"Master Mohg, how is the situation on your end?"
"Everything is proceeding as planned. A... small-scale skirmish broke out between Caria and the Golden Order. For now, the direct confrontation has reached a temporary lull, though I'm uncertain of the next move. Continue to maintain your cover."
"Understood. By the way, Master Mohg, we have located Jarburg, the village you instructed us to find."
Hearing this, Mohg's gaze turned momentarily vacant. He suddenly recalled the Warrior Jar he had encountered in the sewers. That jar was likely still there, standing guard as a lone protector. Perhaps he should find an opportunity to get him out of there?
"I see. For now, simply mark the location. Do not disturb their lives excessively."
"Also... Master Mohg, there are many 'Jar Hunters' operating around Jarburg."
"Jar Hunters?"
Mohg was momentarily stunned, but he quickly understood the reason. They were after Living Jar Shards—essential materials for brewing Ironjar Aromatics and crafting various precious items.
Among these items were high-level pots with immense power. Mohg himself estimated that if given the chance, he would collect shards to craft Cursed-Blood Pots.
However, as for hunting the Living Jars... he had no intention of doing so. Hunting Living Jars for shards was a short-sighted approach, like draining a pond to catch a fish. It was far more sustainable to build a good relationship with Jarburg and collect the shards the Living Jars naturally shed during their growth.
In fact, many powerful factions cultivated their own Living Jars to collect shards for high-level consumables. For ordinary pots, ceramic or other materials sufficed.
"How strong are these Jar Hunters?"
"Mediocre. Any one of our subordinates who has received a true Blood Blessing could lead a squad to wipe them out."
"Hmm... but they might have backers. Tell Mashura to take a team and eliminate them. If they have already collected any Living Jar Shards, bring them back to the Dynasty."
"Understood. Are there any further instructions, Master Mohg?"
"That is all. Look after your own safety. I have matters to attend to here."
"Thank you for your concern, My Lord."
After cutting the connection with Lyanna, Mohg looked up toward the Carian council members, who were still locked in a heated debate. They were discussing Radagon's intentions for the meeting in three days and how they should respond to the Golden Order's forces.
Even though Radagon was not yet as powerful as Queen Rennala, that didn't mean he was weak. On the contrary, he was formidable. Even Princess Rellana was likely no match for him; in a head-on clash, her defeat would only be a matter of time.
"Since he wants to negotiate, it suggests there is a basis for cooperation between us. However, it could also be a feint—a smokescreen while he prepares a different move. After all, their operations within the lake district show no signs of stopping," Iro remarked.
"I agree. This invitation feels more like a tactic to stall for time or to resolve the predicament he just faced," Robus added, nodding in agreement.
"So, does this mean our operation was a failure? After all, their main force never stepped into our trap zone," Kayi suddenly interjected.
The room fell silent for a moment as the council members acknowledged the truth.
"It wasn't a total failure," Rellana said, shaking her head. "At the very least, our magical traps haven't been discovered or cleared. We simply need to increase patrols in that area for the time being."
"They sent a squad of Black Knights into the forest to scout. They found and cleared a portion of the traps, but most remain hidden. If anything, the intrusion of that Black Knight squad allowed our second-tier traps to remain concealed and dormant," she continued.
"Her Highness makes a fair point... In any case, maintain the patrols in that sector. Schister, I'm counting on you."
"It's no trouble. It is our duty," replied Schister, who had been summoned to the meeting.
"Enough. Continuing this line of discussion is pointless. Loretta, hear my command," Rennala said, her voice ringing out as she tapped the table.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Loretta stood abruptly, hand over her heart.
"Gather the Royal Guards over the next three days. On the third day, you will accompany me to meet Radagon."
"By your command!"
"Robus."
"Present!"
"The same goes for you. Summon all members of the Carian Knight order currently within the city-states. As for the Magic Professors, I have already sent word to them; you needn't worry about that part. Rellana."
Rellana stood and looked at her sister. "Is everything in order on your end?"
"It is."
"Good." Rennala nodded. "In three days, regardless of the Golden Order's true intent, we must be fully prepared. Specifically... prepared for war!"
As she spoke, Rennala's gaze turned cold. While she indeed entertained the idea of a marriage alliance, that depended entirely on the Golden Order's sincerity. The grievances between the two sides were not so easily dissolved. From the moment the Golden Order set foot in the lake district, they were destined to be stained with the blood of Carian citizens.
By the same token, the Carians would inevitably be stained with the blood of Erdtree soldiers and citizens. How to resolve such deep-seated enmity was a monumental task. Furthermore, the question of who would hold the dominant position after a union was a vital point of contention—one that required strength as the foundation for negotiation.
Sitting to the side, Mohg absorbed Rennala's instructions. He made a decision: his subordinates would gather near the parley site in three days to react to any sudden outbreak of total war.
If a massive battle did erupt, that would be their moment to take the stage. If not, it would serve as a perfect opportunity to observe the combat capabilities of both sides, enriching the Blood Dynasty's intelligence archives.
Thinking of this, Mohg couldn't help but touch his chest. There, separate from the powers he currently wielded, resided the power of a Great Rune. He was beginning to feel its energy more clearly.
This was a clear deviation from the memories he had of the Shattering, where Great Runes were distributed among the demigods after the Ring broke. This Great Rune seemed to have been gestating within him since birth. Now, it was fully saturated with his unique traits: the reddish-gold power of the Crucible and the vivid crimson of Blood power were intertwined within it.
Its shape was also distinct from the Great Rune "he" was supposed to have in his memories.
Perhaps... because the Elden Ring hasn't shattered yet, the shapes of the Great Runes haven't been finalized? Or maybe... the shards of the Ring are merely vessels to stabilize and enhance the power, acting as 'tickets' to prove one's worthiness for lordship?
Mohg felt this theory might actually be the truth. Regardless, being able to sense the Great Rune's power was a blessing; it gave him one more trump card to play in the coming battles.
"How do you feel?"
"What?"
Messmer, leaning back in his chair while receiving treatment from the clerics, looked up in confusion at Radagon's question.
"I'm asking what you think of the Carians."
Radagon was currently processing a stack of documents brought by his aides—matters regarding the reconstruction of the lake district, the placement of Erdtree chapels, personnel distribution, and upcoming strategic deployments.
"Hmm... their strength is quite impressive. Especially that woman, Rellana of the Twin Moons..."
"You actually remembered her name? It seems she made quite an impression on you."
"I suppose so. After all, there aren't many women who can push me to such a limit in combat."
"And what of the Full Moon Queen, Rennala?"
"She is powerful. I am no match for her." Messmer paused for a beat before shaking his head. He wasn't one for stubborn pride; if he was outmatched, he admitted it.
"Indeed. I am no match for her either," Radagon agreed, nodding. "Her mastery of Glintstone sorcery is beyond my imagination. Furthermore, we have zero research into the mechanics of Glintstone power. We are at a significant disadvantage in that regard."
"So, what do you intend to do? Conquer Caria completely? I hate to dampen your spirits, but with the forces we currently have, even if we won, it would be a Pyrrhic victory of the worst kind. We would be better off waiting for the King to finish the campaign in the snowy mountains before launching a full invasion."
"You are right. In a head-on war, even if we were victorious, hardly one in ten of our soldiers would remain. As the commander, I would hardly be celebrated for such a result. I won't make such an unwise decision. Besides..."
"Besides?"
"Besides, the power of Glintstone sorcery is a golden opportunity to bolster the strength of our Golden Order. Especially for when we eventually face the Storm Dynasty in Limgrave. It could prove to be an unexpected advantage."
"You've said all that, and yet you still haven't told me what your actual plan is," Messmer said, shaking his head with a touch of exasperation.
"My plan... is to reach an alliance or a vassalage with Caria. The outcome depends entirely on Caria's attitude and the strength they display. They haven't shown their full hand yet, and I need to test their mettle."
"So that was the purpose of your agreement with Rennala," Messmer said, the realization dawning on him.
"Exactly. So, when the time comes, I'll need you by my side to apply pressure. I'll also be bringing 'that person' from the ranks to assist us. Otherwise, the two of us alone might find it a bit strenuous."
"Understood." Messmer nodded and closed his eyes to focus on his healing. He still had lingering internal injuries that would take the clerics some time to purge.
Radagon watched him for a moment before returning to his paperwork. He had much to do regarding the lake district. Propagation of the Erdtree faith required not just clerics, but reliable guards.
As for using the locals... he didn't trust the Cuckoos at all. They had no credibility. If the crimes they had committed had occurred within the Capital's jurisdiction and he had known, he would have made sure they understood the true weight of the Law. But these were extraordinary times requiring extraordinary measures; he had to tolerate them for now. Even with orders in place, it was impossible to control every individual. The human heart, after all, was unfathomable.
"Sellen."
"Hmm? Gwyn? When did you get back?" Sellen asked, turning to him with curiosity.
Mohg's face darkened. "I believe I told you I was back already?"
"Did you? When... Oh, I remember now. I was researching Primeval sorceries at the time, so I didn't pay much attention."
"Fine. Understandable."
"So, do you need something?" Sellen asked, setting her work aside.
"In three days, Rennala and Radagon will have a parley. I suspect they won't reach an agreement, and it's highly likely a large-scale battle will break out."
"Expected. Given the Golden Order's arrogance, they won't listen to a word you say unless you show them overwhelming force. But what does that have to do with us?"
"We've decided to intervene in this war," Mohg said, his eyes narrowing.
"What?! You're intervening? Your position makes it impossible to help the Erdtree, so you intend to help Caria?"
"That is the plan. Though it depends on how things look when the time comes. I might even end up being targeted by both sides..." Mohg nodded, a shadow of gravity in his eyes.
If he chose to act, he was prepared for the possibility of Radagon recognizing him. If that happened... he didn't know what would happen to his clone in the sewers. Or how Morgott would react.
He shook the thought away. Overthinking would only make his movements sluggish when the time for action arrived.
"So... why are you looking for me? Let's get one thing straight: if you want me to fight on that battlefield, forget it. I don't have the power to meddle in a war of that scale."
"What are you thinking? I'd never ask you to join the fray. That's no different from sending you to your death, and I didn't recruit you for that."
"Then what is it for?"
"I want you to head to our Dynasty's base—the Eternal City, deep underground."
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (Full)
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