First of all, to cut to the chase, my plan succeeded.
When I ordered the two perverts to promote me, from clothes to everything else, they went all out, even at the cost of their own lifespan.
The statue in the middle of Lady Allen’s territory changed to show me praying in a dress made of bikini armor, and the items sold nearby also got a similar design.
Of course, there was some backlash. It was a sudden change considering a statue of me already in full armor was established.
So I stood before the people wearing the exact same dress as the statue.
“Everyone. A warrior can’t always live as a warrior. Even a hero who excels on the battlefield must take off their helmet and talk with their family when they return home.”
“To me, my homeland isn’t the battlefield. This place is my resting place, and where I live as myself.”
“So I hope you can see me as a human.”
“Oh, and before I leave, I want to say one more thing. I understand why women wear armor similar to mine. But why are the men showing so much skin? What kind of confidence is that? The only one who ends up suffering from you showing your ugly forms is me! Please, just a bit of shame… Ugh! Ahh! Ugh!”
I couldn’t finish my words because Papa intervened, but I achieved my original purpose.
The tourists and the locals were satisfied with my new statue.
“Thank you, Lucy. Thanks to your speech, the knights are hesitant to adopt the new armor.”
I also managed to prevent bikini armor from spreading throughout the continent.
From what I heard from Phoebe, there were already many who felt discomfort towards it.
It just so happened that I was the one wearing that armor and Mama was the one who recommended it, so they hesitated to voice their discontent.
Honestly, if someone told me to suddenly wear bikini armor after having donned a cool outfit, I’d probably curse too.
No, not probably—I would definitely have cursed!
Not long ago, I even confronted the person who suggested it, asking what had happened to their head to make them think it was okay to dress their daughter in something like that.
“Before we disconnect, I have one favor to ask, Lucy. Would it be alright if I deliver a sermon based on what you said?”
“That wasn’t my words.”
I felt guilty because I was just reciting the script Grandpa made for me, but Phoebe thought differently.
“If those words came from your mouth and spread to the people, then they are your words.”
“Still… no. Forget it. Do as you please.”
“Thank you so much, Lucy. I’ll do my best not to be a burden to you.”
Trusting that Phoebe would manage things well, I nonchalantly urged her to do as she liked, and she surpassed my expectations with an incredible sermon.
To be precise, she betrayed my expectations in a good way.
Her sermon was impressive enough to move several influential figures.
If I had known Phoebe would put so much effort into it, I would have stopped her.
If I had realized that people would gather to see my statue after hearing Phoebe’s sermon, and that it would make Lady Allen’s territory even more famous, I would have done anything to talk her out of it!
“Would it really change anything if you stopped her? Even without Phoebe’s sermon, I think people would still flock to Lady Allen’s territory.”
After hearing my story, Joy spoke coherently, for once losing touch with her usual identity.
This is troublesome. A silly person should make silly comments. If she speaks the truth, her character will collapse.
“I’ve never made being silly my personality.”
“Really? You keep doing incredibly foolish things without meaning to? That’s impressive. That’s a talent too.”
“…Sigh. So you ran away from the territory because of this?”
“Run away? I just want you to say the words accurately. I merely escaped a city full of perverts with desires for young girls!”
Anyway, since this was an event that happened because I allowed it, I tried to tolerate it.
But the events happening in the territory far exceeded my expectations.
While resting inside the mansion, I could hear the sounds of weeping from outside.
Even during training with the knights, I felt the knights being overly cautious.
If I dared step outside, just like what happened with the Arts Church, a path would open for me, and people would line up on both sides praying.
What bothers me the most is that every morning I receive offerings delivered straight to me.
Jewelry, clothing, armor, weapons, food, letters, money—various objects pile up in front of me!
Why are they doing this!?
If you have money to give me, just spend it on yourselves!
If you seriously want to waste money, then go donate it somewhere nice!
Why are you tossing it at me!?
I don’t need it!
Even if you give it to me, I won’t use it!
I’m richer than you without your help!
Do you know what truly angers me?
When I say I don’t want it, they call me humble and try to shove more into my pockets!
For now, I’ve planned to coordinate with Jushin Church to use it in good places, but it’s still a burden.
Thanks to this, I have to send a thank you every day!
If I don’t, I feel like I’ll become absolute trash just living off money without giving anything back!
“Maybe they keep coming because you keep reacting, even if unwillingly?”
“Try being in that situation. It’s like my insides are being poked and prodded.”
“Speaking of which, my insides have been hurting in a different way lately.”
“Huh? Why?”
“The Partlan family’s master and the God of Magic have been arguing non-stop lately.”
Their childish arguments have become even more intense since both sides have taken their places on Earth.
“Neither side has any intention of admitting defeat. Just when the conversation seems to be ending, they keep bringing up new topics.”
“But why is your stomach upset? Can’t you just let them suffer it out?”
“I want to do that too, but the magicians from our family and the church have joined in.”
It’s only natural.
The believers serving the God of Magic wouldn’t have any reason to stop him.
There’s no reason for Erginius, who became a guest of the Partlan family when he became Joy’s mentor, to not lend support.
Thus, the fight between the two gods has gradually turned into a pride battle between magicians from all over the continent, growing in scale.
“It’s not just the master’s pride on the line, but the pride of the family as well, so I can’t stay out of it either. I can’t even remember the last time I slept comfortably!”
“So that’s why you ran away to here?”
“Yes! Even if just for a moment, I wanted to be somewhere without magic!”
“…Excuse me, you two.”
Visi, who had been sitting next to us, nervously opened her mouth.
“I also have a stomachache.”
“Why? Did you eat something wrong yesterday?”
“A necromancer should at least eat properly. Should I send a chef over?”
“My stomach hurts because of you two!”
“Us? Why? We only exchanged small talk!”
“Don’t tilt your head like you don’t know! You two could obliterate our territory with just a word!”
“No need for words. If I wreaked havoc here, nobody would stop me.”
“That’s even scarier!”
“Don’t worry. Even if I harass you, I have no plans to ruin anything else.”
“Uwaaaah!”
Under normal circumstances, this would be the point where Adri would interject, but she’s not here right now.
She ventured off to the Fairy Forest in search of a new body.
“Why say you don’t like it? How much have I done for you until now?”
“Y-Yeah, but…”
“Hnnngh. Fine, I’ll have to talk about people who dislike me tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry! I was wrong! Please stay here for as long as you can!”
“That’s right, Joy. This is good, right?”
“Yeah, right.”
Visi, tearful and downcast, sighed as she lamented her own situation.
“Can I ask one thing? Why did you choose to take refuge in our territory? There’s nothing here that you two would enjoy!”
“And that’s precisely why it’s good.”
“Exactly. It’s nice to be able to relax without anything.”
Joy needs a place to rest without discussing magic, while I want a location where I can lie down without worrying about anyone watching.
In that sense, Visi’s home is the best. This small and secluded territory with an expansive plain allows us to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.
“Can’t you go to where the other friends are?”
“Do you really think we hadn’t thought of that?”
At least the holy land where Phoebe is located is an exception.
The moment I show my face there, chaos would surely ensue.
Because of that, I’d interfere with Phoebe, who is diligently working.
And it’s not like I can go where Arthur is, slipping into the royal palace would mean handling the nobles.
At this point, I can’t even make excuses with the Mesugaki Skill and raise my middle finger.
It’s better not to go than to put on a fake smile and engage in hollow pleasantries.
So the only remaining option is the Kent family.
“That place drains energy pretty fast.”
“True, they are all good people, but honestly, it’s not a place to rest.”
Thus, this territory is the best for relaxing. Understand?
“And being friends with us isn’t purely disadvantageous either. If we let you in, there might be someone who would be willing to sell their life.”
“At least not me. I know my place.”
“Exactly. That’s why this is more suitable.”
“Really?”
Ignoring Visi’s puzzled look, I stretched and reached out my hand to Joy.
Joy deftly weaved the Magic of Teleportation and grabbed my hand.
“I’ll bring a fitting gift next time.”
“Are you going?”
“Why? Should I not go?”
“No, you just look really excited.”
“Is it that obvious? That’s troublesome. Facial control is vital in the casino.”
Now that I’m planning to rake it all in, it would be troublesome if they see my smirk and come at me.
