Sellen's Grievances

The grand procession of the Royal Capital Army advanced in neat order, their steps steady, their momentum like splitting bamboo. They met the charging basilisks with an ease like chopping melons and slicing vegetables. The monsters shrieked and roared, but could not halt their offensive.

Basilisks.

The soldiers, maintaining a tight formation, crushed everything in their path, clearing out the rampaging monsters along the way. The mission objective was to eliminate as many of the creatures that had attacked the surrounding villages as possible; otherwise, the Altus Plateau would know no peace. Leyndell Knights trod over a sea of corpses and blood, not sparing these bodies a second glance, seeking out every foe who dared to attack. The group arrived at a village on the edge of the volcano.

"Careful!"

As the warning cry sounded, a slime monster leaped from a small hut, immediately pouncing on a soldier in front. What's the big deal? It's not like we haven't seen these in the Lands Between; they're very weak. However, the next moment, with a sizzling sound, the knight, along with his armor, completely vanished.

"This thing's devouring effect is stronger!"

The surrounding Leyndell soldiers quickly thrust their long spears, but they had little effect on the pile of sludge. As for weapons like bows and great hammers, they were even more useless, having no effect at all. In the blink of an eye, it pounced on several more. Simultaneously, more slime monsters ambushed them from within the small huts.

"Roar!"

Though it was just a mass of gel-like substance, it reared up and roared, a large mouth vaguely appearing, looking extremely incongruous and terrifying. Suddenly, a rain of golden light-arrows enveloped them, and in an instant, they all collapsed. The monsters at the front vanished without exception. The one who had acted was Margit, the leader of this expedition. He took a deep breath and muttered:

"It seems Rykard has cooked up some new toys to welcome us. No matter, clear them out as usual."

The Leyndell Knights reformed their ranks and continued their attack. These battle-hardened soldiers wouldn't be intimidated by this level of threat. They orderly—surrounded the new, special monsters. What followed was without suspense. Despite this, there were still sporadic casualties in the battle. They hadn't expected such an unexpected situation to occur in a mere probing extermination mission.

"My lord, these things should be half-finished products from experiments."

Margit nodded. "I can see that too. It seems I can't leave the volcano battlefield. Instruct the troops at the Grand Lift area that there's no need to fight to the death over the collapsed passage."

Unexpectedly, the bad news wasn't over—

"Just now, a military report arrived from the front: the Second Battle of Aeonia concluded with Frieren repelling the Goddess of Rot. Now, the Southern Army and the Redmane Army are effectively allied. Aside from the Combat Festival requiring more preparation time, the tempo is completely under their control."

"The Lake of Rot has been purified, and she even renamed it Lake Melina. That source of pollution has vanished."

"Adding the flower field areas from before at Fort Gael, Dragonbarrow, and the Town of Sellia, the New Lord of Souls has now completed her point-to-plane purification preparations."

"It's only a matter of time before Caelid is completely purified..."

Dead silence. She had actually done it. So, the soil of Scarlet Rot could be revived, even bloom into flower fields. Even for them, far away in the Altus Plateau, they couldn't wait to see that beautiful sight. The symbolic significance of this event was immeasurable, proclaiming that Frieren's long-standing appeal would rise to an even higher level. The only variable left was the battle with Radahn.

After a moment of contemplation, Margit said, "It is we who must now adopt a defensive posture. But we must first see the outcome of the Combat Festival."

He gazed south and sighed. Now, he himself couldn't tell if he leaned more towards hoping Mohg's plan would succeed, or for Frieren to continue repairing more of the disasters of the Shattering.

Caelid, Redmane Castle.

After a brief period of rest and recuperation in the Flower Field Wetland, the Southern Army finally garrisoned the largest city in the entire region. Originally, Edgar and the other officers had intended to remain stationed on the periphery as a guard, but they couldn't refuse Jerren's invitation. Letting their saviors stay outside, exposed to the wind and sun, was too improper. It was better for everyone to enter the city together. They believed that during the battle against the Goddess of Rot, everyone had already become comrades-in-arms, making no distinction between one another. Now, the Redmane Army was, of course, welcoming.

The guardhouse at the gate.

Jerren greeted them with a smile, "Is it alright? Though it's far from the grandeur of Stormveil Castle."

"It's good enough just to have a place to rest our feet," Edgar replied.

While the two exchanged pleasantries, Frieren received magic scrolls brought over by the Redmane mages. As promised, they handed over these precious reserves to the world's foremost sorcerer. Among them was a large amount of research on gravity magic. Seeing this, the silver-haired girl entered a state of research on the spot, turning a deaf ear to the world outside. Since she was like this, her subordinates only needed to—exchange pleasantries. At the very least, they first discussed the defensive arrangements of Redmane Castle, to be prepared for any eventuality in the upcoming Combat Festival.

"There have been continuous traces of intelligence indicating that the Blood Dynasty is mobilizing in secret. They must be planning a sneak attack," Jerren asserted.

"Indeed, our Southern Army has also grasped some information. That mysterious shardbearer ambushed Her Majesty at Agheel Lake."

"Oh? I didn't know about that. What was the situation then?"

Edgar said proudly, "It was just a Bloody Finger he had possessed. With Her Majesty's strength, she eliminated it without the slightest effort. Perhaps that's when the enmity was formed."

"A shardbearer operating in the shadows is indeed concerning. We must be prepared."

The two continued to discuss their plans. Although the threat of the Blood Dynasty was imminent, it was not yet fatal. They had even overcome the most terrifying hurdle of Scarlet Rot, so what else was there to fear, come what may? The festival would still be held as usual. The two sides coordinated their army deployments, and everything went smoothly.

After a while, Frieren finally put down the magic scrolls, a lingering aftertaste of insight remaining. As expected of gravity magic from the outside world; some things she hadn't had time to ponder were already answered, enough to advance further. She looked forward to its performance in actual combat.

"Your Majesty."

Suddenly, Jerren's voice interrupted her thoughts. Only then did she turn her head and ask, "Have you finished your discussion?"

"Yes. By the way, I'd like to ask about someone. Is Lady Sellen doing well?"

"The Primeval Current faction has reopened its labs and classrooms. Those old fossils from the academy faction have all been dealt with. So she can research soul magic in peace. As for the dangerous subject that could turn her into a sorcerer-sphere, it's best she lets it go."

"Actually, she and I have some history..."

The old man began to speak of a past event when he was a witch-hunter. Even though the shardbearer before him was the apprentice of a sorceress, he felt he wouldn't be at ease if he didn't speak his mind. After speaking, he felt much more relaxed, as if everything was turning for the better as the Scarlet Rot receded. Frieren, as a listener, sometimes nodded, sometimes chimed in, not minding at all the matters concerning the sorceress. She was unconcerned.

"...In short, that's what happened. From the perspective of our lineages, perhaps we could be considered enemies."

"Teacher Sellen mentioned her past entanglements to me. Currently, it's none of my business. Unless you continue to seek revenge against her, then I will kill you."

"So direct?"

Hearing Frieren's simple and straightforward statement of siding with her own over reason, Jerren was slightly taken aback. He had expected a round of pleasantries or persuasion. However, the moment she uttered these decisive words, Edgar, who had been chatting and laughing just a moment ago, also gripped the hilt of his sword. After all, Sellen was also his colleague. Since they both served the New Lord of Souls, as a knight, he also had to share her burdens. Her Majesty's teacher was also under his protection. What did it matter if he was a witch-hunter?

"Right and wrong? Good and evil? I've seen too many complicated things. I was once entangled in such propositions." The silver-haired girl shook her head. "The answer is that only the people and matters around me are the most just. If there is a threat, I don't mind strangling it early. Therefore, I will not allow you to continue hunting her."

In a dark world, there should be a different set of moral standards. She got along well with Teacher Sellen, and she was useful for magical research. That was enough.

Jerren lamented, "I also know Sir Iji. We once served the Carian Royal Family together. But he's a clever man. Learning of the New Lord of Souls' relationship with the sorceress, he would never mention it in front of you, would he? In the end, many grudges have changed."

"I don't know much about the Carian Royal Family. My alliance is with Ranni. Regarding this matter, wouldn't it be better to ask Blaidd?"

He happened to be here. Frieren didn't reveal the news of Ranni's arrival.

"No need. Consider it me just complaining to Your Majesty. Just take it as idle chatter."

"Mm."

"So decisive. Aren't you curious if I'll say one thing but still act on it in reality?"

"Pondering the grudges and affections between people is not my strong suit. Since the threat has been issued, what you do next is up to you. Everyone must pay for the consequences of their own decisions. As long as you've thought it through."

Hearing this, Jerren's mouth twitched. Though she said so, the pressure from the silver-haired girl constantly lingered, never ceasing. Her sword was not drawn, yet its edge was pointed straight at his throat. I'm advising you to leave a promise to stay your hand, so we can all get along. All along, Frieren had given the impression of a saintly figure, transcendent and untainted by grudges. But in reality, one only needed to see the rescue of that spirit maiden to understand. If she encountered someone she cared about being harmed, she could even disregard her own safety. Moreover, she was never a pushover. Some news was widely known: back in Stormveil Castle, Godrick's diehard loyalists became grafting material; in the Academy of Raya Lucaria, many stubborn traditionalists were killed, but even more were turned into various magical experiments... Terrifying. No one wanted to test what it would be like to be tormented by a sorcerer specializing in the soul, especially in the Lands Between where the concept of soul purity was deeply ingrained.

"If I hunt down Sellen, you won't just retaliate against me alone, will you?"

"Why don't you try and see?"

From beginning to end, Frieren's expression was calm. After a moment's hesitation, Jerren said self-deprecatingly, "Forget it. I really am a hesitant fellow. No need to get tangled up in these matters. After the Combat Festival is over, I will continue to stay at Redmane Castle. Caelid needs looking after."

"And I am very grateful to Your Majesty for both saving the lives of this land and welcoming back a branch of the Carian Royal Family."

"If there's anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I, Jerren, am at your command."

Beside him, Edgar and the other officers relaxed their expressions. This was the right way. Before the grander, beautiful future created by Her Majesty, what did those old grudges matter? The men of the Redmane Army looked at each other, and finally, with determination, looked towards the silver-haired girl, waiting for an answer:

"What does this mean?"

It wasn't that Frieren didn't understand; she needed a more explicit ceremony of allegiance, not some ambiguous statement. She had to admit that even in decline, the Redmanes still had some combat effectiveness. Most importantly, their understanding of the Caelid region meant they could quickly spread out as a highly organized army, providing productivity, truly allowing a region not just to recover but also to provide resources. From the very beginning, she had aimed for one true goal:

Conquest.

The highest priority. Even if Scarlet Rot couldn't be purified, she had to control the resources of this land. For example, those few ruins and catacombs were indispensable. Since there was a chance to subdue the Redmane Army, it couldn't be limited to mere cooperation. She had to obtain their loyalty in one step. Conversely, if they didn't pledge allegiance, they should be disbanded. Because in Frieren's plan, the three southern lands of Limgrave, the Weeping Peninsula, and Caelid were the absolute core rear area, and another military force was not allowed to exist.

"Everyone needs to rest. We'll talk after the Combat Festival. I also hope you all think it through carefully."

The meaningful words made Jerren and his men realize. The New Lord of Souls was not the type to be dismissed with a mere statement of willingness to cooperate. Her ambitions were vast. She had probably decided to occupy Caelid from the very beginning—truly ambitious. That was right. If she didn't intend to occupy it, why would she fight the Second Battle of Aeonia to the death? In other words. If the Redmane Army opposed, they would be undermining the fruits of war, causing the interests of the two southern factions to fail. Then you would become the new enemy. Either disband or pledge allegiance; there was no room for maneuver.

One place. The reason she said after the Combat Festival was to give them some face, otherwise it would seem like they were switching allegiance before Radahn was even dead.

"Your Majesty, I understand what you mean." At this point, Jerren actually had no other choice. He hadn't expected the other party's negotiation offensive to be so strong.

"Rest assured, I never force others, I only hope for peaceful coexistence. Also, in the future, you can go from being an acting castellan to a true one."

"I don't seek such things. As long as Caelid is safe, that's all that matters."

"That's good too. You can all lay down your arms and return to your fields, see the scenery of the new Caelid... I will tour here afterwards and completely sweep away the contamination of Scarlet Rot. You will like it."

Some things were self-evident. At this moment, Jerren knew his guess was correct; she already had a draft plan for dealing with the Redmane Army. Thinking of the worst-case scenario, the Southern Army was already in the city anyway; what couldn't they do? As for the threat of the Blood Dynasty? In the New Lord of Souls' eyes, it probably wasn't something that required a united front to oppose. This person's upright and grand spirit had never given those who lurk in the shadows a second glance.

"I'm going to see the other challengers. You all can talk."

With that, Frieren stood up. She stretched lazily, conveniently collecting her notebook and a series of magic scroll materials, then walked out of the guardhouse to stroll the streets. A series of greetings rang out; she had clearly met some acquaintances and was chatting animatedly. They hadn't had a chance to talk since the battle against the rot. The officers left in the room looked at each other. What to talk about?

Edgar was the first to break the silence, "Regardless, let's solve the Combat Festival first. After that, we'll have plenty of time to talk."

"The best result would be to also strike a blow against the Blood Dynasty along the way," Jerren nodded. "During this period, let us cooperate to complete the General's send-off."

"Of course."

The two looked at each other and both felt relieved. Since the other party's goal was clear, there was no need to be on guard.

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