"Do you believe fate exists?" Nolan cleared his throat and asked softly.
"Fate?"
Ranni raised her head at the question and answered without hesitation,
"I believe fate does exist."
It was precisely because she understood the power of fate that she had chosen to end her physical body through Destined Death, attempting to break free from the shackles imposed by her fate as an Empyrean. And it was because she recognized it as fate that she was even more unwilling to submit to its control.
Nolan paused briefly, as if sorting through his thoughts, before continuing.
"The reason you've gone to such lengths and still haven't found the key capable of killing the Fingers…"
"…is because, as the heir of the Carian Royal Family, your fate is already tightly bound to the royal line."
"And the fate of the royal line is bound to the stars."
"But the stars were sealed by the Starscourge General."
"From that moment on, the royal family's fate became like stagnant water, unable to stir even a ripple."
"As long as the stars remain bound, no matter how tirelessly you search, you're destined to fall short of what you seek."
Fate had always felt vague and elusive.
Yet in the Lands Between, it felt entirely reasonable. Unfathomable, and yet undeniably real.
So sealing the stars caused fate itself to stagnate… was that why she had been trapped here, unable to find a way forward?
Ranni frowned slightly. The more she thought about it, the more convincing Nolan's words seemed.
No wonder Blaidd had spent so much time searching across the Lands Between even before the war began, only for all that effort to amount to nothing in the end.
It wasn't a matter of effort or dedication. No matter how thoroughly one searched, it would still be futile.
"I believe you," she said, glancing at Nolan. She wasn't doubting him, only puzzled.
"But where did you learn secrets like these?"
"My teacher told me. Her aspirations are nothing like those narrow-minded fools at the academy. Her goal lies with the stars and the great beyond."
Nolan clicked his tongue lightly. This wasn't him pushing blame onto his teacher. Sellen really had said exactly that.
Though now that he thought about it, it almost made him wonder whether the so-called seeds of the stars were actually some kind of spacecraft.
The stars and the great beyond… that ambition does align with mine. Perhaps I should speak with her someday.
Recalling Sellen's background, Ranni found his explanation increasingly credible. Even if that witch herself hadn't studied the stars, the two Primeval Masters certainly would have.
"But Radahn…"
Ranni let out a long sigh and fell silent.
The relationships among Demigods were complicated. When she thought back to their childhood, the bond between the three siblings had once been exceptionally close.
Yet as they grew older, each had chosen a different path. At some point, they had unknowingly begun walking in separate directions.
For the sake of their convictions, even blood ties had to give way.
Nolan said nothing. He had seen such things many times before. True strength was always accompanied by unwavering resolve.
"What do you plan to do?" he asked bluntly.
"Try persuading that general?"
Despite having never met Radahn, everything somehow always circled back to him.
Perhaps that, too, was fate.
"My brother won't listen. He's walking his own path," Ranni said, shaking her head without hesitation.
"He might become a hero like the First Elden Lord, or a ruler like our father, but he will never free the stars for me."
"Then there's only one option left," Nolan said quietly.
"We defeat him… or kill him."
Nolan lowered his gaze slightly. Cold light flashed in his eyes as a dense killing intent spread from his body.
"I cannot leave Caria Manor," Ranni said calmly.
"So, my knight… will you kill him for me?"
She needed to temper his fervor. Radahn's strength was not something to be taken lightly.
She believed in Nolan's talent, but going after her brother now would be nothing short of walking straight into death.
"Well… not just yet. But once I'm a bit stronger, I'll definitely give it a try."
Nolan patted his chest as he spoke. He didn't really understand what fear was, so to hell with it.
"You certainly have a lot of confidence in yourself. In that case, I'll wait for that day," the Lunar Princess said with a light smile. She wasn't angered by the knight's words. On the contrary, daring to challenge the Starscourge General was not something just anyone could do.
Then, as if recalling something, Ranni added another reminder.
"I've heard your journey will be full of danger. When it truly matters, don't hesitate like you did in Gatefront Town. Don't be reluctant to use this doll's power."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. From now on, I'll keep this doll with me at all times, never letting it leave my side."
Nolan nodded solemnly, making his promise to Ranni.
"Ahem… that's not necessary to such an extent," she said lightly. "You don't need to think too much. It's simply that a lord never breaks their word."
"Once something is said, the promise remains valid forever. I'll be waiting for you at the manor."
Ranni explained calmly. Catching sight of Nolan's strange look, she lowered her head slightly, letting the small brim of her hat hide her even smaller face.
"And as a knight, you should be utterly loyal to your liege. You must never allow your liege to break a promise. Also, my patience is limited, so don't make me wait too long."
Isn't Dark Moon Knight just an honorary title? When did you suddenly become my liege?
Sensing Nolan's odd gaze, Ranni felt a flash of embarrassment mixed with irritation.
"You have dishonored the witch Ranni. I will not suffer your refusal!"
"Uh… fine."
Considering how much he had done for Caria, she decided to let it go this time.
Hearing that perfunctory response, Ranni felt her irritation rise again. Being a qualified lord really wasn't easy.
Feeling that he had gained the upper hand, Nolan grew bolder and spoke with exaggerated seriousness.
"Actually, there's one more thing I'd like to ask of Your Highness."
Hmph. At critical moments, you still come to me. What use is Miquella anyway?
"Go on," Ranni said, crossing her arms proudly. Taking on that posture somehow made her feel more at ease.
"My teacher is still in Caria, isn't she? I'd like to ask you to help look after her."
Nolan looked at Ranni with an earnest expression.
Ranni's eyes widened at once. Her brows shot up as she scolded him with full authority.
"Don't push your luck!"
Caria wasn't a daycare.
Besides, Sellen was a grown woman. Asking her to be looked after by someone else—if word of that got out, what would become of the Lunar Princess's dignity?
But after calming down and realizing she'd been a bit too harsh, she lowered her voice slightly and said irritably,
"She can stay in Caria if she wants, but whatever she chooses to do is none of my concern."
"Your Highness really is a good person," Nolan said with a smile, his expression oddly indulgent.
That look was infuriating. Ranni clenched her teeth, itching to jump up and give this knight who dared trample on her dignity a solid punch.
But being held in someone's palm like this, acting that way would only make her seem even less dignified. The petite doll could only mutter sullenly,
"I'm not a good person. Forget what I just said, understood?"