It seems that there is some kind of secret between the two that cannot be spoken in public, and even Rellana, a veteran in this world, does not recognize Melina. The situation is gradually becoming a bit eerie.
However, Messmer did not insist for too long. He agreed to let Miniature Ranni, the Tarnished, and Nepheli Loux temporarily join the Loyalist Army. It seems that he is not the type of demigod who would attack the Tarnished on sight.
Perhaps it was because Aoko told him the truth—that his father, Messmer Sr., was also a Tarnished now—so he developed some sympathy.
"I think they might be siblings," Touko whispered to Aoko as she ran over. "They look too similar. There's no way they could be mother and son, right?"
Since she spoke in a very low voice, the people nearby did not hear her. Moreover, Touko spoke in Japanese to Aoko, so the others probably wouldn't understand either.
Melina did not disappear again but remained visible, standing beside the Tarnished. She even gave the Aozaki sisters a meaningful look.
The Fell Omen lying on the ground said nothing, but his gaze was filled with hatred as he stared intently at Messmer. However, Messmer showed no mercy—he immediately summoned a long spear and thrust it into Margitt's chest, causing him to dissipate into golden light.
"...I will remember you, traitors... those manipulated by the flame of ambition... I will be waiting for you in the royal capital..."
Margit's voice echoed through the walls of Stormveil Castle before gradually fading away. However, these words angered Messmer. The fact that this horned creature dared to say, "I will be waiting for you in the royal capital" undoubtedly touched a nerve.
"Keep moving forward," Messmer commanded, clenching his fists. "I can't let my 'dear nephew' wait too long..."
Messmer's Crusader Expeditionary Army was undoubtedly the most formidable force in the Lands Between. Aside from the ordinary soldiers who, like Hoarah Loux, came from the badlands, all the Black Knight cavalry possessed the power of the Hundred Forms of the Crucible, making them no weaker than the Crucible Knights who once served Godfrey.
Nepheli Loux quickly adapted to this environment, even integrating well with Messmer's soldiers. She fought alongside them, clashing swords with Stormveil's defenders.
The Tarnished, on the other hand, surprised Aoko. Although he seemed dumb and forgetful, he could use a variety of highly practical combat techniques and skillfully perform parries with his medium shield. He was no novice.
Melina, however, did not fight. She merely floated along with the main force, watching the Tarnished battle with a steady, disciplined style from a distance.
The defenders of Stormveil Castle were no match for the Crusader Expeditionary Army. The remaining soldiers were swiftly cut down one by one, and the ever-scheming Gatekeeper Gostoc immediately surrendered the moment he saw Messmer. He was now serving as a guide for the invaders, acting incredibly humble.
For the sake of efficiency, the army stormed through the main gate. The numerous crossbow traps set up in ambush were effortlessly flung into deep space by Aoko using Primal Darkness. In the real world, a simulated black hole was far more potent than just absorbing magic and incantations.
Due to the repeated sieges Stormveil Castle had endured, its walls were now covered in dense layers of fortifications. Many parts of the castle had been damaged, with no apparent intent to repair them.
Aoko and Touko, being the only two capable of flight, took charge of reconnaissance, scanning the entire castle and relaying real-time information to Messmer and Rellana. (Some Black Knights could fly too, but only for short durations.)
While flying over a church in the upper city, Aoko spotted a sneaky Tarnished exploring the area—the sorcerer Rogier.
"Greetings, esteemed sorceress," Rogier, dressed in his peculiar swordsman's light armor and wearing his signature large hat, bowed with impeccable etiquette. "My name is Rogier, and like you, I am a sorcerer. I am searching for something within this castle while avoiding Godrick's soldiers."
Aoko examined this unlucky yet charming sorcerer, who indeed gave off the vibe of a tragic protagonist.
"I currently serve under Lord Messmer, the leader of the Crusader Expeditionary Army," Aoko shrugged. "Lord Messmer is planning to bring down Godrick—probably because his conduct has utterly disgraced the Golden Lineage."
"Oh?" Rogier was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected this formidable-looking sorceress to say such a thing. "...Hmm, has my luck suddenly improved? In that case, I shall take my leave for now, as I still have something to search for..."
"If you're looking for the Curse Growth of the Prince of Death, I advise against it," Aoko said bluntly, getting straight to the point. "That thing is not something you can handle."
"How do you...?" Rogier looked puzzled. He was certain he wasn't a famous Tarnished. Even in his past life, centuries ago, he had remained relatively unknown. Moreover, he could not see the guidance of grace.
"I'm fairly skilled in prophecy magic," Aoko lied effortlessly. "Your 'tendency' is far too obvious. If you get too close to the Prince of Death's growth, you'll be walking straight to your doom."
"Of course," she added after seeing Rogier hesitate, "if you insist, I won't stop you."
"...I accept your advice." Rogier thought for a moment and decided to take the warning seriously. After all, he was a smart man.
"You could also join our forces," Aoko suggested, pointing behind her. "There are a few other Tarnished in the army. You might find them good company."
Rogier nodded, agreeing that this was indeed a viable option. Without further conversation, Aoko took to the skies again, resuming her reconnaissance.
She refrained from using search magic because the materials used in constructing this city seemed to possess some special properties that prevented her from "seeing" through walls. Thus, aerial scouting was the only option for her and Touko.
The good news was that the Crusader Expeditionary Army was extremely efficient. With the real-time intel provided by the Aozaki sisters—essentially acting as drones—they managed to eliminate most of Stormveil's defenders within a single morning.
Some of the Banished Knights chose to swear allegiance to Messmer, and he gladly accepted them. These warriors were once Storm King's elite, and even his father, Hoarah Loux, had spoken highly of them.
After defeating the Troll Slaves guarding the throne room entrance, Messmer's army finally surrounded the now completely isolated Golden Lord Godrick.
And the grotesque abomination—who had grafted dozens of extra arms onto himself—now showed a face full of terror.
Aoko couldn't help but find it amusing.