Bernahl led Zhao Si toward Volcano Manor.
Two men on two horses rode side by side. As they drew closer, they could feel the rolling waves of heat from the volcano. Magma churned and bubbled inside it, and smoke drifted into the sky. A thick smell of sulfur filled their noses. Living here long enough would probably affect one's sense of smell and taste, even if one couldn't be poisoned to death.
With the natural advantages of Mt. Gelmir, Volcano Manor was practically impregnable. Sheer cliffs covered the volcano, and the manor itself was built inside it, with only one proper road leading up.
"I know what Rykard has done," Bernahl said, "but I don't think he was wrong. He was only doing his duty."
"I agree that he was doing his 'duty,'" Zhao Si said, very much in agreement with Bernahl.
Except that, to Zhao Si, Rykard's so-called "duty" was probably to overthrow the Erdtree.
"I know the Two Fingers must be very angry." Bernahl paused. "But I ask you not to hurt Rykard."
"Are you close to Rykard?" Zhao Si asked.
Bernahl made no attempt to hide it. "He's my dearest friend."
"So if I were to do something against him..." Zhao Si drew out his words without finishing.
"I won't get in your way." Bernahl took a deep breath. "But I will avenge my dearest friend."
He would even fulfill his friend's last wishes.
Bernahl wouldn't lay everything out for Zhao Si. He was only expressing his convictions. He valued loyalty and friendship, but he couldn't defy the Two Fingers either, so this was the choice he had to make.
"Haha, I couldn't hurt Rykard." Zhao Si laughed. "I'm just an ordinary Tarnished."
"Then what did the Two Fingers send you here for?" Bernahl asked.
"What did