Actually, Frieren wasn't familiar with the elaborate allegiance ceremonies customary in the Lands Between, but she still declined many formalities, citing the tense war situation.
She believed it wouldn't be too late to formally declare her sovereignty in Stormveil Castle after defeating Godrick.
The nobles breathed a sigh of relief.
They also preferred not to have things set in stone immediately. For now, demonstrating their intent and securing the merit as early supporters was enough. Best not to proceed with great fanfare yet; her refusal was actually quite welcome.
However, based on legal principles, they still planned to bestow a royal title upon Frieren later – like the Lord of Grace in the capital. Essentially, any Shardbearer could make such a claim.
Having a resonant title to distinguish her from the previous ruler was necessary.
Unfortunately, Frieren herself wasn't very interested. Firstly, she was lazy; secondly, wouldn't choosing her own title be like blowing her own horn?
Noticing the silver-haired girl's bored expression, Kenneth proposed:
"Lady Frieren, we discussed this earlier. The situation at Castle Morne is special. It requires significant manpower for support, or possibly a forceful takeover against the resistance of that loyalist castellan. Therefore, it's best to bring more people. Please, be our guest at my estate; I have some forces to entrust to you."
"Very well. Let's leave quickly. You can figure out the royal title or coronation procedures later; I'm not interested in these excessive formalities anyway."
"As you command."
"Additionally, we'll need to resupply along the way. We'll trouble you for that first."
If she didn't suspect becoming king was part of the 'game's' progression, Frieren honestly wouldn't care. From an elf's perspective, a great human monarch vanished in the blink of an eye, and dynasties collapsed easily – hardly worth mentioning...
Of course, the situation in the Lands Between was unique. Long lifespans were common here, yet severe psychological problems didn't seem prevalent. Instead, their bodies tended to decay first. What kind of ruling logic would emerge from this?
It was worth studying a bit when she had free time.
The group headed towards the fiefdom in eastern Limgrave. Counter-intuitively, it was located on a relatively remote small plain.
Rather than an estate, it resembled a small village. The scale of its buildings couldn't compare to many ruins, and numerous tents seemed prepared for a quick escape.
On the surface, it appeared desolate and empty, but upon closer contact, Frieren discovered a population numbering ten thousand. In the current climate, finding five digits' worth of completely intact living humans was indeed rare. And they offered a warm welcome:
"Hail the triumphant hero!"
"It's Lady Frieren—"
"The hero of Haight!"
Many children even actively gathered around. Seeing this, she dismounted and performed a few flashy magic tricks, eliciting cheers and laughter.
What was puzzling was why they adopted a nomadic-style settlement. According to the nobles: monsters frequently roamed the main roads and open areas, and outbreaks of Those Who Live in Death or Hollowing occurred occasionally. Maintaining mobility to keep distance at any time was crucial.
Although Frieren offered to help, the nobles politely declined, urging focus on the main task first.
These troubles stemmed from the shattering of the Elden Ring; therefore, only repairing the Ring could solve them. Getting bogged down in minor details was a waste of time – focus on the main problem.
They answered sincerely, "Since we have survived like this for so long, you need not worry for us. We only hope that Lady Frieren becomes Elden Lord and applies restorative or new laws," their voices full of expectation.
Such warmth.
How many hopes must one carry on this journey to reach the foot of the Erdtree? It was long past being just for herself.
The silver-haired girl looked up, gazing at the great, lofty tree that rivaled the sun.
Today, it seemed clearer than ever before.
The Lands Between was vaster, more intricate, and more tumultuous than any 'game' world Frieren had visited. Especially comforting were the numerous long-lived species here.
Even elves weren't considered excessively long-lived here. Yet, despite living in such an environment, the inhabitants remained passionate and resilient. Their genuine emotions were palpable, something the typically numb long-lived species should learn from.
She had worried that the 'games' had imbued her with too much emotion – concerning figures like the Fire Keeper, Anri, and others – fearing the needless worry of "possessing the emotions of a short-lived species within the body of a long-lived one."
Perhaps it didn't have to be so awkward. The Erdtree system in the Lands Between was a good thing.
"I will definitely repair the Elden Ring. For everyone, and for myself. And for you, Melina."
"A Maiden naturally looks forward to the glorious accomplishments of her Tarnished."
Ordinary people might think Frieren was merely uttering an important name, but only she could clearly see the spirit and hear this response.
Is this good?
Melina actually sensed that her partner, due to her unique race, had an initially reserved personality, especially evident in her cool facial expressions. Yet, after just a few days together, that heart seemed to be undergoing rapid changes, burgeoning with emotion. The other was capable and willing to experience the world, not just act as a transient visitor.
She couldn't be sure if this was good or bad.
As she pondered, Kenneth signaled, and about three hundred lightly armored soldiers appeared. Although there was no cavalry, they looked well-trained, and their equipment was decent.
"Lady Frieren, these are our elite troops. They can accompany you in the campaign for Castle Morne."
"Considering the population's capacity, where did so many soldiers come from?!"
"As a Tarnished newly arrived, you may not understand. Due to the Erdtree system, a soldier's 'shelf life' is very long. They rarely fall ill or suffer from low morale. Serving for many years is no issue."
"Meaning low logistical needs and well-maintained combat effectiveness, only requiring equipment maintenance?"
"Correct."
Kenneth then praised the soldiers' organization and discipline, describing them as the estate's long-retained top-tier defensive force.
They weren't just for war; they could also assist with daily life arrangements and, more importantly, take control of a fortress most rapidly. With them around, things wouldn't descend into chaos.
Frieren didn't understand large-scale warfare but knew how troublesome things like setting up camp, logistics, and disease prevention could be – tasks she usually respectfully declined. But if soldiers in the Lands Between were this convenient, it sparked her curiosity.
After some thought, she finally agreed.
She couldn't possibly take over a castle single-handedly or run around clearing Misbegotten rebels alone, right? Save effort where possible. The nobles were also pleased, especially since Frieren promised protection.
Worst case scenario, the soldiers could harvest some Runes and level up a bit.
From this point on, the Funeral Spellblade was effectively aligned with the Haight territory.
Having committed troops under her command, if blame were assigned later, they couldn't easily extricate themselves. Only victory remained.
Kenneth advised, "Western Limgrave is controlled by Stormveil Castle. Even Night's Cavalry under the Lord of Grace are active there; it's a tough nut to crack. We in the east cannot stand alone. We must gain the support of the Weeping Peninsula as our rear base."
"Conversely, if we don't control it promptly, we'll surely be attacked from both front and rear. So ensuring control of the peninsula is crucial; you must remember this."
"Understood."
"Please give my colleague Edgar more chances. If you demonstrate sufficient magnanimity, he is not blindly loyal."
Frieren nodded solemnly, then led the contingent away from the estate.
____
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