Chapter: 624
In the corner of the reception room, Cecil was openly displaying his gloominess with his whole body.
Arthur and Rene did their best to cheer him up, but a single word and a sneer had utterly shattered his self-esteem. How easy could it be to rebuild that?
Though he had put his clothes back on, inside he still felt stripped bare, and the once proud and arrogant Cecil was nowhere to be found.
“Lucy, you might not know this since you’re a girl, but size is a very sensitive topic for men.”
“Hey, I know?! I’ve only been a girl for a year! How could I NOT realize how hurtful calling someone small can be?!”
“So this is all entirely your fault.”
‘Do you think I wanted to bring up someone else’s… you know?!’
I thought it silently, “What a lunatic!” But that was as far as I went!
I can confidently say I had no intention of talking about anyone’s sensitive areas!
What kind of idiot would even mention that sort of thing?!
Sure, I was being consumed by Mesugaki Skill, but common sense was still intact!
I’d never utter words that shouldn’t be said with no malice behind them!
From my perspective, this was an accident! An accident!
‘Honestly, that’s not even that small!’
I had only seen a silhouette, but still, it was enough reason for confidence! Why was he drowning in insecurity?!
“… How do you know about size?”
Oops! I slipped up!
“Let’s ignore the Peanut Prince and keep talking, shall we?”
The moment I tried to divert the conversation, another disaster unfolded.
I can’t believe the title changed to that!
“… Little brother, hand over your sword.”
“Little brother! Calm down!”
“Little? ME?”
“That’s not what I meant! And what do you mean by little?”
“That statement is correct, little brother. The small one is that brat, not you.”
“Do we really have to keep talking about this!? Can’t we drop it already?!”
Joy, her face burning red, let out a scream close to a shriek before the guys awkwardly cleared their throats and returned to their original spots.
Sensing the hostility, Cecil continued to glare at me, but I deliberately averted my gaze.
I didn’t think I’d lose a fight, but since I messed up first, it felt wrong to make it worse.
Sure, the words were wrong but swinging fists would make me the real bad guy!
“Anyway, so about the land…”
“Now, let’s keep the employer quiet. So, the Second Prince visited the Kurten Duke’s house?”
Karia naturally took the lead in the discussion, covering for me.
“Indeed. The Kurten Duke’s house is nominally aligned with the First Queen, but is more neutral. Depending on the situation, there’s room for persuasion.”
They’re more like supporters of the dead king than followers of the First Queen.
If I can convince them that the king’s corpse is being used for the First Queen’s ambitions, the Kurten Duke would gladly rebel.
“And the Kurten Duke has a peculiar hobby, doesn’t he? No risk of being dismissed.”
If it’s a hobby…
“Gambling, right?”
Joy cautiously asked, and Cecil nodded.
“It’s fine to use whatever method. Bet what you have. If you win, you’ll get what you want.”
The Kurten Duke, with beliefs like a character who’d fit in a gambling comic, differs by accepting defeat.
He may have odd beliefs, but he’s a noble who appreciates honor.
“I heard only a few win at that gamble.”
“I know too. I never planned on winning. I only stepped up to pass things to you, brother.”
Cecil, as expected, lost, but didn’t achieve his original goal.
He couldn’t find a trace of corruption anywhere.
“I tried various things, as instructed, but it was too much.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course, it’s impossible. There’s no corruption.”
Karia answered the inquiry.
“He’s just ridiculously lucky.”
“Just lucky? And that gives him those odds?”
“And he has zero doubts about his fortune. He respects anyone he’s won against because of that. He thinks if someone isn’t favored by the great god, they couldn’t possibly win.”
This isn’t far from what I knew.
That trait, being generous only to those he’s beaten, made the Kurten Duke seem like a pushover in the game world.
When luck hits a certain threshold or specific skills are obtained, it was standard to visit and strip the guy of various goods.
I relied on that every time I played.
“Well, for other strategies, I might come up with a countermeasure, but pure luck? That’s tough.”
“What’s so hard? He’s a grandpa giving away money for a little fun!”
And it seems I’ll get help again this time.
What a great loser… I mean, Duke.
“I’m going to hang out with the Sugar Duke.”
“What?! Wait! Lucy! If you mess up, you might end up like the Second Prince!”
“Rushing in without thinking is reckless! Lucy Allen!”
“You two are right! We need to devise a more proper strategy and move!”
What do these guys think of the Kurten Duke?
No matter what, he wouldn’t pull that kind of stunt on a girl, especially a younger girl.
Even in the game, he kept appropriate boundaries with female characters.
“I understand you feel guilty about your mistake, but just stay calm for now!”
‘No, it’s really fine!’
“I’m overreacting! I’ll apologize like this, so think carefully!”
“Lucy! Don’t do it!”
“Yeah! Listen to this big guy! Would you really show your lovely body to an old man like that?!”
“Young lady!”
“Please!”
I’m telling you it’s fine! Nothing like you’re all imagining is happening!
You dirty-minded brats!
– Ding.
[Not going to the Kurten Duke’s house.]
Shoddy God, why are you in on this?!
Do you think I’ll lose in a contest of luck?!
*
Not too long ago, the Kurten Duke, who had just won a wager against the Second Prince of Soladin, chuckled as he remembered the determination the prince showed until the end.
Even though the heavens had raised this old man’s hand, it doesn’t make what the Second Prince showed meaningless.
Before, he was a desperate man hiding his impatience; now he’s someone who matches his stature.
What a joy it is.
Thanks to that, I ended up doing something unbecoming. I should have declined that gentleman’s offer.
If he returns in the future, I won’t be readily accommodating, but I might listen to what he has to say.
Even if it’s against my beliefs, I can’t simply watch as the First Queen walks the wrong path.
As he recalled the young First Queen from the past, the Kurten Duke lowered his head and let out a self-deprecating smile at the complex expression reflected in his teacup.
“Duke Kurten! Am I allowed to interrupt?!”
“Come in.”
The expression of the butler who entered was clearly one of surprise.
That someone who had experienced various things along with me appeared this flabbergasted implies this isn’t just about the prince’s return for a challenge.
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s difficult to explain in words. Please look outside.”
“Outside?”
With no clue, the Duke turned his head following the butler’s words and nearly dropped his teacup upon seeing who was approaching the mansion.
“Has the Allen family declared war?”
The first thing he noticed was the continent’s strongest knight, Benedict Allen, along with his elite knights.
They may be few in number, but they’re nothing short of intimidating foes.
Something significant only happens when the monsters of Allen move.
“No. Come on. You know the disposition of the Allen Duke.”
“Then…”
I’ve heard of Karia’s return, but seeing it is altogether different. The fact he’s involved means there must be some calculation at play.
“What’s that?”
“…They’ve come to stop the Allen Young Lady.”
“What?”
So, every knight from Allen followed just to stop one girl? They’re not here to threaten for a decision?
“The Ducal Young Lady Partlan and the three princes are also with them. It doesn’t seem like a rough matter.”
“Wait a moment. So the Allen Young Lady came to gamble with me, and everyone else followed to dissuade her choice?”
“Yes.”
“I must be losing my mind. This sounds absurd.”
The Kurten Duke has lived longer than any of the five dukes of Soladin. He believes he’s seen it all and is confident nothing can shock him.
Yet, this situation is beyond his grasp.
“I suppose I should go see.”
“Should we prepare for battle?”
“No. Let’s not. Do nothing. If blood spills, it will be impossible to take back.”
As the Kurten Duke appeared with his children and retainers, the First Prince respectfully lowered his head.
“I apologize for the sudden visit, Duke Kurten.”
“That’s alright. I’m just pleased you’re giving some attention to this old man who has little time left. Thanks to you, I can see that child’s face after a long while.”
Benedict bowed politely to the Duke’s words, but oddly, there was a sharpness in his gaze.
When did I ever do anything to provoke his wrath?
“However, given the situation…”
I can only assume that whatever it is, I’ve angered him.
What is the reason behind this grand move?
Is the First Queen being threatened not to act rashly?
It could be a way to make sure that when this situation escalates, no one with mixed feelings will act foolishly, or perhaps it’s simply a show of force.
“It would be truly admirable if I knew the reason.”
I have no intent to easily blend in.
The Kurten respects the strong but won’t bow to cowards in front of them.
“Well, I…”
“Since the Sugar Duke said he’d grant any favor if I played with him, I came over.”
Lucy Allen’s unexpected words left the Kurten Duke frozen, mouth agape.
Sugar Duke? Are they referring to me?
“Wait a minute! Lucy Allen!”
“Lucy! Listen to this Papa!”
“Lucy! Please!”
“Miss!”
Watching the heartfelt objections, the Kurten Duke recalled what the butler had said. So they really followed just to stop one Allen Young Lady?!
“Duke Kurten, it’s been a while.”
“…Karia, could you explain the situation?”
“The Duke stripped the Second Prince bare and sent him back, so everyone else mistook that as how he treats all challengers.”
“What kind of slander is that?! Am I crazy?!”
“I tried to persuade them, but… it’s been a challenge.”
“Princes! Benedict Allen! Ducal Young Lady Partlan! Is this really true?!”
As the Duke exclaimed in shock, those named stepped back quietly.
“The Second Prince should have communicated better! I was trying to dissuade you!”
“Well… I apologize. I didn’t have time to speak.”
“I’m not a kid from Partlan! I never imagined this would lead to such a misunderstanding!”
Finally lowering his previously strained face, the Kurten Duke sighed deeply and invited the guests inside.
“So, all I have to do now is play with the Sugar Duke?”
“Lady Allen, what does the title Sugar Duke mean?”
“Hmm? What do you think it means?”
“I’m not sure, but it doesn’t sound like a good one.”
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