"They're fast approaching the range of our traps. Does anyone have any thoughts?"
Rellana turned to the group gathered behind her, her voice cool and composed.
"They'll likely send scouts to sweep for traps and gauge the situation. If possible, we should detonate those traps early. Inflicting casualties on their vanguard units is a trade-off we can accept," said a man clad in armor bearing distinct noble flourishes. This was Floron, a general of Caria.
"I oppose that method, Floron," interjected Robus, the Chief of the Carian Knights. "What you're suggesting is a last resort. It wouldn't cause significant attrition to the Erdtree's main force and would only waste the traps we've so painstakingly prepared."
"Then what is your 'superior' opinion?" Floron turned to look at Robus, his eyes narrowing.
"Send a unit as bait to distract their sweepers. Deliberately expose some of the outer magical traps and a portion of the second-tier traps to them. Confuse their assessment."
"You want to keep the most powerful, final-tier traps hidden?" Rellana immediately grasped Robus's intent.
"Yes. It's inevitable that some traps will be cleared. Our objective is to minimize our own losses while maximizing the lethality against the Golden Order's main body. Floron's suggestion should only be considered if we are truly desperate."
"Hmm... something to consider. Master Iro, what do you think?" Rellana turned to the aged advisor.
"Her Highness has many choices. It simply depends on whether you wish to be aggressive or take a more steady, cautious approach."
"Master Iro, you know me."
"...Very well. The most aggressive approach would be to have someone important enough to draw the Golden Order's absolute focus appear within range. We must make them weigh the risks and find the opportunity so tempting that they are willing to risk a reckless advance."
Rellana frowned. She didn't think there was anyone within the Carian ranks whose presence alone could incite such greed from the Golden Order—unless it was her or her sister. But that wasn't realistic... No, wait. Using her sister as bait was out of the question, but... she could do it herself.
"So, I am to act as the bait to lure the Golden Order into charging? Such a move is far too obvious. I doubt they would walk into it so willingly."
"Normally, that would be true. But the man leading that army is Messmer the Impaler. Based on his temperament, he will not decline a direct challenge from you."
"Your Highness."
"Enter."
Rellana cut herself off and looked toward the entrance of the tent.
Sellen walked in. "Highness, Gwyn has returned."
"Oh? Send him in. I'd like to hear his reason for the delay." Rellana raised an eyebrow and signaled Sellen to bring Mohg inside.
"Highness," Mohg said, entering and offering a formal salute to the council.
"Tell me, what did you encounter during your mission?" Rellana asked with a touch of curiosity.
While Mohg had been fighting at Scarlilan, most of the other guerrilla members had finished their tasks and returned to the Carian city-state before being redeployed deeper into Liurnia. Only Mohg had remained out like a stubborn fixture, causing Schister's expression to darken by several shades every time his name was mentioned.
"Reporting to Your Highness... I encountered a Golden Order raid at Scarlilan. They were laying siege to the town before our reinforcements arrived. A man named Rock, a hero of the Golden Order, intervened personally to crush our sortie. I took the risk of engaging him."
"Hmm?" Rellana's eyes sharpened. She scanned Mohg, noticing that his complexion was indeed paler than usual. Her brow furrowed. "How are your injuries?"
"They do not hinder my movement," Mohg replied, lowering his head slightly.
Seeing that he didn't seem to be faking, Rellana exhaled in relief. "Rock? If I recall, he is one of those who earned the title of Hero within their ranks. What of him?"
"He is dead."
"What?!"
The revelation didn't just shock Rellana; the others in the room were equally stunned. Floron looked at Mohg with suspicion and disbelief, as if amazed that this man could actually kill a Hero-class combatant of the Golden Order.
Robus, after the initial shock, looked at Mohg with newfound appreciation. To kill Rock on the open battlefield without suffering a crippling injury spoke volumes of the man's strength.
Rellana gave a small, gratified nod. "It seems Righeys' weapon and techniques have not been wasted in your hands."
"You truly killed Rock?" Floron asked again, still unable to wrap his mind around it.
"I did." Mohg glanced at the noble general he hadn't met before and nodded.
"I find it hard to believe."
"The battle reports from Scarlilan should be arriving shortly. This gentleman is...?"
"His name is Floron, a general representing the noble faction within the Carian military," Robus explained helpfully.
"General Floron, if you have doubts, you may verify them with the observers' reports when they arrive."
"Alright, let's set this matter aside for now," Rellana interrupted. "I choose to believe Gwyn has this capability. By rights, killing a Golden Order Hero should earn you the title of Carian Knight immediately. However, current circumstances aren't suitable for a formal investiture ceremony. We shall record the merit for now."
"I understand," Mohg replied. He didn't particularly care about the title; after this war, there was a high probability he wouldn't even be in Caria anymore. In fact, it was a certainty.
"Now, back to the previous topic."
Mohg listened with interest, having been out of the loop on the council's latest deliberations.
"Regarding Master Iro's suggestion... I intend to adopt it. I will personally challenge Messmer to a duel."
Mohg's eyes widened. In the brief time he'd been gone, Rellana had decided to go toe-to-toe with Messmer?!
Wait... he thought. If those two are going to clash, can I find a way to make an appearance in that battle as well?
Before he could process the feasibility of the idea, Robus spoke up.
"I cannot endorse this plan. Setting aside the risks, what if Messmer refuses? Even if he accepts, we only draw out one person. There is no strategic value in that, so..."
"I know what you're going to say, Robus. My plan isn't finished. I simply wonder if Her Highness is willing to follow through with it," Iro said.
"What is there to be unwilling about? Speak your mind," Rellana said instinctively, her brow furrowing.
Mohg, however, caught the scent of a scheme. He stole a glance at Iro and Robus. Both men looked perfectly composed, but it was clear they were sitting on a mountain of underhanded tactics specifically tailored for Rellana.
"Since Your Highness has said so, please do not go back on your word."
Hearing Iro's tone, Rellana felt a spark of unease, but she stood her ground. "Of course. Tell me, what is the plan?"
"We will lay an ambush at the site of your duel. Master Robus and Master Kayi will lead the hidden forces, while Commander Loretta will provide long-range magical support from a distance..."
"No! I refuse!!" Rellana surged to her feet, her face flushed with anger as she glared at the council. This was an outright conspiracy—a violation of the rules of a formal challenge. For someone who strictly adhered to the Knightly Code, this was unacceptable.
"Princess Rellana! I must ask you to remember one thing: before you are a Knight, you are a Princess of Caria!" Iro's voice dropped an octave, turning heavy and stern.
Rellana's body stiffened. She lowered her head and remained silent for a long time before slowly sinking back into her seat with a weary sigh.
"I understand. I agree to the plan. But if such a thing is required in the future, send my sister or Loretta instead."
Iro's expression relaxed, and he nodded with a smile. Mohg watched Rellana, his eyes reflecting a complicated mix of emotions.
"Fine. Everyone is dismissed. You may discuss the specific implementation of the plan among yourselves."
"Understood." Iro nodded and signaled for the others to leave, not wanting to linger and further provoke Rellana's sour mood.
"Gwyn, stay a moment."
"Yes."
Once the others had cleared the tent, Rellana fixed her gaze on Mohg.
"Gwyn, do you think my conviction... is right or wrong?"
"Highness... that is an answer I cannot give you. One sees different things from different perspectives. You are the ruler of Caria, the Twin Moon Knight. The Knightly Code is your pillar, yet Caria is what you are sworn to protect. I understand why this causes you pain."
"And what about you, Gwyn? I recall you are not a staunch adherent of the Knightly Code. What is your guiding principle?" Rellana nodded at his answer, her aura shifting away from the previous despondency into something more focused.
"To protect the things I wish to protect, and to be the master of my own fate. That is what I pursue in this life."
"How enviable. If I could, I would like to make the same choice as you." Rellana shook her head, seemingly approving of Mohg's philosophy.
"Uh... Princess Rellana?" Mohg was baffled. In his memory, Rellana was the epitome of a rigid, code-bound warrior. But now... she seemed to be anything but that.
Rellana adjusted her posture, leaning back in her chair with a look of utter exhaustion. "It's a good thing you aren't a native of Caria, Gwyn. Otherwise, I'd have no one I could speak honestly with. You won't tell my sister, will you?"
Mohg scratched his head, his brain momentarily stalling as he processed the situation. "N-no, I won't."
"Good. Honestly, I can't stand that whole Knightly Code business. It's too restrictive. There are so many things I'm not allowed to do. I've barely even left Caria; I can count the times on one hand. My sister is here, isn't that enough? I have no desire to stay cooped up here forever. I'm sick of the scenery." Rellana began to vent to Mohg, her words suggesting she had been suffering under Rennala and the Knightly Code for far too long.
"Uh, Highness, is it really appropriate to tell me these things?" Mohg felt his scalp go numb. He was worried he'd be "silenced" just for hearing this!
"It's only appropriate to tell you," Rellana said, looking at him deeply. "My inner circle is loyal, but if I said this to them, they'd spend the next eight hours lecturing me. Especially Iro and Kayi!" Rellana's teeth ground together at the mention of their names. "Besides, you wouldn't dare repeat it. That makes you the perfect audience."
"And earlier, with the duel...?"
"Oh, I was acting. Though I do have some genuine objections to the Messmer situation. I'm curious about his strength. But since it concerns Caria's interests, I can accept it. At worst, I'll just test his mettle myself before the others jump in." Rellana waved a hand dismissively. "So... Gwyn, I'm quite looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table."
Huh?
A sense of foreboding rose in Mohg's heart. He felt a sudden spike of alertness. Rellana's words seemed to carry a weight of hidden meaning.
"My sister is burdened by Caria. Despite her immense power, she cannot pursue what she truly desires. I don't want that for myself. That is why I am curious to see what changes you will bring." Rellana looked at him with an inquisitive gaze.
Mohg could only bite the bullet and play dumb. "Highness, I'm afraid I don't follow."
"It's fine. It doesn't matter if you understand or not. I only want to know one thing: do you harbor any ill will toward Caria? I may not like those old men in the council, but my sister cares for this place deeply."
"Highness, you must be joking. How could I possibly harbor ill will?" Mohg offered a smile and a definitive answer.
"Good... Now go. You have a mission to attend to." Rellana nodded and waved him away.
"I understand." Mohg nodded and retreated from the tent, wiping away a cold sweat that wasn't actually there.
He had a feeling his cover was partially blown. The only question was... how much did she actually know?
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (Full)
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