to run its mouth.
After sensing it briefly and confirming the System had temporarily fallen asleep due to excessive energy consumption, Souya hesitated no longer, turning and heading toward the sacred lake.
Come on, let's make a high-stakes gamble!
Following the trickling streams into the lake, a picturesque and beautiful scenery unfolded before Souya's eyes.
It was a vibrant forest. The trees, seemingly chaotic but actually growing outward with the sacred lake at their center, formed a natural green barrier.
By the lake, flowers and grass grew in abundance, filling the air with an intoxicating floral scent. Sunlight cascaded down like flowing water through the canopy, leaving dappled light and shadows on the grass and the lake's surface.
Set against this backdrop, the sacred lake resembled a massive, crystal-clear sapphire, imparting a sense of tranquility and peace.
Clearly, in Britain, which was currently in autumn, such a thriving scene was impossible. The only explanation was that mystery was sustaining the environment here.
As expected of the sacred lake, holding such a prominent position in British mythology!
Just by entering the lake and merging with its waters, Souya felt an indescribable, refreshing comfort wash over his entire being.
It felt as if his very level of existence was being elevated.
[Ding! The sanctity of the lake water has affected your essence. You have acquired the skill 'Protection of the Lake (C)'.]
With no time to bother with the System's sudden appearance, Souya right now only wanted to have a good sleep in this lake.
Ah, praise the lake water!
But before Souya could enjoy it for long, a sudden, profoundly deep magical energy precisely separated him from the lake water. He was then lifted out of the water and floated beneath a large tree on the shore.
Souya clearly hadn't grasped what was happening. He stared blankly at the woman who suddenly appeared before him as a cold female voice, imbued with demonic charm, rang in his ears.
"A tiny Water Fairy who didn't go to the Inner Sea of the Planet, but instead stayed on the island to trespass in my domain."
"What, do you find a fairy's life too long?"
Looking at the exceptionally beautiful face before him, which exuded a sexy and aloof aura, Souya was momentarily at a loss for words.
"I-I-I-I-I..."
Oh, my God!
I actually, really, just met Morgan this easily?
The most mysterious and sexy enchantress of Arthurian myth, Morgan le Fay?!
"Hmm?"
Morgan seemed slightly displeased with Souya's stammering. She half-closed her beautiful eyes, a faint glimmer flashing in her spectral-blue pupils.
Sensing that his Oshi was a bit upset, Souya quickly snapped out of his fanboy haze.
Before Morgan could act and scatter him to the winds, Souya hastily spoke up.
"Lady Morgan, I had no intention of trespassing in your domain. It was merely by accident that I arrived in this beautiful lake, which is as beautiful as you are."
It was a brilliant line. It expressed that he had no malicious intent while simultaneously flattering Morgan.
And the other party clearly appreciated Souya's words.
The glimmer in Morgan's eyes dissipated. She slightly lowered her head, looking down at the hovering blue puddle of water before her—that is, Souya the Water Fairy.
"You know my name?"
Without giving Souya a chance to speak, Morgan's next sentence left him stunned on the spot.
"Tell me, why do you carry the scent of that Red Dragon's child on you?"
Holy crap!
Morgan can actually see through the System and directly perceive the 'Karmic Bond' status on me?!
Then how should I explain this?
Given Morgan's level of hatred for Saber... I'm screwed. Checkmate.
System, System, save me!
There was no response. The System was currently AFK. Souya figured even if it wasn't AFK, it would have probably rage-quit the match anyway.
Someone's cheating, literally unplayable.
Just as Souya wore an expression of despair, preparing himself for an unheroic death, Morgan spoke again.
"Boring. Is it merely to the extent of a brief encounter?"
Morgan averted her gaze, seemingly losing interest. But then, as if thinking of something, she began to carefully scrutinize Souya.
"Compared to the scent of the Red Dragon, you yourself are a bit more interesting."
Morgan raised her hand, her slender jade fingers gently touching Souya, who was enveloped in her magical energy.
"A wild fairy of unknown origin, who gained protection just by briefly coming into contact with my lake water. Truly fascinating."
"So, what should I do with you?"
With her palm fully immersed within Souya, Morgan's tone was icy yet inexplicably melodious.
"Choose, fairy. Submit or be destroyed."
"It is my honor to become your subordinate, Lady Morgan."
Souya very decisively bowed in submission. His little life was still in her hands; there was no need to make things difficult for himself.
Besides, this was Morgan, the most powerful magus in Britain aside from Merlin.
If there was anyone on this island who could grant Souya incarnation and a human body, it was undoubtedly Morgan.
In every sense, Souya had no reason to refuse.
Faced with Souya's tactfulness, Morgan was very satisfied, though outwardly she remained as frosty and unapproachable as ever.
"From now on, you may call me Morgan or Princess. Your task is simply to serve me."
Saying this, Morgan lightly waved her hand. The air began to distort, and in the next moment, a transparent ring appeared.
Then, the fluid-form Souya was stuffed into the ring by Morgan and subsequently worn on her hand.
Great, seems I've completely lost my freedom.
Souya thought somewhat gloomily. However, it was worth noting that due to gaining the recognition of Morgan, the Fairy of the Lake, Souya's 'Protection of the Lake' evolved from the original C rank to C+.
This could be considered a blessing in disguise.
Regardless of what Souya was thinking, with merely a thought, Morgan's figure slowly blurred until she vanished.
When she reappeared, Morgan had brought Souya to the capital of the British Kingdom, Camelot, right into the bedchamber of Princess Morgan.
Souya couldn't help but marvel at how convenient Magecraft was.
Once I get back, I definitely need to study Magecraft seriously.
Observing Morgan's bedchamber, Souya noticed that aside from being large, the overall decor was primarily black, which suited the mysterious and sexy Morgan perfectly.
Seemingly sensing Souya's snooping, Morgan's tone carried a warning.
"You should be glad you are a fairy. If you were a knight, daring to enter my bedchamber would guarantee you wouldn't live to see tomorrow."
Saying that, Morgan ignored Souya. She sat down on the chair by the window and casually picked up a book to read.
As a servant, Souya naturally had no right to interfere with Morgan's actions. With the System still AFK and nothing to do, he had no choice but to empty his mind and think of nothing.
Fortunately, Morgan hadn't been reading for long before she was interrupted by a sudden announcement.
"Princess, His Majesty the King requests your presence in the throne room."
"Father has summoned me?"
Morgan's cold expression shifted slightly. She casually dismissed the messenger guard.
Then, Souya watched as the seemingly aloof goddess, Morgan, stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting her attire. A hint of nervousness actually appeared on her cold, stunning face.
As everyone knew, people only paid special attention to their appearance and attire when facing certain specific situations.
Although Morgan held titles like Enchantress and Witch in history, combining the information Souya knew with Morgan's current attitude, it wasn't hard to deduce.
At this point in time, she didn't yet know that King Uther intended to pass the throne to her younger sister, meaning she, as the master of the island, would be unable to rightfully control this land.
Currently, she wasn't as insane and dark as she would be in the future. The young Morgan, in the prime of her youth, eagerly sought her father's approval and looked forward to becoming the King of Britain.
"Sigh, what a pity."
Souya silently sighed.
The current Morgan didn't know, but he knew perfectly well.
That old bastard, King Uther, never intended to pass the throne to Morgan from the very beginning. He was keeping it a secret now simply because Artoria hadn't grown up yet and needed protection.
When the time came to pull the sword from the stone, Uther wouldn't consider his daughter Morgan's feelings at all. He would directly announce that the throne went to Saber, calling upon everyone in the land to obey her.
Only then would Morgan truly despair, marking the beginning of her descent into darkness.
Thinking of this, Souya couldn't help but feel a little heartache for this pitiful princess.
Damn it, dead King Uther. If I had a body, I'd take my spear and end your miserable life!