"Mana transfer? T-This is a bit inappropriate, isn't it?"
Hearing Britomart's words, Souya was instantly startled.
Wait, is everyone in your Fairy Kingdom this open?
We've known each other for less than a day, and just because our identities are similar, you trust me enough to want a mana transfer?
What if I, Lamorak, were a scumbag who put on his pants and refused to acknowledge you afterward? Wouldn't you explode from anger?
After all, while mana transfer in the Type-Moon universe essentially meant what it said literally—"replenishing magical energy"—the method of doing so was quite unconventional.
The most common methods Souya knew involved the exchange of bodily fluids, blood-sucking, physical contact, and engaging in naughty activities.
And looking at Britomart's shy demeanor right now, plus her taking his hand and placing it on her chest...
No matter how you looked at it, this was totally the naughty kind of mana transfer!
"Um, is it not okay? Just absorbing some of the most basic magical energy is enough."
Seemingly noticing the confusion in Souya's words, Britomart panicked slightly and hurriedly explained.
"I'm only troubling you because I truly have no other choice. Originally, relying on the quality of Britannia's magical energy and the functions of the 'Queen's Fortress,' I wouldn't face a shortage of magical energy. I just didn't expect..."
At this point, Britomart's mood visibly plummeted.
"I just didn't expect Britain to actually be engulfed in the tide of the Age of Gods' decline. The current mystery can no longer support my actions. If I don't find a suitable person for a mana transfer soon, I'm afraid I..."
With that, Britomart tightly gripped Souya's hand again, looking at him pitifully.
Those large eyes were wet, looking as if she would burst into tears the very next second if Souya didn't agree.
Seeing that the fairy girl was on the verge of displaying a heart-wrenching expression, Souya, despite immense internal conflict, ultimately agreed to give her a mana transfer.
"That's wonderful! Thank you, my companion Lamorak!"
Watching the blooming smile on Britomart's pretty face, Souya silently apologized to Morgan in his heart.
I swear to the Lord, Lady Morgan, I only offered myself out of pity for something beautiful and the bond of once being of the same race.
I am absolutely not fooling around! And I absolutely do not lust after her body!
Amen. (Crosses himself with his right hand).
And so, half an hour later, Souya sat by the campfire with a lifeless expression.
Beside him, Britomart was hugging Souya's arm with a satisfied look, resting her head on his shoulder with her eyes closed, taking a break.
Meanwhile, the magical energy carrying the aura of the Age of Gods within Souya's body was slowly flowing into Britomart through their physical contact.
So, if basic physical contact was all that was needed to replenish magical energy, why the hell did she make an expression like she was about to do something unspeakable?!
Or is there a cultural difference between your Fairy Kingdom and humans?
Souya hesitated to speak, lacking the energy to even complain.
Yet, at this exact moment, the Trash System he had selectively ignored decided to act up again.
[Tsk, tsk, tsk. What a creep you are, Host.]
[If Britomart knew your original thoughts and this was your original century, you'd be exposed on Xiaohongshu and publicly executed by ten thousand people.]
"What the hell are you barking about, you Trash System?!"
Hearing the System's teasing, Souya, whose true thoughts had been hit spot-on, instantly turned red. Humiliated and angry, he lashed out at the System.
"Cut the crap and hurry up and tell me the information you found on Britomart! One more word of nonsense and I'll lock you in the dark room!"
As the saying goes, a young man's blush speaks volumes.
The System also knew when to stop and began educating Souya on the historical records regarding the fairy girl, Britomart.
[Host, have you ever heard of 'The Faerie Queene'?]
"'The Faerie Queene'?"
Hearing the System's words, Souya froze. He searched his mind for memories related to it.
After a long while, he shook his head and answered.
"Never heard of it."
[What?]
[You don't know it?]
Hearing the System's incredulous voice, Souya instantly felt a bit annoyed.
"What do you mean by that? Is this 'The Faerie Queene' very famous?"
[Well, not exactly. Compared to the 'Arthurian Legends' mythos—which shares the same theme—'The Faerie Queene', which piggybacked on its popularity, and the characters within it aren't particularly well-known.]
[But Host, aren't you an Overseer for the Assembly of the Eighth Sacrament? As a referee for the Holy Grail War, don't you study the histories and mythologies of various places around the world?]
"No."
This time, Souya answered very decisively, but it was precisely this utterly shameless attitude that instantly silenced the System.
[...Then what do you usually do?]
"Hunt down heretics, then go to Subcategory Holy Grail Wars and beat up arrogant Servants and their Masters."
System: ...Badass.
Meanwhile, Souya also sensed something from the System's attitude. After a moment's thought, he tentatively asked.
"System, are you trying to say that Britomart is a character from this 'The Faerie Queene' story that piggybacked on King Arthur's popularity?"
[To be precise, it's an epic poem.]
['The Faerie Queene' is an epic poem written during the Renaissance by a poet named Spenser, utilizing the allegorical romance style popular at the time. It primarily tells the story of the Faerie Queene, Gloriana, sending twelve knights to travel the world, each knight representing a virtue.]
"Why does this sound so much like King Arthur sending his Knights of the Round Table to search for the Holy Grail?"
[Exactly. That's where the inspiration for 'The Faerie Queene' came from.]
[And Britomart is the protagonist knight of the third book, representing the maiden knight of chastity and pure love.]
"But, how is that possible?"
Listening to the System, Souya turned his head to look at the beautiful fairy girl leaning against his shoulder, sound asleep, his eyes full of confusion.
"The main setting of the Type-Moon British world is the Arthurian Legends. Why would Britomart, a character from a fanfiction spin-off, appear in this Britain?"
[It's not impossible, Host.]
[The story of King Arthur was originally provided a creative platform and background by Geoffrey of Monmouth. After being described and refined by countless people in later generations, it finally formed the Arthurian Legends. Thus, in the idealistic, fictional fantasy world of Type-Moon, it was able to become true history.]
[Since the original work could achieve this, why wouldn't it be possible for 'The Faerie Queene'—one of the most outstanding fanfictions, highly revered in Europe during the Renaissance for its expression of humanistic morals and ethics?]
[However, due to the corrective force of the world, many of the stories within it were heavily altered, ultimately forming the current situation.]
[Just like the Britomart you see now. She isn't the chaste female knight from 'The Faerie Queene', but her daughter, Britomart the Second, who inherited her name and fairy bloodline.]
"In other words, the instance I'm currently running is still the Arthurian Legends, right?"
Souya rubbed his chin and spoke to the System.
[Yes, Host. The story of 'The Faerie Queene' ended long ago, so you can rest assured. What happened this time was entirely caused by Merlin and falls under the category of a low-probability event.]
"But, will I encounter something like this again later on?"
Seemingly thinking of something unpleasant, Souya felt a toothache coming on.
One must know that King Arthur was an extremely excellent writing prompt in both the Middle Ages and the 21st century. The variety of fanfictions created could be described as as numerous as the hairs on a cow.
Among them, there was no shortage of versions leaning towards the more 'philosophical' side of male bonding.
Souya definitely didn't want to be grinding in the British instance only to suddenly find himself being forcibly romanced by a guy.
Just thinking about it made him shudder!
Souya suddenly missed Morgan's gentle embrace.
[Hmm, I thought about it, and I think the Host should still be careful. After all, this is the Type-Moon universe; you never know what you'll encounter next.]
Souya: ...
Damn it, the Type-Moon universe is cooked.
With such a tofu-dreg world foundation and worldview, who else would the Alien God target if not you?
[Relax, Host. At least meeting Britomart this time isn't necessarily a bad thing.]
"Hmm?"
Souya raised an eyebrow, hearing a hidden meaning in the System's words.
[Look at Britomart. This girl is so naive, yet she carries a treasure like the 'Queen's Fortress: Wave Armor Shell'. And as far as I know, she also has a demonic lance that pairs with the armor. Are you really not tempted, Host?]
[Moreover, she is a great beauty whose looks and figure don't lose to Morgan's. Are you really not interested, Host~]
The System's tone revealed a slyness, seemingly eager to stir up trouble like someone who feared the world wouldn't fall into chaos.
A demonic armor and a demonic lance...
Souya subconsciously looked at the sleeping Britomart.
The girl was currently sleeping very comfortably. He didn't know why she trusted him so much when they had known each other for less than a day.
Souya felt very conflicted right now.
Two little people were fighting in his mind. One was saying: Go for it! This is a beautiful girl piloting a Gundam. No man can resist the combination of a Gundam and a beautiful girl.
The other little person sneered and said: Sure, go ahead. Let's see if Morgan castrates you when she finds out.
Thinking of this, Souya instantly deflated.
In the end, I've still walked the path of a henpecked husband.