"Your Majesty, to what do we owe the honor of this summons?"
Ward, a professor of the Olivinus Classroom and Vice President of the Academy, bowed elegantly with his staff in hand before looking toward Rennala with an inquiring gaze.
Rennala did not answer immediately. Instead, she swept her eyes across the room, only nodding slowly once she was certain that the professors of every classroom were present.
"I have gathered you all for one reason: it is highly probable that we will soon be at war with the Golden Dynasty. Therefore, I require your assistance."
"What?!"
"Why must we face such a titan?"
"Is there... is there no other choice? What of peace negotiations?"
As soon as the news broke, the meeting hall erupted into a cacophony of voices. The professors began to discuss the matter frantically, desperately weighing the potential risks and rewards.
The majority were unwilling to participate in such a war. Setting aside the eventual outcome, the sheer might of the Golden Dynasty left them with no desire to test their luck. More importantly, the risks of combat were too high, and it would drain an immense amount of resources and capital—factors that would severely hinder the progress of their research. For many, this was simply unacceptable.
Thump!
"Silence!"
A ripple of blue magical energy suddenly surged across the table. Feeling the weight of that mana, the crowd felt a chill run down their spines.
The meeting hall returned to absolute silence in an instant.
Only after achieving this did Rennala show a look of satisfaction. She turned a cold gaze toward the group. "I did not come here to deliberate with you; I came to inform you. Whether you are willing or not, every one of you shall contribute to the coming war."
Hearing this, several professors showed looks of resentment, yet none dared to speak. They knew that any resistance would be futile; the Academy was currently crawling with Carian soldiers and sorcerers. Furthermore, the Lazuli Classroom existed within their own ranks, ensuring that the Carian Royal Family's interests were represented. There was no room for negotiation.
Throughout the ordeal, Ward remained half-languid, eyes partially closed as he toyed with the manuscript in his hands, looking entirely unconcerned.
"Then it is settled. As for the Cuckoos... I leave it to you to notify them."
With that, Rennala rose slowly. With a gentle wave of her staff, her form dissolved into a shower of starlight and vanished from the spot.
"What do we do now?"
"What can we do? Start the mobilization. Do you honestly think we have the capital to resist?" one of the professors replied with a mocking sneer toward the person who had asked.
The room fell into a brief, heavy silence. No one offered a rebuttal.
"Let's go. Back to our respective quarters to prepare," Ward said as he stood up and began to walk out, though his words seemed to carry a hidden meaning.
A professor from the Lazuli Classroom narrowed his eyes at the sight. He knew these men were nursing their own ulterior motives; they likely planned to use this campaign as a cover for their own schemes.
But this was to be expected. The Academy and the Carian Royal Family had been at odds for years. To expect them to suddenly offer total submission was impossible—even if Queen Rennala possessed magical prowess that stood unrivaled in all of Liurnia.
After leaving the meeting hall, Rennala arrived at the Office of the Academy Head. Inside, a figure appeared to have been waiting for some time.
"It has been a long time, Rennala."
"I am glad to see you again, Renna."
Rennala looked toward the figure. The woman wore snow-white sorcerer robes and a pointed hat, with a white cloak made of unknown beast fur draped over her shoulders. Her cold, beautiful face bore a distinct feature: her skin was a pale, ethereal blue.
"It seems you've run into some trouble. Otherwise, you wouldn't have invited me to the Academy as a guest—after all, the sorcerers here aren't exactly fond of me."
Renna the Snow Witch tilted her head and smiled at Rennala.
"Yes, there is indeed trouble. It is likely we will go to war with the Golden Dynasty. Although I doubt they will commit their full strength, it is best to remain vigilant."
Rennala nodded, her eyes fixed on the Snow Witch.
"I see. Then you have something you wish for me to do," Renna said with curiosity.
She and Rennala shared a decent rapport, as both were students of the moon. Though their research paths differed, Rennala did not harbor strong prejudices against her.
"Yes. I hope you can keep a close eye on the movements of the sorcerers within the Academy for a while. If possible, I'd also like you to watch over the Ainsel River Magic Well."
"That shouldn't be a problem. But what is my compensation?"
"Research funding, experimental resources, and the restoration of your Rise."
"How blunt. But... it's a deal!"
Rennala allowed a small smile to form.
"Then I leave it in your hands. If you need to head out, it is best to use the teleporter here. As for the entrance to this room, I presume you know where it is, and I have already given you the key."
"Don't worry, I'll be careful. You go and handle your affairs with peace of mind. If anything changes on this end, I will let you know."
"Good."
Rennala nodded and used a teleporter to return to the seat of the Carian Royal Family. She needed to deal with the nobility within her territory and dispatch scouts to monitor the movements of the Golden Dynasty.
In her view, while the Golden Dynasty was currently engaged in constant expansion and possessed immense power, that power was only absolute when unified. At the moment, they were clearly spread too thin. Even if they intended to conquer Liurnia, they likely wouldn't be able to field an overwhelming force.
The invasion of the Ancient Dragons and the campaign against the Giants were enough to give the Golden Dynasty a massive headache. This also left her somewhat puzzled: why would they choose this specific moment to attack Liurnia?
It was almost... almost as if they were giving the Carian Royal Family an opportunity.
Though she was reluctant to admit it, it felt like a deliberate choice. It was as if the Golden Dynasty were offering Caria a chance to cooperate, rather than demanding total absorption or unconditional surrender.
It was a riddle she couldn't quite solve.
Meanwhile, back in the Royal Capital, Radagon had already made contact with the Two Fingers. Having secured their support, he only needed to wait. Once he had garnered enough prestige from the battles against the Ancient Dragons, the Two Fingers would arrange for him to lead an army on a grand expedition against Liurnia!
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (286 Chapters – Ongoing)
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