Chapter 40

"It's a complete misunderstanding. Indeed, I have been blessed with luck and companions. However, I swear I never mentioned the name of the Edvahn family. A little investigation would quickly reveal the truth."

"There's no way, impossible! For a mere adventurer to defeat the [Lv: 50] 'Lord of Dreams' in just a week! If it were that easy to defeat the 'Lord of Dreams,' the noble system of this kingdom would be turned upside down! Don't mock us too much!"

Aizas insisted firmly.

Indeed, if you consider the common sense of this world, it's understandable that it's hard to accept. The reason why nobles hold significant power in this world is that only a few people can defeat vicious monsters. If a new adventurer could easily defeat the [Lv: 50] 'Lord of Dreams,' the very system of this kingdom could be at risk.

Originally, defense-specialized classes are known to be difficult to level up. In particular, Aizas, who knew I was a Heavy Knight, looked down on the class so much that he had me kicked out of the Edvahn family.

"Why do you doubt Elma so much! To you, Elma is your legitimate son, isn't he?"

"Annoying... A commoner girl has no place to meddle in the affairs of nobility. You should remain silent unless I command you to speak!"

Aizas raised his voice in displeasure.

"Father, shouldn't we not rush to conclude that Elma has disgraced the Edvahn family based on the information we have so far?"

At this point, Maris, who had been quiet, spoke up.

"What? Maris, are you taking Elma's side now?"

"No... It's just that the purpose is to investigate. There's no need to rush to punish him. Besides, from what I've heard, he's around [Lv: 40], right? If so, it's just right."

"What?"

Maris's words made Aizas look puzzled as well. He seemed to be struggling to understand her intentions.

"I've just reached [Lv: 45] after undergoing 'Life Transfer.' In terms of level, we're about the same. No, in terms of combat skills, I'm sure the one with more practical experience will have the upper hand. A little practical training will easily reveal the truth. About the story of defeating the 'Lord of Dreams,' that is."

Maris smiled and looked at my face.

"Don't be ridiculous, Maris! Even if our levels are similar, a Sword Saint and a Heavy Knight are not comparable. Maris, I know you are worried as a member of a branch family, but I've already told you there's no need to worry."

"Hehehe, it's just a simple training session, Father. To rise to this level in such a short time without relying on the support of a noble family... it's quite impressive. I just want to learn from him. The truth is just a bonus. But... if it turns out to be a lie... it can also serve as a punishment."

Maris seems to be suggesting that if I claim to have defeated the 'Lord of Dreams,' I should prove my strength by fighting her. She's also touching on the way we fight. Even if I show my level, she might still accuse me of power-leveling by using the name of a noble family.

However, a Sword Saint is a powerful class. Their attack power and speed are exceptionally high, and their skills are often brutally effective.

While their other stats are slightly lower, they are not weak enough to be considered a significant flaw. Their strength is straightforward, which limits the flexibility of character builds. As levels increase, they may fall behind other classes that offer more room for creativity, but at the current level, this is not a major issue.

On the other hand, a Heavy Knight, lacking in attack power and speed, has almost no opportunities to attack a Sword Saint, and even if they do, they are unlikely to deal a decisive blow.

If it were just a simple mock battle, I could probably show a decent fight with my current stats... but from the look of Maris, I don't think it will be that simple.

"What's the problem, Father? I thought you agreed to leave Elma's matter to me. Or... are you still hesitant about the successor and concerned about Elma?"

"Maris... Was your purpose from the beginning to test me this way? What was so unsettling to you?"

Aizas looked bitter.

There's no need to accept these conditions just to prove my innocence. Even if it leads to prolonged trouble and other problems, I should take the time to prove it in a different way. Aizas doesn't seem very enthusiastic about it either. If I calmly back down, a safer method should be found.

If a defense-specialized class fights a Sword Saint head-on, they will be on the defensive, their HP will be steadily drained, and the battle will quickly come to an end. That's the usual scenario.

"Fine, I'll accept the mock battle."

"What, what did you say!?"

Aizas was surprised.

"Elma, it's, it's reckless! I know you're strong, but...!"

I understand what Luise is trying to say. I lack fatal attack power and have no equipment to compensate for it. She must think I'm getting carried away by the provocation and engaging in a reckless battle.

"Don't worry, Luise. I have all the pieces to fight him, thanks to you."

"Thanks to me?"

"Also, I didn't just get carried away by the provocation. I thought I had moved on from the Edvahn family... but it was still lingering in my heart."

It's only natural. I had been telling myself that I had moved on, but it was just stubbornness.

After being recognized by the guild and gaining a companion like Luise, I finally had some breathing room and could stop being stubborn. I realized how much I had been held captive by the Edvahn family.

Looking back, it was reckless of me to not consider the help of other adventurers or Luise and to volunteer for a low-chance mission to stall Embryo alone. At the time, I must have wanted to give some value to myself, who had lost my mission after being kicked out of the family.

There's no better opportunity to settle this. It's better to end it cleanly here than to let the issue drag on.

"Lord Aizas... I have one condition. If you recognize my strength, never interfere with me again, no matter what."

"What... Do you understand your position when you speak like that!?"

His response didn't matter. I just wanted to declare it to reaffirm my resolve.

Maris quickly drew her sword and slashed the floor. Stone fragments flew around. As expected, her movements are fast.

"I'm glad you have no objections, Elma. That's what I wanted."