"Your Majesty."
Moon knelt on one knee, bowing his head in a formal knightly salute as he spoke with profound reverence to the tall figure looming above him.
"You may raise your head, Moon."
Rennala's voice drifted down—cold and proud, yet laced with a subtle hint of gentleness. Moon raised his eyes to meet her gaze.
"I have always looked favorably upon your progress. I looked forward to the day you would join the ranks of the Carian Knights."
"I am deeply sorry to have disappointed you!" Moon lowered his head again sharply.
"There is no need for apologies. I am not here to reproach you; it was merely my own over-expectations that perhaps placed too much pressure on you. So, tell me, what brings you back this time?" Rennala shook her head and looked at him inquiringly.
"Yes. In the small town where I was stationed, I discovered traces of someone suspected to be a Crucible Knight."
"Oh?" Rennala's eyes narrowed instantly. "Can you be certain?"
"Forgive me, I cannot be entirely certain. However, I can confirm that the individual utilized incantations of the Aspects of the Crucible and possessed a physique to match."
Listening to Moon's reply, Rennala closed her eyes, lost in thought for a moment.
Though Moon was not yet a member of the Carian Knights, his strength was sufficient to earn her recognition. Therefore, when he claimed the stranger possessed a "matching physique," she was inclined to believe him.
The only question was: to what extent did that physique match?
She had long heard of the Crucible Knights under Godfrey's command in the Golden Dynasty. They were the elite of the elite, the vanguard of the vanguard—every one of them a veteran of countless ages and battles. The enemies they faced were never weak: mighty giants, heirs to ancient faiths, legendary ancient dragons, and the drakes that ruled the skies.
The Carian Knights were formidable, to be sure, but compared to the absolute pinnacle of the Lands Between... they still seemed somewhat overshadowed. Rennala estimated that most of her Carian Knights could only hold their own against the elite Leyndell Knights or perhaps the weaker Tree Sentinels.
As for those truly capable of trading blows with a Crucible Knight...
Rennala slowly shifted her gaze to the side. A cold, aloof woman with black hair stood there in silence, clad in silver armor with a blue mantle draped over her shoulders. Two slender light greatswords were fastened at her waist, perfectly suited to her tall stature.
Rennala estimated that only her sister, the champions among her sister's personal guard, and the very best of the Carian Knights stood a chance. The number of such individuals wouldn't even fill the fingers of one hand—perhaps even fewer.
If a true conflict were to erupt, the pressure on her would be immense.
If possible, she didn't want to clash with them. But clearly, that wasn't a choice she could make based on personal preference. Regardless of whether the person Moon saw was a true Crucible Knight, it was certain they belonged to the faction of the Erdtree.
This meant the Erdtree was already casting its eyes toward Liurnia. As the Carian Royal Family ruling the Liurnia Lake region, they had no room to retreat. There was only the path of war!
"Rellana, go and unify the various departments. Notify the nobility to prepare for battle."
Upon hearing this, Rellana's expression shifted slightly, and she nodded. "I understand, sister."
With that, she immediately moved to act—a woman of decisive and swift action.
"Your Majesty..." Moon began, finding his voice.
"You have brought vital intelligence, Moon. What reward do you seek?" Rennala looked down and asked.
"...I wish to continue my travels in the outside world."
"You still haven't changed your mind, I see." Rennala nodded. "Very well, I grant it. Go and find Carion afterward; once you have informed him, you may leave Caria."
"However, not just yet. I will begin my travels only after this war is over," Moon said, looking up at Rennala. "Though my strength is meager, please allow me to give my final measure of devotion!"
"What a bustling scene. It's a pity I cannot enter and experience it for myself; a great shame indeed..."
By now, Mohg had completed his preparations. He had arrived in the area near the Academy accompanied by Liana and Horuff—the latter being a warrior with the strength of a Pure-blood Knight.
If they wanted to reach the Ainsel River Well quickly, this was the shortest path. As long as they remained cautious, there shouldn't be any major issues. The reason they weren't flying was primarily the fear of being detected by the Academy. Furthermore, given that a certain Queen of the Full Moon could appear at any moment... flying through the sky in this region was a suicide mission.
During this time, Mohg had noticed the difference in the local residents. Unlike the Royal Capital, where almost everyone possessed golden eyes, the eye colors here were far more varied. This was a region where the faith of the Erdtree was not yet widespread, and few were truly blessed by the Grace of Gold.
"Does Lord Mohg wish to experience these things that badly?" Liana asked, looking up at him with curiosity.
"Yes. Since birth, I have never touched the outside world. I was confined within high walls and grand estates, and once I grew old enough to possess some measure of autonomy, I was cast into the sewers. Thus, I never had the chance to experience the life of an ordinary person. I suppose I am somewhat curious."
Hearing Mohg's words, Horuff's eyes flickered with emotion. He clearly hadn't expected the monarch he served to have such a tragic past. Yet, despite such suffering, Mohg didn't harbor a blind hatred for the world; instead, he sought to use blood to change it. This moved Horuff deeply.
He was different from those who purely sought combat and powerful opponents; he was a man of thought. Specifically, after realizing that the faith of Blood seemed linked to the ancient horn culture and the Aspects of the Crucible, he felt this might be the chance to change the world.
Now, having interacted with Mohg and understanding his vision for the Mohgwyn Dynasty, that conviction grew even stronger. He knew the man before him wasn't some monster blinded by bloodlust or hatred, but a leader with a grand ambition in his heart!
"Then, once Lord Mohg's Dynasty is established, you shall see it all for yourself!"
"A beautiful sentiment, but it is still a long way off. Let us move. This is no place for us to linger; we could easily attract the attention of the Carian patrols or the Cuckoo soldiers."
"As you command."
After their brief exchange, the three figures gradually vanished into the forest, slowly bypassing the Academy Gate Town as they continued their journey eastward.
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (286 Chapters – Ongoing)
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