Nepheli Loux continued to lead Bai Shi around the Roundtable Hold, explaining its history along the way.
“The Roundtable Hold was established long ago, before we Tarnished were stripped of the Golden Grace. It was a gathering place for heroes.”
“It’s said that the Roundtable Hold of that era was even more formidable than it is now. There were even powerful knights favored by the ancient dragons.”
“My adoptive father, Sir Gideon Ofnir, was one of the founders of the Roundtable Hold, and he is its current leader.”
At the mention of her adoptive father, an expression of admiration appeared on Nepheli Loux’s face.
“My father is different from me. He’s a learned scholar. He adopted me when I was young and has been my guiding light ever since.”
“If my father weren’t busy right now, I would definitely introduce him to you.”
Bai Shi nodded. In the game, Sir Gideon Ofnir would slaughter the Albinaurics, send people to snatch the Haligtree Secret Medallion, and try to stop the player from becoming Elden Lord—a complete schemer.
But in terms of being learned, there was truly nothing to criticize.
However, what had always puzzled Bai Shi was why Gideon would try to stop the player from becoming Elden Lord in the end.Gideon had no desire to be king himself; his pursuit had always been knowledge.
Queen Marika's guidance was clearly for a Tarnished to become the Elden Lord.
Yet Gideon, who had also received that guidance, said before their final battle, “Queen Marika has high hopes for us. That we continue to struggle. Unto eternity.”
Was this a lie Gideon told because he didn't want the laws to be mended, so he could live forever and satisfy his private desire for knowledge?
Or was the guidance he received at that time not from Queen Marika at all?
…………
For now, these matters were too distant. Bai Shi merely let his thoughts wander for a moment before setting them aside.
There would be plenty of opportunities to investigate in the future. For now, he would listen to Nepheli Loux's tour.
The two continued through the corridors, flanked by many small rooms that one could rest in by spending Runes.
Every so often, a Tarnished would be seen at a small stall, selling or exchanging materials and items they had acquired.
Suddenly, a voice called out to Nepheli Loux.
“Nepheli Loux, showing a new compatriot around the Roundtable Hold again today, are you?”
Bai Shi looked toward the source of the voice and was surprised to see a Finger Maiden. She was sitting at her own stall, but there was nothing displayed on it.
Nepheli Loux seemed to know her well. She greeted her and led Bai Shi over.
“That's right. As soon as he arrived, he gave everyone by the round table quite a shock. I happened to be there, so I offered to show him the way.”
The maiden carefully studied Bai Shi, a look of surprise gradually spreading across her face.
“Just from his stance, I can tell this warrior is terrifyingly strong.”
“Right? You can tell at a glance.”
Nepheli Loux casually patted Bai Shi’s armor and then made the introduction.
“This is Maiden Therolina. She doesn’t have a Tarnished to guide, so she decided to wait in the Roundtable Hold for a suitable companion. She also helps warriors without a maiden to turn their Runes into strength. For a small fee, of course.”
Therolina stood up and gave Bai Shi a slight bow.
“I am Bai Shi. Just a nameless newcomer.”
Bai Shi was a little surprised. He remembered that name.
Therolina. The maiden without a Tarnished to guide, who was eventually turned into a puppet by Seluvis.
He didn’t expect her to be running a level-up service in the Roundtable Hold now. Hopefully, she wouldn’t get caught by Seluvis again.
“Um, Sir Bai Shi, I see you have no maiden by your side…”
“Hm?”
Bai Shi was a bit confused as to why she would suddenly ask this.
‘Wait, she doesn’t want to be my maiden, does she?’
As expected, Therolina spoke again. “It’s a bit forward of me to ask, but if you do not have a maiden, could I accompany you as yours?”
“Ah, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I do have a maiden, she just didn’t come here with me.”
Bai Shi quickly turned her down.
He had to be joking. If she came along, how could he have a fun and happy journey with Melina?
A look of disappointment crossed Therolina’s face.
“Oh, I see. My apologies, I was out of line…”
—
After leaving Therolina’s stall, Nepheli Loux apologized to Bai Shi, feeling a bit sorry.
“Please don’t mind Therolina’s forwardness. It’s just that you’re a powerful warrior, and she simply wishes to fulfill her duty.”
“It’s fine. My maiden isn’t with me, so it’s an understandable mistake.”
An issue had just occurred to Bai Shi, and he asked Nepheli Loux:
“By the way, are there many people in the Roundtable Hold who are accompanied by a maiden?”
Nepheli Loux shook her head.
“Although there are a few dozen, it’s still a very small number compared to the total population.”
“Take me, for instance. I don’t have a maiden either. Therolina has helped me out a lot, and we see each other often, so you could say we’re friends.”
As she spoke, Nepheli Loux led Bai Shi to a room from which scorching heat radiated through the door.
Bai Shi looked inside. The room was filled with a massive forge, an anvil, and all sorts of smithing tools.
A figure was hammering away at a weapon on the anvil.
It was Smithing Master Hewg.
Unlike in the game, Hewg now had his own small room, which wasn't a bad arrangement.
Not wanting to disturb him, Nepheli Loux introduced him to Bai Shi from the doorway.
“That’s old master Hewg. Don’t underestimate his craft just because he’s a Misbegotten. He’s forging right now, so let’s not disturb him. You can come find him when you need to strengthen your weapons.”
Bai Shi didn’t have anything that needed urgent strengthening, so he continued on with Nepheli Loux.
Suddenly, the sound of panting came from a nearby room.
Nepheli Loux frowned; it was clear she disliked the room’s occupant.
“The owner of this room is a woman named Fia. She’s… how should I put it… not very proper.”
Without further explanation, Nepheli Loux quickly led Bai Shi away.
Next, Nepheli Loux showed Bai Shi the area for posting and accepting commissions, the Twin Maiden Husks who sold all sorts of items, and the kitchens that provided food and drink.
Along the way, they also saw Corhyn teaching incantations, D marking crosses on his map, and Diallos wandering around, looking for his attendant.
He didn’t see Rogier. He wondered if he was already in Stormveil, or if the panting from Fia’s room had been them.
Nepheli Loux also took Bai Shi past Gideon’s room, but the door was shut tight, with only Ensha striking a pose by the entrance. Nepheli Loux gave up on the idea of introducing Bai Shi to Gideon.
Bai Shi marveled at the sight. The Roundtable Hold now was much livelier than in the game, more like an adventurers’ guild from other stories.
After completing their tour, they returned to the round table.
Nepheli Loux pointed toward a set of heavy doors and spoke of the most important place in the Hold.
“Behind those doors are the Two Fingers. But the doors to their chambers are currently closed. Only certain individuals may be summoned for an audience.”
“For instance, the envoys who take their orders from the Two Fingers, my adoptive father Sir Gideon Ofnir, and champions who have obtained a Great Rune.”
Nepheli Loux’s expression turned grave.
“But as of now, we haven't even defeated a single demigod who holds a Great Rune.”