Chapter 36

Maris, who became the next head of the Edvahn family in place of Elma, moved from the branch family's residence to the main residence after the incident where Elma was exiled during the "Ceremony of Blessing."

The day after the Elma exile incident, Maris, accompanied by the current head, Elma's father Aizas, went to a certain village in a remote part of the territory to perform a level-up ritual called the "Life Transfer."

The "Life Transfer" is a method of leveling up that some high-ranking nobles and royalty secretly perform. It involves weakening a high-level criminal by cutting off their limbs, then having a low-level noble child kill them to transfer the experience points. Since it is not a pure combat, the experience points obtained are significantly reduced, but it is more than sufficient for children who have just undergone the "Ceremony of Blessing."

After completing the "Life Transfer" and returning to the main residence of the Edvahn family, Maris sat alone in her room with a faint, eerie smile.

"Elma lived here for fifteen years. Ah, if it were Elma's, nothing would have needed to be thrown away. What a waste."

Maris licked her lips and wore a blissful expression.

This room, now hers, was originally Elma's. Since the current head, Aizas, had all of Elma's belongings thrown away, there was no trace of him left in the room.

Maris had been infatuated with the main family's boy, Elma, since she was old enough to understand. Elma was strong-willed, honest, bright, and beloved by the retainers, and was expected by the head, Aizas. In stark contrast to herself, who lived in the shadows of the branch family.

"I didn't think it would come to this... but still, the head's reaction, just as Mother said, was true. I didn't doubt it, but it doesn't really matter."

Maris had a peculiar and troublesome habit since childhood. She couldn't remember what triggered it, but the more important and beloved something was, the more she wanted to ruin it with her own hands.

"I don't really care about the position of the Edvahn family's heir or that man, the head, but I can't let a useful tool go to waste. Even though Elma was expelled, I know he's not the type to calmly let his family be destroyed. It will take time... carefully, slowly, to push him to the brink. Isn't that right?"

Maris touched the mirror, speaking to her reflection as if to convince herself.

"Is it true that Elma is using the family name in the city of Rondalme and doing as he pleases!"

At that moment, a shout came from outside. It was Aizas, apparently yelling at a subordinate in the study.

"I don't know if he's using the family name... but someone who looks very much like Elma is achieving extraordinary feats..."

"He must have used the family name at the guild to manipulate the staff! I thought he had at least some sense, but to tarnish my name even after leaving the family! Does he think I'll let this slide! He's already betrayed my expectations... and to sully the name of the Edvahn family so foolishly! There is no longer any familial affection, Elma...!"

"It's still just a rumor, and we don't have the full details. Besides, Elma is a wise and noble person... I, who have served him for so long, cannot believe he would commit such an act. Please, Aizas-sama, let's confirm the facts first..."

"Tch, Thomas, take two men to the city of Rondalme. If Elma is using the family name, order his expulsion from the Adventurer's Guild and prohibit his re-registration! And warn him that if he does this again, he will lose his life!"

"Thank you, Aizas-sama... I will definitely prove Elma's innocence!"

Maris, listening to the conversation, smiled with a twisted mouth. Then, she composed herself and knocked on the study door.

"Head, it's me."

"Ah, Maris, come in."

Aizas, who had been yelling at his subordinates, now welcomed Maris with a gentle voice. Maris carefully opened the door and entered the study.

"But you're being too formal, Maris. You are the next head... my successor. You can call me Father."

"Regarding the earlier discussion, I think the punishment is too lenient. Thomas will be too lenient with Elma. Moreover, expelling him from the Adventurer's Guild is not enough. Without a means of livelihood, Elma might resort to even worse actions, tarnishing the name of the Edvahn family. If he becomes a bandit, it will be a significant stain on the Edvahn family."

"Hmm... Your point is valid, Maris. Let's remove Thomas from the task, then."

"No, this incident could have serious repercussions if mishandled. It shouldn't be left to the discretion of mere private soldiers."

"What are you trying to say, Maris?"

"Let's go to the Adventurer's Guild in the city of Rondalme together, Head. We should make the judgment ourselves."

At Maris's suggestion, Aizas's face darkened.

"What are you talking about, Maris? That would only make the situation worse. He is no longer a member of the Edvahn family. It's not worth our time. What are you so concerned about?"

Maris bowed deeply to Aizas.

"Please. I am from the branch family and a woman... I have not received the appropriate education to be the next head of the Edvahn family. I worry that you still care for Elma..."

"What nonsense, Maris. When have I ever shown such signs..."

"To treat me, an outsider, as your own daughter... please, indulge this one request. I need you to assure me that you no longer have any affection for Elma. It may seem ridiculous, but I can't help but worry that one day, you will change your mind and bring Elma back, leaving me behind..."

"That will never happen! Don't worry, Maris. Elma... no, that man, has betrayed my expectations. A Sword Saint is the ultimate proof of a noble spirit. That man, who ended up with the cowardly and lazy class of a Heavy Knight, was not fit to be the next head."

Aizas stood up from his seat.

"If that man is indeed doing something strange, he must be punished severely to prevent him from doing it again. I won't let my daughter, Maris, suffer any more. Let's go to the city of Rondalme directly."

"Thank you, Head... no, Father!"

Maris, bowing, had her usual evil smile on her face.

To Maris, Elma was a very important person. That's why she wanted to take her time and carefully ruin him.

Knowing that Elma, even after being expelled from the family, was still working hard as an adventurer, made Maris incredibly happy. Her goal was to take away Elma's current purpose in life in front of his real father.

She would find a reason to cut off his arm, the life of an adventurer. But cutting off his dominant arm right away would be a waste. This time, it would be his left arm.

"Wait for me, my Elma."

Maris whispered softly.