Shortly after calling the emergency council to a close, Vahn found himself back in his chambers with only Artoria and Mordred at his side. Even Gray had taken upon herself to step out for a moment as, while her status allowed her to be present for such things, she rarely stuck around for family matters.
Even without asking, Vahn already had an idea about what was troubling Mordred. It was something he and Artoria had talked about at length in the past so, after taking a seat, Vahn asked, "Tell me, do you regret being my daughter?"
Without any delay in her response, Mordred adopted a serious expression on her face as she stated, "There is no way that could ever be the case! Chichiue is an excellent father, someone I respect with all my heart...!!"
Hearing Mordred's instant reply, Vahn couldn't help but smile appreciatively but, taking advantage of her word choice, he added, "Not all your heart, I fear...there is a part that views me in a different light, is there not?"
Though she already expected this line of questioning, Mordred paled slightly, her head hanging low as her bangs covered her eyes. At the same time, she balled her hands into fists, words escaping her as she didn't know the 'correct' way to respond to such a question.
Just as Mordred's eyes began to swim around for an excuse, she was liberated from her stupefied trance by a soft and warm hand being placed on her shoulder. When she looked up, she found her Hahaue smiling gently toward her and, though there was a plicated look visible in her eyes, she still whispered, "Calm down, Mordred. You should know better than most...your father isn't someone you should fear."
Artoria wanted to say something to support her daughter but, understanding exactly what it was the latter wanted, she, too, was at a loss for words. After all, depending on how things went, there was a very good chance she would be losing her daughter in the near future.
If she were forced to admit her innermost thoughts, Artoria wouldn't be able to deny that the last few years, while filled with various troubles but, had been incredibly fulfilling. She had learned from her failings as a Father and King and, though she believed she still had a long way to go, she liked to think she had bee a capable Mother and Empress. Now, however, even though she had seen this ing for a long time, she couldn't help but feel a small amount of anguish as, in a way, she had, once again, failed Mordred...
Seeing the struggle in her Hahaue's eyes, Mordred's feelings of guilt began to increase exponentially but, before she could say anything, a firm yet guiding voice reached her ears, calling her name and drawing her attention. Though she had known where the voice originated from, Mordred was still at a loss as, rather than conflict and struggle, her Chichiue had a calm and accepting look on his face. His smile didn't seem forced and, rather than judgment or disappointment in his eyes, he looked at her the same way he always had, like a father trying to guide his daughter through her struggles...
Though she would normally feel better just having her Chichiue smile at her, Mordred's feelings of guilt made it hard to even look at him, much less smile in turn. She hated that she couldn't control her own emotions properly and, as a result, she was on the verge of destroying everything that had made her happy in life. She felt lower than the greedy and depraved men and women that made up the vast majority of the human race as, even after obtaining happiness, she couldn't help but want even more...just like the people she hated most.
Sensing a palpable increase in Mordred's negative emotions, Vahn's smile faded slightly as he firmly said, "Mordred, raise your head.
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