I had no intention of arguing against Tabol's words.
For him to present accusations that seemed somewhat credible was the only way the duke would accept my resignation.
So, I thought I’d just watch Tabol spew whatever nonsense he wanted while brushing off the criticisms directed at me, but the situation changed halfway through.
The one who started this shift was Faybi.
She revealed her presence and silenced the arrows of accusations aimed at me.
Who would dare retort when the saint of the Divine Church says to calm down and listen?
As Faybi set the stage for a counterargument, others raised their voices before I could.
Arthur pointed out the flaws in Tabol's flimsy evidence, Fray validated my strength and talent, and Joy dismissed the doubts regarding magic.
If you were to ask what Tabol's downfall was, it would have to be his lack of preparation.
His points were correct.
I personally have limits, and it is true that I surpassed them by borrowing the power of the artifact called the 'Bracelet of Fun.'
However, he had no evidence. No proof that I had used an artifact.
If Lucy were in a situation where no one supported her, then the lack of evidence wouldn't have mattered much.
Such minor issues could easily be overlooked in the tide of accusations.
However, it was impossible to do that now.
The saint of the Divine Church. A strong candidate for the next Sword Saint. The Third Prince of the Soladin Kingdom. The daughter of the Duke of Partlan.
With such impressive names standing up for Lucy Alrn, how could anyone bury her under mere suspicions?
How foolish! If you were going to act irrationally, you should have at least prepared properly!
Thanks to that, the gazes directed at me had turned lukewarm!
While those who hated me still glared at me with sharp eyes, others were different!
Excluding those with extreme negative feelings, everyone else was watching the situation unfold!
At this rate, I could picture myself standing on the stage!
I felt sorry for the four who helped me, but to be honest, I had cheered for Tabol up until halfway through.
Of course, I was thankful.
I was touched when Faybi first stepped up. When Arthur, Fray, and Joy came forward to defend me, my heart swelled with emotion.
Someone was finally helping me, someone I thought I could never make friends with! If it weren’t for the Mesugaki skill, I would have shed tears!
But gratitude aside, reality is reality.
Tabol had to win the argument for my award to be canceled!
I did not want to stand in front of the powerful figures, including the First Prince, and say things like, “Look at all these pathetic losers losing to a girl who hasn’t even undergone her coming-of-age ceremony!”
Despite my heartfelt support, Tabol lost the argument and brushed off the artifact's usage.
Then he brought up the dungeon as if the suspicion couldn’t be denied.
Listening to his unnecessarily loud and clear voice, I sighed internally.
Hah. This foolish muscle-brain.
Why not just stick to the artifact issue until the end? After all, the suspicion itself was factual, so he could have had a chance.
Perhaps I should have subtly given him a clue.
What if I pretended there was wrongdoing in the dungeon raid?
I could do it. I just had to be somewhat incoherent with my words.
But then again, what about the stall owner? I’d become a criminal who made the First Prince lose due to fraud.
And, most importantly, my pride as a person wouldn’t allow it!
How dare he bring up the dungeon against me?! Someone who has memorized the strategies for every dungeon in the Soul Academy’s world?!
I couldn't let this slide. After over ten hours of research and continuous study, how could I let that go unnoticed?!
If I were to become a dungeon novice, I’d rather be called a madwoman in front of the powerful people in this party!
“I see you already knew. Are you admitting to the suspicion?”
“Pfft~♡ Wrong answer. Wrong answer. That’s a pathetic response, just like a balloon-headed knight’s! At least think before you speak. Surely your head isn't as empty as a balloon!♡”
Since I no longer cheered for Tabol, I provoked him with sincerity, and his face flushed red.
He barely uttered a few words, and his fists were already shaking. Isn’t his reaction a bit too good? I kind of want to tease him more now.
“...Then what do you mean by you already knew?”
“That pathetic dungeon? I knew about it before it even became a problem. Unlike the balloon-headed knight, I’m smart!♡”
I kept going, waiting for Tabol to slip up.
The name of the dungeon. The layout of the dungeon. The types of monsters that appeared within, along with their spawn locations. The types of traps, their locations, and how to disarm them. Strategies for defeating the boss.
I claimed to have perfectly memorized all of it.
“That's nonsense!”
Tabol raised his voice before I could finish speaking. Was he trying to deceive himself with such nonsense?
“Oops♡ Did I get caught?♡”
“Of course! There’s no way that could be true!”
“Really? Don’t you know?”
I do know.
The danger level is A rank or higher. The main monsters are dragons. The dungeon has a total of 13 patterns.
As I began to list the information about the dungeon that had come up as a problem, I could see Tabol’s expression hardening.
Hey, did you really ask me something you didn’t know about? Did you think I wouldn’t answer because you didn’t know what I knew?
No way, right? You’re not that much of a loser, are you? Right?
As those thoughts crossed my mind, I heard a voice from another direction.
“That’s accurate! It’s normal not to know about a dungeon that rarely appears, yet to remember it in such detail!”
Was that... the head of the Claw Mercenary Corps?
She looked brighter than I remembered from the game. I think she used to have a darker personality.
As the sudden cheer erupted from the crowd, everyone seemed unsure how to react until someone watching from afar threw a remark at the head of the mercenary corps.
“Head of the Claw Mercenary Corps.”
Read lat𝙚st chapters at fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓ Only.
Why is the First Prince interrupting here?!
What? Is he looking for an opportunity to act irrationally? Is that it?!
I nervously watched the First Prince, who was closely observing the head of the mercenary corps, but he didn’t seem to care about my gaze.
He only looked at her.
“Is that accurate?”
At the prince’s question, the head of the mercenary corps' smile faltered, but only for a moment before she stumbled through her response.
“Yes. Of course. It was the most difficult place I’ve ever conquered, so I remember it well.”
“I see. Good. Mercenary captain, let’s ask Lady Lucy Alrn about other dungeons.”
Though the head of the mercenary corps had been forced into this position due to the prince's admiration, she diligently followed his orders.
“First...”
Haha. Hey, Rene Soladin. Do you think by asking like this, the flaws will be exposed?
That’s your misunderstanding. No matter what dungeon you ask about, I can answer!
Thank you! Prince! For creating an opportunity to prove my competence!
Now that you’ve neatly stepped aside, I’m itching to show off my rotten knowledge!
How many times did I respond to the mercenary captain’s inquiries?
Before long, the First Prince raised his voice again.
“Captain Tabol.”
“...Yes, Your Highness.”
“It seems that you believe it’s true that Lucy Alrn knows about numerous dungeons. One of which was provided at the stalls.”
Tabol couldn’t respond to that voice. However, the First Prince didn’t pay him any mind and continued speaking.
“I acknowledge that you admitted your defeat at the stalls because you recognized Lucy Alrn’s reasoning.”
...Huh?
Why is he defending me?
Did he see no opportunity to act irrationally?
“I realize that safety can be thrown out the window. While it’s possible to take such actions in a mock setting, it’s ultimately your responsibility to choose to engage in that way.”
“Y-Your Highness!”
“I merely mentioned that, but you should stop there. If this continues, the party’s enjoyment will vanish.”
If I had committed any fraud, it would be the First Prince himself who suffered the most from it, demanding Tabol to restrain himself.
The implication was clear.
My innocence.
That there was no fraud involved in my being named the festival’s butcher.
So this is politics.
Watching the situation unfold and then choosing the side that is beneficial to oneself.
The one who had tried to insult me by challenging me, yet is now praised for his generosity!
Is this even a situation that makes sense?!
I felt wronged, but I couldn’t raise my voice in this situation. I knew that if I spoke nonsense while not expressing my gratitude, the consequences would be obvious.
“Duke Partlan, that should be sufficient, right?”
“Thank you, Your Highness. Thanks to you, Lady Alrn’s innocence has been proven.”
As the duke echoed the First Prince’s words as if they had rehearsed, he continued.
“It seems Captain Tabol has no more words left to say, so let’s proceed with the party. Lady Alrn?”
Huh? Why is he calling for me?
The situation was already resolved...
Ah.
Ahhhh!
The fact that my innocence had been perfectly proven meant that my award was now all but guaranteed!
The recluse prince had suddenly intervened, and I had lost my focus!
What should I do?! How can I get out of this?!
Should I pretend to be a sickly lady?
Should I say that I’m too overwhelmed by what just happened to do anything?!
Should I act like I’m dizzy and collapse?!
It’s fine! It would be convincing!
I tried to act, but the Mesugaki skill allowed nothing but confidence.
Damn this skill! Help me out here! My owner is on the verge of disaster!
“Thank you for your hard work. You must be tired, so please rest for a moment.”
Huh?
...Did I survive?