"Um… I was too reckless…!"
The sound of self-reproach echoed within the dormitory.
Irisviel, as if releasing her inner embarrassment, faced the bed, her legs swinging back and forth.
She recalled the struggle with Mordred during the day and the difficult expression on Moran's face.
Although she felt resentment towards Moran for not making a choice, she knew that the main issue was her own stubbornness.
The correct choice was to defend rather than to advance.
She understood that someone with powerful abilities like Moran could never be ordinary, and desiring the happiness of an ordinary person from the start was a mistake.
Even she was a creation born from Moran's hands.
Irisviel was clear about her responsibilities.
That was to realize her value as an artificial human and to make Moran feel joy and happiness; that was her pursuit.
"If my grandfather knew… he would definitely scold me for being so unworthy… Mordred is Moran's daughter; although she is a heroic spirit, she must have experienced many, many things with Moran before that…"
Irisviel said dejectedly, hugging her pillow.
Her bright silver long hair spread out on the bed like her chaotic thoughts, and she slightly pursed her lips.
Moran, as the Third Magician, returned to the Einzbern.
The Third Magic could grant a person infinite lifespan.
She knew that over such a long time, Moran must have loved more than just her. Surely this man had left many enviable stories in foreign lands.
Thinking about the past that Mordred shared with Moran made her heart ache slightly.
I am merely an artificial human who has just been born, without even a past worth discussing.
Compared to Mordred as a daughter.
How can I compare?
This is how Irisviel first inquires of herself, feeling a sense of frustration she has never experienced before.
Mordred, who is deeply envious of the feelings between her and Moran.
Also feels ashamed of her existence that contradicts the meaning of being. She shouldn't cause Moran any distress.
This is Irisviel as an artificial human.
This is the kind of worry and regret she would think of.
"Isn't it naive… it's me who is…"
Irisviel turned over in bed.
She gazed at the pure white ceiling.
In her wine-red eyes, waves seemed to ripple, without any resentment towards Moran.
Only, mocking her own foolishness.
Before Mordred appeared, she had never felt any sense of crisis. She had taken it for granted that Moran would only look at her, never considering the possibility of anything beyond that.
Upon reflection, Acht had also educated her.
As artificial humans, they must offer everything to their master; their own will and choices come after that.
It is always about prioritizing the master.
At that time, she did not realize the deeper meaning behind those words, nor did she personally comprehend Acht's teachings.
However, it is undeniable that Moran truly loves her.
This point cannot be denied at all.
This man is the unparalleled Third Magician, bearing the heavy responsibility of not waking the Great Spider.
Just from the conversations between Moran and Zelretch.
She could understand how extraordinary Moran truly is, how handsome and powerful her creator is.
Irisviel prioritizes Moran's happiness.
If she were to choose to indulge in possessiveness stemming from human nature, that would be the most foolish course of action. She is not that foolish.
The education from Einzbern.
Cannot lack in teaching her how to win a man's heart.
Clearly, Moran is a free-spirited and suave man, and Irisviel absolutely cannot bind him.
In the end, the one who gets hurt will only be her.
"I love Moran… I like Moran… no matter what… I don't want him to dislike me…"
Irisviel mumbled shyly.
Compared to the possessiveness in her heart.
Just thinking about how Moran would be troubled by choices brings her an equal measure of sadness.
As a wise woman.
She clearly recognizes her own mistakes.
"Ugh… I must be dignified and graceful… I can't let a moment of anger get the better of me. According to what Grandfather and the others taught… at this time, men prefer women who are virtuous and understanding…"
Irisviel recalled the knowledge she had learned in the past…
She does not aspire to monopolize all of Moran.
What she needs to focus on is securing a place in his heart.
Like if a lover has other lovers, she wouldn't get angry over such things. Rather, it's more important to show a calm demeanor; she can turn this into a weapon.
Compared to those troublesome and unreasonable women.
Irisviel believes this is a more winning strategy.
Jealousy is not the outcome she seeks; what she wants is to be happy with Moran.
Smack—!!
Irisviel took a deep breath.
She slapped her cheeks hard with both hands to adjust her mindset in a short time.
In fact, the reasoning Irisviel thought of.
Someone had already thought of it before her.
Altrouge and Ciel knew that no matter how much they argued, in the end, neither could leave Moran.
Thus, they tolerated each other to some extent.
Incompatibility in compatibility cannot be compromised.
But because their love in their hearts outweighed their possessiveness, they could choose to coexist with their nemesis.
There were big fights, but many small quarrels.
Although this made Moran quite distressed in the past, when he talked about these things, he always wore a happy smile.
He wouldn't deny the extent of his distress.
But it was within the range he could handle.
Taking the Gorgon Sisters from Greece, as well as Atalanta and Medea as examples, it was the same.
They are all wise women.
This is also thanks to Moran's deep love, which made no one feel that the love they received was insufficient.
—Like the situation that arose in Britain.
That was purely because Moran, as the last dragon, did not have enough time to invest in emotional matters.
If he didn't have to face the pressures of the present world.
He believes that in the end, it wouldn't be like this with Morgan.
Returning the perspective to Irisviel.
She no longer harbors resentment towards Mordred but focuses on making Moran pay more attention to her.
Rather than belittling her opponent, it's better to elevate herself.
This is the most useful tactic.