Chapter: 204
The First Prince easily acknowledged his defeat.
It was his bet to begin with, and considering the last match where his opponent used methods far from normal, I expected some kind of excuse. But no.
The First Prince shrugged and nonchalantly said it had been a thrilling match before leaving the scene.
Even with all the noisy sounds around him, that was still the case.
Grandpa lightly remarked that this was a good thing for me since the matter ended, but I could not take this situation lightly at all.
How could I let this slide knowing what kind of person he is?
The reason he got the nickname “Hikikomori Prince” wasn’t just because he holed up in the capital.
It was more due to his problematic personality.
Just how petty and meticulous must a guy be with overwhelming talent and excellent performance that even Arthur would look up to him?
Most users who turned hostile against the First Prince through the royal route would shudder at the countless traps he had set, determined to take that bastard down!
Would an individual, who would thoroughly stomp anyone who opposed him regardless of status, gender, or strength, cleanly admit his defeat?
That was definitely not a good sign.
When he acknowledged his opponent, it was basically a declaration that he was getting ready to torment them step by step.
As I watched the First Prince leave, pushing through the crowd, I had a whirlwind of thoughts.
I even regretted not deliberately failing the quest, preparing for the Shoddy God to wear a big grin.
Think about it. If I had lost, not only would I have endured humiliation from the First Prince, but I also would have written an epic dark history at the Partlan territory festival, but at least there wouldn’t have been any aftermath, right?
Damn it. The problem was that I got carried away while strategizing in the dungeon like I was playing a game after such a long time.
If I had just held onto a bit of reason, I might have at least hesitated!
This was all the street vendor’s fault!
That guy showed me a newbie party of rotten water I couldn’t stand, and it made my common sense fly out the window!
“Lucy. Are you listening?”
As I internally screamed, I lifted my head at the voice mixed with a sigh. Today, Benedict’s face was full of worry.
“Do you understand? What has happened until now is okay. The First Prince let it slide. But we must not cause any problems during the party. Please think of my dignity as your father.”
Benedict, who had just finished his business in the territory and visited the Partlan festival, had heard about the incident between me and the First Prince.
I wondered how many thoughts passed through his mind at that moment. And how relieved he must have felt to know things hadn’t escalated.
If Benedict were to die before his time, it would clearly be Lucy who would affect him the most.
Although he watched over me with concern, having spoken countless times, he had no choice but to leave after a servant said we had to prepare for the party.
As he left, several maids including Erin entered my room.
In their hands were various dresses I had packed while heading to the Partlan territory.
Half of those were gorgeous dresses Lucy had worn in the social circle before.
Looking at them made me feel that the regrets I just had were flying away.
Whether it’s the First Prince or the Evil God, they’re all to be dealt with however they come.
But those clothes?
The outfits that the Pervert God suggested as punishment were disasters I couldn’t handle, leaving a deep wound in my soul, nightmares that would haunt me.
Intentionally losing? What do you mean intentionally losing?
You think I’d willingly wear those and then face an unknown additional punishment? That’s crazy talk.
I filtered out all the flashy dresses that would make even elves in fairy tales say, “Auntie, isn’t that a bit too much?”
I made excuses that it wouldn’t fit since I wore them before.
“The size will fit. It was the same when I measured it before.”
‘…But I still don’t like it, so take it away.’
“Shut up. Sloppy Erin. Just do as the owner says.”
“Understood.”
Sure, Lucy might have worn it a couple of years ago, but the size is still the same?
Lucy’s age is one where she’s growing, right?
It’s the time when you have to change outfits every few months because they wouldn’t fit anymore!
So why hasn’t she changed? Could it be that she already finished growing?
From this short little brat state?!
No way. That can’t be right.
It doesn’t make any sense!
Considering she was born from a woman taller than average whom I suspected might have troll blood, Lucy should be more worried about being too tall rather than small.
So why isn’t she growing?!
What’s going on?!
Is it the Lord?
Did the Pervert God, being a creep, not allow me to grow taller?!
Normally, I’d think it was nonsense and let it go, but with the Shoddy God’s name attached, it somehow sounds convincing.
“Miss, which one will you wear from these?”
Coming to my senses at Erin’s words, I looked through the remaining dresses.
I had filtered out the ones I couldn’t possibly bear, leaving only mundane designs.
They were dresses, yes, but given I was preparing to wear the past dresses of Lucy, I thought this much isn’t too bad.
Which one would be the best?
I frowned and contemplated, but no answer came.
I had been an efficiency freak after all.
I could ramble on for days about what gear was the most efficient, but when asked which look was the prettiest, I wouldn’t say a word.
‘Grandpa.’
[What does it matter? Anything would suit you well.]
‘That’s not what I’m asking.’
[I know. But I don’t want to talk more than this.]
It seemed pointless to expect a good answer from Grandpa, who remembered the times he scolded me with every word.
In reality, he was right. Whatever I wore, looking at Lucy’s appearance, it would suit her well. They say the face completes the fashion.
Sigh. Why am I worrying about this?
I could just pick the most unremarkable one among those.
“Miss.”
Just as I was pondering what would stand out the least, Erin spoke up.
“May I make a recommendation?”
She hesitated before finally gathering her courage to speak, her face showing anxiety.
She probably thought I would scold her.
Seeing this, I nodded without saying a word because I knew whatever she said would turn into poisonous words.
Then Erin’s face lit up with a bright smile.
“There are no clothes that wouldn’t suit you, but there are definitely some that will suit you even better.”
Her words flowed out as if she had been waiting for this moment, carrying a strange power.
As if under some hypnosis, I nodded along mindlessly, and before I knew it, I was already being dressed in a gown.
…Erin. What a scary girl.
Getting ready for the party was extremely monotonous.
Putting on makeup, styling my hair, slipping into a dress more complicated than armor that I couldn’t possibly put on by myself.
So while the maids moved busily, I thought of other things.
I couldn’t bear the thought of becoming a doll in a doll game with a sound mind.
Regardless of how it went, I did crush the Shoddy God’s schemes.
In doing so, I received rewards.
It’s true that the Shoddy God is a pervert, a disciple of a creeper with no abilities, petty, and a trash-like deity.
However, there was one trustworthy part: the rewards.
Benedict’s previously most useless advice regarding titles also turned out to be useful later on.
So I expected rewards from the Shoddy God this time too, while being simultaneously worried.
After all, I had cursed Armadi more than once during this quest.
I was afraid of receiving some creepy upgrade to my Mesugaki Skill or something.
The first reward given was something explicitly mentioned since the quest was initiated.
[Your reputation dramatically increases!]
[Your talent will capture the attention of many!]
[Gossipers across the continent will talk a lot about your abilities and talents!]
Increase of reputation.
While there were many flashy things written in the explanation, honestly, it wasn’t a reward that could be felt tangibly.
This isn’t a game; there aren’t any visible reputation points!
Still, I didn’t really mind much about it.
That it appeared as a message meant there was a meaningful change, and I would surely feel it as I roamed around.
The next message that appeared was something I hadn’t anticipated.
Until now, most of the additional rewards had been about skills, upgrade of equipment, or some items.
[Most physical penalties you currently have will disappear!]
Deletion of physical penalties.
This was something I could feel immediately.
Having already been in poor condition, the penalties from doping had just recently started to weigh down my body, but suddenly my body felt refreshing.
Like waking up from a good sleep the next morning.
I was preparing myself to be bedridden for several days, so this reward was exceedingly welcome.
Although I expected higher rewards due to the high difficulty of the quest, this was the end of the rewards.
But I wasn’t upset.
It was clear that the efforts made to ensure the situation of the Apostle were stepping stones for thoughtful care.
After receiving the rewards, I suspected that the Shoddy God would give me a new quest.
Since there had always been at least one quest left untouched so far.
However, this time was an exception.
All I got was a phrase saying to wait for the Academy’s second semester, nothing else came.
For whatever reason, I decided that was my Lord’s consideration to let me relax during the remaining time.
So, this meant if I could just get through this party, I could spend the remaining time freely!
If I could sail through this night without any issues, then vacation would come!
I had already laid out plans.
I would be hiding in the corner throughout this party.
I would be lurking in the shadows, just killing time gloomily.
If I don’t meet anyone or talk to anyone, there won’t be any problems!
As I was staring into the mirror at Lucy, who was finishing up her grooming, there was a knock on the door.
“Lord Partlan. May I disturb you for a moment?”
Ducal Lord Partlan? Why is the busiest person here visiting now?
I was puzzled, but there was no need to block him from entering. I let him in without much thought.
“Sorry for interrupting during such a frantic time.”
‘It’s fine…’
“It’s fine. Sloppy Duke. That’s just how you are.”
“Aha. Thank you for understanding. I came here for a matter to convey to you.”
Matter? What could it be? Something related to the First Prince?
“As you may know, during this Partlan festival, you acquired the title of Massacre.”
‘Yes. That’s right.’
“What about it?”
“During the party, I need to call you and grant you the title. I thought it would be better to prepare some remarks to say then.”
Duke Partlan, smiling as he thought I would manage well because I’m a clever young lady, but I couldn’t force myself to smile back.
So,
In a party where many influential nobles and royal heirs would be present, he wanted me to speak my thoughts?
While the Mesugaki Skill is in full effect?
…
Shoddy God!
No, Lord Armadi!
I want an exemption!
Please, I’ll use the exemption!
For the love of God, skip this!
Please let me get through this crisis!
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