Inside the Evergaol.
Just by swinging the Bloodhound's Fang a few times, Frieren guessed the weapon was likely excellent – combining a low stance, rapid movement, and bleed effect all in one.
So, she opened her player view to check the long string of comments:
[My favorite wheelchair weapon, used it the longest, the Ash of War is too strong!]
[Thanks to the guide, only knew after using it. Although it doesn't have any ridiculously overpowered mechanics, its strength lies in being easy to obtain early on. Put in a little effort to beat the Bloodhound Knight and get a powerful weapon right away.]
[Wolf-bro really treats me like a brother!]
[Darriwil: So are you going to thank me? Or did you completely forget my name?]
[To future players, just use it with confidence.]
[Don't forget to continue the side quest; Blaidd's quest is tightly linked with Ranni's, best not to miss it. The rewards are generous; otherwise, you'll have to start a new playthrough.]
[Complete the questline and get a wife, but I have to kill wolf-bro T_T]
...Much as Frieren suspected, it was a matter of great importance. No wonder, given it related to an Empyrean's questline. Could the Lunar Princess be romanced? Is she one of the goddesses the Elden Lord can choose?
Her predecessors, Godfrey and Radagon, had shown the way.
Now she gradually understood why Melina repeatedly emphasized the co-rule of god and king; the two must be intimately connected.
Even with the great power to reshape the Elden Ring, an Empyrean was needed to embody the Law. Specific modifications could be made then, but one couldn't be without an Empyrean.
What a hassle.
However, for an elf with a long-lived perspective, it wasn't much – just a few more quests, which she welcomed. As for forging a covenant with the Lunar Princess? Too early to speculate; she'd consider it when they met again.
Organizing her thoughts, Frieren stepped out of the Evergaol. Blaidd stood nearby, gazing towards the bridge.
In his eyes, the aura emanating from the Farron Undead Legion clearly belonged to top-tier warriors. They had occupied the strategic point effortlessly.
Truly a gathering of experts.
In just a short time, the newcomer Tarnished's forces had grown rapidly.
If this trend continued, should she one day conquer Stormveil Castle and occupy the region from Limgrave to the Weeping Peninsula, her power would be comparable to the current strength of the Carian Royal Family, perhaps even stronger...
"Blaidd, is there anything else you need help with?"
"I won't trouble you further. What remains are just loose ends. I'll report back and then proceed to my next task. We'll meet again later."
"Send my regards to Ranni. Actually, I knew from the start that Witch Renna was the Lunar Princess, but that doesn't change my goodwill. Thank her for the Spirit Calling Bell she gave me."
"Your regards will certainly be delivered. By the way, I personally have some remuneration as well."
Frieren accepted a Smithing Stone, a material for strengthening weapons, commonly found throughout the land.
Ever since getting the Auto-Loot MOD, she wasn't as interested in these miscellaneous materials. Just by wandering around more, they would naturally accumulate, though collecting some was still worthwhile.
"Thank you."
"If you head north to Raya Lucaria and meet a giant blacksmith, you can tell the old master that I sent you. Iji will help."
"I've noted it all down. But getting there should still be a ways off. Even after occupying Stormveil Castle, I plan to thoroughly explore the surrounding areas first."
"In any case, I'll bid farewell for now."
With a wave, Blaidd turned and left. Although their time together was brief, he already knew Frieren enjoyed exploring. At her current pace, reaching the Magic Academy would take a while. He would likely hear news of the sudden upheaval in the southern Lands Between first.
He looked forward to Caelid gaining another ally, but ultimately, the dust hadn't settled yet. Who knew how the Tarnished's challenge against the demigod would turn out?
Regardless, his side was fortunate; Ranni had given the Tarnished a crucial initial investment.
Hopefully, the future sovereign of the Limgrave region would remember this point. It wouldn't be too late to build rapport then.
Frieren rejoined her contingent, simultaneously awaiting the arrival of the reinforcement noble soldiers. The latter were responsible for occupation duties; using elite troops for garrison work when they were needed for assaulting strongpoints was unnecessary.
It seems the eastern region has considerable forces.
"Milady, please continue your offensive. Leave this place to us. Rest assured, the supply line will follow along the main road."
The leading officer was extremely respectful, even tinged with a hint of fear.
So fast.
How much time had passed since they set out? The Bridge of Sacrifice, known as a natural chokepoint, had already fallen. Conversely, his own side seemed less proactive, bringing fewer men. Would the other party hold it against them?
Did holding back the majority of their forces cause displeasure? But the silver-haired girl's expression showed no fluctuation.
"Just guard it well; don't worry about anything else."
Holding back strength was merely the nobles' survival strategy. Even if they didn't offer full support, it wouldn't stop Frieren from advancing. So, after the handover here, the elite contingent set off once more.
The regular soldiers' morale soared, their worries lessened, increasingly convinced that their combined strength could surely quell the rebellion.
Indeed, the Funeral Spellblade was destined to become the ruler of Limgrave; she was the one Lord Haight spoke of, worthy of being entrusted with legitimate rule.
"To them, you are already a monarch."
Melina's words of congratulation came from behind the Spirit Steed. She wouldn't show much emotion, but wasn't stingy with appropriate praise for her partner.
"I suppose so."
Unfortunately, neither was adept at displaying emotion. The dry exchange felt even more awkward. Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Frieren spoke again, asking:
"How much do you know about Blaidd? He and Ranni seem to have a close relationship."
"Every Empyrean is assigned a shadow-bound beast by the Two Fingers, sworn siblings bound to serve them eternally. I don't know his personal feelings, but from the Two Fingers' perspective, it's meant for protection and surveillance. Blaidd likely chose Ranni out of loyalty and righteousness."
"In that case, Goddess Marika must have had a shadow-bound beast too, right? What was his name?"
"Maliketh. To many demigods, his name is synonymous with death. He once defeated Marika's competitors."
"Then he must be incredibly strong."
"Yes. By comparison, Blaidd is far inferior. Perhaps he has potential but hasn't realized it. Therefore, one should be wary of the Carian faction; they are also enemies of the Two Fingers, who are the vassals of the Greater Will."
Melina advised earnestly, clearly conflicted. The Carians had various issues, but besides Marika, Ranni was the only other known Empyrean capable of embodying a Law, making her a worthwhile backup option.
So how should they be dealt with later? As a Maiden, she could only provide information for now.
How to handle relationships was the Tarnished's affair; after all, it is the monarch who chooses and supports the god.
"Wait!"
Lost in thought, Frieren suddenly waved her hand, commanding the contingent to halt. On a rock along the road just ahead of the bridge sat a blindfolded, golden-haired young woman. Her demeanor was demure. Hearing them approach, she turned her head.
She had a similar feel to a Fire Keeper, but more importantly, she radiated – or perhaps attracted – a frenzied and destructive energy signature.
No, it's more like something has its eyes on her, right?
____
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