Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2730: Queen

Emery’s emotions still stirred hearing her name; the foreboding message from his future self and his last meeting with Chumo made him anxious to hear about Gwen, but he kept his composure as he asked, ”How is she?”

Glita’s smiling response quickly brought him some relief.

”She is amazing, the best queen ever! In fact, the whole kingdom will be celebrating her 60th birthday along with the annual knight divine order tournament! Brother, you’ve got to come... it’ll be fun!”

Emery was surprisingly reluctant. Gwen had always been among the list of people he intended to check upon, yet knowing she was fine from Glita seemed enough for now. His priority, he told himself, should be to return and check on Gaia. But Glita, being Glita, would not let go so easily.

”Come on, brother... come with me. It’s been a long time since we hung out together.”

The thought of Chumo flashed in Emery’s mind again—the reminder to spend time with the people he treasured while he still could. He sighed, then smiled faintly.

”All right, let’s go.”

Three of the young men living in Avalon were also planning to participate in the tournament, mostly for experience. Emery decided to join their group, and the next morning five of them set off together, riding toward the Brittania capital city.

The three-day journey across his homeland was surprisingly fulfilling for Emery. The familiar countryside, the chatter of Glita and the youths, even the simple rhythm of hooves striking the road—it all gave him a refreshing sense of peace, as though each passing mile was washing away the heaviness that had clung to him for decades.

When they finally arrived, the city was bursting with festivity. Banners fluttered, music echoed through the streets, and tens of thousands crowded toward the arena. It reminded Emery of celebrations he had witnessed more than half a century ago.

The tournament was being held in honor of the queen, and thousands of knights and squires had come to prove their skill. Emery and Glita followed the crowd into the grand arena, their eyes drawn to the massive stage prepared for Gwen herself.

The blare of drums and trumpets silenced the audience as a herald’s voice rang out.

”Here comes Her Majesty, the Queen!”

Emery turned, his heartbeat quickening. And then he saw her.

Gwen stood tall upon the stage, raising her hand with a regal wave to the cheering crowd. Despite her age, she carried herself with confidence and vigor, every gesture brimming with authority. It was her—his first dear companion in life—but the changes struck him. Her golden hair had dulled into pale ash, and wrinkles framed the corners of her eyes.

Emery knew her natural talent had never been exceptional, but by now she should at least have been at the saint realm, with prolong life. Instead, she appeared older than expected. A few explanations flickered in his mind, but the moment she spoke—her voice carrying strength and warmth that enthralled the people—his worries melted away. She was still Gwen, and that was enough.

Glita leaned toward him and whispered, ”Brother... I need to take care of these young lads first. You go ahead and see her.”

Emery nodded, but he didn’t approach her right away. Instead he lingered, taking a seat among the audience. From there he saw Arthur seated beside Gwen, and two more figures on the stage: a young man in his twenties, the prince of Brittania, and beside him his mother, Arthur’s concubine.

The whole event unfolded much as it had in the past, yet on a scale grander than Emery remembered. From every corner of Brittania, squires and knights marched proudly into the arena, their armor gleaming beneath the midday sun, banners of their sub-kingdoms fluttering in the wind.

It was not only the Brittania-born who came. Foreign banners appeared as well, carried by contingents from overseas. Emery’s eyes caught the distinctive long-haired warriors of the North—Viking champions, invited as honored guests. The clash of cultures felt even here in the heart of Brittania. Yet for today, swords were drawn not in war but in sport, bound by the tournament’s rules and the shared reverence for the queen.

Victorious knights dedicated their triumphs to the queen, the crowd roared in approval, and for moments Emery found himself chuckling softly at the familiar traditions. Nostalgia washed over him, and for a while he allowed himself to enjoy the spectacle.

When the celebrations ended, Emery finally made his move. Passing through the guards with ease, he approached Gwen’s chambers and knocked politely.

”Who is it?” .

The chambermaid opened the door. After a brief glance, she quietly withdrew, leaving Emery to step inside. Gwen was seated before a mirror, her back to him. He thought of surprising her, but the surprise was his instead.

She was removing her makeup. As the wig came off, her golden hair shimmered beneath, and as the layers of paint faded, so too did the wrinkles that had marked her face. Her true appearance was revealed, youthful and radiant.

Their eyes met in the mirror, both startled. Then, almost at once, shock dissolved into laughter.

”Emery! ...Geez!” Gwen exclaimed.

Emery chuckled, shaking his head. ”Is this the great queen I’ve heard about? Why are you lying to your people, making yourself old? That’s just... strange.”

Gwen raised an eyebrow, still smiling. ”Why? Do you prefer it that way? I can put the wig back if you want.”

The old warmth of their friendship exploded between them, a spark bridging the years as if no time had passed at all. Emery chuckled, shaking his head, and lowered himself into a seat across from her. For a long moment he simply looked at her—at the strength in her posture, the liveliness in her eyes, and the strange mixture of regality and playfulness that only Gwen could carry.

Amusement softened into curiosity as she began to explain. Her advancement into the saint realm had granted her the slowed aging of higher beings, yet this very blessing had turned into a burden. Arthur and his concubine had grown older, while she remained unchanged. To avoid unwanted attention and strife, she had chosen the disguise.

Emery sighed, still shaking his head. ”That is just something...”

But Gwen only smiled warmly. ”It’s good to see you again, Emery.”

”Likewise,” he answered quietly.

”It took you so long this time,”

”I know...”

Their conversation soon drifted, carried by the comfort of familiarity. They spoke of things long past, memories of youthful struggles, personal moments that only they shared. For Emery, the sound of her voice alone stirred recollections he had kept buried—reminders of simpler days before the burdens of the universe had weighed so heavily upon him.

Yet amid the laughter and nostalgia, Gwen’s words suddenly turned more serious. Her eyes reflecting both serenity and resolve as she revealed the truth behind her disguise. It was not only a shield to protect Arthur’s court—it was also her way of marking the end of her role. She had done her duty, guiding Brittania through decades of stability and ensuring its people flourished. To her, that Chapter was complete.

Now, she said, it was time to leave.

Emery blinked in surprise. ”Where do you plan to go?”

Her soft laughter carried the same warmth he remembered from their youth. ”To follow you, silly.”