Silence.
The supplicants merely bowed their heads in salute, not daring to utter a word. No one dared mention Melina's special background or traces.
Although it was well known that the Soul-Cinder Lord was benevolent, who would dare challenge Her Majesty when she was so delighted? Even if it was clear that the Golden Lineage and Marika had a hand in it, they had to suppress their questions first, or it would lead to a Sunlight Spear.
Offending Frieren would pass after a while; she didn't even bother with the Demi-Human slaves. Offending Melina would lead to the same fate as Mohg's clone: being reduced to ashes by a single powerful attack.
Now, she was sharpening her blade, preparing to mutilate the main body.
Therefore, no one would initiate the topic. Ultimately, she had to explain herself:
"My mother is Goddess Marika, who entrusted me with the mission to guide the Tarnished. But that doesn't mean I must choose her as my God. My highest mission is to restore The Lands Between. I once inclined towards the Golden Order, but Frieren showed me other options. It is not irreplaceable."
"In fact, I also support Princess Ranni's covenant. The Law of the Stars is equally trustworthy."
"From beginning to end, my will has not changed: to fully support Frieren in becoming the Elden Lord. I promised her that I would witness the new Age of Abundance with her."
She looked towards the silver-haired girl.
Her words dispelled everyone's unease.
Originally, they feared Marika had a contingency, and that the King would ultimately recognize her as God and then purge them. Now, it was fine.
Truly worthy of Her Majesty, who had completely conquered the heart of this Demigod.
Although Melina's background still had many unclear aspects, as long as her crucial stance was fine, the remaining matters concerned the relationship between the Tarnished and the Maiden, which outsiders were not to interfere with.
"Indeed, you are one of the reasons I seek to restore The Lands Between. I will not allow any sacrifice from you. I want the restored world to unfold before us."
Frieren sat up and took Melina's hand, just as she had held her own hand before the Gatefront.
"Oh..."
Her single eye rarely showed such shock. Unsure how to react, she could only nod. A different kind of emotion swelled within her—she didn't know what it was, but she felt relaxed, warm, and safe.
Strange, why this time? Was it because of the Tarnished's clear promise?
"I've wanted to say this for a long time, Melina. Whatever schemes are behind you, I will resolve them. You can rest assured."
"Thank you. I will definitely listen to you."
Their private exchange rendered the entire hall hushed and silent. Everyone watched with pure admiration, witnessing the long journey they had embarked on together reach a significant stage today.
If you say this isn't love, who would believe it? This devotion through life and death surpassed any other emotion.
The two had already forged a pact; there was no ritual, only a resonance in their hearts.
Unfortunately, both were stubborn and inflexible, leading one to wonder if they even had a concept of love. Even if they did, they couldn't perceive it. Time had, after all, left its mark on Frieren and Melina: a slow emotional progression.
No matter.
The entire Southern faction would embrace the destined outcome, very willing to witness a scion of the Golden Lineage with Her Majesty.
"Does Caria not mind?"
Edgar whispered to Moongrum from below the platform.
"No, the relationship between the King, the God-Empyrean of the Law, and the Guiding Maiden is both political and concerns the legitimacy of The Lands Between."
"Indeed, what Her Majesty seeks to create will ultimately be a great achievement transcending all of this."
Since even they supported it, others had nothing more to say. Rather, they hoped the Soul-Cinder Lord would leave more enduring bonds with the world, instead of always remaining so detached.
"I should thank you, Melina. It's thanks to you and Torrent that I've traveled all over The Lands Between."
Frieren looked around.
"You all know I am from outside The Lands Between. I have experienced several such worlds, admiring the lofty Royal Capital Anor Londo, Drangleic, High Wall of Lothric... If it weren't for the Maiden, if it weren't for your loyalty, I would probably still seek the Elden Ring. But I would rush through it like a transient visitor. It is all of you who have adorned my journey."
"Now, I have people I care about: you, Ranni, Torrent, the Mimic Tear, and all of you. You are all my reasons for fighting."
"One day in the future, I will conquer Leyndell. I want you all to witness it with me."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Everyone bowed deeply, surprised that the dignified Soul-Cinder Lord still hadn't forgotten to include everyone.
However, her attitude towards the Maiden was even more special, almost like a confession.
In her eyes were the closest Melina, and also the beings of The Lands Between, "possessing power and splendor." This was a quality unseen in a Shardbearer for thousands of years.
Even Boc the Seamster could receive care, let alone others.
Frieren waved her hand, signaling them to be seated. As long as her Maiden was publicly acknowledged, the remaining news could be slowly digested.
During the banquet.
Black Knife Assassin Alecto reminded, "Actually, I sense a trace of the Empyrean bloodline in Lady Melina..."
This new perspective caused the listeners to stir slightly.
"Another piece of evidence for Marika's lineage. Our Southern legitimacy is too high." The traditional noble, Kenneth Haight, was the happiest.
"Is that so?" Melina murmured, "I only realized it when you mentioned it."
Moongrum interjected, "From outward appearance, the Golden Lineage inherits different traits, but Lady Marika is an Empyrean, and there's an even older title: 'One Who Guides'. Only you display this racial essence; it's extraordinary."
"But you're not tall either."
Frieren looked up and down, comparing Melina's and Black Knife Assassin's physiques, revealing a puzzled expression.
"Replying to Your Majesty, it's therefore only a partial Empyrean bloodline. Even so, other Demigods don't seem to have inherited the Empyrean feel. Furthermore, Lady Melina seems to possess the power of the Gloam-Eyed Queen. Truly strange."
"Alecto, perhaps we should capture a Godskin Apostle and ask them?"
Truly, Frieren's words were astonishing, but they did provide an angle: the investigation should begin with her lineage and background.
In reality, she didn't care about Melina's full story; it would become clear as their journey unfolded. However, her experience as a King told her that not caring and not investigating were two different things.
Some people still harbored doubts, so she needed to demonstrate her full understanding of the Maiden's intentions.
It was understandable that subordinates who had entrusted their lives would feel uneasy seeing their King interact closely with a mysterious woman.
"I think we can investigate the homeland of the Empyreans, the village of the 'One Who Guides'. Lady Marika was most likely born there too."
"Then where is the village of the 'One Who Guides'?"
"I know the general direction, but it's blank on the map, so in reality, it's in the Land of Shadow."
"Interesting, another clue pointing to the domain under the Shadow of the Erdtree."
Frieren grew increasingly excited about that hidden continent.
The power of a God wielding the complete Elden Ring could actually conceal an entire continent, perpetually sealed? That's quite an exaggerated display, truly worthy of an authority that embodies the world's fundamental laws.
Theoretically, the First Flame of creation could also do it. It seemed neither was an easy opponent.
She said meaningfully, "Coincidentally, Rennala just told me that the clue to the Land of Shadow points to the Mohgwyn Dynasty."
"Even the Full Moon Queen agrees!"
The listeners' expressions turned serious. Since she was a Demigod who had mastered star-gazing and divination, there was definitely no problem. They had to raise the threat level against the Mohgwyn Dynasty.
Frieren, her interest piqued, simply relayed Rennala's intelligence.
It was certain that the Land of Shadow still retained a vast amount of ancient power, not to be underestimated. More bluntly, it was stronger than the beings of The Lands Between, who had suffered multiple devastations. The Holy War Army might even be able to contend with the Royal Capital's main force.
Very dangerous.
A series of reports led the subordinates to conclude that the place was ominous, so much so that even Goddess Marika had specifically obscured it.
Her Majesty's character had always been to brave danger herself.
If a mere bit of alarmist talk could deter Frieren, where would the title of Soul-Cinder Lord come from? Clearly, she was determined to reach the Land of Shadow and planned to set foot on the hidden continent before ascending to the Altus Plateau.
"In that case, we should quickly resolve the Mohgwyn Dynasty threat," Moongrum asserted. "Find clues to the Land of Shadow and ensure the integration of the three Southern regions."
"In the worst case, upon our arrival, we will clash with the Holy War Army. But ultimately, we will need to gather all resources to match them."
Edgar added.
The Southern Army's high command had already recognized the Land of Shadow's potential.
The two separately reported their recent findings from the Underground World investigation.
They meticulously informed Frieren of the enemy's intelligence, including but not limited to routes, enemy distribution, terrain, monster indexes, and other information, making the silver-haired girl's eyes light up.
It was simply a treasure trove, worth exploring.
"That's all. We hope Your Majesty can authorize dispatching a larger reconnaissance team."
As Edgar began to speak, the silver-haired girl waved her hand.
"What's the difference between sending a larger force and directly starting a war? Besides, you were already exposed when you withdrew. Assemble the main force, prepare for battle."
"Of course, I, the Mimic Tear, and Melina will participate together. The sooner we defeat Mohg, the better. I define the Mohgwyn Dynasty war as a preparatory war for exploring the Land of Shadow. Let's finish it cleanly and swiftly. Send the order: advance to the Underground World."
Frieren looked left and right. Melina nodded calmly, and the Mimic Tear emitted a delighted, resonant laugh.
Hearing this, the generals were overjoyed.
After all, a mountain of military achievements beckoned. Who would complain about too many accolades?
Three Demigods marching to war guaranteed an explosion of security. Had they ever witnessed a Demigod-level human wave tactic? And these three were mutually trusting and full of unspoken understanding. They belonged to a single faction, unlike the disorganized Lordly Alliance of old.
What's more, they still had the capacity to let the Undead Legion guard the flanks, and Ranni and the Full Moon Queen defend the home base. High-end combat power was entirely sufficient.
Upon closer inspection, the Southern Army had unknowingly become incredibly powerful.
Strong forces and robust horses.
Assuming they launched a full-scale assault on Leyndell, Royal Capital right now, the Blessed King would have to rely on defense to barely resist, and pray that someone succeeds in being chosen quickly. Only by adding the First Elden Lord and the Crucible Knight Order, and leveraging the massive advantage of their mid-to-low tier forces, could they possibly hold them back.
The current situation in The Lands Between was ironically balanced: the Altus Plateau had ample defenses but lacked the strength to conquer, while the three Southern regions could strike out but struggled to conquer the Royal Capital.
But this wasn't important. They approved of Frieren's philosophy of "first conquering the surrounding areas, then attacking the Royal Capital."
And another hidden condition would be met:
First Elden Lord, we await your return.
Neither the Soul-Cinder Lord nor her subordinates were willing to accept a "conquest without defeating Godfrey." That lacked legitimacy, lacked dominance, lacked the aura of a true King. What's the harm in waiting a bit for you?
Moments later, as the banquet gradually drew to a close, the commanding officers, having received their orders, departed.
Under Frieren's single command, the entire South was to mobilize.
The first to respond was naturally the local Liurnian forces. Since the Great Liurnian Chasm was unsuitable for large-scale troop movements, they only selected the most elite forces to advance towards the Starswept Ruin passage.
So Moongrum had only one task at hand:
Vanguard.
At the Academy Gate Town training grounds, the strongest forces from Liurnia of the Lakes were assembled. They sparred under the gaze of the Chief Knight and the King.
Frieren hadn't initially intended to come, but then Melina advised her:
"Moongrum is currently selecting the sharpest blade for this campaign, one forged from a hundred refinements, unbreakable, tireless. How can the blade's master not be present? Your presence is the best encouragement. Only when they are on the battlefield will they recognize you, acknowledge you, and crush the enemy with you."
So she came to observe.
One had to admit that the Carian Knights, traditionally focused on magic combat, indeed produced outstanding talents.
Even in mere training battles, they displayed exquisite skill. Swordplay, magic, and Weapon Skills were fully integrated. More importantly, they understood coordination and organization, capable of breaking down into parts and reassembling for offense and defense. Even an amateur could see their prowess.
Frieren's expression of appreciation was the greatest commendation.
She nodded in genuine, unhidden admiration, enough to stir one's blood. It was truly worth it.
"Don't get complacent; it's not over yet." Moongrum shouted sternly, "I only want the strongest one thousand charge knights. Continue, determine the strongest among you."
"You must possess an unyielding will, rich experience, keen judgment, and the strength to crush all enemies. Go ahead and prove yourselves."
"—Those chosen and returning victorious will receive an additional Grace."
Frieren's words pushed the atmosphere to its peak. She manifested two Great Runes, heavy with power, in her right hand. They radiated splendor. How could the Soul-Cinder Lord, who never went back on her word, not inspire everyone with a promise of reward?
Their sparring intensified further, becoming so fierce that Melina had to cast Minor Erdtree Heal nearby.
The Incantation's power was stronger than before.
"Are you adapting to having a physical body? Do you need me to assist with healing?"
"No need. The only major change is that I can't stay inside you whenever I want, since I'm not a spirit anymore. But I can touch you, and that's better."
"Mother's body only needs me inside."
The Mimic Tear interjected at any moment.
Unfortunately, she was at most "on" her, not truly merged "inside" her, otherwise she couldn't sit at the same table as the First Flame, Ancient God, and Sakura Dragon. In fact, that Sakura Dragon was already so ostracized it was almost ready to leave. Ultimately, a two-way strong confrontation formed within Frieren's body.
"With the two of you, the Mohgwyn Dynasty war is more assured. We want not just victory, but to win beautifully."
"The main army will rely on the Limgrave region. The rest depends on Edgar and Kenneth Haight's deployment."
"At most, a few more troops from Caelid."
"Let's begin."
Frieren's decision was final: this return to The Lands Between was to resolve Mohg.
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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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