"Well, that's what everyone is saying," Tricia said, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"I can't give you any solid promises," Raven said. "In the most ideal scenario, you would pay taxes and provide labor to the Golden Lineage in exchange for the right to remain there, while negotiating for a certain degree of autonomy. But that is far from easy. What exactly is the people's primary demand?"
"Everyone's demands aren't quite unified yet. However, if we can just stay in the Deeproot Depths, I think everyone would be very satisfied."
Tricia stood up and gave another deep bow. She unwrapped a bundle on the table, revealing several stone slabs adorned with exquisite reliefs.
"We don't have much to offer as thanks. These were found in the ruins of the Eternal City. Since Your Highness is from Caria, I wondered if you might find them interesting?"
"Don't be so quick to offer thanks. You'll need to send representatives to lobby the court; I can only act as a mediator—Wait," Raven paused as he realized something. "These are from the Eternal City? Where did you get them?"
"There is a ruin of an Eternal City within the Deeproot Depths. It's just very badly damaged; these few bricks we pried loose are the only things that were still somewhat intact."
"I'd like to visit the Deeproot Depths, if it's convenient?" Raven said, looking up after inspecting the slabs from every angle. "I want to see what that place actually looks like."
"You're more than welcome!" Tricia said happily. "You could even stay for a while; the scenery in Deeproot is quite beautiful."
"I should probably return before dawn, though, since I have to look after little Rya," Raven said with a smile. "By the way, do the Deeproot Depths have a leader? A committee, perhaps?"
"Everyone is equal; there isn't really a hierarchy." Tricia tapped her cheek, thinking carefully. "If I had to name one, Big Brother Morgott would be the leader. Whenever there's danger, he's always the first to charge in. He was the one who led the people to drive out the Giant Ants. Everyone respects him most. And, of course, St. Trina is also very well-loved."
"Trina?" Raven recalled a memory. "The Saint Trina?"
"Yes, her recovery incantations have healed many people. She's much more skilled than I am. It's a pity she has many other matters to attend to and can't stay in Deeproot for long."
"Things are getting more and more interesting," Raven said, standing up. "Miss Tricia, please wait a moment. Lansseax and I will get ready, and then we'll set off with you."
"Eh, we're going right now?" Lansseax asked. "It's so late. What if we get sleepy halfway there?"
"Aside from playing with Rya, you spent most of the day sleeping anyway," Raven pointed out.
"I was meditating! Practicing the magic you taught me."
"Meditating while drooling?"
"...Besides, teaching you Dragonbolt takes a lot of energy," Lansseax said, quickly changing the subject.
Raven looked at her in silence.
"Ahem, no one ever taught me Dragonbolt. I don't know how to teach people—isn't that only natural?" Lansseax looked away. "I told you ages ago I could just give you half of my Dragonbolt essence, but you insisted on fumbling through the training yourself."
"I'm so envious. You two really have a wonderful relationship," Tricia said, resting her chin on her hands and smiling.
"Who has a good relationship with this guy?!"
The two of them shouted in unison.
After settling Rya in and strictly reminding her once more to stay in human form and never reveal her serpent side to anyone, Raven called for Okina, who was sharpening his blade in the backyard. The party of four left the manor and stepped out onto the streets illuminated by the golden glow of the Erdtree.
Raven closed his eyes. He sensed no one tailing them.
Tricia had zero experience in counter-surveillance, so it was possible she had been followed on her way here. However, even if someone were monitoring her movements, it was unlikely they would have expected him to head to the sewers on a whim, let alone have enough time to organize an ambush.
Furthermore, given the strength of their group, if someone actually did have designs on them, they would only be asking for trouble.
The Royal Capital's sewer system was vast and interconnected, with countless entrances. The group slipped into a narrow alley and wound through the civilian district until they found a manhole leading into the sewers.
The area was deserted, save for an old woman picking through trash in a corner. She watched curiously as the four people climbed into the well. When it was Tricia's turn, she suddenly stopped, walked over to the old woman, and placed a small Rune in front of her. Then, she jogged back and climbed down.
Lighting a Beast-Repellent Torch carried by Tricia, Raven took the lead, with Okina bringing up the rear.
"Marching on! I can't wait to taste some roasted ant meat," Lansseax said, her steps light. She had completely forgotten that she had been grumbling about not wanting to leave just half an hour ago.
"Turn left, then right at the next bend, and follow the pipe straight ahead," Tricia directed. "Big Brother Morgott led a team to clear this path. They took care of the Giant Rats and Slimes, so there shouldn't be any danger."
"But if you don't know the way, you could still get lost and trapped," Raven said, glancing at the edge of the walkway. "And if you misstep, a normal person would definitely fall to their death."
"Yes," Tricia said sadly. "Despite our best efforts to help, people still die on the way to the Deeproot Depths. Many venture into the sewers without even an extra torch. Once the fire burns out, they die in the darkness."
"Perhaps it's not recklessness," Raven said. "They probably don't truly believe in the legends of the Deeproot Depths; they just enter the sewers holding onto a sliver of hope. Rather than looking for Deeproot, they might simply be looking for a place to rest eternally—Stop."
Raven raised his hand, signaling the party to halt. Almost simultaneously, Okina at the rear of the line lifted his head, his katana sliding three inches from its sheath.
"Who's there?" Raven asked.
Someone was approaching from the opposite direction, carrying a torch. A grotesque, non-human shadow flickered against the pipe walls.
"It's a guide!" Tricia said, recognizing the shape of the shadow. "Don't be nervous, everyone. This is an Omen. They might look a bit scary, but they are actually very kind."
She stood on her tiptoes and waved vigorously. "It's me, Tricia!"
A burly figure emerged from the bend, holding the torch high and looking at the group with suspicion.
"Miss Tricia, these people haven't taken you hostage, have they?"
"No, they are friends," Tricia said. "Our friends."
The Omen was clad in a crude, heavy hide armor with several holes cut into it, through which several curved, long teeth protruded. They weren't decorations; they were horns growing directly out of his body. His exposed, ashen-grey skin was covered in various scales and hideous growths. It was as if a thousand types of runaway atavism had erupted simultaneously within a single person.
He stepped closer, his gaze lingering for a moment on Raven's exquisite staff and the ruby on his sword hilt. His voice was laced with doubt. "You don't look like people planning to join the Depths."
"Tricia said you were facing some trouble," Raven said, extending a hand. "We are her friends, and we hope to be of some help. I am Raven of Caria."
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Elden Ring: The Unborn One's Journey Through Elden Ring(161 Chapter - Ongoing)
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