Elden Ring, but with Wind Spirit Moon Shadow

Chapter 485 Offering Loyalty
When Bai Shi stepped into the Great Blessing Hall of the Round Table, the originally noisy hall instantly fell silent.

The faded ones stopped what they were doing, their eyes involuntarily drawn to him.

Some people rubbed their eyes, wondering if they were seeing things because they were dazed.

Someone gasped in surprise, but immediately covered their mouth, afraid of disturbing this supreme being.

No one could believe their eyes—the legendary Sun King had actually come to the Hall of the Round Table.

For ordinary people like them who have faded into obscurity, they don't even have the chance to see this king once, and can only dream about those legendary stories in their sleep.

Soon, the faded ones reacted, kneeling on one knee and bowing their heads in the most respectful manner to welcome Bai Shi's arrival.

Bai Shi looked at the fading people around him with a warm, spring-like smile, casting goodwill at them.

Since the factors affecting the border area began to improve, the living conditions of the faded people have improved significantly.

It is always comforting to see a place brimming with life, no matter when.

Bai Shi looked around and suddenly noticed that the Great Blessing had changed slightly.

In the central area of ​​the hall, a new dark red carpet had been laid out at some point, and it was clear at a glance that it had been carefully prepared.

Clearly, Bai Zhi had made prior preparations to welcome Bai Shi's arrival, thus demonstrating his respect.

Bai Shi did not linger in the hall for long, but went straight to the area where Sir Bai Zhi was.

Watching Bai Shi's departing figure, some of the younger Faded Ones couldn't help but stand up and take a few steps forward, hoping to linger that light in their eyes a little longer.

But they didn't dare get too close, only whispering excitedly and glancing with admiration in the direction Bai Shi had left.
-
Bai Shi hadn't walked out for long when Neferi Lu and Ensha were already waiting in the corridor.

One is Baizhi's adopted daughter, and the other is his close confidante.

Upon noticing Bai Shi's arrival, Bai Zhi immediately arranged for them to greet him, demonstrating his respect and showing no sign of negligence.

Neferi was filled with joy upon seeing Bai Shi's arrival.

Her joy was not just about seeing Bai Shi again.

Neferi has always held a position in Stoneville and is considered an important manager under White.

She hadn't missed any of Bai Shi's previous returns.

Neferi was happy that the long-standing trouble in her heart was finally about to be resolved.

After all, she was Bai Zhi's adopted daughter, and she could sense that Bai Shi's relationship with his adoptive father hadn't been that close before.

Now that Bai Zhi has finally submitted to Bai Shi, Neferi is naturally happy.

Otherwise, she knew that a barbarian like herself could not solve the age-old dilemma between loyalty and filial piety.

Bai Shi nodded to them, already knowing clearly in his heart that Bai Zhi had submitted.

Without further conversation, Bai Shi followed them to Bai Zhi's room.

When Bai Shi stepped into Bai Zhi's room, the fading person, known for his wisdom, was not sitting upright at the table piled with books as usual.

His silver armor, meticulously maintained and gleaming, stood solemnly in the center of the room, awaiting Bai Shi's arrival.

Gideon Ophniel placed his right hand on his chest, bowed deeply, and then respectfully addressed Bai Shi:

"Your Majesty the Sun King, I welcome your arrival."

Bai Shi smiled gently, walked into the room, and sat down in the chair that had been prepared for him.

Bai Shi's gaze swept across the room, and Bai Zhi immediately understood.

He raised his head, slightly turned his head to the two people behind Bai Shi, and said:
"You guys should step back first."

Neferi and Ensha bowed to the two people inside the room, then silently left the room, closing the heavy door behind them.

As the door closed silently, Bai Zhi's arm, which was resting on his chest, remained motionless, as if time had frozen. He wouldn't relax unless Bai Shi spoke.

The door closed, blocking all prying eyes, leaving only the soft breathing of the two people in the room.

Bai Shi nodded to Bai Zhi. It was very comfortable to be around smart people; there was never any neglect or disrespect involved.

Then Bai Shi pointed to the chair opposite him and spoke calmly, like the owner of the chair:

"Please take a seat."

“I am willing to come; you should understand what I mean.”

Bai Zhi gently lowered his hand and immediately thanked Bai Shi for his kindness.

However, he did not actually sit down, but stood respectfully across the table.

When he faced Bai Shi again, their identities had completely changed, making it difficult for even a wise man like him to speak.

Bai Zhi's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and he even held his breath several times before finally speaking with utmost respect:

"Your Majesty the Sun King..."

Before he could finish speaking, Bai Shi reached out his hand, stopping Bai Zhi from speaking.

Looking at Bai Zhi, Bai Shi raised an eyebrow and said:
"Once you step out of this door, you will still address me respectfully as the 'Sun King,' which will naturally make me very happy."

"But since you have chosen the right path, I am not someone who cares about the past or is unapproachable."

“Gideon, once you’re inside this door, what should you call me?”

Gideon immediately realized that Bai Shi didn't care about past offenses and wanted to see his closeness and loyalty.

His thoughts raced, and he quickly and respectfully shouted:

"Lord Bai Shi..."

Bai Shi smiled with satisfaction at Gideon, and the minor friction from the past was instantly resolved.

His closest subordinates wouldn't constantly mention his name.

Because they all knew that they had entrusted their entire being to a trustworthy and revered king.

Seeing Bai Shi's reaction, Gideon was completely relieved and breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

As if he had made up his mind, he took off his helmet and held it in his arms.

Beneath his shoulder-length, withered white hair lay pale skin. His thin, aged face was clean, and his beard had been meticulously shaved, revealing glimpses of his former vigor.

Gideon, holding his helmet in one hand, knelt on one knee and saluted Bai Shi in a knightly manner, pledging allegiance.

At this moment, Gideon reminded Bai Shi of his many identities, including that of a Knight of the Round Table.

With his head bowed, Gideon's aged, hoarse voice slowly proclaimed his loyalty:
“I was misled into questioning the possibility of the faded becoming king…”

“Only today have I come to realize the truth—you are the true hope of this border region.”

"Your very existence is the answer that transcends the law."

Gideon raised his head and met Bai Shi's gaze, revealing the sincerity in his eyes.

This was not Gideon flattering him, but a genuine thought from the bottom of his heart.

Spreading sunshine across the world, as the savior of the borderlands, Bai Shi absolutely deserves everyone's loyalty and respect.

For a scholar like Gideon, revealing the greatest secrets on the border and creating a new world order was an absolute authority.

He always kneels before the truth, not just because of power or right.

"Lord Bai Shi, your wisdom and brilliance have illuminated the lies of the borderlands."

“I, Gideon Ofnir, am willing to serve you with all the knowledge I have acquired throughout my life.”

After glimpsing the truth and realizing the error of his own guidance, Gideon's thinking changed.

His knowledge was meant to exist for the sake of truth, and also to enable the faded ones to see the Elden Ring and become the King of Elden. But it was not necessary for him to accomplish these great feats.

Bai Shi put away his casual smile, stood up seriously, and walked to Gideon's side.

Looking at the old knight who was so loyal to him, Bai Shi responded just as earnestly.

Bai Shi lightly touched Gideon's shoulder with his fingertips, and the sun's markings briefly appeared on his body as a solemn response:
"To use your wisdom to explore the path of truth is the greatest virtue."

"Please rise, Sir Hundred Wisdom."

"I welcome you to join us, and I hope your wisdom will shine in this new era."

After establishing their master-servant relationship, Bai Shi helped Gideon to his feet, and the two sat facing each other across the table.

Bai Shi looked at Gideon and asked:
"Now that you've seen me, do you still have any other questions?"

Gideon licked his chapped lips and asked Bai Shi:
"Lord Bai Shi, since learning the shocking truth from the letter, I have another question."

"Queen Marika must have had some reason for doing that—some reason that she can’t tell anyone."

"If even the gods cannot be free, what kind of terrors are hidden in this border region?"

"Is the destruction of the Two Fingers and the departure of the Supreme Will just a part of the truth?"

“My intuition tells me that there is a much larger shadow lurking there, which fills me with fear.”

If he could, Gideon would not have wanted to use the word 'intuition'.

Unfortunately, even though he discovered a void in the operation and history of the border region, he was completely unable to make any observations or investigations.

Bai Shi scanned Gideon's face from head to toe, already knowing that he had noticed something amiss.

Even if they didn't know about the real mastermind, it was still quite remarkable that they were able to discover it.

"If you crave the truth, I will tell you."

"The premise is that you can bear the weight of knowing the truth."

Gideon looked firmly at Bai Shi, his eyes already giving him the answer.

Knowledge is infinite, but it is not perfect.

That is why he was able to consistently pursue all-encompassing wisdom.

He was granted the title of Lord of the Hundred Wisdoms because of his greedy desire for all wisdom.

Even if it is impossible to reach it in human form, the process of exploration itself is the meaning of wisdom.

Gideon, yearning for answers.

Bai Shi sat up straight and told Bai Zhi everything he knew without reservation.
-
This time, Bai Shi finally saw Gideon's reaction, and even his expression, which made him very satisfied.

It wasn't that he had a bad sense of humor, he was just really curious about Gideon's reaction.

After all, this is the kind of guy who would only sigh faintly even if his adopted daughter was turned into a doll.

Gideon's eyes trembled listlessly, his mouth slightly open, emitting unconscious sounds of pain.

When Gideon recovered from his shock, he looked at the table and suddenly burst out laughing.

So... everything they did, everything that happened on this border, was just a stage play arbitrarily set up by that terrifying being?

Fortunately, Bai Shi arrived, bringing with him overwhelming hope.

His power could even tear this false curtain apart from within, allowing true light to descend upon the borderland.

Looking back on his life, Gideon realized he had made many wrong decisions that he regretted, and ultimately he could only let go of those emotions that interfered with him through exploration and research.

And this time, he truly made the right choice.

Gideon sighed and said to Bai Shi:

"I have no desire to know anything more..."

"I just want to say that you are truly a great king unlike any other in the border region."

"Rest assured, I will risk my reputation to repay your dynasty with knowledge."

Bai Shi smiled, then said gently but firmly:

"From this day forward, the great blessing shall be under my control."

"At the same time, responsibilities also began to change."

"There is no need to gather warriors here in the future, but to select sages for the new era."

"And you, as the leader of the wise men, continue to lead this place. I hope you will not disappoint me."

Gideon obediently lowered his head, offering no objection, and calmly replied:

"The Great Blessing is your property, so you can command it as you please."

Bai Shi, somewhat curious, couldn't help but ask Gideon:
"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"Although the Great Blessing has nominally always been under my leadership, I have never interfered with your actual command."

Gideon shook his head and explained softly:
"The Great Blessing is just a place, a place for all warriors with heroic hearts to communicate."

"Whether it's controlling the Great Blessing or anywhere else, what truly matters are the people involved."

"And you have the followers of heroes all over the world, so even before I submitted, this great blessing was essentially yours."

Upon hearing Gideon's words, Bai Shi couldn't help but laugh.

This guy... has a pretty nice way of speaking.

Just then, Gideon picked up a gold-edged register from the table beside him, which appeared to have been prepared in advance.

Gideon respectfully handed over the register and introduced Bai Shi to him:
"This contains all the intelligence networks I control."

"The list of members, their contact methods, and passwords have all been compiled here."

"These eyes and ears will only obey the guidance of the sun from now on."

Bai Shi was pleasantly surprised, nodded, and took it, casually flipping through it.

This roster contains records of hundreds of people, making it a considerable force.

Then it can be handed over to Slud, allowing the Black Knife Assassins to parachute into the leadership and take control of Gideon's existing intelligence system from top to bottom.

Although these informants could not compare with the Black Knife assassins in terms of combat ability, intelligence, infiltration and other professional skills.

However, they are not entirely useless; on the contrary, they are quite useful.

There were enough of these informants, which was exactly what Bai Shi needed.

Black Knife Assassins are, after all, a high-ranking military unit, serving multiple roles such as scouts and assassins. It is clearly not a good idea to have them handle trivial matters that are not up to their standards.

These lower-level intelligence personnel are perfect for filling these gaps, allowing the Black Knife Assassins to fully unleash their abilities where they are needed.

Moreover, with these professionally trained informants, Bai Shi's intelligence network has been completely expanded to the entire border region.

It can be said that nothing in the future dynasty will escape his notice.

Bai Shi closed the register, stood up, and smiled at Gideon with satisfaction.

"Very good, I hope you can always maintain this rare loyalty."

"I never mistreat my own people."

(End of this chapter)