They all call me Great Master-Chapter 580 - 577: A Complete Transformation

Visiting the Elders!

The original 'Cold Winter Festival' had not included this tradition, but the long holiday left many idle, and visiting each other became the most enjoyable activity for everyone.

Then, as time passed, it gradually evolved to include visits to elders while interacting with peers.

This became known as 'The Rite of Cold Winter.'

By the 'Pioneer Era', the 'Rite of Cold Winter' had become more specific.

Because—

When visiting, one would bring gifts.

Especially when visiting elders, one would bring slightly more precious gifts.

And the elders would give gifts in return.

Many said this was a trap concocted by those cunning merchants.

Others believed it was a way to strengthen blood relations.

As for Arthur, he was indifferent.

He generally went along with it, as a sort of entertainment.

However, thinking about gaining more XP, Arthur felt he needed to visit some elders in South Los.

After all, the identities of his two elders were not ordinary.

For instance: Grandma Susan.

For instance: Aunt Camille.

Arthur believed that during this dull 'Cold Winter Festival', the journalists of South Los must be desperate, and the slightest stir would cause them to swarm over.

Of course, with Arthur's cunning, even if he thought of doing so, he would definitely not straightforwardly tell Marinda.

He had to beat around the bush.

Not only was it about taking the initiative, but also because Arthur had truly never heard Marinda talk about her family.

If he didn't use such a good opportunity, how could Arthur qualify as a proper 'Spirit Medium'?

Yet upon hearing Arthur's inquiry, Marinda appeared quite indifferent—

"My father killed himself.

My mother also killed herself.

Most of the elders in my family were burned to death.

The only one who can really be considered family is probably...

Ash Bonaparte South Los."

Marinda said it lightly, but Arthur was taken aback.

He knew many who were orphaned.

But few were double orphans due to their parents' suicides, had it not been for the plot twist of 'The Centennial Birthday of my Master,' he might have thought he encountered some fated protagonist.

As for almost all the family elders being burned to death?

That fit even more with the protagonist template of the Lonely Star of Calamity.

If not for the last sentence!

The only relative, Ash Bonaparte South Los!

The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.

This name intrigued Arthur too much.

Because—

It was the name of the Countess of South Los.

Marinda and the Countess of South Los are relatives?

At first, Arthur found it surprising.

But soon it made perfect sense to him.

Only if Marinda and the Countess were relatives could their relationship be so 'close,' and could Marinda have established such a vast enterprise in just two short years.

"So that's how it is."

Arthur sighed.

Marinda, seeing Arthur sigh, scoffed.

"You're overacting, you already knew everything yet you still put on this act—before now, you might not have been certain.

But when you just asked if I would visit my elders during the 'Cold Winter Festival,' I knew, you had confirmed my mother's identity."

Arthur looked at Marinda innocently.

He really didn't know about this.

Moreover, when had he ever investigated Marinda?

In regards to his close business partner, Arthur had always been exceedingly trusting.

Seeing Arthur's innocence, Marinda curled her mouth and continued—

"Exactly!

Just as you investigated!"

My mother, she was a witch.

Similarly, the mother of our Lord Count was also a witch.

I and the Countess of South Los mentioned by everyone are cousins.

And my father?

He was the Grand Knight "Caesar" of the Knights Templar from the West Coast.

Most of my other relatives were burned at the stake by my father.

As for my mother?

She was originally to be burned as well.

But instead, my grandmother used a secret technique to send her to the East Coast.

At that time, the East Coast, although still in the midst of the Seven Years' War, had long ceased the witch hunts, leaving only some local conflicts of interest.

So, it was relatively safe.

Initially, my mother and my aunt relied on making potions to treat people and lived quite smoothly.

But a few months later, my aunt encountered the Old Earl of South Los who was dispatched on a military campaign.

Later on, my father Caesar crossed the seas in pursuit but encountered a storm and sea monsters, which killed everyone on the ship except for him; although he survived, he lost his memory and became a beggar. He begged in South Los for several years before he ran into my mother who was returning from a medical visit."

At this point, Marinda stopped.

Some things don't need to be said completely to let people guess.

It's well known that the Grand Knight of the Knights Templar's strength was not just physical but also his iron will, capable of resisting even the Devil's bewitchment.

Yet under these circumstances, the Grand Knight committed suicide.

Add to that the suicide of Marinda's mother.

And the existence of Marinda herself.

A melodramatic soap opera had already taken shape in Arthur's mind—a memory-lost Grand Knight, a witch fueled by hatred, their love and hatred intertwined, culminating in a double suicide as the Grand Knight's memories returned.

"Geez, terrifying love."

Arthur thought to himself, though his face showed no emotion.

Not being quick to state his opinions was a lesson Arthur had learned from countless admonishments and the tireless teachings of Old Charlie.

And indeed, this approach proved very useful.

After a pause, Marinda continued —

"My mother recognized my father at that time, and then, she directly poisoned him.

Logically, my father should have died.

But the few relatives of my mother saw an 'opportunity'.

They not only cured my father but also drugged my father and mother—they needed a more perfect heir.

They brought my father and mother back to the West Coast.

Years later, my birth delighted them immensely.

I completely met their expectations, with Talent, Physique, and Bloodline all assessed as excellent, especially some powers in my Bloodline that some fellows coveted.

I had my blood drawn, and they even wanted to extract my bones and soul.

At that time, my father regained his memory, killed the guards, took me and my mother, and escaped the prison; he fled from those bastards' pursuit and once again returned to the East Coast.

Then, my father chose to commit suicide.

My mother raised me until I was sixteen and then, she also chose to commit suicide."

At this, Marinda pulled out a pipe.

Arthur raised his hand, and a flame from the candle flew into the pipe, lighting the tobacco.

Watching Marinda puffing smoke, Arthur stood aside with his arms crossed.

After a moment of silence, the young "Spirit Medium" softly said —

"If you need help, tell me.

Although I'm just a 'Spirit Medium,' I am somewhat proficient in matters like murder, arson, and destroying evidence."

Marinda initially moved by the first part of the sentence, rolled her eyes at the latter half.

Seeing Marinda's eye roll, Arthur suddenly changed his expression—

"Forgot to mention the most important thing, we are good brothers, I'll give you a 10% discount.

Considering I didn't mention it earlier, this time it's 12% off.

Remember, cash only, no credit..."

Before Arthur could finish, Marinda raised her foot and kicked towards Arthur's shin.

Unfortunately, Arthur dodged it.

Arthur dodged while laughing playfully.

And in his heart, the young 'Spirit Medium' silently called to his subordinate far in North County—

'William, there's something I need you to do.'