"Following our original agreement, hand the Primeval Current materials over to her. Her research will require a broader foundation of knowledge if she is to be of any further use to us."
"Understood. I'll see to it shortly," Rellana replied. She then brought up the matter of Master Azur's Glintstone Staff. "Sister, do you have any leads on that incident yet?"
Rennala nodded, then slowly shook her head.
"A few. From the evidence at the scene, it appears linked to the 'Blood' faction that has emerged within the Lakes. However... I cannot fathom why those people would want that staff, nor how they managed to breach our defenses."
"On that note, have you tested your new recruit? His hair and eye color make it difficult not to harbor suspicions."
"I have. Several times, I launched surprise attacks aimed at his vitals, but he showed no signs of anything unusual."
"I see... In that case, let the matter rest for now. For us, a single staff—no matter how storied—will not shift the tides of power significantly." Rennala paused, her gaze turning toward the window. "Our primary concern remains the Golden Order. And the Cuckoos. If my intuition serves, they will defect the moment the Golden Order's main host reaches Liurnia."
A cold light flashed in Rellana's eyes. "Should I lead my knights to seize control of them now? My forces are more than capable of eliminating their high command and dispersing their ranks."
"There is no need. They are nothing but a rabble. Forcing them into our main army would only compromise our combat effectiveness."
"So we just let them be?" Rellana frowned deeply.
"We will deal with them after the campaign. You know as well as I do that our goal is not to truly 'defeat' the Golden Order. They, too, are unwilling to expend too much military might here only to achieve a Pyrrhic victory. Though I loathe to admit it, the Storm Lord to the south is a greater threat to the Golden Order than even the Giants."
"But Sister... do you truly intend to sacrifice yourself like this?" Rellana asked, her voice tinged with pain.
"Sacrifice? Not quite. I was bound to marry eventually; it is merely a matter of time. As the Queen of Caria, ensuring the royal line continues is my responsibility—since you refused to take the throne." Rennala shot a pointed look at her sister.
Rellana gave a sheepish, embarrassed smile and shuffled to the side.
"I only hope the suitor the Golden Order sends isn't too dreadful." Rennala shook her head. "Enough. You should go. I'm sure you have arrangements to make for your guests—especially your new subordinate."
"Right." Rellana nodded and turned toward the door. Just as she was about to leave, Rennala called out.
"Wait."
"What is it?" Rellana looked back, confused.
"Send your new subordinate in. I wish to see him."
"Oh. Alright." Rellana scratched her head and stepped out.
Outside, Mohg was idly examining the wall murals and the puppets, trying to pass the time. He turned when he heard the heavy doors creak open.
"Your Highness."
"Mmm. My sister wants to see you."
"Huh?" Mohg had prepared himself for this, yet he couldn't help a surge of nerves.
"Just go in and salute her. Mind your manners; other than that, there's nothing special you need to worry about."
"I understand." Mohg nodded, swallowed hard, and stepped through the threshold.
He had stood before the powerful many times before—he had even stood before beings far mightier than Rennala. Specifically, his father. But this was different. Rennala was a powerhouse who might actually harbor malice toward him. It was impossible not to be tense.
Walking across the long red carpet, Mohg came to the foot of the throne and performed a Carian Knight's salute.
"Gwen, reporting to Her Majesty the Queen."
"Rise."
Rennala raised a hand. A faint blue glow swept beneath Mohg, and a gentle force lifted him upward. Mohg was internally awestruck by her magical mastery; she could manifest mana into physical force without even needing a staff.
"You are the talent Rellana scouted. I must admit, your potential is indeed surprising. But more than your talent, I wish to know your thoughts on Caria."
"This..." Mohg paused, carefully choosing his words.
"I have no interest in flattery," Rennala interrupted. "Tell me your truest thoughts."
After a brief silence, Mohg decided on honesty.
"An ancient dynasty, similar to the Golden Order, yet lacking that wildfire-like aggression. It is more inclusive than the Golden Order, but... under Caria's rule, the influence of the Cuckoos and the Academy remains. This prevents the Lakes from achieving true stability."
"...Heh. A fair assessment. As for the lack of 'wildfire aggression,' it is simply because other places do not hold what we desire, and the Golden Order would not permit us to expand even if we tried. We appear indifferent to the world because we must."
Rennala looked down at him. "Do you know how long Caria struggled against the Academy before my time?"
Mohg shook his head.
"Thousands of years. We lacked a strong leader to guide us, lacked gifted generals, and lacked the unique favor of a deity like the Golden Order possesses. Fortunately, long years allowed us to accumulate strength, and in my generation, that struggle finally reached its conclusion."
"That is a testament to your greatness, Your Majesty," Mohg complimented, bowing slightly.
"It is a testament to the effort of all Carians," Rennala corrected him, waving a hand. "You may leave now."
Mohg was taken aback. He had expected more scrutiny, more probing questions. To be dismissed so abruptly was entirely unexpected.
Outside, Rellana blinked in surprise as Mohg emerged so quickly. "Wait, you're out already?"
"Uh, I'm not entirely sure what Her Majesty was thinking either..." Mohg scratched his head.
"What did she ask you?"
"My opinion of Caria. Nothing else."
"How strange..." Rellana murmured. She shook it off; such mental gymnastics were better left to her sister. Her job was to fight and lead.
Inside the audience chamber, Rennala let out a soft chuckle.
"Interesting. He carries the distinct aura of an Outer God. If my connection to the Full Moon hadn't strengthened recently, I might not have sensed it... but he harbors no malice toward Caria; in fact, there is a trace of goodwill. And it seems he has a grudge against the Golden Order... he is a piece that can be used. But Rellana's relationship with him is a bit of a headache..."
The thought of her sister made Rennala's head throb. Rellana clearly valued this "Gwen" highly. That wasn't a great sign, especially since they might soon be forced into an alliance with the Golden Order. A man touched by an Outer God with a grudge against Leyndell was a ticking time bomb.
"We shall see... whether this Gwen is a 'God-touched' vessel, a 'Believer,' or simply someone 'Watched' by an Outer God..."
Rennala sat back on her throne. Her future approach would depend entirely on which category he fell into. If he was a vessel, she would have to sever his connection to Rellana and exploit him. If a believer, he was better eliminated. But if he was merely being "watched"... then she would absorb him into Caria and find a way to temper his grudge against the Golden Order.
Regardless, his talent was undeniable. If he could be fully turned, he would become another trump card for the Carian Royals.
"Your Highness, where do we go next?"
"My personal guard will arrange your duties and show you to your quarters. I have other matters to attend to," Rellana said.
Mohg nodded. This felt more normal. It would be weirder if a Princess spent all day playing tour guide.
"She will be here momentarily. Wait here." Rellana pointed to a spot nearby and walked away.
Fortunately, the guard didn't keep him waiting long. A tall woman clad in the same silver steel armor Mohg had seen earlier approached. She performed a salute.
"Call me Serena. I am Princess Rellana's personal guard. I am responsible for the safety of the palace and the two Princesses."
"I am Gwen. Her Highness hasn't assigned me a specific post yet."
"I know. I am here to brief you," Serena said flatly.
"I have a question."
"Speak."
"Her Highness mentioned the three of you are her most elite knights. Do you have a collective name?"
Mohg noticed Serena's mood perceptibly brighten. It seemed his question had hit the mark.
"The Silver Moon Knights."
"A name that suits your aura perfectly."
Mohg went quiet after the compliment. Serena didn't seem like much of a talker. After walking for a while and memorizing the route, Serena stopped before a door.
"We are here. This is your room."
She opened the door to reveal a standard single room, complete with a desk and scrolls for a sorcerer. The window offered a view of Caria's cityscape—the bustling streets below and the sentries and puppets patrolling the castle heights.
"There are clothes prepared for you in the wardrobe. You can change into them. If your armor or clothes need washing, you can find a servant or wait for them to come by; they check the rooms every morning."
"Now, for your duties. Princess Rellana has assigned you to the Guerrilla Unit. When there are no missions, you are permitted to remain in your room to study sorcery or use the training grounds to hone your martial skills."
"Your colleagues are stationed in the southwestern wing of the castle. That area is designated for the castle's combatants. You can check it out tomorrow or after I leave."
Mohg nodded. "Please convey my gratitude to Her Highness."
Serena gave a slight nod and turned to leave. From her brisk pace, she seemed to be in a good mood.
Mohg's gratitude was genuine. This post was perfect. The lack of constant supervision was ideal for his own training and magical studies. He was being given special treatment, no doubt about it.
As for missions... whether he got assigned any would depend on Rellana. But staying cooped up in the castle wasn't his style, nor did it serve his interests. If Rellana didn't give him work, he'd eventually request it.
He set down his belongings, stripped off the armor he'd worn as "Ligyes," and changed into the light training gear from the wardrobe. He stepped out of his room, ready to explore.
Then... he stopped. He suddenly realized that the "Silver Moon Knight" wasn't particularly detail-oriented. She had left him in a massive, unfamiliar castle without a map. He had no idea where the training grounds—or even the exit—actually were.
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (445 Chapters – Full)
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