After passing through the inspection, Moke finally followed the main contingent past the gates of the Royal Capital.
In an instant, he was struck by the sheer magnificence before his eyes.
Directly ahead, the colossal Erdtree pierced the heavens. Below it stood unimaginably high city walls, and beneath his feet lay a massive stone bridge leading straight into the heart of the capital. Intricate carvings adorned every inch of the ground and the surrounding railings.
To their sides lay a bottomless, vast moat. Even upon this great bridge, numerous soldiers stood guard at every interval.
Moke cast one last glance back at the two towering Tree Sentinels before following the call of Govi to rejoin the line of people entering the city.
Govi was the girl with short, platinum-blonde hair he had met at the city gates.
"Hey, why do you carry that cane? You don't look like you have any trouble walking," Govi asked, looking at Moke with curiosity.
"Are you a native of the Lands Between?" Moke did not answer her question directly, instead posing a seemingly unrelated one.
"I am. In fact, in a certain sense, I'm even considered a member of the Golden Aristocracy," Govi nodded, offering Moke a small smile.
Moke didn't respond immediately. He first observed her attire and noted that certain elements of her clothing indeed bore the distinct marks of high nobility.
"Then why are you joining this mobilization?" Moke asked, puzzled. If she was already a member of the Golden Aristocracy, it stood to reason that even if she wanted to go to war, she shouldn't be among this ragtag group of recruits.
"I think it would be polite of you to answer my question first," Govi said, clasping her hands behind her back and shaking her head at him.
"This cane is my weapon," Moke explained simply, then turned his gaze back to her.
"That's it?" Govi's eyes widened, looking at him in disbelief.
"Yes."
"I feel like I got the short end of that deal."
"That has nothing to do with me. Your turn," Moke said matter-of-factly.
"Fine. Actually, I ran away. My family didn't want me to join the campaign. They said this war would be too dangerous and just wanted me to marry some noble," Govi explained, sticking her tongue out as she recounted her experience.
Moke glanced at her sideways. No wonder she seems so naive...
By now, the procession had entered the Outer Capital. They were greeted by scenes of bustling prosperity and citizens who watched the newcomers with curious eyes.
Moke didn't focus on the crowds, however. Instead, he spotted a strange figure behind the iron bars of a sewer vent not far away.
"What are you looking at?" Govi asked, following his gaze.
Upon seeing the figure, a look of realization appeared in Govi's eyes. "Those are the Omen-born."
"Omen-born?" Moke asked, his voice laced with confusion.
"Mhm. Deformed existences born with horns. They are seen as harbingers of ill fortune. When one is born into the Royal Family, they are cast into the sewers." Govi's tone carried a trace of pity. "The one you just saw... it was likely an Omen infant who hasn't fully grown yet."
"And if they aren't born to the Royal Family?" Moke asked after a moment of silence.
"Their horns are excised, and they are thrown into the wild to fend for themselves."
"...I see." Moke nodded calmly, but his slight pause suggested his heart wasn't as tranquil as his expression.
The dark undertone hidden beneath the golden radiance...
"My King, many warriors have answered the call you sent to the surrounding lands. Quite a few have already arrived at the capital. What are our next instructions?" Ordovis walked slowly toward Godfrey and inquired.
"Hmm... designate an area in the Outer Capital to house them. Provide them with lodging and food. Three days from now will be the final day of the summons. I will appear to meet them personally then."
"Understood. Also, a few powerful warriors from distant lands wish to challenge you. What is your will...?"
"Hahahaha!"
Godfrey let out a joyous laugh and slowly stood up.
"Admirable courage. I appreciate such people. However, now is not the time."
The battle intent that had suddenly surged from Godfrey was gently settled back down by a light pat from Serosh on his shoulder. A glint of cold rationality returned to his golden pupils.
"Tell them that in three days' time, I shall accept their challenge."
"Should we not set a threshold first?" Ordovis suggested.
"Hmm... indeed. You decide the threshold. They don't necessarily have to defeat you—that might be asking too much of them."
"I understand. I will exercise proper restraint."
"One more thing... issue an order for 'them' to gather at the Fortified Manor to discuss our next plans." Godfrey stroked the beard on his chin as he issued the command.
Ordovis nodded. He didn't need to ask who "them" referred to. It was the Great Nobles, the High Commanders, and the key figures of the Church.
"What are the King's orders?"
As Ordovis stepped out of the room, a cool, feminine voice called out from his side.
"Gather the relevant parties at the assembly hall for discussion, and settle the recruits who answered the call. The King will meet them in three days."
Siluria nodded upon hearing this.
"I see. I'll handle the arrangements for the warriors. I'll leave the notifications to you."
"You certainly know how to pick the easy jobs..." Ordovis shook his head helplessly.
"How is the Eldest Prince faring?"
"As always—near perfect. In fact, he's already acquainted himself with some of the new warriors during this time. Some are so captivated by him they've already asked to join his personal guard." Ordovis laughed and shook his head.
"And you? Have you made your decision?"
Siluria fell silent for a moment before shaking her head. Ordovis nodded and offered one last remark:
"Then you had best hurry. Of the three of us, you're the only one left."
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My : https://[email protected]/AuAuMon
Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (63 Chapters – Ongoing)
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