Chapter: 197
“…Are you going to be okay?”
When I expressed my intention to participate in the Partlan family festival, Benedict looked visibly perplexed.
It was quite a sight. Usually, he would permit anything his daughter asked for, but now he showed such a reaction.
I had a good idea why.
All the numerous mischiefs Lucy had committed in the social circles in the past.
From Benedict’s perspective, how could he possibly welcome such a thought? Especially when it wasn’t something he could stamp out with his status, planning to visit the great Ducal house of Partlan.
As soon as the mention of the festival came up, memories would flood back like a parade of nightmares, and it would make perfect sense for him to search for any way to stop me.
It’s unfortunate for Benedict, but I’m not giving this up.
Partly because of the quest given by that Sloppy God, but mostly for a much more important reason.
My favorite character wants to play with me!
You want me to give this up!?
For someone like me, who’s a rotten fish in the Soul Academy?!
Don’t make me laugh! I absolutely can’t!
Benedict couldn’t stop me. How could this doting father refuse his daughter who just wanted to play with a friend?
Instead, he gently grasped my hand with his large hand, big enough for my whole head to fit in, and earnestly pleaded.
“Lucy, after I finish with the affairs of the territory, I will also head towards Partlan territory. So please, I beg you, don’t cause any trouble before I arrive.”
His request for me not to stir up any trouble spoke of the hardships Benedict had endured over the years that had clearly left their marks.
Seeing him like that, I could only nod in silence.
After that, it was all about preparation.
The Ducal family assigned someone to attend to me personally, provided escorts, found someone to look after the Sloppy Fox, packed up clothing to wear, and I made sure to mentally prepare myself while looking at Lucy’s flashy past outfits.
Thanks to this swift process, I arrived at Partlan territory two nights before the festival commenced.
“Long time no see, Lady Allen.”
Despite nearly two months passing, Joy hadn’t changed much.
If I had to point out anything, it would be that she lost some flab thanks to regular training.
She was already pretty, but now even better with a bit of management.
Isn’t she at the level where she could easily steal the limelight from game illustrations?
“I’ve heard stories about you from here and there. Honestly, you never seem to be quiet anywhere you go.”
As I thought about how lucky I was to possess Lucy’s body, Joy spoke with a wry smile.
My story? Is there much to spread about?
I’d been holed up in the territory since returning from Menestel.
…Could it be that the auction house incident got around?!
Every time Erin casually mentioned it, Karl was seen flailing in regret over that embarrassing history?!
Avery! I believed in your cowardice, and you betrayed me like this!
I will never forgive you.
Let me show you how terrifying the term Mutual Destruction can be.
“How could you trample on a foreign Count’s honor like that?”
I had guessed the topic already, but what Joy mentioned was something different.
Before going to the auction house, the incident where I knocked down Georg’s banner in Menestel.
“After hearing the story, I did think it was quite refreshing, but that was a bit much.”
Though Georg tried to control the rumors after the humiliation, you can’t stop people’s mouths.
Embarrassingly throwing charm my way, the story of his education by me seemed to have spread so widely that even nobles from other lands knew about it.
Thank goodness. The backstory was rightly included.
Considering Lucy’s reputation, if it had been twisted to say that I pummeled him just because I disliked him, that would have been weird.
“The social circles are spreading the story that Lady Allen started it all.”
Ah. So it had already been distorted?
Is my reputation sinking again?
Sigh. Here I was risking my life to stop the Evil God’s seal from lifting, and this is how I’m treated.
“Don’t worry. Whenever I hear those kinds of stories, I correct them.”
Seeing Joy posture confidently, I felt my disgruntled mood dissipate.
Right. What do I care about what people who don’t even know me say? As long as those around me understand me well, that’s enough.
Thank you, Joy.
“So, instead, I’m worried. With how awkwardly you speak, won’t it create weird misconceptions? What if the center of the rumors is the Foolish Young Lady?”
“Yeah? Huh?! Why is it being twisted like that?!”
Of course, the Mesugaki Skill didn’t convey my gratitude.
But it’s not so bad. The Foolish Young Lady acting absurdly is pretty cute.
Even though I should be the one to greet the governing figure of this territory as I visited a noble’s territory, I couldn’t do that.
Due to a sudden urgency this morning, the Ducal couple had left outside the territory.
From my perspective, it was a good thing. I wanted to postpone meeting the Ducal couple by any means possible.
Think about the penalties of the Mesugaki Skill.
It’s the one who gives out weird nicknames to anyone, no matter their status or identity.
I have no clue how to address the Ducal couple!
One day I’ll need to figure out those nicknames, but that doesn’t have to be today, right?
I’m already stressed because of that Sloppy God, and I don’t want to add more worries.
In lieu of the Ducal couple, I met Joy’s older brother, Jeff Partlan, at a dinner with Joy.
“Nice to meet you, Lady Allen. I’m Jeff Partlan. I’ve heard about you from my sister.”
Unlike Joy, who was gradually revealing awkward parts, Jeff was the epitome of a noble from a fairy tale.
His movements and manner were impressively neat, to the point I could’ve applauded even knowing his true nature.
However, his insides were different.
Extremely generous toward those he recognized but utterly cold toward those outside his circle.
If I focus on targeting him, it makes me question how this kind of guy could be Joy’s brother.
Despite being a notorious siscon who mentions his sister’s name until the very last route.
Given that I am someone dear to Joy, he’d treat me well enough, but he’s not the kind of person I want to get close to.
I wonder how the Mesugaki Skill will refer to him.
Typically, the community calls him a crazy siscon bastard.
That can’t be right. Right?
Please don’t let it be something that earns him hatred. Please.
“Hello, Young Master Partlan.”
“Hello, Perverse Young Master.”
Jeff’s expression hardened slightly, but for my standard, this wasn’t bad.
There have been far worse things!
“Is that my nickname?”
Sorry. It seems that way.
“Yes. I think it’s the nickname that fits you best.”
“…I see, it’s just as Joy mentioned.”
Maybe because Joy was standing next to me, or maybe because she warned him in advance.
Jeff merely nodded and said nothing more.
“Lady Allen, could you explain why my brother is referred to as the Perverse Young Master?”
A question shot in from somewhere else.
For someone who only saw Jeff’s good side, it’d be hard to understand why such a word would enter his nickname.
Seeing Joy’s doubtful gaze, I instinctively wanted to answer, but I changed my words because of the piercing look from the side.
“It’s just similar to how the Foolish Young Lady is labeled as Foolish ♡.”
“…Huh? What does that mean?”
That should be enough of an explanation. Joy, I can’t say more.
Joy tilted her head, but I pretended not to see and picked up my utensils.
If I spoke carelessly, I might make an enemy.
The food provided by the Ducal house was delicious. Although I couldn’t properly enjoy the meal because Jeff was overly watchful whenever I spoke.
After dinner, Joy offered to show me around the Ducal house, looking forward to this moment with glee over the mask of the Villainess.
Jeff appeared to want to tag along, oblivious, but was halted by Joy.
“Brother, I’m sorry, but I want to go alone with Lucy.”
“But Joy—”
“If you keep this up, I think I’ll come to dislike you, big brother.”
I dislike you!—the declaration crumbled Jeff’s perverse facade.
His defeated figure walking away seemed strangely familiar.
Ah, I remember. Benedict often moved like that.
As I imagined about Benedict busily working through piles of work right now, I felt an inexplicable sympathy and approached Jeff.
“Is there something you want to talk about, Lady Allen?”
Don’t worry! I won’t say a word!
“Good news for you, Young Master, concerned that your pervert nature might be exposed. My mouth is like a vault. Probably.”
As I involuntarily chuckled, Jeff’s gaze turned somewhat mixed.
“I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. How can I be perverse?”
Let’s leave it at that.
“Hmm, yes. Let’s just go with that. Perverse Young Master.”
Seeing Jeff’s hand ball into a fist, I quickly took flight after my remark.
If I’m struggling with him like this, what’ll happen when I meet the Ducal couple?
…Maybe I should’ve come with Benedict.
*
The next morning, after spending a lovely time touring the Ducal mansion with Joy.
Even though it was still early, Joy was bursting with enthusiasm.
“I’ll show you the amazing things of our territory that I couldn’t show you yesterday!”
Having been looking forward to this day, she kept a planner in her notebook, leading me outside right after breakfast.
Even during the brief look around last night, I could tell that Partlan territory was lively.
It must be the excitement of the upcoming festival, but more than that, the people’s faces were bright.
Despite their severe looks that might inflict fear, the capable Ducal couple must be managing the territory well.
“This place is…”
Raised under love from such Ducal couple, Joy knew how to cherish her territory.
Her tone while introducing us revealed the affection she felt for this place.
Did the residents feel that love too? They greeted Joy warmly, coming up to her first.
I found that enviable. The residents in the Allen territory bowed as soon as they saw me.
As Joy and I strolled about, we stopped in front of a stall set up for the Partlan festival.
It was a spot to shoot arrows and hit a scoreboard.
While I was observing it, Joy encouraged me first.
“Do you want to give it a try?”
Sure.
“It looks sloppy, but it seems fun.”
When Joy asked if she could give it a try, the owner gladly nodded.
Since the festival hadn’t started yet, any results wouldn’t count towards the quest.
But let’s try shooting the bow to practice.
We need to confirm if that Bracelet of Recreation effect activates properly.
Receiving an arrow from the owner, I took a deep breath and drew back the bowstring.
[Oh. Your posture is just right. Did you learn how to shoot somewhere?]
Nope. Never had that chance.
[Hmm?*
As I released the bowstring, the arrow flew straight and hit the scoreboard marking 10.
Awesome. The
Sloppy God!
You’ve thought about how to raise my reputation, right?!
Just wait! I’m coming for my rewards!
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.