Elden Ring: The Shattering!

Chapter 14: 14



The cold moonlight shone down, casting an ethereal glow on the rippling surface of the pond, giving a sense of dreamlike vagueness.

This vast area was eerily silent. Kaelith stood before an arched gate, slightly lost in thought as he gazed at the scene before him. The maiden, too, remained motionless, like a figure from within a painting.

"Ahem…"

A soft cough broke the silence. Standing beside Ranni, Blaidd couldn't hold it in any longer. His cough seemed to briefly accelerate time, as the young woman sitting on the tall chair reacted instantly.

The witch lifted her hat slightly, her deep blue eyes lacking sharpness but instead carrying a hint of bewilderment. She noticed Kaelith standing in the distance, dazed, and graced him with an elegant smile.

"Good evening, my brave warrior."

Kaelith didn't respond immediately. Alain, who accompanied him, knelt on one knee, addressing her as "Your Highness." Following suit, Kaelith also dropped to one knee, his right hand pressed against his chest.

"Princess Ranni, it is an honor to meet you."

His expression was stoic, as serious as a steel-clad soldier, though inwardly he was beginning to unravel.

Was the princess just asleep a moment ago? Also, why does her high-backed chair seem taller than the others? Could it be that there's something underneath it?

Even as these thoughts raced through his mind, Kaelith maintained his outward composure. Beneath his small and delicate frame, there truly lay the strength to cleave mountains and rivers.

"No need for formality, please sit." Ranni gestured with two fingers toward the opposite seat. Kaelith complied without hesitation, sitting firmly on the high-backed chair, which, apart from being hard enough to hurt his behind, left little impression.

This Carian royal family sure has unusual preferences, he thought. Back in Ashina, after accomplishing great feats, one would be rewarded with good wine and meat. Here, they opted to gather in a desolate place to gaze at the moon instead.

"Don't worry, the celebratory feast hasn't been canceled. I'm not stingy. I'll provide precious treasures and fine wine to honor the courageous warriors. However, due to my unique position, I can't appear in person. Blaidd will attend on my behalf."

Ranni seemed to see through Kaelith's thoughts. She raised her hand to stop his questioning and softly explained, "But you've earned the highest merit, and since I was intrigued, I insisted on meeting you privately."

Kaelith nodded. Given Ranni's elusive nature, he had mentally prepared for an unconventional encounter with this sovereign.

However, Ranni didn't immediately broach the main topic. Instead, she spread her four arms and asked in a misty tone, "What do you think of this place?"

Kaelith looked around. As someone lacking significant cultural refinement in both his past and present lives, he paused before replying, "The moon in the water and the flower in the mirror are indeed beautiful, but such beauty carries a sense of solitude and illusion."

The grand Moonlit Basin had only a handful of people present. The empty high-backed chairs undeniably accentuated the loneliness.

"It wasn't always like this. In the past, from the queen mother to countless royals, they all gathered here to admire the full moon... But as you said, the past has turned into an illusion. So, let me ask, how does one escape the loneliness brought by such illusions?"

"Naturally, by setting one's gaze on the future. Seeking fulfillment along the journey helps one forget the solitude," Kaelith replied without hesitation. As a transmigrator, memories of the past often brought falsehoods and pain.

To live for the future, to fight for a goal—is that the way?

Ranni's eyes revealed a trace of appreciation. She asked with slight enthusiasm, "And what is your goal?"

"To survive—to live without any threats. To ensure that no one can control my fate," Kaelith's eyes grew sharp as he countered, "Your Highness, do you find this goal laughable?"

Under the Golden Order, discussing destiny could indeed seem laughable. Were it not for the shattering of the Elden Ring, even life and death would have been predetermined here.

Ranni's expression turned solemn as she gently shook her head. "Not at all. Wanting to control one's fate is the simplest yet most difficult desire to achieve... Even demigods struggle to do so. Your path may be even harder than mine."

She leaned back slightly in her chair, losing some of her regal bearing, appearing more like a lazy maiden. Seeing Kaelith's puzzled look, she straightened up again.

"I, too, wish to control my fate, but under the law, it's impossible to achieve true freedom."

"Are you referring to the Erdtree?"

"No, any law imposes such limits. To act according to another's order is... dull."

Ranni replied earnestly. Since Kaelith wasn't just another Tarnished intruder, she didn't need to embellish her words to manipulate him.

"And so, our goals converge. I'm genuinely pleased to have found a trustworthy companion on this unexplored path."

Kaelith truly proved himself worthy of merit; this is a point no one can dispute.

"Indeed, I am also willing to contribute my strength." Kaelith nodded once again. After all, regardless of Ranni's ambitions, he himself was already a Carian warrior.

"As for rewards, gold and treasures are useless to me. I have two requests to make."

"Speak," Ranni said, her curiosity piqued after recent events.

"First, this curved sword doesn't suit my style. I've heard that Lord Iji is an exceptional blacksmith, so I'd like him to forge me a Glintstone Katana. Second, I want to learn Carian Magic."

These requests were indeed peculiar, and Ranni covered her mouth as though suppressing a laugh. "I nearly forgot you are a student of magic. Very well, I'll have Iji forge the weapon with care, and the royal magic towers will be open to you. How much you learn will depend on your abilities. Should you encounter difficulties, you may consult Magic Instructor Miriam."

Miriam? Surely not that foul-mouthed Seluvis?

Kaelith was momentarily puzzled. After searching through his memories, he realized that Seluvis was still teaching at the Academy, while the royal head sorcerer named Miriam was none other than the individual known for blasting people in the Carian study.

"Thank you, Your Highness," he replied, thinking Miriam would certainly be more tolerable than the abrasive Seluvis.

"Good. But I shall add a third matter to this arrangement," Ranni suddenly said, rising from her chair. She gracefully stepped onto the water, causing ripples to spread across the moonlit pond. Her expression turned solemn as she extended her hands.

"Kaelith Light, come forward."

Kaelith rose immediately, stepping onto the water's surface toward her. The ripples distorted the reflection of the full moon. He stopped half a meter before her, unsure of what to expect. Ranni made an elegant motion with her arms, prompting him to kneel on one knee in the water.

"My apologies," Ranni began, her tone soft. "The queen still reigns, and I am not Carian royalty. I cannot bestow upon you greater honors." Her expression grew dignified as she opened her hands.

"Blaidd, the sword."

The steadfast Half-Wolf warrior nearby stepped forward with a box in hand. Moving slowly but purposefully, he opened it to reveal a longsword—its golden hilt gleamed like a work of art. This was the Carian treasure, the legendary "Sword of Night and Flame."

Ranni accepted the blade, then turned toward Kaelith. She lightly tapped his shoulders with the sword, reciting an oath:

"Under the witness of the full moon and the stars, in the name of the direct descendant of Carian royalty, Lunar Princess Ranni, I bestow upon Kaelith Light the title of Carian Honor Knight. May courage and glory accompany you always."

The ceremony was brief. By the time Kaelith raised his head, Ranni had vanished, leaving only faint blue motes in the air. He stared ahead, still processing what had just happened.

Was that it? Promotion and a pay raise?

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The sound of applause broke the silence, and Kaelith turned to see Alain enthusiastically clapping.

Even Blaidd hesitated for a moment before joining in, baring his teeth as he said, "Kaelith Knight, from now on, you're one of Princess Ranni's personal guards."

"And not just that," Alain added excitedly. "This is the first time in years the Princess has knighted someone. Don't worry—once Queen Rennala is rescued, you'll officially be recognized as a full knight!"

"Then why did Lady Ranni leave so quickly after knighting me?" Kaelith asked, puzzled.

"Uh… maybe she didn't know what to do next and went back to check her books," Alain joked, but quickly fell silent when Blaidd glared at him with a face full of menace.

Kaelith didn't care much about promotions or titles. Without sufficient strength, even being crowned King of Caria would mean nothing if he couldn't defend it. He stood in the pond, bathed in moonlight, recalling Alain's words as a smile slowly spread across his face.

"Oh? Then I truly am honored."

He turned and casually called out to Blaidd, who was about to leave. "Don't go just yet. This is a joyous occasion; let me treat you to a drink."

The Half-Wolf approached slowly but waved dismissively. "Alcohol dulls my judgment, so I don't drink."

Watching Blaidd leave, Kaelith laughed and muttered, "That guy's as stiff as ever."

"Don't take it to heart; that's just how he is," Alain said, patting Kaelith's shoulder and dragging him out of the pond.

"Come on, I've got some good wine. Let's drink to our heart's content tonight!"

Under the bright full moon, their shadows stretched across the ground, as if etching Kaelith's presence into this place for eternity.


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