The next morning, Edsel woke drenched in sweat.Thick, dark impurities coated his skin, clinging to him like grime forced out from deep within his body.
He slowly opened his eyes.Beside him, Mia was curled up on the floor, fast asleep.He sighed softly.
It seemed she had been so worried that she did not dare leave his side.More importantly—
The method had worked.
A faint interface appeared before his vision.
◈ Corruption Index: 10%
◈ Death Mana Accumulation: 30%
◈ Survival Probability Rate: +0.05%
His death mana had increased significantly, even his survival probability had risen.That meant the more he interfered with the original storyline… the greater his chances of living.
Edsel pushed himself to his feet. His body felt lighter and Stronger. He walked toward the mirror and paused.
Visible muscle definition lined his torso now lean but firm.
"Yes… it worked," he muttered.
Though he would have to eliminate the person who originally invented this method before Edwin learned it in the future but that was later.
Right now, time was his greatest enemy.
Improving his condition was only the first step. To proceed with his next plan, he needed more death energy.And the best place to gather it—
Was outside the estate.
He walked over to Mia and nudged her with his foot.
"Wake up."
She stirred.
"Huh… Young Master… are we in heaven?"
"Idiot Get up,We are heading out."
Her eyes snapped open.
"R-right now? Where are we going, Young Master?"
"To the slums."
A terrible feeling settled in her stomach.
***********
A few hours later, Edsel was inside the carriage with Mia sitting in front of him. She was staring at him while he was staring outside like someone who had never seen the outside world before.
Weirdly enough, he had not beaten her up or done anything harmful to her. Even the servants were questioning his sudden change. They wondered if Lady Fiora had hit him so badly that it made him change this much.
Mia did not dare to ask him about it. After all, he did not seem to be on friendly terms with anyone despite his change. But now, it felt like he was a whole different person, and she felt that the more she wanted to get closer to him, the more she might end up losing her life.
"So this is Domitius Territory . It is beautiful, and there are a lot of people," Edsel said while staring outside at the bustling streets filled with vendors and pedestrians. It was fascinating to see it all in real life.
Mia stared at him with confusion. "Young master, you have not been here before?"
"Stop here," Edsel interrupted her as he told the coachman to halt the carriage. "This should do. Let us come down here, Mia."
"Huh? Are you sure? This place is dangerous, and we do not even have any guards with us."
"You do not have to worry about that. I have some personal business here."
Mia followed Edsel as he headed deep into the slums. Every corner was filled with people.
The atmosphere changed with every step.
Men leaned against cracked walls, glaring openly at them. Women stood by dim alleyways, dressed provocatively with heavy makeup and forced smiles.
"Hey darling, why don't you come up here with me?"
A woman with dark curly hair and bright red lipstick waved at him from a stairway, deliberately crossing her legs to draw attention.
Mia instantly stepped in front of Edsel, flustered.
"Y-Young Master, do not look! T-those kinds of women are bad for you!"
Edsel glanced at the woman, then back at Mia.
"I am not a child anymore, Mia," he said flatly. "And she suits my taste. If you do not mind, I will accompany her."
"Ah?! W-wait, Young Master, you cannot!" Mia stammered, her face turning red. "Y-you are only sixteen! If you do something before marriage, what am I supposed to do?!"
She began muttering to herself in panic.
"I know you are curious. Do teenagers always have this kind of thinking?"
"Calm down," Edsel interrupted. "Your duty is to serve me. Do not do anything foolish. Wait here. I will call for you when I am done."
Mia's eyes widened as she covered her face dramatically, peeking through her fingers as if she were witnessing something scandalous.
Edsel walked inside with the lady, who raised her eyebrow, eyeing his fine clothes.
"Oh? A young noble wants to experience pleasure with big sister?" she teased.
"Yes," Edsel replied innocently. "Umm weIl…I have never done this before. I am… curious."
She smiled wider.
"You came to the right place. This aunty will show you what it means to be a real man."
She placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him into a narrow alley.
"What is your name, handsome?"
"Edsel. And yours?"
"Merina. But you can call me Meri."
"A beautiful name."
She laughed softly. "You are sweet."
As they walked deeper into the slum's inner passages, the surroundings grew quieter.
"This area seems empty," Edsel observed casually. "Not a single person in sight."
"Ah, it is just around here," she said smoothly. "In the slums, we secure our own private spaces. As you can see… I own this territory. I have many big brothers protecting it."
"Are they friendly?" Edsel asked.
"Of course," she replied with a grin. "In fact, I will bring you to them. That is where we can properly… enjoy ourselves."
"Mmm."
She walked ahead, smiling to herself.
This was too easy. Her comrades would be thrilled. A young noble wandering without guards? They would kidnap him, demand ransom from his family, and she would finally escape this rotten life.
New dresses, Jewelry and Comfort.
They soon arrived at a run-down wooden building. The door hung loosely on rusted hinges.
She pushed it open.
"Big brother, I—"
Her voice stopped, She looked down slowly.
A pair of arms had pierced straight through her chest from behind and her Blood spilled from her lips as she coughed violently.
She tried to turn her head.
"Y-you…?"
Behind her, Edsel's expression was calm and completely aware.