Chapter: 593
Rene rested his face on one hand, patiently waiting for Arthur to respond.
His demeanor and expression were just like usual, but Arthur couldn’t take it easy.
Just a few days ago, he had seen that icy stare directed at him. How could he be okay now, just days later?
No matter how extraordinary his brother was, that kind of thing wasn’t possible. He had always been by his side, witnessing how hard Rene worked to become fit for the throne!
To think someone like him had lost the very goal he chased his entire life…
The magnitude of that frustration was something Arthur could scarcely imagine!
And yet, to toss it aside in just a day or two?
– I think so too. That kid is still wandering in despair. Don’t react; just listen. Stay unnoticed.
Stay unnoticed? That’s a tall order! I’ve never properly told a lie to my brother!
– If you say something comforting now, the malice hidden under the mask will surely be exposed. So treat him like you usually do.
Just like before? That’s also tough. How on earth have I been treating my brother all this time?
“Arthur?”
“You asked me about Lucy Alrn, but what exactly are you curious about?”
“Just the kind of chatter boys have among themselves. What does she like, what does she dislike, what’s she interested in?”
What she likes— the first thing that comes to mind is teasing others, but I doubt that’s the answer my brother wants to hear.
Next is about dungeons, but that’s a bit of an odd hobby for a girl.
Ah, speaking of which, she does have this odd obsession with delicious food.
“She really likes sweets. It’s surprising how much she enjoys eating—where does that tiny body fit all that food?”
Thanks to Frey being in the spotlight, Lucy Alrn is no slouch in the eating department either.
Watching her demolish a parfait the size of her torso in less than ten minutes is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
“If we’re talking dislikes, I’d say she can’t stand the people from the Art Guild. Hearing them call themselves a reincarnation of goddesses makes her irritable.”
In truth, it isn’t that she specifically dislikes those from the guild, but rather any human should logically shy away from them.
Those who can trample, insult, and completely ignore while still holding affection are enough to make one feel ashamed of being human.
“If it’s about something she cares about, that’s something you’re well aware of.”
“About dungeons?”
“Yes. In fact, I’d be suspicious if Lucy Alrn had interests beyond that. When it comes to dungeons, even the academy professors yield to her expertise.”
Lucy Alrn’s obsession with dungeons is a bit over the top!
Initially, I thought her obsession stemmed from the blessing she received, but lately, I’m beginning to think it’s the opposite—she received that blessing because of her immense love for dungeons.
“How about jewelry?”
“Jewelry…? I’ve heard she used to like it a lot, but these days, she seems disinterested.”
“What about cosmetics?”
“Absolutely none. She’s so adamant that she has never worn makeup even once before her maid came along.”
“What about clothing?”
“She only has a choice between her school uniform or armor. She wouldn’t care about anything else.”
Remembering that she once designed our outfits proves she has talent, but it’s rendered useless since she has no intention of using it on herself.
Come to think of it, when she teases others, she knows how to play up her appearance, but when it comes to herself, she barely pays attention.
Normally, someone with her looks would want to put effort into adorning themselves, but all she seems to care about is training to the point of exhaustion.
“What a change.”
If people who cared about appearances heard that, they would think they’re about to vomit blood from the shock. Arthur was taken aback and raised his eyebrows at Rene’s comment.
“Have you ever spoken with Lucy Alrn in the past?”
“Of course, I’ve spent a lot of time in high society with the First Queen. There’s no way I wouldn’t know her.”
Yet for some reason, Lucy Alrn doesn’t seem to remember my brother at all.
Given her past as a problem child, it wouldn’t be surprising if she treated him like weeds, but that didn’t seem to be the case. His brother’s tone conveyed a sense of nostalgia and betrayal.
“Are you curious about the details?”
“…A bit.”
“Then let’s make a bet. If you win, I’ll tell you what you want to know; if you lose, you’ll have to cooperate with me.”
Arthur flinched at the word ‘bet.’ He had never once beaten Rene.
It wasn’t just a matter of experience; Rene adapted to Arthur’s unique style in an instant and casually smashed him.
“The queen of the fairies advised me. If you ask people around you to cooperate without thinking, you might just lose your neck.”
That was irreverent talk, but Arthur couldn’t bring himself to say it was just a joke.
If even the reasonable Saintess was going to pressure him through the church, it was no wonder others who lost their minds would do just as bad.
“What’s the subject of the bet?”
“Let’s have a spar for the first time in a while! I’m eager to clash with you now that you’re much stronger than before.”
*
The day after I raided Garad’s castle, I decided to uphold my promise to Benedict.
It’s not that I wasn’t considering how precious each day is; it’s just that after showcasing my power in Garad’s castle, I might have returned to being the sickly Lucy.
If I can’t do anything anyway, wouldn’t it be better to mend Benedict’s heart a bit?
“Pathetic Erin. Do I really need to go all-out while playing pretend with a father like this?”
Looking into the mirror, I saw myself wearing the black dress I had once received from the perverted apostle.
With my mouth closed, I could easily be mistaken for a goddess descending from the moon. Thanks to Erin’s improve in makeup skills, perhaps.
“Lady, you’ve been gaining quite a reputation across the continent recently, so whenever you go to a place as populated as the capital, you need to keep an eye out.”
“Do I? Even if I do nothing, I’m already way cuter than those ugly girls, right?”
“Well… that’s true, but in this look, you’re so stunning that even jealousy wouldn’t dare show up.”
Aren’t the people who’d be jealous bound to be jealous regardless of how it looks?
– Wow, Lucy’s so pretty!
– Lucy’s the best!
– More amazing than the queen!
– Dude. That’s…
– Isn’t it true?
– Maybe.
Well, now that I’ve put this effort into looking good, I might as well go out like this.
[Ugh. You’re really beautiful. If you were just a wee bit more mature, I would’ve tried my best to talk to you.]
[Please save your dignity. You old man who’s been around for over a hundred years.]
[I’m saving it! I’m praising you like I would my granddaughter!]
Ignoring the clamor between Grandpa and Garad, I stepped outside the room, only to find Benedict waiting for me, even more dressed up than yesterday.
I chuckled at how he looked like an ogre forced into formal wear, then caught him not looking at me and lifted my lips into a smirk.
“Baba Papa.”
“W-What? Why, Lucy?”
“Is your neck muscle turned to stone? Why aren’t you looking at me?”
“Haha. I must’ve slept awkwardly and pulled something.”
“Oh really?”
If he’s using that excuse, shouldn’t he at least stop glancing away?
Hmm… Perhaps I picked that up from Garad. I can clearly see his genuine weakness now, and I have a sense of how to play that.
“Yikes!?”
“What’s wrong, Lucy? Was Lina up to something again?”
I intentionally screamed, and Benedict quickly turned his head. When he realized I was just messing with him, he tried to look away again, but that didn’t erase what just happened.
“Are you not in pain?”
“Well, that…”
“Hmm. What kind of twisted thoughts did my papa have to tell lies? I’m super curious!”
As I clung to him, Benedict’s cold sweat poured down as he cautiously opened his mouth.
“I was worried our angelic daughter might just ascend to the heavens!”
Seeing him spouting such eerie words and hiding his face with both hands made me stifle a laugh.
I could tease him endlessly, but I’d better stop here; if I keep messing with him, he might shatter before we even reach the capital.
[I’m jealous. I wish I could have a daughter like that.]
[…I must admit, I agree.]
Ignoring the old men’s chatter, I hopped and grabbed Benedict’s fingers, pulling him outside the mansion.
If I’m going to play around, I might as well enjoy it! First up, let’s hit the capital’s best eats!
What will come out from that place that’s even fancier than the restaurant at the academy? I can’t wait!
Riding the teleportation magic to the kingdom, I swayed from motion sickness and settled on Benedict’s shoulder.
From up here, I could clearly see everyone focusing their attention on us.
Just a few months ago, I hated being in the spotlight.
Most of the gazes had been filled with feelings of disgust or hatred.
Even now, I can’t say those feelings have evaporated altogether, but the proportion has decreased significantly compared to before.
Wherever hatred was supposed to be, it was now replaced with admiration, surprise, curiosity, and an almost fox-like grotesqueness or reverence.
While it’s burdensome, it’s still much better than the negative feelings from before.
Just a little while ago, I was hoping someone would insult me instead. Is this the influence of having received the power of acceptance?
As I pondered, leisurely moving forward, the fairies that had been hiding in my hair suddenly revealed themselves.
What now? Haven’t I already had enough compliments thrown my way? Do they have more to say?
– Lucy! Inside!
– It’s dangerous!
– There’s a commotion!
Inside? Dangerous? Shouldn’t they explain more clearly?
Furrowing my brows, I followed the direction the fairies were pointing, convinced they wouldn’t shout out nonsense.
What I found was Arthur, bleeding from the head.
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