The next morning, Blaidd went to Ranni to bid her farewell.
He knelt on one knee before her and said, "Princess, I would like to go away for a while."
"What for?" Ranni asked softly.
"To train and grow stronger, so I can be worthy of you, Princess," Blaidd said with his head lowered. "Besides, I still haven't managed to catch that annoying fellow lately, so I want to travel around and see if I can find any trace of him."
"To think he actually became the Elden Champion, and Radagon was the one who gave him the title." Ranni showed little expression, but her tone made it clear that she disliked Zhao Si and Radagon.
"Where are you going?" Ranni lowered her eyes to look at Blaidd.
Blaidd thought for a moment. "I want to visit the Mountaintops of the Giants. I think there will be a suitable way for me to train there."
"The Mountaintops of the Giants, Miquella's domain. You do know we aren't on good terms, don't you?" Ranni's tone was somewhat strange. It was hard to tell whether she was reproaching him, expressing displeasure, or questioning him.
Blaidd felt a little unnerved, but forced himself to answer, "I do."
"Good, as long as you know. Go, then. You have my permission. But you must stay in contact, and return when I summon you." Ranni said nothing else.
Blaidd let out a long breath, accepted Ranni's orders, and hurriedly withdrew.
What Blaidd failed to notice was the complicated look in Ranni's eyes.
She and Blaidd had grown up together. Their bond ran deeper than family ties, and they had even sworn to become an elder sister and younger brother.
There was no question that they cared for each other, and Blaidd supported Ranni wholeheartedly and unconditionally.