"You've finally got a bit of motivation lately, haven't you?"
Lansseax looked at Melina, who was roasting fish in the distance, and became slightly more serious.
"This Golden Order, it is time for a change."
After going to so much trouble, have we finally reached this step? Throne was stunned for a moment, then burst into ecstasy.
Come to think of it, Throne had two main tasks when coming to Caelid. First, stabilize General Radahn to prevent Caria from being caught in a pincer attack. Second, establish contact with the dragons and try to bring these old-era overlords into their camp, or at the very least, ensure they don't stand on the opposing side.
Although the first task had occasional setbacks, it was perfectly resolved in the end. As for the second, he had never found an entry point. Lansseax was clearly connected to Crumbling Farum Azula, yet she never gave a direct answer, only speaking in riddles. However, after thinking about it for a moment, he felt it was only natural.
From meeting to familiarity, and then to fighting together, his relationship with Lansseax had progressed step by step. Without his two life-or-death battles, do you think the dragon woman would have jumped out to help? Interactions between people are mutual. No one is a child of destiny with some kind of luck bonus.
So-called friendship comes from combat, and so-called trust is built on morality and strength.
"It seems you finally acknowledge my strength and see hope."
"Hmph, don't flatter yourself. Though, I suppose it has a little bit to do with you. It's precisely because there is hope that there is motivation."
Lansseax was not being tsundere at all, just changing the subject.
"To be honest, you aren't qualified yet."
"Why?" Throne asked, frowning.
"You aren't strong enough yet. I can help out of friendship, but Crumbling Farum Azula won't acknowledge you. That place is not as simple as you imagine."
Throne naturally knew that Crumbling Farum Azula was not simple.
After all, the true form of Black Blade Maliketh, the Crucible Knight, and the Draconic Tree Sentinel were all there. Clearly, there was some secret inside.
"How can I be acknowledged by the dragons?"
"By killing, of course, to show them."
"Then this matter is simple." Throne snapped his fingers nonchalantly.
If he really had to debate against a group of dragons, that certainly wouldn't work, but when it came to hacking people down, it was almost too simple. He was now confident. Actually, Melina could also go to Crumbling Farum Azula, but without an intermediary to act as a bridge, that would just be going up there to slaughter dragons.
"When I've prepared enough, you can take me there."
"Hm? I only said I had motivation. When did I ever say I would take you to Crumbling Farum Azula?"
Throne was stunned for a moment and blinked. Seeing that the dragon woman didn't look like she was joking, he was momentarily bewildered.
"Wait, are you teasing me?"
"What good would it do to tease you?"
The dragon woman waved her hand, her face full of seriousness.
"Don't get it wrong. Although I love to have fun, Crumbling Farum Azula is the holy land of the dragons, and the dragons up there are my beloved friends and family."
Are you trying to pull the 'pay me more' routine on me too? Wait, this stinking dragon doesn't seem to be short on money. Throne's previous ecstasy vanished instantly.
He almost forgot that she was a weirdo who didn't understand anything about 'the bigger picture.' "Tell me, what do you want?"
Lansseax raised her hand and extended a slender index finger.
"You."
"Miss, I sell my skills, not my body, and I have dignity."
Throne also put on a serious expression.
The dragon woman had spoken those same words when they first met. Back then, he'd attacked without hesitation. Now, it felt like a joke between friends. Melina glanced over while roasting fish, her brow furrowing as the laughter between them turned serious. What were they whispering about?
"No room for negotiation?"
"I'm loyal to the Lunar Princess."
"What about you and that piece of wood?"
"We're the best of companions."
"Then you can be mine too. No, we already are."
Lansseax laughed, finding the exchange amusing. She wasn't tsundere like Ranni or slow-witted like Melina. If she wanted something, she took it. If she wanted to do something, she did it. Dragon life was simple, unburdened.
This was tricky. How could he handle someone like her? Throne frowned, unsure how to respond. A roasted fish appeared beside his face, its aroma sharp and inviting.
"It's done. Eat it quickly."
Melina's voice was flat, her expression blank. She never looked happy when the dragon woman was around.
Throne took the fish and bit into it.
"Mmm, delicious. Perfect timing—I was starving."
"Hey, hey, hey, are you playing dumb with me?"
Lansseax tapped the ground impatiently.
"'Rare to be muddled,' isn't that what you said?"
Hmph. Quick to put things into practice. The dragon woman sighed, exasperated.
She was about to press harder when she felt a sharp, hostile gaze fixed on her. Melina's eyes burned with ferocity and suspicion.
"Were you eavesdropping just now? We Ancient Dragons don't mind having a few more partners. Don't worry, Throne's strong enough—he'll leave you a sip of soup."
What was she talking about? Melina didn't understand a word, her face impassive.
"I didn't hear anything, but you're not allowed to talk nonsense."
This blockhead. Maybe I can take her down first. Then I'd have two partners.
"You don't understand? I can teach you."
Lansseax stood abruptly, reaching out.
A roasted fish landed in her palm. She turned, startled.
"You must be hungry too. Eat quickly, or it'll be gone later."
Throne stared at her, blinking hard. Don't you dare lay a hand on Melina, or I'll turn against you.
Oh, I'd like to see what you look like when you turn against me. Besides, I don't care about things like gender.
Are you trying to cuck me? Throne's eyelid twitched. This dragon was dangerous—he needed to get away fast.
He caught the playfulness in her eyes and felt a surge of anger. Damn it, you were teasing me!
If Lansseax wasn't willing to cooperate, why would she stay in Caelid? Did she really think this was a tourist attraction? If she wasn't thinking about the future, why would she bother subduing those flying dragons?
Throne broke eye contact and huffed.
"Suit yourself. I've got plans to move forward. No time to bicker with you. And don't bully Melina."
Seeing Lansseax edge closer to Melina, he spoke up. In broad daylight, she dared flirt with the Kindling Maiden?
"Have you decided where to go next?"
Lansseax propped her head up lazily as Melina ducked behind Throne.
"Not yet. I was about to discuss it with Ranni."
"The Lunar Princess? I'll come and discuss it too."
The Ancient Dragon perked up instantly.
"Get lost, get lost, get lost. I'd have to be crazy to take you with me."
Throne grabbed his roasted fish and used Bloodhound's Step to leap across the stream.
Lansseax lunged forward, but Melina stepped into her path. Someone else clearly had issues with Ranni, but next to the Ancient Dragon, they'd happily form an alliance. Thank the gods for Melina the brick wall. Throne exhaled. If Ranni and Melina clashing was needles against wheat, Lansseax's involvement turned it into Mars slamming into Earth.
Stuck in the middle, he'd be obliterated. No way could he take her back to Caria. Once this mess settled, he'd need to find her a suitable place—far away. Throne was already plotting how to burn that bridge. Sure, Lansseax had helped him plenty, but her personality? Absolute nightmare.
Maybe they were just fundamentally incompatible. He hadn't even considered starting a harem, yet she was already mapping it out. He glanced over and saw Millicent rising to intervene. Finally, Throne pulled the delicate doll close to his chest.
"Where are you? Did you lose Black Blade?"
The mental connection sparked, and Ranni's voice cut through instantly, sharp with anticipation. Throne didn't waste time.
"Radahn and Lansseax stepped in. He's backed off—for now."
"Radahn intervened? Typical. My brother acts on impulse more often than not."
Relief tinged her tone, but then suspicion crept in.
"That Ancient Dragon blocked him too? By what right?"
"She was the first to jump in. Probably because of me."
Ranni's nose twitched as she recalled Lansseax's blunt enthusiasm.
"And how do you plan to repay her?"
A trap disguised as a question. Throne kept his voice steady.
"Fairly. I'll return the favor when the time comes."
No point hiding it. Straightforward honesty suited him. Ranni mulled it over, finding no reason to object.
"Repaying favors is fine. Just… watch your boundaries."
She stressed the word, and Throne caught a whiff of something sour.
"I'll be careful."
"Especially careful."
"Fine, fine. Especially careful."
Having a dignified yet tsundere boss was a headache. Throne nodded quickly, and Ranni finally softened. She wasn't trying to control him—just needed the right attitude.
"With those two stepping in, Black Blade won't bother you again soon. Leave Caelid."
"I'm about to. That's why I'm asking where to go."
Why not just return to Caria? Return to me? Ranni bit back the frustration. Throne was handling things methodically, and she couldn't let personal feelings interfere. She cleared her throat.
"What are your thoughts?"
"I'm thinking of checking Siofra River. See if Nokron's been found and how the Deathbed Companion's faring."
"The Nox are silent for now. No need to rush. The stars are shackled—even if we find it, I can't use it."
"It's not just the blade. Nokron holds something else."
"What?"
"The Mimic Tear. The pinnacle of Nox technology."
Throne spoke with reverence. This was a legend among the Tarnished—the Elden Lord and his bell-ringing servant.
Truthfully, it was another testament to the Nox's self-destructive tendencies, a product of their artificial god project and one reason the Greater Will obliterated them. The Mimic Tear could replicate some of the summoner's abilities and gear, creating a fair fight. But it came with risks—this thing had its own consciousness.
Mimic Tear?
Ranni recited it a few times, confirming she had never heard of this thing, but she didn't ask where Throne got the clue, clearly having gotten used to it.
"Then you have to wait. Moreover, the entrance well to Siofra River is in Caelid. The heat hasn't died down yet; I'm afraid you'll get trapped inside."
Hmm, that is a possibility.
Black Blade won't give up, and the Godskin Noble is also looking for me. It seems that going underground now would actually expose my whereabouts.
"Ranni, what is your suggestion?"
The Lunar Princess thought for a moment and said slowly, "Return to Raya Lucaria first to lay low. I will join forces with the Nox to create a two-way magic portal so that once there is news, you can go over immediately. Besides, it's always inconvenient for you to carry Malenia's clone. If I'm not mistaken, her scarlet rot is already very serious."
Throne turned his head to look at Millicent and nodded subconsciously in admission. He had to put Millicent in a safe place. If she wanted to become stronger and undergo trials, Liurnia had enough monsters and demons to suffice.
"Return to Caria? Could it be that you missed me??" Throne smiled, teasing her on purpose. Sure enough, Ranni's voice immediately turned sharp.
"Nonsense! Who, who missed you? Whether you die outside is none of my business. Asking you to return is just because there is something to do, it's entirely for official business!"
"Then I might as well die outside. I've wanted to go to the Weeping Peninsula for a long time; it wouldn't be bad to use it to lay low."
"Throne!!!"
"Cough, cough, just a joke. You're right, returning to Caria to lay low is not bad, and I can solve Millicent's problem while I'm at it. By the way, what was the matter you mentioned just now?"
I have to say, teasing Ranni is truly pleasant, but one must master the degree.
If she's humiliated too much, Ranni might just swing the Dark Moon. That's more like it. No, wait, why am I letting him off because of this little thing? Ranni pursed her lips and finally managed to restore her serious demeanor.
"Rykard has sent a letter."
Rykard was Ranni's second brother, Radahn's younger brother, the Praetor of the Golden Order, and the Lord of Mt. Gelmir.