In the warm, amber light of the magical lamps, Olica's face was flushed as she lazily nestled under the covers, hiding her body beneath the blanket, with only her head exposed. Her amber eyes gazed at Ryan from behind, full of affection. The dark elf's long black hair spread across the bed as she stared at Ryan, who was communicating with the Lady of the Lake using his psychic powers. It seemed she was contemplating something.
The inner chamber of the large tent was quite warm. The main temple of Valaya had an advanced and ancient underground water system, which kept the place cool. The only thing Olica found somewhat unpleasant was the lack of a view of the sky, and the strong anti-magic field made her feel a bit uncomfortable, considering her Saint-level strength. As a result, she had been clinging to Ryan whenever she could.
At this moment, Ryan was still communicating with the Lady of the Lake.
"As you said, news of the disappearance of the expeditionary army has spread across Seagate Pass, the Empire, and Bretonnia. Some say the army was entirely wiped out at Eight Peaks Mountain, while others claim they are trapped underground. Some even say they saw your head and that of King Belagar impaled on greenskin poles, while others insist you're still besieging the mountain," the Lady of the Lake said, chuckling lightly. "Are you asking me to reassure Sulia and little Devonshire?"
"That's secondary," Ryan replied with a bitter smile. "My Lady, I ask you to relay this message to Sulia and François, and ask Duke François to gather a new expeditionary force to come to our aid."
"François is fine, but a new expeditionary army? Ryan, are you serious?" The Lady of the Lake seemed puzzled. "I know the current battle has taken a heavy toll, but you've already brought nearly all of Bretonnia's spare forces on this expedition. If François organizes another army, it will strain Bretonnia's national defense to its limits. Have you truly thought this through?"
"No, that's not what I meant," Ryan replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I need François to gather a small force, but it must appear much larger. Even if only a thousand men arrive, I want it to look like ten thousand, twenty thousand, or even fifty thousand."
"A bluff?" The Lady of the Lake quickly grasped Ryan's intention.
"Exactly," Ryan said, keeping his explanation brief. Both he and the Lady of the Lake were smart enough not to need every detail spelled out. François, his cunning father-in-law, would surely understand as well.
This was one of the strategies Ryan had devised with Belagar.
"I see," the Lady of the Lake replied with a knowing smile. "Perhaps you might need Morgiana's help?"
"Better not. Morgiana is best suited to staying in the kingdom for now." Ryan shook his head, feeling a mix of longing and trepidation when thinking of Morgiana. After such a long expedition, he'd have to "repay" his debts when he returned.
A faint laugh echoed from the void. The Lady of the Lake was pleased with Ryan and Morgiana's relationship. If Morgiana could bear Ryan's child, it would bind him even more firmly to her. Unfortunately, like most spellcasters, Morgiana found it difficult to conceive, even if she was willing.
"My Lady, the expeditionary force has suffered heavy losses. Morale is low, supplies are running out, and we're out of bullets and shells. The environment is unfamiliar and harsh. I beg you to appear before the army and boost their morale, reigniting their fighting spirit," Ryan said, making his second request.
"You want me to show myself to inspire the army?" The Lady of the Lake hesitated. "Is that what you're asking?"
Ryan sensed her reluctance and hesitation. Normally, the Lady of the Lake would fully support his decisions. Today, something seemed off.
Ryan thought for a few seconds but decided it was necessary. He insisted, "Yes, my Lady. Now is the time when the expeditionary force needs unity and inspiration the most."
The Lady of the Lake remained silent.
Ryan too fell into silence, waiting for her response.
He felt a pang of disappointment, something even Olica, lying behind him, could sense. Ryan had personally led the expedition, fought top-tier enemies like Queek and Neferata, and hadn't uttered a word of complaint. He never felt his efforts were wasted. But now, the Lady of the Lake was unwilling to even make an appearance?
Sensing Ryan's disappointment, the Lady of the Lake spoke again, her voice filled with inner conflict. "My champion, it's not that I don't want to help, but… this is the domain of the dwarven goddess Valaya! You know what it means for an elf goddess like me, who also serves as a human deity, to appear in Valaya's temple? It would be tantamount to declaring war!"
Ryan suddenly understood, feeling a bit ashamed. His voice softened. "Couldn't we negotiate?"
"Elven gods will never bow to dwarf gods!" the Lady of the Lake replied, somewhat indignantly. "Even at the height of cooperation between elven and dwarf gods, it was only because of the Chaos threat. You want me, a goddess far stronger than Valaya, to beg her? That's humiliating! Why should I beg that short, fat, stubborn, rude, and ill-mannered dwarf?"
"Is it really impossible?" Ryan sighed.
The Lady of the Lake fell silent again.
After a long pause, she spoke softly, "Since it's your request, my champion, I'll try. But don't get your hopes up. Valaya is just as stubborn as the other two dwarf gods. I can't guarantee I'll get permission, but I'll give it a shot."
Ryan felt a warmth in his heart. "It's enough that you're willing to try, my Lady."
"Mm." With that, the Lady of the Lake's voice disappeared.
Ryan rose to continue his duties, motioning for Olica to rest. "You've worked hard, Olica. Take a break."
"Master~" Olica purred, lazily lying back. "It's my duty, but don't ever think that Khalida is our friend. She's only using us, and we're using her."
"I know," Ryan nodded. Olica, exhausted from using up her magic in the recent battle, quickly fell asleep again.
Half an hour later, the Lady of the Lake's voice echoed in the void, brimming with triumph. "Ryan, my champion, are you listening?"
"I'm listening." Ryan sat up straight.
"Valaya has agreed. Though she wasn't happy, she acknowledged our contribution and resolve in the Eight Peaks Mountain expedition." The Lady of the Lake's voice was joyful. "Are you ready to welcome my descent, my champion?"
"Of course!" Ryan stood up immediately. "I'm always ready!"
In a dazzling white light, the goddess was preparing to descend into the mortal world.
"My champion, remember, I'm doing this for you and only for you! How will you repay me?" The Lady of the Lake pinched Ryan's cheek playfully as she appeared. "No one else could have convinced me!"
"I deeply appreciate your help." But Ryan sensed something was off.
"Don't just thank me. I want action!" The goddess insisted. "How about you promise me one thing, Ryan?"
"Lilith!" Ryan's expression darkened as he realized what was happening.
She had been faking it! Her hesitation, her difficulty, her reluctance—it had all been an act! She had done it to claim a favor, forcing him into a position where he had no choice but to agree.
There was no escape.
In the end, Ryan had no choice but to sign the unfair agreement. As a reward, the goddess gave him a passionate kiss.
…[Unforeseen Trap Divider]...
The appearance of the Lady of the Lake in Valaya's temple was a massive morale boost for the knightly army that had just fought a bloody battle. Even the dwarves were left in shock. This meant that Valaya not only recognized the alliance between Belagar and Ryan but also that the two goddesses had reached a consensus regarding the expedition to Eight Peaks Mountain.
Belagar, the King of Eight Peaks, had long felt guilty about relying on human forces, especially Bretonnian knights, for the expedition. It felt like bending the rules of dwarven oaths, but he had no other choice. Now, with Valaya's blessing, he could proudly declare to all that Valaya herself supported his decision. No dwarf would question the sacredness and validity of this alliance again!
In the dwarven fortress's grand hall, the surviving Bretonnian expeditionary forces gathered, filled with joy. Everyone, except for Veronica's witch coven, loudly praised the Lady of the Lake, singing her hymns. The knights were in tears, kneeling before the goddess as she inspected them.
The ceremony, though simple, was filled with honor. With limited materials after the recent battle, the soldiers had erected a wooden platform, but every soldier felt the highest honor as they stood in formation under the protection of the Grail Knights and Ryan's personal escort.
As Ryan introduced the various duchies' troops and their achievements in the expedition, the goddess nodded, smiled, and offered a few words of encouragement. Each nod, smile, or short phrase brought knights to tears of gratitude. The ceremony paused several times due to the overwhelming emotions but soon resumed.
When it was the turn of the heavily wounded peasant infantry, the atmosphere became tense. No one dared speak, cough, or even move their necks. They stood rigid, knowing that the Lady of the Lake, whom they had longed to see but never had the chance, was now standing right before them.
The Lady
of the Lake has acknowledged us!
Our sacrifices were worth it!
Then came the surprise announcement. Ryan declared that a hundred of the most valiant and decorated soldiers from the peasant infantry would be granted the status of freemen and inducted into the Old Guard on the spot.
"Long live the Lady! Long live the King!"
Thunderous cheers echoed through Valaya's temple.
"Oorah! Oorah! Oorah!"
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