As for how much benefit their lord would ultimately gain from this war, the soldiers did not care all that much.
At least for now, they had plenty of food to fill their stomachs, and they could earn generous rune rewards as well.
Compared to the days when they had gone hungry, this life was already far better.
What? Some people still were not satisfied and wanted more?
Then earn greater merit and bring more victories to their lord.
Before long, the news spread across the Lands Between like a violent gale.
A Tarnished had slain six nobles and risen to become the ruler of a territory.
During this time, a constant stream of troubling reports poured into Stormveil Castle like falling snow, casting a heavy and oppressive shadow over the city.
The atmosphere inside the castle grew tense. People were uneasy, and as the lord of the castle, Godrick was in an especially foul mood.
The Stormveil army under Godrick had been locked in battle with the rebels for a long time, yet the fighting had unexpectedly fallen into a stalemate.
The army that carried the name of gold, which should have swept away all resistance, had been halted by nothing more than a group of rebellious traitors.
The reason for this was perfectly clear to every adviser.
This so called Shardbearer, Godrick, was simply too timid.
He had kept a large portion of his main forces stationed inside Stormveil Castle, placing enormous pressure on the troops at the front lines.
What should have been a one sided crushing victory had instead become a balanced stalemate because of his decisions.
Still, blaming everything on Godrick alone would not be entirely fair.
The Two Fingers had summoned the Tarnished back to collect the Great Runes and repair the Elden Ring. That decision was extremely unfavorable for Godrick.
The weakest Demigod combined with a central Great Rune was simply too conspicuous.
It made him the obvious target.
For a time, heroes from every corner began to stir.
The All-Knowing, the Raging Wolf, the Head of the Confessors, the Outcast Sorcerer, and others all set their sights on him.
In the distant and mysterious ancient past, these great heroes had once shaken the world with their names.
Now, those same legendary figures were waiting for a chance to take his head and prove the value of the Tarnished.
Naturally, when choosing a target, people go after the weakest.
To those powerful Tarnished, Godrick was exactly that kind of easy prey.
Godrick's mouth might be stubborn, but deep down he understood very well that he was far inferior to the other Demigods.
It was not only that he could not defeat them.
Three years earlier, during a strategic withdrawal, he had even been wounded by a mere knight.
It was an unbearable humiliation.
From that moment on, Godrick began searching for every possible way to increase his strength.
His attention soon turned to the Tarnished who sought his life.
During the siege of Leyndell, the Ancient Dragon Knight had captured the golden noble Godefroy.
Through contact with this captive of the same lineage, Godrick learned of a strange and powerful technique.
It was an ability that allowed him to graft another person's body and power onto his own.
There was no need to say more.
The Tarnished recruited into Godrick's army who later vanished without explanation were closely tied to him.
The noble golden body had already been tainted.
But the most important matter now was restoring the Golden Lineage to its former glory.
"Your Highness, important news has arrived from the front lines."
A knight knelt on one knee and raised a tightly held parchment scroll high with both hands, presenting it before Godrick.
Godrick's face twisted with irritation when he heard the report, and he immediately began cursing under his breath.
"Look, look. Look at what? Every time it's the same. Either asking for runes or demanding more troops. A bunch of useless fools!"
Despite his harsh words, his hands moved quickly. He snatched the parchment and began reading it without delay.
He also hoped there might be some good news.
Godrick felt that lately he had been terribly unlucky.
Originally, everything had been carefully planned.
He intended to take advantage of the deaths of those noble lords and swallow up their lands and influence in one decisive move.
First he would completely control Limgrave, then lead his army toward Leyndell.
But he had never expected the Tarnished to return. Nor had he imagined that the civil war would drag on for so long, as though it might never end.
"A Tarnished has appeared in the territory belonging to the Morton family. He has killed six lower nobles, including Baron Morton, and taken control of more than twenty villages."
Godrick stared at the parchment, his eyes widening as if they might burst from their sockets. A thick killing intent radiated from him.
A mere lightless wretch dared to humiliate the Golden Nobility?
Even if they were rebels, their heads should be taken by a true Lord.
Boom!
Enraged, the descendant of the Golden Lineage slammed his fist down onto the finely carved throne with tremendous force.
He shot to his feet like a spring, ready to unleash a furious tirade to defend the supreme dignity of gold.
But soon after, he sat back down again, his expression shifting uncertainly.
"What is his name?"
"My lord, that Tarnished is called Nolan Bethel."
The attendant answered with trembling voice, hardly daring to breathe, afraid that even the slightest mistake might provoke the master standing on the edge of rage.
A name he had never heard before.
So he was not one of the ancient heroes?
Godrick sat quietly upon the throne, stroking his chin as he seemed to fall into thought.
From childhood he had received strict royal education and had read extensively. There were few famous heroes of the ancient age whose names he did not know.
Gradually, the terrifying expression on his face softened, as if the fury and cruelty from moments earlier had never existed.
"Nolan Bethel... hm. Quite an unusual name."
After a short moment, he suddenly smiled, satisfaction appearing on his face.
"This man has done well. He removed several traitorous rebels for me. Such merit deserves a title and a reward."
His words struck the room like a stone thrown into still water, instantly stirring a wave of murmurs.
Everyone present was stunned.
They were already used to Godrick's volatile temper.
Years ago, this ruler had been completely different.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that his character and personal charm had once been impressive. He had been deeply respected by both nobles and soldiers.
Otherwise, so many people would never have followed him so faithfully.
But ever since fleeing Leyndell, Godrick's mind seemed to have suffered a severe shock.
He had changed.
Now he was sometimes irritable and explosive, sometimes cold and ruthless.
No one could predict what he might do next.