The First Prince admitted his defeat far too easily.
Considering that he was the one who initiated the bet and that in the final duel, the opponent had used a method far removed from the norm, I expected him to have something to say. But no.
The First Prince shrugged his shoulders and stated flatly that it had been an enjoyable duel after a long time before leaving the scene.
Even with all the noise surrounding him, he acted unfazed.
The old man lightly commented that this outcome was good for me, but I couldn’t take the situation lightly.
I knew what kind of person he was; how could I just let it slide?
The reason he was dubbed the Hikikomori Prince was not merely because he secluded himself in the capital.
The greater issue was his personality flaw.
With overwhelming talent and excellent results that even Arthur looked up to, his personality was petty and meticulous.
Most users who had antagonized the First Prince while navigating the royal palace route trembled at the numerous traps he had set and decided they had to take him down.
This was a person who ruthlessly trampled anyone who opposed him, regardless of their status, gender, or strength, yet here he was, acknowledging his loss so cleanly?
This was definitely not a good thing.
His acknowledgment of the opponent implied he was gradually preparing to torment them.
As I watched the First Prince leave, pushing through the crowd, I pondered over so many thoughts.
I even regretted that it might have been better to intentionally fail the quest while preparing for the old man’s triumphant smile.
Think about it. If I had lost, not only would I face humiliation from the First Prince, but I would also be writing a grand history of shame at the Partlan Festival, yet there would be no lingering repercussions.
Damn it. The problem was that I got too excited while conquering the dungeon like I used to in the game.
If I had retained at least a bit of rationality, I might have thought things through!
This is all the stall owner’s fault!
That guy showed me a newbie party that was unbearable, making me lose my reason!
“Lucy, are you listening?”
While I was silently screaming inside, I lifted my head at the sound of a voice mixed with a sigh. Today, Benedict's face was filled with concern.
“Do you understand? What happened up until now is okay. The First Prince let it slide nicely. However, you must not cause any problems while the party is happening. Please think of your Papa's reputation.”
After finishing his work in the territory and arriving at the Partlan Festival, Benedict had heard about the incident that occurred between me and the First Prince.
How many thoughts must have crossed his mind in that moment? And how relieved must he have felt upon hearing that things hadn’t escalated?
If Benedict were to die before his time, Lucy would undoubtedly have the most significant impact on that.
Despite having watched me with worry numerous times, Benedict was reluctantly forced to leave when a servant said it was time to prepare for the party.
As he departed, several maidens, including Erin, entered my room.
In their hands were various dresses I had packed for the Partlan territory.
Half of those were the extravagant dresses Lucy had worn in social circles back in the day.
Seeing them made the regrets I had just moments ago feel like they were flying away.
Whether it was the First Prince or the evil god, they were individuals I could somehow deal with if I fought hard enough.
But those clothes were different.
Those were the outfits suggested by that perverted old man, which would be a calamity I couldn’t handle, and a nightmare that would leave a deep scar on my soul.
Why would I intentionally lose?
Am I supposed to wear those and then accept some unknown punishment afterward? What kind of madness is that?
Even if an elf from a fairy tale wore them, people would say, “Auntie, aren’t you being too much?”
I filtered out all the clothes I couldn’t bear to look at.
I made excuses saying the ones I had worn before wouldn’t fit me now.
“The sizes should fit. They were the same when I measured before.”
‘...Still, I don’t like it, so take it out.’
“Shut up. You foolish Erin. Just do what the master says.”
“Understood.”
Surely the last time Lucy wore those was two or three years ago, yet the sizes remain the same?
Isn’t Lucy at an age where she should be growing?
It’s that time when, after just a few months, clothes don’t fit anymore and need to be replaced.
But why hasn’t there been any change? Could it be that Lucy’s growth period has already ended?
In this short, tiny state?!
No. That can’t be right.
It doesn’t make sense logically.
Lucy, born to a troll and a woman who, when seen in the illusion, was above average height, should be worrying about being excessively tall rather than small.
Considering that height is significantly influenced by genetics, it makes sense for Lucy to be concerned about growing too tall.
But why isn’t she growing?!
What on earth is happening?!
Is it the god?
Is that perverted old man not allowing me to grow taller?!
Normally, I would dismiss such thoughts as nonsense, but with the name of that pathetic god attached, it seemed persuasive.
“Miss, which one will you wear from these?”
As I pondered which one would be less eye-catching, Erin spoke up.
“May I make a suggestion?”
She seemed hesitant, as if she had mustered the courage to speak, and there was a hint of worry on her face.
She must have thought I would criticize her.
Seeing that, I nodded without saying a word. I knew that whatever she said would inevitably turn into a sharp retort.
Erin’s face lit up with a bright smile.
“There are no clothes that don’t suit you, but there are certainly clothes that suit you even better.”
As if she had been waiting for this day, Erin’s words flowed out with a strange power.
It was as if I was hypnotized, and before I realized it, I was already being dressed in the clothes.
...Erin. What a scary child.
The preparation for participating in the party was exceedingly tedious.
Makeup done. Hair styled. Donning a dress that was more complicated than armor, which I couldn’t even put on by myself.
So, while the maidens busily moved around, I let my thoughts wander.
I couldn’t endure being a doll in a doll play with a sober mind.
Regardless of how it went, it was true that I had crushed that old man’s schemes.
Accordingly, rewards were to be given.
That pathetic god was indeed an absurd deity—one that was perverted, a masochist, sadistic, incompetent, and petty.
But there was one thing I could trust. It was about the rewards.
The advice I had received regarding Benedict’s useless titles had been useful later on.
So, I expected that this time as well, the pathetic god would give me rewards, but I was also worried.
After all, I had not been shy about insulting Armadi during the quest.
What if something grotesque like a strengthening of the Mesugaki skill popped up?
The first reward that appeared was something that had been specified when the quest was assigned.
[Your reputation increases dramatically!] [Your competence will capture the attention of many!] [The gossip of the continent will be filled with discussions about your abilities and talents!]
Increase in reputation.
While there were many loud descriptions beneath it, honestly, it wasn’t a reward that felt tangible.
This isn’t a game. I can’t see how much my reputation score has increased.
But still, I didn’t care too much.
The fact that it popped up as a message meant there was a significant change, and as I moved around, I would naturally feel it.
The next message that appeared was something I hadn’t anticipated.
Up until now, most of the additional rewards had been related to skills, equipment enhancements, or various items.
[Most of the physical penalties you currently possess will disappear!]
Removal of physical penalties.
This reward was something I could feel immediately.
Not only was my condition originally poor, but I had also been feeling heavier as the doping penalties approached, but suddenly my body felt refreshed.
It was like waking up after a good night’s sleep.
Having been prepared to be bedridden for several days, this reward was incredibly welcome.
Although I had expected greater rewards due to the high difficulty of the quest, this was all I received.
Still, I had no complaints.
It was evident that the god had been careful after seeing the situation of the apostles.
After the rewards were dispensed, I expected the pathetic god to present me with a new quest.
After all, there was usually at least one quest left.
However, this time was an exception.
Only a phrase asking me to wait for the second semester at the academy appeared, and nothing else came up.
I didn’t know the reason, but I interpreted it as the god’s consideration to allow me to rest during the remaining time.
So, if I could just get through this party, I would have the remaining time to relax!
If I could get through this night without any issues, a vacation would come!
I had already made my plans.
I would stay curled up in a corner for the entire party.
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I would hide in the shadows and spend my time ominously.
If I don’t meet anyone or talk to anyone, there won’t be any problems!
As I was making that resolution while looking at Lucy in the mirror as she was finishing her preparations, there was a knock at the door.
“Excuse me, Lady Lucy. May I trouble you for a moment?”
The Duke of Partlan? Why is the busiest person here?
I was curious, but there was no need to stop the Duke of Partlan. I let him in without thinking.
“I apologize for interrupting at such a hectic time.”
‘It’s alright...’
“It’s fine, Duke. You are that kind of person, after all.”
“Ahaha, thank you for your understanding. The reason I’ve come here is that I have a matter to discuss with you.”
A matter? What could it be? Is it related to the First Prince?
“As you know, during this Partlan Festival, you have earned the title of the Slayer.”
‘Yes, that’s right.’
“What about it?”
“During this party, I must summon you to award you the title. I thought it would be better for you to prepare a speech for that occasion.”
The Duke of Partlan smiled, thinking that a smart and confident lady like me would do well, but I couldn’t return the smile.
So...
Does that mean I’m expected to speak in front of several influential nobles, including powerful royal heirs?
While my Mesugaki skill is functioning normally?
...
Pathetic god!
No, Almighty!
I want an exemption!
I’m using my exemption!
Please let me skip it!
Please, please!
I want to get through this crisis!