Mohg couldn't help but let out a short laugh at that answer. Shifting his focus, he concentrated on the road ahead and spurred his horse forward.
Along the way, he sensed several unfamiliar auras lurking within the surrounding woods and rocky outcrops. However, upon seeing the composition of his group, not a single soul dared to make a move. He even spotted a few clumsy scouts; the moment their eyes met his, they flinched visibly and scrambled back into hiding.
They were clearly terrified of Mohg and his escort.
"I recall being told that the Carians and the Cuckoos had scoured the region of bandits and highwaymen. Is that not the case?" Mohg asked Brumon halfway through the journey.
Since he spent most of his time within the various towns of the Lake District, he wasn't entirely clear on the power dynamics of the wilderness.
"Hm. The Carians did indeed clear out the bandits in their territory, but the Cuckoos? Not so much."
"Go on," Mohg said, slowing his horse slightly.
"The Cuckoo soldiers stopped their raids after accepting Runes from the major bandit leaders. Their only condition was that these large bands had to split into smaller groups to operate."
"I see. So a lot of these major bandit factions actually remained, then?"
"Actually, no. Soon after they split up, the Cuckoos moved in and wiped out the smaller cells. It barely took any effort at all."
Mohg's mouth twitched. He couldn't help but think to himself how insidious that was.
"Then what's the story with these bandits we're seeing now?"
"After the major gangs were dismantled, the Cuckoos naturally couldn't be bothered to chase down the scattered stragglers. There was no profit left to squeeze out of them. A good portion of the others are just common folk forced into banditry by the Cuckoos' own oppression."
"Does Caria not intervene with the Cuckoos?"
"They try, but at a juncture like this, they can't manage everything. They're forced to turn a blind eye to a lot of it."
Mohg nodded, gaining a clearer picture of the Lake District's true state. It was a chaotic melting pot, far more complex than the situations in the Altus Plateau or Limgrave.
In Altus and Limgrave, there were singular, dominant powers—though Altus was currently embroiled in the flames of war, making the local situation volatile.
However, Mohg estimated it wouldn't be long before his elder brother brought an end to the current conflict, potentially elevating the influence of the Erdtree to even greater heights. The only question was exactly how long "not long" actually meant.
He wondered how things were progressing with Radagon. His own projection remained deep within the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds, and Morgott, having confirmed that no major disasters threatened the Capital, had ceased his active investigations and returned to his "shut-in" lifestyle.
Consequently, Mohg didn't have a clear grasp of the general situation in Leyndell. He could only gather snippets of intelligence through subordinates stationed across the Altus Plateau.
Most of the news concerned the war between the Capital and the Ancient Dragons, along with the rise of various war heroes. Radagon's name had begun to spread far and wide, but there was no concrete news regarding any official appointments to high command.
There was no helping it; the Royal Capital was currently in a state of semi-isolation. It was incredibly difficult for outsiders to obtain internal information or learn of decisions made by the high council.
"Sir Gwyn, Laskyar Town is just ahead. This is the fief of a Carian noble. Do you require our escort for the remainder of your journey? If not, I can refund half of the commission."
Brumon pointed toward a town visible in the distance. They could already see a small checkpoint established at the entrance, manned by both Carian and Cuckoo soldiers.
"I won't trouble you further for the rest of the way. Keep the commission; consider it payment for clearing up my doubts. Until we meet again."
Mohg offered a slight nod to Brumon.
"Until we meet again."
Brumon nodded back, then let out a sharp whistle, leading his four companions away as they galloped off.
Once Brumon had departed, Mohg distinctly felt a scout nearby let out a sigh of relief. After a moment of hesitation, the man slowly emerged from his concealment.
"Carian soldier Pritz, at your service, Sir Knight."
"There is no need for such formality. I have only recently joined Lady Rellana's service and have not yet been formally dubbed a Carian Knight. This armor is a gift from Lady Rellana herself."
Mohg dismounted and approached the scout, helping him up.
"I see..."
Pritz nodded. When he looked at Mohg's armor, a flash of envy flickered in his eyes.
Mohg was slightly surprised that the man didn't recognize the armor's original owner. He had assumed that Rigyes's reputation would have been quite significant.
Upon reflection, it seemed likely that Rigyes had served Caria a very long time ago—so long that many among the current rank-and-file had forgotten his existence.
"My name is Gwyn. You may call me Gwyn."
"Then, Sir Gwyn, might I ask what brings you here?"
"Lady Rellana assigned me a task. I am merely passing through on my way back to the Academy to report my progress."
"I understand. Please, follow me. I will take you to see Lord Becklinell. He should be able to grant you use of the town's teleportation gate."
"My thanks."
Mohg was pleased to hear this. Using a portal to return was infinitely better than a grueling ride on horseback. Well, it meant he'd likely have to leave the horse behind, but that was a small price to pay.
Pritz quickly led Mohg through the checkpoint and toward the manor of the local lord, Becklinell. After a brief report to the gate guards, someone hurried inside to inform the lord.
When Becklinell finally descended to meet them, he was initially draped in an air of extreme caution. However, the moment his eyes landed on Mohg's armor, his expression shifted into one of dazed disbelief.
The aged lord slowly approached Mohg, his hand trembling as if he wanted to reach out and touch the plate.
"My Lord?"
Startled back to reality by Mohg's voice, Becklinell's frame stiffened. He let out a dry cough, his eyes filling with a profound sense of nostalgia.
"I never thought... that Lady Rellana would bestow Rigyes's armor upon you... Very well. You may use the teleportation gate as you wish. I have matters to attend to, so I shall not impose upon your time with further hospitality."
With that, Becklinell seemed to sink into some deep, private memory. He turned away with his head bowed and retreated back into the manor.
Left standing there, Mohg turned his gaze toward the nearby butler.
"Please, follow me. I will escort you to the gate."
"Much obliged."
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (383 Chapters – Ongoing)
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