Hello everyone!
The Mimic Tear waved enthusiastically, a smile playing on its lips, its eyes sharp.
Its voice was very similar to Frieren's, but people could hardly imagine her usual serene silence manifesting in this way. Leaving aside the Mimic Tear's distinctive pale complexion, its behavior and demeanor were completely different, making it quite easy to distinguish.
She then continued to explain the discovery process, such as the Nox people's entrustment within the Eternal City, and how there were so many intricate twists and turns involved.
Hadn't the Eternal City claimed…?
Everyone present was shrewd, immediately recognizing the Mimic Tear's value. Moreover, her own strength was enough to stand alone, and she could also complement Frieren's somewhat weary nature.
This counterpart appeared vibrant and enthusiastic, more energetic than the original.
As for when Frieren showed vitality? Probably only when exploring and researching.
They looked at Ranni, who, as a future deity, silently nodded in approval. She had understood the Mimic Tear during the underground battles; it was trustworthy, a rare Demigod-tier combatant with a stable personality.
"Greetings to you."
Since both authorities had given their definitive approval, there was certainly no issue, and everyone came forward to shake hands and make acquaintances.
The Mimic Tear handled the courtesies very naturally.
Though appearing to be a battle maniac on the surface, she was in fact meticulous and, when serious, possessed an air of nobility, likely inherited from the Eternal City.
After brief introductions, they took their seats, enjoying the flavors and aromas of the cuisine at the celebratory banquet. Caria Manor was bustling at this moment, filled with lively chatter and comings and goings, dispelling the chill of years.
Bright sunlight streamed in unimpeded, shimmering among the glintstones, making them even more dazzling.
It had recovered.
Moongrum, in particular, was filled with emotion. Caria Manor had been restored to its former glory, vibrant with spring, its unchanging Liurnian hues enveloping the place.
Just looking at it brought him satisfaction.
"Come here, Irina, I have a way to heal your eyes."
Frieren took out a Fingerprint Grape, purified of all Frenzied Flame essence.
Although Edgar and Kenneth Haight were somewhat afraid, they still chose to trust Her Majesty.
"Rest assured, I only thought of using controllable materials to heal Irina's eyes because of her affinity for the Frenzied Flame's power. My initial approach was wrong; it might be easier to treat her as a Frenzied Flame Finger Maiden."
"Your Majesty, having an affinity for it is not a good thing."
"Indeed, Edgar, that's why you still have a choice. To heal, or not to heal? Of course, I guarantee there will be no after-effects."
He looked at his daughter, unable to make the decision himself; the affected person's opinion was most important.
Irina, as if sensing his thoughts, nodded: "I am willing. I want to see the world restored by Lady Frieren, and perhaps sensing the Frenzied Flame can help. In any case, I will definitely hold firm; I won't easily…" "Can you use something dangerous?" "With me here, the Three Fingers won't be able to invade your mind."
At this point, Edgar had no choice but to agree.
The next moment, he saw Frieren gently caress his daughter's eyes. A stream of magic flowed, and Healing Magic rose. The bandage slowly fell away, revealing bright eyes.
"I'm cured! I can see! Was it that quick?"
"It wasn't a difficult illness; finding the right direction for treatment made it much easier," she said. "In any case, congratulations, Irina."
The two bowed in gratitude; this was more exciting than any reward. She had remembered this matter from beginning to end and generously granted her aid.
After finishing her instructions, Frieren turned and left. Such a small interlude was nothing. She left the celebratory space for the father and daughter; they should now enjoy this memorable time.
She continued to discuss: "Master Sellen, I've thought of a way to integrate other attributes into Glintstone magic."
"Theoretically it's possible, but in practice, it's very difficult to mix too many attributes."
"What if it's Glintstone directly created by me?"
"That's a method, but there's no shortage of it in the Lands Between. Do you intend to build from scratch somewhere?" The astute Sellen instantly guessed some of her disciple's ideas, and indeed, Frieren nodded.
Sellen didn't ask for more explanations; she wasn't the type to pry. It was enough to confirm that the subject was important to Frieren.
The two immersed themselves in research. They even dragged Thops into it, attempting to find a way to incorporate spell reflection.
Meanwhile, other figures like the Ancient Hero of Zamor and Black Knife Assassins communicated with the Mimic Tear.
They were quite taken with her.
As fellow survivors of ancient times, they had much in common. The pale maiden excitedly inquired about the Giant War of the Snowfield and the Night of the Black Knives in the Royal Capital, her expression full of longing.
"If only one day our Southern Army could pull off something even bigger," she said, "something more impressive than all of them."
"No, please, once is enough for something like the Night of the Black Knives." The participants spoke with lingering apprehension.
The Ancient Hero of Zamor said: "In my opinion, the war with Astel was no less destructive than the War against the Giants. One completely froze the Snow Mountains, leaving countless giant ice sculptures. The other pierced a void from the lake to the underground world, killing the Astel, Stars of Darkness. Both are immeasurable."
"But it lacked the embellishment of armies."
The Mimic Tear shook its head regretfully.
Meanwhile, Ranni was conversing with Iji and Blaidd, confirming that the subsequent guests were gradually arriving. Most were Liurnian nobles, many of them related by blood or marriage.
Frieren, engrossed in her magic, could not be relied upon for social engagements. Moreover, her presence would make things even more formal, as she was, after all, the center of the entire event.
She was currently researching new ideas and, incidentally, exchanging notes with visiting Tarnished colleagues.
Never mind.
It would still have to be the Moon Princess who stepped forward, also on behalf of her mother who could not attend.
Because the consumption from warding off Astel's attack meant Rennala needed some time to recuperate, and she had to continuously maintain the vital art and the Great Runes' operation, she was temporarily unavailable. Furthermore, she intended to hand over the main stage to the younger generation.
As one of the Shardbearers who, like Frieren, was among the only two not to use the Great Runes for combat, her heart was filled with tolerance and gentleness.
"Your Highness, long time no see."
Suddenly, she saw an unexpected familiar face: two Carian Knights carrying Miriel appeared.
The great tortoise was very conspicuous, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
Pastor of Vows?
To most people, he was a stranger, yet his name was known, for he was the venerable High Priest who had officiated the marriage of Radagon and Rennala, his age immeasurable.
"Pastor Miriel, it's rare for you to visit. As it happens, there are some announcements to be made."
"I came to hear this, Ranni. I just feel I need to witness it," he said, watching Frieren walk up to the Moon Princess. "You too, long time no see."
"And I hope we haven't disturbed your church."
Witnessing Astel's downfall, what's a little collapse? You all did well, splendid!
Miriel had always worried about retaliation from the Two Fingers, a thorn in his heart, his anxiety never fading.
Were the three children he watched grow up all going to suffer?
Now, seeing Ranni safe and sound, and her perfect synergy with Frieren, he felt utterly vindicated. What were the arrogant Two Fingers? Hadn't they just become stepping stones, unable to impede the advance of the Age of Stars and the Soul Cinder King?
The overall situation was settled.
He asked solemnly: "So, have you decided to conquer as the future Goddess and King? Just like Marika and Godfrey?"
Ranni added: "I will let the Age of Stars reshape the Lands Between. I will sweep away the accumulated ills since the Shattering, and allow brilliance to re-emerge. In a sense, I also bear a share of the responsibility."
"That's not anyone's fault, but if viewed as a mission, it is certainly not impossible."
She relayed the intelligence brought by Rogier to everyone.
Their expressions immediately turned serious as they pondered. The scene had subtly become a high-level meeting for the Southern Faction.
"Please entrust it to the Carian Knights. I will lead an army to guard the tree roots…"
"Yes!"
The Farron Undead Legion, brandishing their greatswords, eagerly cut off Moongrum's proposal. Clearly, the Abyss Watchers had set their sights on another Lord of Cinder.
"Then I'll leave it to you. Anyway, there's no need to guard the Ancient Ruins Mining Cave anymore," Frieren formally ordered.
"You and I are the only ones who understand Yhorm the Giant; we have experience. Considering there are several strong individuals under the Golden Order, you'll be safer watching. So, you can depart anytime."
"Moongrum, you are to lead the Carian Knights to explore the Great Void."
"I will unify the Lands Between, collect all the Great Runes and the Repairing Runes, and restore an era of abundance and prosperity."
"You are already doing so."
"I know some people have concerns," she said, scanning the room. "Do you think that without the Golden Order, prosperity cannot be created? Wrong. You are caught in mistaken, outdated logic. The Lands Between, which once nurtured the Ancient Dragon Dynasty, the Uhl Dynasty, and the Nox Civilization, each had their own brilliance."
Then we can do the same; we can likewise carve out the future."
"The Golden Dynasty, also called the Eternal Dynasty, is in reality stagnant; that is not what I want. Change has already arrived; not actively embracing it is complacency."
"Ranni's more open Age of Stars is my choice. If you oppose, answer with war."
Frieren not only had strength but also achievements; the revitalized Southern Three Lands were excellent proof, succeeding without the aid of the Golden Order. Did this not represent the next phase of the Age of Stars? It was a supplement.
This was the way.
Not only was there a new order, but also means to supplement it and address its shortcomings, whereas the Golden Order appeared rigid.
"Good, let's start the war with capability!"
While excitedly shouting, the Mimic Tear didn't forget to pull the Farron Undead Legion to wave along, and given its excessive enthusiasm, they just let it be.
The strong support of two Demigods was enough to quell all unease. If Ranni and Rennala were also included, the distance was not so far.
Of course, Leyndell with Godfrey was a different matter than Leyndell without Godfrey.
The First Elden Lord's return could at least rally all the Crucible Knights.
Once the Warrior King and his loyal personal guards reintegrated, it would be equivalent to recreating the strongest armed force that won the Ancient Dragon War and the War against the Giants. And this time, it would include the Blessed King and the Night's Cavalry.
No matter.
The Soul Cinder King, according to her intentions, was quite willing to wait for the First Elden Lord's return, resolute: first conquer all four directions, then consider other matters.
Miriel said with emotion: "I sincerely wish blessings upon both of you."
His words were full of symbolic meaning.
In the Lands Between, the lore of wise beasts is quite profound, let alone a seasoned High Priest who witnessed the establishment of the previous dynasty; this was tantamount to an official endorsement of Ranni and Frieren's covenant.
At the same time, everyone bowed and cheered:
"Praise the Goddess and the King!"
All who came to the celebratory banquet had strong ties, and rejoiced for them.
After many twists and turns, they finally reached a satisfying conclusion, also signaling a dramatic shift in the Lands Between. A faction openly opposing the Golden Dynasty was not unusual, but what was terrifying was that they now had a Goddess and a quasi-King fully established, capable of seamlessly replacing the old dynasty.
This was astounding; directly challenging Leyndell, Royal Capital's ruling position was an act of extreme defiance, no different from declaring war. They had burned their bridges.
But the Blessed King temporarily could not attend to it.
Volcano Manor was enough to give him a headache; it couldn't be taken quickly and would likely require some protracted effort.
"I only came to observe. Since everyone is safe, I will leave this space to you all." Miriel revealed a slight smile: "I am old, and prefer quiet to activity. The church suits me best."
Having spoken, he turned neatly and departed, moving at an extremely slow pace.
Ranni winked at the two Carian Knights, who quickly saw him off, also helping the High Priest hurry home, lest his journey take an eternity.
Since the hosts had spoken, everyone decided to act on their own.
The Limgrave faction mostly gathered to enthusiastically discuss Astel's transport issue, filled with excitement; this was truly joyous.
Jerren, meanwhile, was pulled aside by the Mimic Tear, who asked: "Do you have any strong individuals there who do taxidermy? Yes!"
The other party was the Soul Cinder King's counterpart, the King of Night, and a great contributor to the underground war—unpardonable, but he truly couldn't think of any other options, so he could only shake his head at the pale maiden.
"To take a step back, are there any battles to be fought?"
"Through our investigations, the Mohgwyn Dynasty is indeed underground in Caelid. Now, with the appearance of the Great Void in Liurnia, we can launch a pincer attack."
The Tarnished and their party bid farewell to Frieren. Anyway, they usually met at the Roundtable Hold, so coming to show support this time was enough. Nepheli Loux left a step ahead, always presenting a grand demeanor, walking like the wind. She wasn't one for such occasions; having conveyed her intentions, she simply waved goodbye.
Rogier, meanwhile, proactively walked up to Ranni and greeted her: "To be honest, I always felt you were very dangerous."
"And now?"
"Pretty much the same, but as long as the Lands Between can be restored, that's enough. Only after seeing you did I feel at ease. After all, what we usually learn from Frieren is incomplete; we all know she lacks caution towards others."
"Indeed, she always has the mentality of 'at worst, I'll be exploited, then I'll get my revenge.'"
"Are you two really talking about me like this right to my face?"
Frieren wasn't surprised by her friends' impression of her. Anyway, for the sake of complete collection, even being exploited a bit was fine; she could just kill them later for their runes.
"Let's get back to the main topic," Rogier said with a serious expression. "Not long ago, I learned that D's brother at the Siofra Aqueduct in the Eternal City had met the Prince of Death, Godwyn. Since the clue points to the source of Those Who Live in Death, we must be careful."
"Could it be that the Prince of Death's faith is secretly growing?" Ranni mused thoughtfully.
"Not only that, it is said that a giant sleeps in Deeproot Depths, and once tried to follow the roots to reach…
A certain king?"
Upon hearing this, Frieren's interest was piqued.
If Yhorm the Giant appeared and joined the Royal Capital, then their combat strength would need to be re-evaluated. After all, he had a grudge against her, and as the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, so it would be easy for him to ally with the Blessed King.
A new Demigod-tier combatant would make the already powerful Golden Capital even more formidable.
"I'm more concerned about the Prince of Death's actions. In the worst-case scenario, the Ancient Dragon Fortissax, who is like a brother to him, might also turn against us."
Ranni's expression darkened.
"Why are so many strong enemies suddenly appearing? How exhilarating!"
Hearing there was a fight, the Mimic Tear brushed aside Jerren and came over to ask, rubbing its hands together, its fighting spirit soaring.
Frieren was also looking forward to it. The more people she collected, the more collectibles she would acquire, a win-win situation. The rising assessment of the Royal Capital's potential combat power meant she had an even greater need to collect other Great Runes.
She had always been indifferent to how many people opposed her; ultimately, fighting them all once was what mattered.
Ranni, on the other hand, pondered for a moment before asking:
"If, as you say, a Lord of Cinder is in Deeproot Depths, it's difficult to judge whether his power will affect the Prince of Death?"
"There's a probability. Because Yhorm the Giant embodies the Flame of Sin, a chaotic power that revives from death and dies from life, influenced by a higher-level flame but leaning towards malevolence. Coupled with other magical power, there's an eighty percent chance…
So, the Prince of Death might also be in trouble; the situation is grim."
Rogier nodded: "That is precisely what I'm concerned about, but don't let it overly influence your plans, or you'll misunderstand…
We can use a conservative approach: monitor the Siofra River's flow, blockade it first, and if anything happens, I'll go purify it."
Ranni, having been depleted by this last engagement, needed a period of recuperation and was temporarily not at full combat strength, so she supported Frieren's conservative plan.
"By the way, isn't D an expert in this area? Why isn't he here?"
"People at the Roundtable Hold say he worships the Prince of Death; he should know some core information."
"No, I think that woman is very dangerous. Letting D meet Fia alone makes me uneasy, but it's his private matter… Perhaps I should return. Ladies, I bid you farewell for now."
He abruptly set off as if suddenly remembering something.
Ranni and Frieren, who remained, exchanged glances. Never mind; since Rogier hadn't elaborated, there was no need to worry. They still had other matters to attend to.
Whoosh!
A Stormhawk flew past; its cry caught everyone's attention.
A loyal subordinate brought news from the front-line reconnaissance to the King she solely served. She opened the letter—it was about the war in Altus Plateau. This was not unusual; what was surprising was that the Defiler, Rykard the Great Serpent, showed signs of activity.
This was truly rare. Had the accelerated progress in the Liurnia region stimulated Volcano Manor's actions?
"Has he finally lost his patience?" Ranni sighed deeply. "After all, he and I both participated in the Night of the Black Knives, and he holds a deep grudge against the Blessed King."
"Should we go help?"
"No need," Frieren replied. "In my eyes, Rykard is already dead, replaced by an unspeakable monster fused with the Great Serpent."
"Then let the Altus Plateau remain in chaos for now; we also need time to recuperate."
Frieren understood that everyone was 'apprehensive'.
On the surface, it seemed only she and Ranni were fighting, but in reality, the scope of impact was considerable. Many parts of the Magic Academy were still undergoing repairs, requiring some time. Not to mention that exploration of the underground world diverted a portion of their forces, and they also needed to increase investment to suppress the contamination by Those Who Live in Death.
Her words made the Chief Knight salute with excitement; this was indeed a heavy responsibility.
It was well-known that during the last battle in Caelid, Frieren had already tracked down the Lord of Blood's location, but due to the remoteness of the place, action had been delayed and stalemated.
Furthermore, even she couldn't proceed alone; there were too many variables, and her subordinates would absolutely not permit her to take such personal risks again.
A King who fought alone all day and didn't allow her subjects to contribute — what would that look like if it got out!
A path suitable for a large army had to be cleared.
It was conceivable that battles would occur during the exploration, battles in the harsh environment of the underground world. Although conditions had slightly improved, it was best to let their strongest armed force forge a path.
What a pity.
This honor was given to the Carian Knights, truly enviable to others.
However, the Limgrave party saw Frieren's gaze sweep towards them: "You too, from the Star of Difficulty…"
Edgar immediately replied: "As you command."
"Coincidentally, the fierce fighting in Altus Plateau has created an opportunity for us. Let's seize this window to deal with the Mohgwyn Dynasty."
Repeated harassment had been bothersome enough, but it was Mohg's initial act of harming Melina that truly sparked the feud between them. Without resolving this threat, peaceful development would be impossible.
Thus, Frieren, in a rare display, showed a resolute, kill-to-win attitude.
This pleased everyone below.
Her Majesty, who had always led the way in exploration, was finally willing to entrust tasks to everyone. Deploying troops against the Mohgwyn Dynasty was undoubtedly an opportunity to prove themselves and gain more merit within the new Goddess and King's faction. Why wouldn't they rejoice?
As for Ranni, Caria Manor should continue its repairs, especially since she said she needed rest.
Sellen, keenly perceptive, asked: "Disciple, judging by your arrangements, are you perhaps planning to enter a period of slumber as well?"
The barrier of the Elf Village should ideally be reinforced with new methods. Otherwise, relying solely on outdated methods would leave too many vulnerabilities that need to be patched up quickly. Moreover, Frieren was the type to try out new ideas as soon as they struck her; perhaps discussions with Flamme would lead to other discoveries.
It wouldn't take too long, serving as a halftime break, and also giving everyone a buffer period to investigate the Mohgwyn Dynasty.
"Is Your Majesty coming to Stormveil Castle?" Kenneth Haight asked expectantly.
"No, because Melina's body is currently being created; it's a critical moment. Even if I enter slumber, I will guard this place to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."
"Then we pray for its success."
Her confidantes understood the significance of the spirit maiden to the Soul Cinder King. She was the first guide they met, and all Tarnished who possessed one cherished them greatly. The bond between them needed no words.
After giving her final instructions, Frieren announced the meeting's conclusion, and everyone dispersed.
Although the King once again chose to stay and slumber in the Magic Academy, which was somewhat regrettable, they had received Astel's remains, a complete victory for them.
With it adorning them, wouldn't they match the Golden Capital's martial prowess?
The Carian Faction was equally excited. They had resolved the threat of the Two Fingers and gained a divine being of the Age of Stars—perfect.
All parties departed, bringing the gathering to a close.
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Unfortunately, two of our stories were removed... so I created a new account to post them: MikuDayo.
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I'm counting on your support <3 the director was very sad and scared by what happened...
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