"...Signs abound that the Golden Dynasty is no longer what it once was. Lords have succumbed to greed and bickering, falling prey to the corruption of the Frenzied Flame. Armies across the land collaborate with merchants, obsessed with managing military industries while forsaking their sacred duties. They are no longer worthy of the Capital's trust. We require a stronger central authority to keep them in check!
"Order—we must have Order! we need Prince Godwyn to protect us, not incompetent, mediocre generals like Connacht! When the Great Ancient Dragon breached the Capital, it was Prince Godwyn who saved us all. Now, he alone can shield us from the threat of the Frenzied Flame! We trust no one but the Golden Prince!"
In the middle of the court meeting, a Capital noble delivered an impassioned speech that acted like a stone cast into a still pond, ripples of noisy debate erupting in its wake.
Noticing Godwyn slowly rising from his seat, several participants fell silent.
"I trust that the nobles corrupted by the Frenzied Flame are but a few. The loyalty of our lords and armies to the Golden Dynasty has not wavered, and my trust in them remains unshaken."
Godwyn raised his hands, palms down, and the arguments in the hall gradually subsided.
"However, Windmill Village, a mere half-day's journey from the Capital, was entirely consumed by the Frenzied Flame. This proves that the faith of the Frenzied Flame has been spreading in secret for a long time. Its rot is everywhere; its cultists may even be among us," Godwyn continued.
"The old powers are inevitably the primary targets of this corruption. Therefore, we need fresh blood—new strength to purge this decay. Regarding the motion proposed yesterday by the Roundtable, I have spent the night in reflection and have finally decided to accept.
"I love the Golden Dynasty. The power the nation and its people have bestowed upon me is something I shall set down once this crisis fades. Yet for now, to ensure a safe and secure society, I must shoulder the responsibilities of the Golden Prince.
"I shall reorganize Connacht's Capital Garrison, combining it with my personal guard and the elite among the populace to establish the Leyndell Royal Military District! I shall serve as its Supreme Commander, ensuring the safety of all citizens and launching independent investigations into those suspected of colluding with the Frenzied Flame."
A group of nobles, as if by pre-arranged signal, were the first to cry out in support of Godwyn's speech. But many more remained silent, turning their gazes toward Queen Marika and Radagon.
"The Lordsworn Army is more than capable of eradicating the Frenzied Flame," Radagon spoke, his voice cold and indifferent. "A single village does not prove that the army has failed in its duty."
"The contributions of the Lordsworn Army are beyond doubt," Godwyn replied with immediate humility. "However, the army bears far too many burdens to focus its entire strength on defending the Capital. I merely wish to ease the pressure on my father's shoulders."
At that moment, Marika spoke.
"Let it be as Godwyn says. My King, we ought to grant our children more opportunities to freely demonstrate their strength."
Radagon glanced at Marika, then closed his eyes in silence.
The court was instantly filled with voices of agreement.
"Please, allow me to speak." Raven stood up, bowing with a hand over his chest. "I have yet to achieve any merit for the Golden Dynasty, so I am beyond grateful for the authority to establish a knightly order. Now, I see an opportunity to repay that trust. I and my order request to join the operations to suppress the Frenzied Flame."
Radagon's brow furrowed, and just as he was about to speak, Marika cut in.
"There is no need for such self-deprecation. The tale of how you were the first to scale the walls of Windmill Village and dealt a heavy blow to the enemy has already spread. Such valor will draw many more to gather beneath your banner." Her melodic voice flowed like music. "I look forward to seeing you demonstrate your true strength."
Godwyn narrowed his eyes. "I have no objection. The battle at Windmill Village has already proven Prince Raven's capabilities."
"Vetoed," Radagon stated. "A fledgling knightly order is not fit to undertake any combat missions. You should return to your own domain and avoid entanglement in these matters."
A small stir went through the hall.
"My King—"
Radagon's expression remained unchanged. "Marika, I stand by my decision."
"I was too hasty," Raven said with a polite bow. "I shall ensure my knightly order reaches combat readiness as quickly as possible, so as not to disappoint the expectations of Queen Marika."
The meeting concluded amidst a flurry of hushed discussions. As the crowd dispersed, Raven saw Godwyn walking toward him.
"The King seems intent on targeting you; how rare," Godwyn noted. "Do you still intend to escort those villagers to Volcano Manor? That might make the King even more displeased."
"The decision I made will not change."
"Very well. I have signed the release order; you can take them from the dungeons at any time. However, if they escape along the way, it will be your responsibility. Managing nearly three hundred people is no easy task."
"Of course," Raven said, parting ways with Godwyn at the entrance.
Raven first returned to his manor to regroup with the members of his order. He selected a dozen experienced veteran mercenaries and sent them to purchase grain and packhorses, while he led the remaining men toward the Capital's dungeons.
"Ugh, why would they build a prison in the sewers?" Lansang pinched her nose, standing on her tiptoes to keep her robes from touching the stagnant water. "It stinks."
"Stop complaining. At least we don't have to go deep into the sewers," Raven said, his own complexion looking none too good as he followed the jailer through a labyrinth of turns.
"This is it, My Lord," the jailer said, slotting his torch into a wall bracket and unlocking the iron gate with a bow.
Raven cast the Starlight spell, illuminating the surroundings.
Inside each cell, a dozen people were crammed together, sitting or lying in the cramped space. Only half of them had a tattered, filthy mat beneath them.
Holes were dug into the corners of the cells, allowing waste to fall directly to the level below. By design, the flowing water on the lower level was meant to wash the waste away, but Lansang's expression—looking as though she might faint—was proof enough that the design was not entirely successful.
"Everyone, come out," Raven said.
No one moved. Only those directly hit by the magical light covered their eyes or curled up, burying their faces in their rags.
Raven repeated himself, but seeing that there was still no response, he had no choice but to step into the cell. He reached out and grabbed the blood-stained sleeve of a villager.
"No, please," the villager said feebly. "I don't want to die... let me go."
"I am here to let you out, not to take you to the executioner's block," Raven raised his voice.
The villagers finally began to stir.
"Truly?" one villager asked, shielding his eyes and peering at Raven through the gaps in his fingers. "I know you. You were the leader of that group. You are—"
"I am Raven. You are safe now. Follow me," Raven said.
"Go away, demon," the villager said weakly. "Don't try to trick us again."
"They won't be able to move like this. Let me," Lansang said, nudging Raven aside to stand in the center of the cell block. She cleared her throat and dropped to one knee. "Great Heal!"
She pressed her sacred seal to her chest. In the next instant, with her as the center, a warm golden light filled the dungeon.
"What's with the surprised looks?" Lansang tucked her hair behind her ear and stood up gracefully. "Ugh, my robes are ruined."
"I'll buy you new ones later," Raven said, giving her a thumb's up before looking at the villagers, who finally showed a spark of vitality. "Can you believe us now?"
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Elden Ring: The Unborn One's Journey Through Elden Ring(114 Chapter - Ongoing)
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