"Sellen, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"Heh, anything to say? I'd rather know what the Academy is thinking. I was in my room conducting research during that entire period. Or do you honestly believe I've already mastered Starlight Mirror and can bypass every magical barrier designed to obstruct it without anyone noticing?"
Sellen let out a contemptuous smirk. She leaned back in her chair, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she addressed Breick, another professor from the Olivinus Classroom who was currently interrogating her.
Breick didn't take offense at her tone. In his view, Sellen was indeed incapable of such a feat. The primary suspects were far more likely to be from the Carian royal family or the Lazuli Classroom.
As Sellen pointed out, Starlight Mirror was a spell completely beyond her reach. According to both their internal intelligence and the information they had on the Carians, Sellen had never been given the opportunity to even touch that magic. It was a spell exclusive to members of the Carian Royal Family; within the Academy, only those in the Lazuli Classroom had access to it.
Furthermore, from what they knew, Sellen's relationship with the mages of the Lazuli Classroom was anything but friendly.
Still, appearances had to be maintained.
"I will relay everything you've said to Dean Ward," Breick stated. "As for your final sentence... that will be for the Dean to decide."
"Heh, do as you please."
Sellen adjusted her posture and leaned back with an air of nonchalance, acting as if the entire ordeal was beneath her concern.
"Gwyn, is it?"
"Yes, that's me."
Mohg nodded slightly toward the mage in front of him, leaning his upper body forward to maintain a facade of nervous agitation.
"You needn't be so tense. We've already searched your dormitory and investigated your background. You'll be able to return shortly."
Seeing Mohg's reaction, the mage offered a word of comfort. Just as he said, most of the magic professors believed his arrival was merely a convenient timing chosen by some Primeval Current factionist within the Academy to make a move. They had no intention of making things difficult for him.
After all, they hadn't found a single trace of evidence in his room. When combined with his background and his previous suspicious behavior...
Ward felt that this fellow was likely just a slightly talented, somewhat clever, but ultimately unlucky brat. With the Academy facing major crises, he had neither the time nor the energy to deal with such a triviality, so he decided to let him go.
Mohg felt a surge of secret delight. It seemed that choosing the bold approach had its perks; people who thought themselves clever rarely suspected such a blunt move.
After a while, the door to Mohg's room swung open once more.
This time, the expression on Mohg's face froze instantly.
Standing in the doorway was an individual he never could have anticipated.
The sister of the Full Moon Queen, Princess of the Carian Royal Family, current Commander of the Carian Knights, and the Twin Moon Knight—Rellana.
Clatter—
Mohg stood up in a panicked rush, staring at Rellana for a long time, unable to find his voice.
This time, he wasn't acting. He was genuinely stunned.
"You look quite nervous."
Rellana pulled out a chair and slowly sat opposite Mohg. She removed her helmet, revealing her face as she spoke.
Mohg finally got a clear look at her. She bore a resemblance to Rennala, but her features possessed a sharper, more piercing edge. Strands of hair that had been pinned by her helmet fell to either side of her face, with a very long braid trailing behind. Her eyes were a striking shade of pale cerulean.
"You flatter me... I think anyone in my position would be... a bit... terrified... to see you."
Mohg forced a strained smile and began scanning his surroundings, wondering if he should find an opportunity to flip the table and make a high-speed break for it.
Sensing that Mohg's emotions weren't entirely faked, Rellana couldn't help but let out a small smile.
"Then I'll be direct. Gwyn, come serve under me. Become my knight."
As she spoke, Rellana stood up and looked Mohg squarely in the eye.
"Huh?!"
Mohg was floored. What was going on? Was he exposed, or wasn't he?
If he was exposed, it made no sense—who recruits a spy as a subordinate? If he wasn't exposed... it made even less sense! If he was caught, they might be trying to play him, but if he wasn't, why would an insignificant nobody who just joined the Academy be chosen as a knight?
Wait... is your family really just full of people with a red-hair fetish?!
"This... may I ask the reason why?"
Mohg lowered his head slightly, speaking to Rellana with an air of unease.
"Hmm... because of the way you looked at me before. I took a liking to that gaze. It was the look of a warrior, not like these mages in the Academy. I even saw a hint of eagerness in your eyes—though it was faint, I noticed it."
Mohg's mouth twitched. Could he tell her that the look was because he was prepared to burn his bridges and fight his way out?
Probably not.
However... joining the service of the Twin Moon...
Mohg lowered his head, contemplating the feasibility. Joining her would undoubtedly grant him access to more magic and a wealth of intelligence. It would also provide opportunities to come into contact with the armies of the Golden Lineage.
Going to Carian territory would allow him to plant his own moles there. Looking at it that way... the benefits were actually quite substantial.
"Your Highness, I think I should still—"
Clang!
The moment Mohg spoke, a cold flash of light entered his vision. Sensing danger, Mohg instinctively reached out, his hand darting forward to catch and block the attacker's forearm.
Just as Mohg breathed a sigh of relief, his heart leaped back into his throat. He realized exactly what kind of situation he was in!
When he looked up again, he met Rellana's gaze, which carried a knowing, half-smile.
"It seems my intuition was correct. Gwyn, you are a warrior, not a mage."
Hearing Rellana's words, Mohg, who had been about to escalate the fight, suddenly stopped. Based on her reaction... it seemed she had misunderstood something?
"I don't know why you used such a clumsy method to disguise yourself as an Astrologer to sneak into the Academy, but I imagine what you're after is magic, yes? Caria can give you the same things."
Mohg looked at the garments in Rellana's hand and let out a helpless sigh.
Sure enough, there had been an issue with the embroidery on those clothes.
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (369 Chapters – Ongoing)
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