Or, you guys find another savior

Holding Xi Jianxi's hand, Morgan walked forward with a light gait.

"What kind of talk is that? While I'm currently relying on the magic from my contract with you to remain in this world, I am still a Servant." She walked alongside Xi Jianxi. "Rather, I should be asking my husband, can your legs still hold up?"

"They're holding up, more or less," Xi Jianxi nodded and smiled. "The major ley lines here are exceptionally dense. As long as I circulate my magic, it's fine."

However, it was precisely because the path here was so difficult that Xi Jianxi had specifically warned her multiple times before they set out, stating that if it became too much, he could come alone.

According to the plan previously discussed with El-Melloi II, he would arrive at the destination ahead of them, ensure everything was in order there, and then wait for El-Melloi II in the village.

"That being said—" Xi Jianxi still held Morgan's hand. "I thought Your Majesty the Queen would dislike such a rugged, unfrequented path."

Morgan chuckled dismissively. "That was all in the past. Before that, I traversed the entire island of Britain."

"Then, what are your thoughts on Britain as it is now?"

"I don't have any particular thoughts. It's simply the state the planet should be in for this era," Morgan said softly.

Although the major ley lines were generally denser here than in other parts of the planet, the essence of it was still a world after the decline of the Age of Gods.

Fantasy species like fairies had long since retreated to the hidden side of the world, and now the planet was entirely a world suitable for primates to inhabit.

On a certain level, describing Morgan's feelings as being unrecognizable would be quite accurate.

"Do you like it?" Xi Jianxi asked with a smile.

Morgan pondered for a moment before slowly replying, "Because it can accept my husband, despite many unsatisfactory aspects, it is ultimately a world that is still beautiful."

"What kind of description is that..." Xi Jianxi grumbled verbally, but his hand tightened slightly. "Who gets rejected by the world?"

"Some people do. Because they've done certain things, people are rejected by the world, or by the foundation of human history," Morgan told Xi Jianxi.

"The more I hear, the more unsettling it gets," Xi Jianxi couldn't help but sigh.

"It's always been like this. As a Magus, you should be well aware of this," Morgan looked at Xi Jianxi.

While what she said wasn't untrue, the foundation of human history was ultimately too distant a topic for Xi Jianxi.

He was merely a Magus living in this world. Although he belonged to a more mysterious category within human society, he still lived a relatively normal life within Magus society.

"Let's not talk about that. I have a feeling we're close to our destination. Where are we going?" Morgan asked.

"The world after death," Xi Jianxi replied.

As soon as he spoke, Morgan's brow furrowed with displeasure. "Are you in such a hurry to return there?"

"...Uh, I wasn't talking about the Shadow Realm," Xi Jianxi quickly clarified. "On the train, didn't I mention that this place is related to the 'Witch of Britain'?"

"That's not incorrect," Morgan relaxed her brow. "But how is this related to El-Melloi II?"

"Of course, it's because of the Holy Grail War," Xi Jianxi sighed.

According to the investigation reports from the Mage's Association and the Holy Church after the Holy Grail's purification, the Greater Holy Grail, which had only consumed some of its magic without officially activating, would initiate the Holy Grail War ritual again in ten years, in 2004.

Since Xi Jianxi felt awkward about directly dismantling a ritual established by others, and due to a certain reason, he had only chosen to purify it.

However, with the Holy Grail War commencing again in just ten years, Xi Jianxi felt a sense of unease.

If possible, he wanted to stay as far away from that ritual as possible and have no further involvement.

"You're already involved with the Holy Grail War. It's useless even if you want to avoid it," Morgan saw through Xi Jianxi's hidden worries. "Even if you want to stay away, there will always be various reasons that force you to return to Fuyuki and face the Holy Grail War directly."

"You make it sound like a foregone conclusion," Xi Jianxi muttered.

But in his heart, he couldn't deny Morgan's judgment.

Just then, the sound of flapping wings came from the bushes on the mountain path, and then more than ten black birds flew out from the woods.

Chapter 3 Blackmore

Seeing this, Xi Jianxi didn't hesitate. He pulled a folded cloak from his backpack and neatly draped it over Morgan, pulling up the hood to cover most of her face and gently tying the clasp at the front.

It wasn't particularly hot in the mountains during midsummer, and since they both knew how to use magic to ward off insects and pests, there was no need to excessively cover their bodies for protection.

Yet, Xi Jianxi still did so, and Morgan didn't question it. Instead, she understood why Xi Jianxi had insisted on carrying all the luggage himself and not letting her carry any.

After all, he was the man she fancied, and there must be a reason for him to do such a thing. Morgan only needed to wait patiently for the next answer to be revealed, with the anticipation of watching a movie's ending.

"There are so many crows here," Morgan chuckled as Xi Jianxi adjusted her cloak.

"Crows carry souls."

As a low voice sounded, a black figure emerged from where the crows had flown. It was a man in black, about sixty years old. Although he was elderly, his sturdy build was evident even through his coat. He wore an old travel hat on his unkempt, uncut hair.

"Not only is there such a saying in Britain, but in the Celtic mythology of the continent, crows often appear. Crows are the guides of the dead, the birds of the tomb. They cry: Nevermore."

A black feather landed on the man's shoulder.

"Judging by your tone, you must be the gravedigger?" Xi Jianxi stood in front of Morgan, turning slightly to ask the man.

"Why have a Magus from the Clock Tower come here?" the man asked.

The man had immediately recognized Xi Jianxi's identity as a Magus and his origins from the Clock Tower, clearly indicating he was no ordinary person.

"It's nothing. I'm just scouting ahead for Lord El-Melloi II," Xi Jianxi calmly turned back to face the man. "Also, the time for a prophecy is approaching, and I've come specifically to deliver a message."

"Oh?" The man's eyes showed a look of surprise.

Through the gap beneath her hood, Morgan saw a smile flicker across Xi Jianxi's lips. "Or rather, the 'Black Madonna' will soon grace this place, offering new guidance to the gravekeeper."

"That's a most unheard-of statement," the man said, still suspicious, but he didn't underestimate Xi Jianxi because of it.

This was because Xi Jianxi's words had struck directly at something hidden behind the man's identity.

"I only learned of it by chance," Xi Jianxi nodded with a smile.

"In that case, please follow me. I am the gravekeeper, Bersac Blackmore. Since you have business with me, follow me."

With that, the man strode into the forest with astonishing speed.

Xi Jianxi knew the route and wasn't in a hurry to catch up.

"Haaa..." Morgan let out a sigh. "So it's this place. I didn't recognize it."

Blackmore Cemetery.

It was one of the most widely known cemeteries in this land, its name frequently passed around among Magus.

"That's why I kept it a secret beforehand," Xi Jianxi took her hand again, this time with a deliberate gesture.

Morgan's palm rested in Xi Jianxi's, which he gently lifted. Anyone could see she was the important figure, and he was merely her attendant.

"Then, allow me to ask, this 'Black Madonna' you speak of, it wouldn't be..." Morgan's face was hidden by her hood, her lips pursed, but she couldn't suppress the curve of her smile.

"Does that even need asking?" Xi Jianxi was smiling too.

Finally, even Morgan couldn't stand Xi Jianxi's pretentious act. She gripped his palm with Servant-level strength, making a fearsome sound.

He, and the 'Black Madonna' mentioned by the gravekeeper Bersac, was none other than Morgan le Fay.

Of course, for the 'Morgan' present here, it wasn't entirely accurate.

"To think you'd bring me to such a remote mountain village just to put on a show," Morgan said, looking at Xi Jianxi, who, though starting to sweat, remained unfazed.

"If you're dissatisfied, you can turn back now. It will delay things a bit, but I'll send you back to London and find another way to get here." Xi Jianxi felt a little guilty for making Morgan play along with his charade, so he didn't force her to stay.

"Since we're already here, why not take a look?" Morgan stepped forward.

She did know of Blackmore, but in all these years, she had never set foot there herself, let alone knew anything about the situation.

Thus, the two followed Bersac's tracks and arrived at the village built on the treacherous mountainside.

The village had only about a hundred people, so small it seemed it could disappear into the currents of time at any moment. Most of the village buildings were brick and tile structures, looking at least a hundred years old.

Although the villagers they saw wore modern clothing, if they were to change into medieval attire, there likely wouldn't be any sense of incongruity.

Bersac was already waiting at the village entrance, accompanied by a stout man with three chins, dressed in priestly robes, and a young woman dressed as a nun.

People from the Holy Church.

With a single glance, Xi Jianxi and Morgan understood the situation.

Introduced by Bersac, these two were the priest and nun from the village's northern church, who also bore the responsibility of managing the village's daily affairs.

As outsiders, they needed the priest's permission to enter the village.

The priest's name was Fernando Cruz, and the nun's name was Ilumia.

Because they were outsiders, the two were led by the priest, nun, and gravekeeper towards the church.

"So, may I ask your names?" Fernando asked, shifting his round body and wiping sweat with a handkerchief.

"My name is Xi Jianxi, and this is my wife, Xi Jianxi," Xi Jianxi introduced Morgan's identity.

Bersac glanced at Morgan, her face hidden by her hood, and asked, "Is your wife unwell?"

"No, her skin is naturally sensitive and not accustomed to the mountain climate," Xi Jianxi lied with a straight face.

As he was a Magus from the Clock Tower, the priest and nun, who were lower-ranking members of the Holy Church, didn't press for details.

Bersac had already explained that the two were a vanguard, and the real guests would arrive the next day.

So, upon arriving at the church, the priest handed over the arrangements to the nun and went to receive the visiting believers himself.

However, as the nun went to handle the guest arrangements, she walked over to Xi Jianxi and whispered something that caught Morgan's attention.

It wasn't that she minded a stranger approaching, but the content of the whisper was incredibly strange, yet not like a warning.

"You'd best not linger here."

Chapter Four: Origins

The church north of Blackmore Village had a simple exterior, with ivy climbing its walls. The interior of the chapel was plain and spacious, similar to the church in Fuyuki, but the roof was much higher.

The chapel was meticulously clean, filled with exquisite yet unostentatious objects, exuding an atmosphere of solemnity and sanctity. Xi Jianxi could even imagine the scene on a Sunday, with the chapel packed and the villagers listening to the sermon from the plump priest.

After leading the two into the church, Bersac left, reminding them before he departed that they should first offer prayers to the statue of the Black Madonna in front of the chapel, as it was the village custom.

The old gravekeeper even demonstrated.

"I'll handle the prayer," Xi Jianxi said, kneeling on one knee with his hands clasped before his chest.

"In that case, it would be better to pray to me directly," Morgan said calmly. "Praying to the 'Black Madonna' herself would be more effective than praying to a statue."

"That's true," Xi Jianxi smiled.

Despite his words, Morgan did not do so. She simply stood behind Xi Jianxi, waiting for his prayer to finish while surveying the interior of the church.

The church, no different from any other, held one particularly striking feature: a statue of the Virgin Mary, stained black.

The key lay in its face.

The face of the Virgin Mary varied subtly in statues and paintings across different regions.

But this Black Madonna, for some reason, gave Morgan an inexplicable case of goosebumps.

Because her eyes, her brows, her entire countenance bore a striking resemblance to herself – to 'Morgan le Fay'.

While it was unclear why the Holy Church was in charge here, Morgan had a hunch about one of the reasons Xi Jianxi had invited her along.

This village, she suspected, had a very deep connection to 'Morgan'.

As someone similar yet not the same person, she was now filled with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"I've changed my mind," Morgan suddenly said.

"You want to go back? I'll take you," Xi Jianxi replied. "I need to finish dealing with things here for El-Melloi II, so I'll be counting on you at home—"

"I'm not going back," Morgan interrupted, raising a hand. "In this village, in private, don't call me by my real name."

"Huh?"

"Call me by another name, just like you would when introducing me to others," Morgan requested.

While she hadn't transformed into a past self corresponding to this other name, she simply didn't want to use her current name here.

A name itself symbolized a different level of mystery; some names carried curses simply by being spoken.

In this village, so deeply connected to 'Morgan', she couldn't help but be more cautious than usual.

"Understood, Toneriko," Xi Jianxi said, looking at Morgan—Toneriko—and nodding in agreement with her request.

Toneriko gazed at the face of the Black Madonna. "This is a good opportunity. While I knew about the situation here, I never imagined I'd visit something related to 'this side' in this form."