"Princess Malenia holds authority over the Laws of Rot," Raven said after a moment of silence. "Are we certain this incident has nothing to do with her?"
"Of course. We have already established contact with her. She was entirely unaware of the recent events in Deeproot and the Capital. Upon hearing that Miquella had been detained, she immediately led the Cleanrot Knights out from the Haligtree Town," the Grand Scholar replied. "Besides, from any logical perspective, neither Miquella nor Malenia has any reason to do such a thing."
"Then who exactly issued the order to the Capital Garrison? I heard that Godwyn is severely wounded and unconscious."
"The news of Godwyn being comatose was released by the Golden Prince's own estate. The Ancient Dragon cultists have blockaded the area and refused entry to anyone; the truth of that report cannot be confirmed. As for who is commanding the Capital Garrison, it appears to be the Ancient Dragon Fortissax. It was he who led the cultists to take Miquella away."
"I'm getting completely muddled," Raven said with a bitter smile. No wonder he had been fighting a desperate battle against the Confessors without a single intervention from the Garrison; the Capital had nearly turned upside down in a heartbeat.
He glanced to the side. The main gates of the Hold were slowly opening, and several members of the Roundtable who had arrived early were already walking inside.
"So, what does the Royalist faction intend to do now? When you said you would offer a 'forceful response,' did you mean you intend to launch an offensive during the Roundtable meeting?"
The Grand Scholar chuckled.
"Since the enemy has escalated the situation, we won't limit ourselves to mere verbal sparring at the Roundtable. Whether Godwyn's coma is real or fake, and regardless of what actually transpired in Deeproot, the outcome will not change. If anyone thinks they can stir up trouble in the Capital just because the King is away, they are gravely mistaken."
The old man's clouded eyes suddenly changed, flashing with a chilling, soul-piercing light. "To maintain order in Leyndell and to prepare for the worst foreseeable circumstances, trustworthy units within the Leyndell Footmen and the Leyndell Knights have been requested to mobilize."
In the distance, the low, rumbling horns of the Leyndell army echoed. Raven turned toward the sound. The light cast by the Erdtree remained brilliant and magnificent, but the wind blowing against his face carried a faint chill. The very air seemed to have grown heavier than before.
"Winter is coming," Raven whispered, realizing for the first time that the Capital actually experienced the change of seasons.
"Raise the drawbridge! Close the gates!" At the outermost walls of Leyndell, a general of the Capital Garrison guarding the gate shouted a challenge. "Which unit of the Leyndell army is that below? Halt your advance and declare your intent!"
"We are the First Cavalry Regiment under the Altus Plateau Southern Legion. Behind us are the First, Second, and Fourth Patrol Battalions of the Altus Highway. We have received orders to enter the Capital to assist in defense and maintain order. Open the gates and allow us entry!"
"The defense and order of the Capital are the responsibility of the Capital Garrison," the commander barked back. "I have received no notice allowing field units to enter the city. Halt immediately and confirm your orders with your superiors!"
A general wearing a golden cloak rode out from the ranks. "I am Ramsden, Deputy Commander of the Southern Legion. Which general am I addressing on the wall? I recall General Jose was responsible for this gate; have him step forward."
"General Jose was reassigned a month ago. I am the new Commander of the Capital Garrison, and I have full authority over these gates," the officer shouted. "Turn back! You are already within range of the Great Golems. I will only warn you once!"
The gold-cloaked general let out a cold snort and turned his horse back. The army below halted their advance, but they showed no intention of retreating, remaining in a tense standoff with the Garrison atop the walls.
In the distance, another dark mass of troops appeared. The commander raised his telescope to inspect the banners and unit numbers.
"Damn it, the Abundant Forest Garrisoned Brigade is here too." He lowered his glass. "Go inform Knight Kristoff. Request that he lead all Ancient Dragon Knights here for reinforcement."
"Sir, if there is to be a conflict with the Leyndell army outside, please forgive me, but I will not participate."
"What? You would defy my orders?" The commander glared at the Tree Sentinel who had spoken. "Are you betraying your mission to guard the Capital?"
"We Tree Sentinels answer directly to the Erdtree Sanctuary; we are not under your jurisdiction," the Tree Sentinel replied. "My colleague holds the same opinion."
"Hmph, then get out of here," the commander snorted. "I'd like to see if those people outside actually dare to storm the city."
He looked back and noticed his soldiers were whispering among themselves. A group of officers had broken discipline, gathering to discuss something in low voices, occasionally casting unreadable glances in his direction.
The commander's face turned ashen. Just as he was about to order the officers to disperse, the fanfare of the Oracle Envoys echoed from the direction of the Erdtree Sanctuary, followed by an announcement that broadcasted throughout the entire city.
"After reviewing the series of recent events in the Capital, it has been determined that under current conditions, the Capital Garrison can no longer effectively respond to the worst foreseeable circumstances. As part of this decision, the following units are now being mobilized: the First Cavalry Regiment of the Southern Legion, the Abundant Forest Garrisoned Brigade..."
"This announcement is invalid!" The commander's face paled as he roared, "Everyone stay at your posts! No one moves without my order!"
He strode toward the mechanism that operated the city gates, intending to sabotage it completely. Halfway there, however, he saw the soldiers ahead of him part ways, saluting a middle-aged man in civilian clothes.
"General Connaught!"
"Grand Knight Commander Connaught!"
The commander gripped the hilt of his sword and pushed through the soldiers blocking his path. "Connaught! You've been relieved of duty! What do you think you're doing back here?"
"Just taking a stroll, seeing some old friends," Connaught said. "When a man reaches a certain age, he becomes quite nostalgic, doesn't he?"
"Illegally entering a defensive stronghold and interfering with official duties," the commander fumed. "Seize him!"
No one moved.
"Open the gates," Connaught said.
A group of men responded immediately, directing the Troll slaves to turn the winches. The massive city gates began to rise slowly.
The commander's face contorted, his hand trembling from the force with which he gripped his sword. He gritted his teeth, but in the end, he did not draw his blade. Without a word, he turned on his heel and left.
Preventing several soldiers who wanted to stop him, Connaught let the commander go. He watched as the man pulled a knight off his horse, commandeered the mount, and galloped away along the Capital's main road. Connaught shook his head in disdain.
The Leyndell army from outside began to file in, their armor forming a golden river as iron hooves thundered against the streets. Pedestrians scrambled to the sides, pressing themselves against the walls to wait for the soldiers to pass, only to find that the golden river was seemingly endless.
Shopkeepers along the route hurriedly pulled in their wares and hung "Closed" signs. Faces hid behind shuttered windows, peering out anxiously at the military's movements. They watched as one detachment of knights headed straight for the Inner City, while others gathered around the sewer entrance wells, descending into the depths one by one.
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Elden Ring: The Unborn One's Journey Through Elden Ring(174 Chapter - Ongoing)
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