Slaying a knight before the mushrooms were done

"Mel-Mel, level me up!"

Thanks to his heartless boss Edgar's shameless exploitation, Tarny had beaten up every major and minor faction on the Weeping Peninsula. The Kaiden Mercenaries, the avatar of the Minor Erdtree, and the Ancient Hero of Zamor in the evergaol had earned him another sizable pile of runes.

"You can gain two levels," Melina said after doing the calculations.

"Keep putting them into vigor."

And so Tarny's stats became:

Level: 20

HP: 529

FP: 78

Stamina: 96

Observation: 110

Memory slots: 2

Vigor: 15

Mind: 10

Endurance: 10

Strength: 16

Dexterity: 16

Intelligence: 12

Faith: 10

Arcane: 10

As soon as they were finished, Melina vanished again. Tarny was used to it by now, and he had been assigned another job himself: heading to Morne Tunnel to put down the rebellion.

Castle Morne was not the only place where the Misbegotten had rebelled. Morne Tunnel was another hard-hit area.

It was a mine on the Weeping Peninsula that had always supplied Castle Morne with a steady stream of smithing stones, making it vital to maintaining the strength of the castle's armaments.

Naturally, Edgar would never let such an important site remain outside his control.

So, as soon as Castle Morne had been brought into some semblance of order, he immediately sent Tarny to lead a squad and retake it.

Before they left, Edgar opened his mouth to say something, but finally shook his head and merely told Tarny, "Be careful out there."

A mere Morne Tunnel posed no challenge whatsoever to Tarny now that he was level 20. He could have taken it back single-handedly, let alone with an entire full-strength squad of soldiers behind him. Success was all but guaranteed.

Everything went just as Edgar had expected. Tarny and his men easily reclaimed Morne Tunnel.

The local miners presented Tarny with a [Pickaxe] as a token of their gratitude, promising that henceforth they would deliver smithing stones to Castle Morne on time, without any shortages.

[Pickaxe]: A large pickaxe capable of digging through and shattering bedrock, wielded by brawny miners. Originally only a tool, it nevertheless had the power to punch easily through armor-listen here, you little brat. Are you harder than bedrock?

When Tarny returned in triumph, Edgar visibly relaxed upon seeing no Misbegotten among his men.

"I thought you might recruit a bunch of Misbegotten and bring them back."

"Don't take me for an idiot," Tarny said. "Castle Morne just suffered a Misbegotten rebellion. Recruiting a bunch of them now would be like stabbing everyone straight in the heart."

Edgar was deeply pleased to see that Tarny understood the bigger picture. He delegated even more authority to him, clearly intent on becoming a hands-off boss.

Tarny accepted without hesitation. If Edgar was willing to relinquish power, he would gladly take it.

He was no longer the naive newcomer who had tried to change the world through his own strength alone. Reality had proven that one person could change nothing and would forever remain a plaything of fate. This time, he needed greater power to create the ending he wanted. Personal martial prowess and supreme authority-he wanted both!

Only those who truly wanted to become king could become king. Ambition was the very reason to reign!

Tarny decided to start with Castle Morne, and under his administration, the castle really did begin to flourish.

The Misbegotten rebellion had been a disaster, but it had also created an opportunity for different races to come together. Humans were not the only intelligent race in the Lands Between. Demi-Humans and Mushroom People possessed ancient wisdom of their own.

Under Tarny's coordination and management, that wisdom was put to full use. The weak united closely and worked together, finally gaining a slender chance of survival.

Castle Morne was renovated, and everyone received a sturdy, safe home. Livestock farming and mushroom cultivation also developed well, solving the problem of feeding the population. Conditions remained harsh, but in the dying days of a dynasty, with the Elden Ring shattered, the goddess gone, and the demigods at war, having a stable home and enough to eat and drink already put them ahead of ninety-nine percent of the Lands Between.

When the first crop of tarnished golden sunflowers ripened, Tarny took advantage of his abilities as a Tarnished, using the teleportation function of the sites of grace to trade with Kale for large quantities of supplies. This greatly improved the well-being of Castle Morne's soldiers and civilians, raising Tarny's reputation to new heights and attracting even more people to his side.

"A group of Kaiden Mercenaries has asked to join Castle Morne. They used to live off plunder, but circumstances forced them into it. Usually, they only robbed people, not killed them. Their records aren't exactly spotless, but at least they aren't vicious criminals. I intend to take them in," Tarny told Edgar over a meal.

Edgar had been free of worries lately, enjoying good food and drink every day. He had even put on some weight.

Hearing Tarny's words, he answered without looking up, still scooping up stewed mushrooms. "Mm, do whatever you think best."

"There's also a group of Gravitas-the people who spend all day collecting rocks in meteor craters. They've applied to join Castle Morne too. I spoke with their leader and found that every one of them is skilled in gravity magic. They're practically born civil engineers. As Castle Morne's population keeps growing, expansion is becoming urgent, so I intend to accept them as well."

Edgar kept scooping up mushrooms. "Excellent, excellent. A fine decision. I completely agree."

Tarny felt rather helpless. "My lord, I've also discovered someone who's been eating for free and slacking off instead of working."

Edgar flew into a rage. "Who? Castle Morne has everything to rebuild! Who dares slack off?"

"You!" Tarny snapped. "Emotional support matters, sure, but I'm not telling you all this because I want praise. I need you to help me make plans and solve actual problems!"

"Ahaha!" Edgar laughed awkwardly. He felt a little guilty, but not having to work day after day was simply too wonderful. Anyone who wanted those old days of worrying about everything could have them. He certainly wasn't going back. "I've given you everything I can, except my position as lord. How about I announce tomorrow that I'm handing it over to you?"

Tarny rolled his eyes in exasperation. "What do I want that for? I can't eat it or drink it. Besides, I'm already the lord whether you hand over the title or not. If you don't believe me, ask the people in town whose orders they follow!"

Edgar felt wounded. Tarny had completely outdone more than a decade of his administration in a single month. But in this age, providing people with a full stomach and a roof over their heads was an extraordinary achievement. Edgar accepted his defeat wholeheartedly.

"Tell me, then. What exactly do you want me to do?"

"I want to rebuild Waypoint Street," Tarny said, revealing his objective. "Kale told me there used to be a Waypoint Street in southeastern Limgrave, near the border with the Weeping Peninsula. It was once a center of trade, but it was abandoned because of the Shattering. As Castle Morne develops, its population and its needs will keep growing. We obviously can't rely on the Weeping Peninsula alone to be self-sufficient. Trading for what we lack is our only way forward."

"Kale and I have already reached an agreement. If I can rebuild Waypoint Street, the Nomadic Merchants he represents will give Castle Morne their full support. You know how resourceful those people are. They're found all over the Lands Between, even in its remotest corners. With their help, Castle Morne will never have to worry about supplies again."

Edgar frowned slightly. "The Nomadic Merchants have a poor reputation. Some say they summoned demons from beneath the earth."

Tarny shrugged. "How many people in Castle Morne have a good reputation these days?"

Edgar realized he had a point and relented. "Fine. What do you want me to do?"

"Waypoint Street is in Limgrave, while Castle Morne's jurisdiction only covers the Weeping Peninsula," Tarny said. "There's also an excavation team from Stormveil Castle nearby, with a heavy military guard. To avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict, shouldn't you send Lord Godrick a letter explaining the situation? Ideally, you could visit Stormveil Castle in person as a peace envoy. That would give me proper grounds to send out troops and take Waypoint Street!"

"Peace envoy, my foot! You're telling me to go to Stormveil Castle as a hostage!" Edgar cursed furiously.

Tarny looked innocent. "That's one way to put it. You aren't serving any purpose in Castle Morne anyway, so we might as well recycle the trash... let you make one last contribution."

"You were about to say recycle the trash, weren't you? You definitely were!" Edgar raged. "You think I'm useless because I'm old? Completely wrong! Today, I'll show you the experience and connections of a veteran!"

Edgar put down his fork, abandoning his stewed mushrooms, and wiped his mouth firmly. "Boy, Waypoint Street isn't under Stormveil Castle's jurisdiction. Its actual administration belongs to Fort Haight in eastern Limgrave. You're asking the wrong person if you go to Godrick for approval."

Tarny played along. "Fort Haight? Never heard of it."

"Shows how little you know," Edgar said smugly. "Limgrave is vast. Stormveil alone can't govern all of it, so administratively, it's divided into east and west. Stormveil manages the east, while Fort Haight handles the west. Waypoint Street is in the western region. If you want to rebuild it, you don't need Godrick's permission. You need to negotiate with the Haight family of Fort Haight."

Tarny continued setting him up. "But I don't know anyone in the Haight family. What should I do?"

"Haha, that's easy." Edgar grew even smugger. "The Haight Family and I go back a long way. During the rebellion, I was planning to send Irina to Fort Haight for refuge. Their people are always putting on scholarly airs, and they never get along with military men like us, but if I tell them something, they wouldn't dare refuse!"

"Oh, that's wonderful! As expected of Castle Morne's true lord. You're so much better than a fake like me." Tarny finally revealed his aim. "Then I'll leave contacting the Haight family to you. I'll have the soldiers prepare your horse right away."

"Good. Leave it to this old man. You youngsters never handle things reliably enough. In the end, it's always up to the older generation to step in!"

"Yes, yes. Absolutely. Thank you for the effort."

Smiling agreeably, Tarny backed out of the room. Irina was eavesdropping outside. He went over and gave her hand a little squeeze, and the two of them laughed together.

Inside, the old lord ate another couple of mouthfuls of stewed mushrooms before realizing something was wrong.

"Wait, why do I feel like Tarny set a trap for me? But he shouldn't know I'm acquainted with the Haight family. Hmm, perhaps it's just the wind playing tricks on me."

Poor Edgar had no idea that the draft was coming straight through his darling daughter's supposedly warm and protective little coat.

The next day, Edgar set out for Fort Haight with a few attendants, only to return that afternoon looking thoroughly bedraggled.

"Fort Haight has suffered a rebellion too," Edgar said gravely. "The knight commander there drove out the Haight family and took over their home. Apparently, he was sent from Stormveil Castle. It's hard to say whether this was a deliberate scheme by Godrick to seize Fort Haight. Tarny, prepare a unit for me immediately. Only one member of the Haight family remains out there now. I must find him. I can't let Godrick harm him!"

"Understood," Tarny answered at once. "The troops are already prepared."

Edgar froze. "You knew beforehand...?"

Tarny smiled. "Everyone is well trained."

"Hmph. I'll settle this with you when I get back!" Edgar was puzzled by Tarny's constant foresight, but the situation was urgent, and he had no time to dwell on it. He was about to lead the troops out when Tarny stopped him again.

"Let me go," Tarny said. "The town has only just settled down. If a large force suddenly marches out, the people are bound to be uneasy. We need someone steady here to hold things together."

Tarny's reasoning was sound, and his fighting ability was reliable, so Edgar did not refuse again. "Be careful. The current head of the Haight Family is Kenneth Haight, the legitimate eldest son of the previous lord. He was driven out of Fort Haight. Your mission is to find him and keep him safe, but if it proves impossible, don't push yourself. Your own safety comes first."

Warmth stirred in Tarny's heart. "Yes. I understand."

"Take my token. Kenneth Haight will recognize who you are when he sees it."

[Edgar's token]: A metal nameplate engraved with a storm motif. Banished Knights used these to remember their lost homeland.

Tarny accepted the token.

Edgar watched Tarny leave, worry written all over his face. Although troops were accompanying him, there were only twenty-odd men altogether. He had no idea whether they could find Kenneth Haight, much less rescue him.

In reality, however, finding Kenneth Haight was something Tarny knew like the back of his hand.

He led his troops north from the Bridge of Sacrifice, making swift progress along the road, and eventually found the stranded Kenneth Haight atop a large rock near a site of grace on the edge of Mistwood.

The lord of Fort Haight was delivering a passionate speech to empty air:

"Hello! Is anybody there? Anyone who would help me, Kenneth Haight! Anyone willing to cast out injustice and uphold rightful order! O Erdtree, send forth your emissary and aid your devoted believer!"

He had been betrayed, yet instead of crying out in pain, he was singing. Was this an opera performance? Kenneth Haight truly fit every stereotype Tarny held about nobles.

He ordered the soldiers to keep watch and climbed the rock alone.

Kenneth Haight spotted him immediately and cried out in a theatrical singsong. "Oh, you've appeared! Someone has come to help me! Though your status... well, even a Tarnished is welcome."

Tarny smiled faintly. "Should I leave, then?"

"No, no, no." Kenneth Haight had not become entirely consumed by aristocratic pretensions. At least he could still recognize reality. He promptly changed his tone. "Regardless of status, all may uphold rightful order. I apologize for my earlier hesitation. Greetings, Tarnished. My name is Kenneth Haight, and I need your help."

"Got it." Tarny had no intention of following the storyline again and skipped straight past the dialogue. "Your knight commander stole Fort Haight from you, right? I'll take it back for you."

Kenneth Haight choked on his words. "...Are you perhaps an Astrologer, able to foresee the future?"

"I'd like to be an Astrologer too, but Raya Lucaria Academy stopped accepting students, so I had to join the army to make a living."

"The army?"

"Yes, Castle Morne's army." Tarny presented the token and explained why he had come. "Lord Edgar visited Fort Haight not long ago and learned what happened there. He ordered me to find you and help you reclaim the fort."

"Ah, how mortifying that Lord Edgar should learn of my predicament. Yet he has put our past differences aside and offered his aid. I, Kenneth Haight, am deeply grateful. Once the fort is reclaimed, I shall certainly visit him to express my thanks." Kenneth Haight spoke in a refined, literary manner, with a particular rhythm to his words. Put simply, he sounded as though he were singing. He was the complete opposite of Edgar-a textbook civil official.

Curious, Tarny asked, "Past differences? Is there some bad blood between Fort Haight and Castle Morne?"

"Haha, merely a few disagreements over policy. Nothing significant." Kenneth Haight was no fool. He brushed the matter aside and changed the subject. "May I ask where Castle Morne's elite troops are?"

Tarny pointed below.

Kenneth Haight looked down and saw twenty-odd soldiers scattered sparsely beneath them. His heart sank.

"The man occupying my fort is a knight commander sent by Stormveil Castle. Not only is he highly skilled in combat, he is obsessed with the power of blood. His strength far surpasses that of an ordinary knight. I fear he may already rival a demigod. With only these men, I fear..."

Tarny was stunned. Rival a demigod? If that knight commander really had a demigod's power, he'd have cut Godrick down and taken Stormveil Castle already. Why would he bother stealing your lousy fort?

Kenneth Haight has absolutely no grasp of combat strength!

Having realized this, Tarny could not be bothered to explain further. He simply invited Kenneth Haight down and ordered the soldiers to set up their pots and cook, making sure to take good care of the lord. After fleeing all the way here, Kenneth Haight was practically skin and bones from hunger. Even roadside Demi-Human robbers probably couldn't be bothered with him, since he looked as though there was nothing worth squeezing out of him.

The smell of stewed mushrooms made Kenneth Haight's eyes turn red. He stared fixedly at the iron pot, putting the soldier doing the cooking under tremendous pressure.

Meanwhile, Tarny blew the Spectral Steed Whistle to summon Torrent. As he adjusted the saddle, he said, "Well, you lot eat first. I'm off to take a fort."

The soldiers knew how powerful Tarny was and readily accepted his orders. Kenneth Haight had nothing but food on his mind and nodded along as well.

Only when hoofbeats rang out and Tarny rode away did he abruptly come to his senses. "He's gone alone? Isn't that throwing his life away? Hurry and bring him back! You mustn't let him die!"

But the soldiers were unconcerned. Lord Tarny had killed the Leonine Misbegotten. This was only a knight commander. Could he possibly be tougher than the Leonine Misbegotten?

When his pleas went unheeded, Kenneth Haight was filled with regret. His own negligence had doomed an innocent life. His knight commander's martial skill was unmatched under heaven. Only a great army could defeat him. How could a mere Tarnished possibly be his equal?

Yet while he was still wallowing in self-reproach, hoofbeats sounded again. Kenneth Haight looked up to see Tarny returning, a bloody head in his hand. It belonged to that very knight commander whose martial skill was unmatched under heaven.

Kenneth Haight: "???"

The soldiers took the head and welcomed Tarny back, praising him. "Splendid work, Lord Tarny! You slew the traitor before the mushrooms were even cooked!"

Kenneth Haight: "!!!"