"What? Are you that interested in them?" Rellana asked, noticing Mohg's fixed gaze.
"I am. After all, I've never heard stories of them before, nor have I seen them in person."
"They are a special force that reports directly to me," Rellana explained. "They are called the Blackgaol Knights. Their numbers are few, and they only execute the most clandestine missions. It's only natural they aren't well-known."
Mohg nodded, feeling a sharp gaze from the Blackgaol Knight in question. Noticing Mohg looking back, the knight gave a slight, stiff nod before turning away and disappearing into the depths of the camp without a word.
"Come. Let's head into the castle first. You'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with your colleagues later."
With that, Rellana waved a hand toward Entoum, who was trailing behind. Mohg watched as Entoum immediately began barking orders to the returning Carian troops and the Academy sorcerers. Various units and officers began to converge around him.
It seemed Rellana had already briefed Entoum; he was now tasked with settling in the newly arrived reinforcements and the exchange scholars.
As the remaining party followed Rellana into the massive castle, she turned her horse toward the group of sorcerers and exchange students, including Sellen.
"Everyone, please follow my personal guards. I must meet with Her Majesty the Queen first, so I cannot host you personally for the time being."
The scholars were tactful enough to bow and express their understanding.
"Everyone, please follow me," a Carian Knight said, stepping forward. She wore armor nearly identical in style to Rellana's.
Mohg couldn't help but steal a glance at her.
"They are my elite personal guard," Rellana noted. "There are only three of them, known as the Twin Moon Knights. All three are women, and each leads an elite force of a thousand. When necessary, they also act as assassins."
Mohg was internally speechless. Does Caria have this many secret units I've never heard of?
Thinking about it... Doesn't that mean the Golden Order's hidden strength is even more terrifying? Why didn't I know about any of this?
Well, it made sense. He and Morgott had always been on the fringes of the Golden Order. While Morgott might eventually learn everything, Mohg's chances were slim—unless he could find a way to trick Morgott into spilling the details.
We brothers have suffered together for years. You know my heart has always been with the Golden Order! (By which he meant he couldn't wait to pluck every golden leaf off the Erdtree).
"Princess Rellana, do you wish for me to accompany you to see the Queen?"
"No. Wait for me at the door. As for whether my sister wishes to see you, you'll find out when I come out." Rellana shot him a meaningful look.
"Understood."
Mohg straightened his posture and followed Rellana toward a magical lift within the castle.
"This lift is reserved for members of the Royal Family and those with official authorization," Rellana explained. "Generally, one cannot bypass the barrier here or activate the lift without a Glintstone Key."
"Where does this lead?" Mohg asked curiously.
"Where? Heh. You'll see soon enough." Rellana smiled cryptically.
As if on cue, the magical lift reached the castle's peak with incredible speed. Stepping out, they were met with an exceptionally long corridor. A plush, luxurious red carpet ran its length, and the walls were lined with portraits of important Carian Royal Family members.
Mohg saw portraits of Rennala and Rellana, along with many women he didn't recognize. However, one portrait made him lose his train of thought entirely.
The woman in the painting bore a striking resemblance to his "cheap mother," Marika. The main differences were the pupils, the hair color, and subtle variations in her facial features.
"This is..."
"If you're asking about that portrait, even I don't know," Rellana said, shaking her head. "I can find no record of this person in any of the Carian archives."
She paused before the grand doors. "Stay quiet now. Wait until I come out of the audience chamber."
Mohg nodded. As he waited, he scanned his surroundings. Aside from the portraits and displays of armor, two Carian Knights—radiating a dangerous aura—stood guard at the door, accompanied by... Magical Puppets.
Mohg fell into contemplation. Was Seluvis's puppet obsession actually inspired by the Royal Family's own practices?
It seemed highly likely. While the Academy had puppets, they were mostly mechanical dolls. In Seluvis's words, they would be: "Oh, look at these things. Tsk. Utterly devoid of aesthetic value and disgustingly crude. I can hardly imagine making such things, but they do have one merit—they are puppets at least!"
Mohg observed the puppets flanking the doors. They appeared to be made from real people—specifically, former members of the Carian household. Two of them even wore Carian Knight armor.
Perhaps this is part of Caria's hidden foundation, he thought. But they're just standing here out in the open? It seemed they were meant more as a display of power than a secret trump card.
Inside the chamber...
"Sister, I have returned."
"Mmm. You took some time, but it is acceptable. Is the man outside the knight you recently recruited?" Rennala nodded, looking at Rellana with curiosity.
"Yes. He's the one I scouted from the Academy—the person I mentioned to you before."
"So it is him. Though he carries some minor 'issues,' he is indeed a potential asset. If used correctly, he might play a significant role in the coming war. And? I assume you didn't come just to report your return?"
"Correct. I brought Sellen back for you."
"Oh?" Rennala's eyes instantly lit up at the news.
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (445 Chapters – Full)
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