Although… her feelings for her family in this world were genuine and sincere.
But she had come here solely for revenge!
Until she killed that demon, Holly absolutely would not compromise for anything!
“Perhaps… I really have to use the Holy Sword…” she muttered to herself instinctively.
【Desire Paradise】 was the golden finger she chose when descending into this world.
As long as she held it in her hand, her base abilities would increase by 2 to 12 times.
It all depended on how strong her 【desire】 toward the target was when wielding the sword…
She firmly believed that her thirst for revenge could definitely trigger a very high multiplier!
And even if she was just a frail little girl, ten times the strength would definitely surpass that of an ordinary mercenary.
Alright… tomorrow she would head to the town’s Mercenary Guild!
If she showed even a bit of her strength, there would definitely be a Mercenary Company willing to take her in!
Holly believed that, with the Holy Sword in hand, if she worked hard to train her body and willpower… she would definitely become stronger.
She would definitely slay her enemies!
With that thought, she lay back down in bed but still couldn’t fall asleep for a long time.
…
The next day, in the afternoon…
At the large round table, the Lady sat in the main seat, while Jenny served by her side.
Seated a bit further down was a scholar from the Lighthouse School — an elderly man who looked to be around seventy or eighty, with white hair and beard.
His name was 【Fuer Morid】, a senior professor of the Lighthouse School, and a highly respected academic.
Although he was one of the senior members of the Lighthouse School, due to his age, he no longer went on frontline expeditions. Instead, he stayed at the Crystal Capital branch as a professor, researching academics and helping front-line adventurers obtain funding.
“Pointy-eared humans…” As he listened to the Lady’s recount, he pondered while lightly stroking his beard.
“When it comes to pointy-eared humanoids… there are quite a few. But pointy-eared humans? Even I, as a wealthy merchant and seasoned collector, find that puzzling.
“If we talk about demihumans, pointy ears or even no ears at all isn’t that rare.
“But humans… that’s something I’ve never heard of.
“The most important question is, can pointy-eared humans even be called humans? Maybe they’re some kind of humanoid species?
“Of course, these are all thoughts kept to ourselves; no one dares to refute the head of the school out loud.”
“Perhaps my knowledge is limited, but I have truly never heard of pointy-eared humans… no records, no worship.”
Just as the collector said, the others subconsciously nodded in agreement.
Under the shadow of terrifying 【Supreme Beings】, worship of humanity was already scant and weak.
“In the legends of the Supreme God during the Era of the Gods, there were indeed accounts of the Golden Apple Heroes appearing in humanoid form,” one somewhat gaunt collector sitting to the side reminded.
“But how could the Supreme God have an actual recorded visage? There isn’t even any formal written record; it’s only oral tales from the Golden Apple Heroes.”
“Yeah… more myth than reality…” others joined the discussion on this matter.
“Actually… speaking of this, I might be able to provide some… I don’t know if it counts as a clue,” Professor Fuer, who had been silent and thoughtful, suddenly spoke, turning his head toward Ireia.
“I once visited a place with a large statue… perhaps it contains something you’re looking for.”
His words were vague, leaving the surrounding collectors confused.
But the Lady immediately understood his meaning.
This matter was significant — or rather, somewhat taboo… could it not be spoken openly?
“Heh, it’s fine to discuss this matter later~ I invited everyone today just to get acquainted and build connections, so we can look out for one another.”
Jenny quickly caught on to their meaning, then stood up and raised her glass toward the group.
“Ha ha ha~ Chairwoman Jenny, you’re too polite~”
“That’s right! Feel free to ask if you need anything in the future!”
“It’s our honor to dine at the same table as the Lady!”
After a round of lively toasts and a satisfying meal, everyone began to take their leave.
As expected… Ireia’s intuition was correct. Professor Fuer stayed behind until the end.
“Lady…” he first nodded slowly toward Ireia.
“What I am about to tell you, please do not share lightly… this concerns everyone’s beliefs. If it spreads… it might cause quite a stir and even chaos.”
Fuer shared this with Ireia not because he thought she was especially talented or anything.
But unlike the others who had eaten and left, since he had taken Jenny’s “consultation fee,” it would be inappropriate to leave without answering some questions.
“I… will consider your advice~” Ireia slowly lifted her chin, gazing at the old man before her.
“Uh… please give me your word…”
“Professor! The Lady said she would consider it… that’s already showing respect to you.”
Fuer was about to say more but was abruptly interrupted by Jenny.
“Please don’t continue… don’t trouble the Lady any further.”
Her voice grew colder and colder; the warm, friendly atmosphere from the meal had completely vanished…
Replaced instead by a chilling indifference that sent shivers down one’s spine.
“Uh… sigh, I was presumptuous.” Professor Fuer could only sigh softly.
“Actually, I once saw a statue in an Era of the Gods relic that matches what you described… a statue of pointy-eared humans.”
“Who is the person on that statue?” Ireia raised an eyebrow.
It seemed there might truly be some progress. The Lighthouse School really was not to be underestimated.
“This… I’m afraid I cannot tell you. As I said… this might overturn certain things, and even cause great chaos…”
Hearing this, Jenny frowned slightly, about to say something.
But Ireia waved her off.
This professor obviously had more to say.
“But… as compensation, I can provide a map to that ancient relic. Surely, Lady, you would prefer to see it with your own eyes?”
Ireia’s crimson eyes fixed on the professor before her.
Instantly, the old man felt as if he were being stared down by some supremely deadly demihuman.
The oppressive aura from this thirteen-year-old girl…
Could be said to rival her father’s, only sharper and colder.
Looking into her eyes was like staring into an abyss.
“Heh~ then… Professor, please accompany Jenny to retrieve it~”
But the next second, the girl’s face instantly softened into a smile. The deadly aura vanished as if it had never existed…
“Ah… um, thank you… Lady.” Professor Fuer’s face paled somewhat as he nodded toward Ireia.
“Please, Professor. I will escort you back.”
At this moment, Jenny once again returned to her kind and humble demeanor.
Treating the old professor as if he were a respected elder.
There was no trace of the fierce coldness she had just displayed…