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The Accolade was regarded as a coming-of-age ceremony in the elf village.

Generally, elves under the age of sixteen were not permitted to use swords. They were allowed to carry bows, arrows, short knives, and sticks, but not common swords.

No one knew exactly how that rule came to be, even now. Perhaps it began as a tradition because having swords in the hands of children would be unsafe. With the passage of time, the custom evolved into a rule that had to be followed.

As a result of inheriting that rule, it became common practice to regard it as a coming-of-age ritual in which a child was given a sword.

Normally, the Accolade was only held for elves who had reached the age of sixteen, although there were exceptions. Those exceptions were elves under the age of sixteen who had been approved by the village’s Chief because they had accomplished something or contributed in some way.

Even if an elf had not yet reached the age of sixteen, if the Chief approved them, they would be treated as adults. They’d be allowed to do everything a child couldn’t. Such as wielding a sword, drinking, having sexual relations, marrying, and leaving the village.

More importantly, because only a few people had completed the Accolade before turning sixteen, it would be regarded as a significant achievement.

“Merc, daughter of Oron and Teruse, and Fairy Rosemary’s disciple, step forth.”
“I am here.”

And that prestigious Accolade was currently being held at the village assembly hall.
　
The person for whom it was being held was no other than Merc. The girl who had single-handedly put down a Ghezo Velche during her trip with the adventurers.　
　
Despite the fact that it had been hastily put together, it drew a large crowd because it was performed in the assembly hall, which was to be used for the feast to commemorate the adventurers’ successful mission.

Merc walked up to the Chief and kneeled before him, taking in everyone’s stares. She was then given a sword with ceremonial ornaments.

With both hands raised above her head, she drew just a third of the blade from its scabbard. She cautiously slid the dull shining blade back into its scabbard after glancing at it.
　
Merc carefully fastened the sword to her hip as the sound of the blade striking the scabbard rang across the area. The Chief spoke out after waiting for her to finish.

“Ahem. On this day, I recognize your enormous contribution to our village and bestow the name Velchedo onto you, as well as declare you an adult.”
“Thank you. I, Merc Velchedo, gladly accept it.”

The audience in the assembly hall erupted in applause as if to congratulate Merc. Merc was officially recognized as an adult at the age of fourteen, just as she had hoped.

Following the conclusion of the event, the feast began.

The feast was originally planned to commemorate the adventurers’ victory of the Ghezo Velche, but because it had already been prepared, they decided to utilize it for Merc’s ceremony as well. Merc was naturally bombarded with alcohol, but she managed to stop herself after only one sip.

I still don’t know how much this body can take. The first time I drink, I should do so alone.

Merc was adamant about not drinking since she didn’t want to grow tipsy and embarrass herself. Her decision seemed to be well received by the other elves in her area. It was apparently good for an adult to be able to show restraint.

“Hey, Merc. Congratulations.”

Merc stumbled across Jonahim after escaping the raucous group of elves and running to the corner of the assembly hall to get some water. Merc deduced from his not-so-red complexion that he hadn’t drank much.

“Thank you. Do you not drink, Jonahim?”
“I do. It’s simply because I’m not comfortable drinking that much in an unfamiliar place.”
“That’s a very adventurer-like way of thinking.”

Nothing less from a soon-to-be Grade 2 Adventurer. He has his guard up even in a place like this.
　
Alcohol had caused mighty explorers to lose their senses and lose in the past. When it came to Jonahim, though, such worries didn’t seem to be necessary.

“By the way, are all elves given a name when they become adults?” Jonahim asked with a serious face.
“Hm? Oh, you mean during the Accolade. No, most don’t. I would not have received one if I had waited until I was 16 to perform the ceremony.”

Merc had expected Jonahim to ask another question based on his expression, but it turned out he just wanted to know about the ceremony. She continued to explain in a disappointed tone, feeling a little letdown.

“The names given during the Accolade can be considered as medals bestowed by the Chief on people who have contributed to the village before the age of sixteen. You can consider them titles.”
“Titles, huh… But still, Velchedo as in Velche Slayer is a bit…”
“Don’t you like it? I personally think it’s quite nice.”

Merc replied before taking a sip of her water.

“It’s not that I dislike it… It’s heroic, but is that truly a name for a girl?”
“Cough”

Merc spat out her water after hearing Jonahim say that with a straight face. Fortunately, the water did not land on Jonahim.

“Cough cough You really think that?”
“I mean, it’s Velche Slayer… Merc Velchedo… It doesn’t fit your stunning beauty, no matter how I look at it.”
“You… Do you go around and say such things to everyone?”
“Huh?”

Jonahim asked, his expression revealing his ignorance. It appeared as if he really was doing it unconsciously. Merc, on the other hand, was quite familiar with this behavior.

I want to murder this b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲…

Merc was certain Elea had fallen for him just because of that. She wasn’t sure how things were going with Luka, but she didn’t seem like the type of woman who would fall in love with someone based on a few compliments.

Merc had witnessed a lot of this in her past life, when she was still known as Estert.
　
Foldia, whose character was eerily identical to Jonahim’s, had unwittingly stolen the hearts of a slew of young ladies.
　
Just thinking about it now made Merc’s blood boil.

“Jonahim! What in the world are you doing, flirting with elves?!”
“Ouch! That hurt, Elea.”

Elea appeared and punched Jonahim in the shoulder with her fist before Merc could say anything. She was pretty drunk, unlike Jonahim, and her face was bright red.
　
Merc’s attention was subconsciously taken away by her intoxicated, coquettish appearance, which was unlike anything seen in the elf village. Meanwhile, Jonahim, who had Elea’s undivided attention, appeared indifferent.

“Good grief. Why did you drink so much despite being a lightweight…? Didn’t I ask you to watch over Luka?”
“Luk-aa went to get the prize moneyy.”
“What? That… I just hope she doesn’t squander them like she did last time.”
“I-It’s finee… She told me not to worry.”
“It’s nowhere near fine!”

Because Elea’s feet were wobbly, Jonahim took her arm and raised his other arm towards Merc, bowing slightly.

“I hope you’ll excuse me. I need to take Elea back to her room. I just can’t leave her like this.”
“I understand…”

Merc replied half-heartedly while burning the picture of Elea’s white skin peeking out from her chest.

I’m grateful for this sight.

As she saw them go, Merc silently thanked them both, particularly Elea. She sensed a presence behind her while doing so.

“Sis…”
“Hm? Oh, it’s you, Law. I’m surprised to see you here so late.”

Merc turned around to face the source of the voice and saw Law, who had a forced smile on his face. Despite the fact that she had last seen him this morning, she felt as if they hadn’t seen each other in a long time.

Although she was used to seeing her brother’s face, it appeared to be completely different today.