During this period, the little couple in the simulation game was fully committed to the art of stealth. They were determined to avoid trouble at all costs, living incredibly low-key lives.

For Pixie, this was quite frustrating. After all, she was naturally the kind of person who loved to be bold and showy. However, Pip quickly found a way to keep herself entertained.

Her method? Posting about her life on the world channel. She frequently shared snippets of her affection for her husband, flaunting their couple’s skins and all sorts of lovey-dovey titles. Of course, she also made sure to brag about their son.

He had an all-element affinity, after all! And he was growing so fast! Watching the piece of her heart grow stronger than his peers filled her with immense pride.

At first, people chimed in with congratulations and envy, but soon they stopped paying her any attention. Had she really become so entitled just because she got her hands on that golden card for Eirik?

Unbelievable! So over the top!

*【This year, both you and Pixie have reached Practitioner Lv7, and the assassins you sent to infiltrate the Crimson Frost Duke’s estate have returned with good news.】*

*【Tonight, the Crimson Frost Duke will host a banquet inviting the leaders of the prominent families in town, and your assassins will finally have the opportunity to access the Duke’s food.】*

*【You realize that the critical moment may have arrived. Will you attend the banquet?】*

Did that even need to be asked? Of course, they would go! Eirik had to witness the demise of the Crimson Frost Duke with his own eyes!

He remembered all too well that in his previous life, it was the Crimson Frost Duke who had killed him. Otherwise, he and Elvynna would have been happily together for a long time, effortlessly establishing a powerful family without any trouble!

As he made his choice, Eirik noticed a slight shift in the scene before him. An extravagant banquet appeared, showcasing the opulence of the Crimson Frost Duke’s estate. In the scene, a middle-aged man with an imposing demeanor and a haughty expression raised his wine glass—this was none other than the Crimson Frost Duke himself!

Surrounding him were other family mentors and clan leaders from Aelsryel City, all wearing sycophantic smiles. Only Eirik and Pixie remained shrouded in darkness, their expressions hidden from the flickering candlelight.

With a gentle tap on the scene, the image morphed like a comic strip, revealing the next panel. There stood the Crimson Frost Duke, wine glass in hand, his expression suddenly shifting as his body began to fracture at the abdomen.

He had drunk the poisoned wine!

Strangely enough, a spectral old man’s soul emerged above the Duke’s head, filled with rage and disbelief.

*【The Crimson Frost Duke has ingested your poisoned wine but managed to survive due to his protective magical artifact, sustaining only severe injuries.】*

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*【At this moment, your choices are...】*

*【1. Quietly escape and seek another opportunity.】*

*【2. Boldly stand up, reveal that the Crimson Frost Duke's body has been possessed by a malevolent spirit, and engage him in battle!】*

*【3. Frame someone else, claiming it was their doing.】*

What the hell, he wasn’t dead yet?! Hadn’t it been said that this poison could kill even a Savant?

The Crimson Frost Duke had some serious hidden means! What should he choose now?!

After a moment’s contemplation, Eirik decided on the second option! He was already injured; revealing his true nature and finishing him off seemed like a solid plan!

He was now a Practitioner Lv7 himself and was not to be underestimated! Moreover, time was running out; the emergence of the Magic Tree was only a few years away.

Meanwhile, Pixie, initially considering waiting a bit longer, quickly received Eirik’s suggestion. After pondering for a moment, she changed her mind and decided to act alongside Eirik!

*【The two of you suddenly rose, vehemently exposing the Crimson Frost Duke’s true identity. The crowd was skeptical yet shocked.】*

*【Furious and enraged, the Crimson Frost Duke attempted to flee despite his injuries, but you swiftly intercepted him, sparking a fierce battle!】*

*【Amid the chaos, Eirik smashed the Duke's head, causing the malevolent soul to escape. Realization dawned on many, and several rushed to join you in eliminating him.】*

The Crimson Frost Duke, desperate to employ the same tactic again, attempted to possess another body. But Eirik was ready; he produced a magical artifact that locked onto the soul’s aura.

*【Outnumbered, the Crimson Frost Duke was ultimately slain.】*

*【And the seeds of the demon tree were completely eradicated.】*

Eirik couldn’t help but feel exhilarated. Finally, the Duke was dead! This had been a long time coming—the mastermind behind his downfall across three simulated lives had finally met his end!

Just as he savored this victory, a flurry of system notifications appeared before him.

*【Congratulations! You have completed the series of event quests: The Demon Tree Crisis.】*

*【Quest Rating: Purple】*

*【Event Rewards:】*

*Soul Purification Elixir?*

Eirik had indeed heard of this potion; it could cleanse the impurities of the soul and enhance a practitioner’s magical potential, helping them adapt to and master magic more swiftly. It was a valuable treasure.

However, compared to the Eye of Divine Insight he had received for completing this quest in his previous life, the Soul Purification Elixir seemed somewhat underwhelming. Of course, that had been the first completion of an event.

This time, completing it alongside Pixie merely yielded a higher score, since both of them had survived, resulting in a purple rating!

This was the first time he had seen a purple rating. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a first-time completion. Had it been a first-clear with a purple rating, the rewards would have been much richer.

“Haha! Finally, the Demon Tree crisis is resolved!”

Meanwhile, Pixie was sprawled on the bed, excitedly kicking her feet. With the Demon Tree gone, her and Eirik’s journey as magical scholars should proceed smoothly from here on out, right?!

*【The Crimson Frost Duke is dead, but the repercussions of his demise are far from over…】*

A line of small text suddenly floated before Pixie’s eyes.

“What do you mean? He’s dead; what else could happen?”

Eirik felt a faint sense of unease creeping in. Sure enough, the next message left him feeling a bit disheartened.

*【The Crimson Frost Duke was the most favored son of the king of the Dawnstar Dynasty. Your public execution of him has enraged the current emperor. Although many rumors suggest that the Duke had long been possessed by a demon soul, the emperor is known for his lack of reason.】*

*【It is rumored that an envoy from the emperor is set to cross the northern territories specifically seeking you two.】*

*【At this moment, your choices are…】*

*【1. Keep a low profile and wait for the emperor’s envoy to arrive. Perhaps the emperor of the Dawnstar Dynasty won’t wrongfully accuse you.】*

*【2. Perhaps the furious emperor would not spare a thought for your insignificant lives. Flee with your family and seek refuge in the mountains.】*

*【3. You’ve heard of a band of Red Cloak rebels rising in the borderlands; perhaps joining them would be wise. You’ve long held disdain for that pompous emperor; it’s time to rebel!】*

What the hell, there was this kind of development too?! Eirik felt a bit frustrated. How should he choose now?!