When Lucy first appeared on the stage, Joy couldn’t help but gaze at her in pure admiration.
The experience was so mesmerizing that all the flowery words Joy had learned as a noble lady felt pointless, leaving only the simple praise of "beautiful." She found herself in awe, forgetting her surroundings, entranced by Lucy’s every move.
Even though I’ve seen her perform before, I’m left speechless... I can only imagine how others must feel. Hehe, I’m thrilled to see everyone captivated by the dress I chose for her. It was worth the time spent trying on countless outfits to find the perfect one.
However, Joy’s happiness was short-lived. The moment Lucy, standing at the center of the stage, opened her mouth, Joy realized this evening would be memorable for a very different reason.
Lady Allen! What on earth are you doing? This isn’t the place to speak like that!
This is a gathering of nobles, the most powerful ones at that!
Even with Lord Benedict’s backing, there are limits!
The old Lucy Allen might have been forgiven, but the current Lucy should know better!
"Why the shocked faces? It’s not like I lied. Or is it that the truth hurts a little too much? Ah, how terribly sorry I am~."
"I heard she’s changed, but clearly not."
"Lucy Allen is still Lucy Allen."
"Is that the future heir of the Allen family?"
Watching her friend’s reputation plummet in real-time, Joy screamed internally.
No! The old Lucy might’ve been that way, but the Lucy Allen of today is a good person! She’s someone who would risk her life for others!
Yes, she’s playful, but she knows how to be considerate. She shrugs off insults aimed at herself with grace!
How can you judge her like that, only seeing one side of her?
Even as she thought this, Joy knew she couldn’t deny their judgment entirely. In the world of noble society, even a single misstep at a sudden meeting could be disastrous, so the disaster Lucy had just created in front of the entire nobility was more than enough material to define her.
"Is there something wrong with what I’m saying? Hahaha. But, you see, it’s these incompetent academy losers who put me on this stage. What can I do if they’re so weak and dumb that I can’t even lose to them?"
"That... damned."
"Look around."
"If it weren’t for all these people..."
Seeing the harsh expressions on the faces of the ladies around her, Joy bit her lip behind her fan.
The situation was dire. Every time Lucy spoke, people recalled the old Lucy Allen.
If this continues, no one will believe that Lucy has changed.
People will think: No one ever truly changes.
No matter how skilled a scoundrel may be, they remain a scoundrel.
"The shame of the Allen family."
The words whispered into her ear made Joy’s head snap around, and she saw a young lady stifling her voice with a pale face. Joy clenched her teeth.
Joy knew.
Now that things had escalated to this point, there was no way to undo it.
The disaster had already happened; there was no returning to how things were.
Joy understood.
Stepping forward now would only make herself a target of scorn.
The criticism simmering beneath the surface would only grow stronger.
This would become the starting point for future whispers whenever she encountered other factions in noble society.
Joy knew.
In terms of noble common sense, staying silent in this situation was the right thing to do.
Acting without a legitimate reason would accomplish nothing.
"Pfft."
Then Joy’s eyes met Lucy’s as she laughed on stage.
In the midst of the growing discontent and criticism, Joy stared blankly at her friend.
And then she lowered the fan covering her face.
Joy, Lady of the Patran family, had long worked tirelessly to live up to the title of a duchess’s daughter.
No one had forced her.
With a firstborn brother to inherit the family, her parents had told her to follow her desires. So, her choice to strive for the image of a true noble lady was entirely her own.
"Truly, you are a true lady of the Patran family."
She hadn’t wanted to disappoint those who had expectations for her.
"How elegant you are."
She was afraid of the disdain in people’s eyes if she failed.
"Such a reliable young lady."
She feared becoming an outcast if she didn’t live up to everyone’s expectations.
Joy had lived her life trying to embody the ideal duchess’s daughter.
She hid her love for sweet treats.
She erased her dreams of close friendships she read about in novels.
She suppressed her emotions like any noble lady should.
She believed it was the right way to live.
But that changed after she met Lucy.
Lucy, who called her "Dizzy Joy," laughed with her as no one else dared.
She didn’t treat her as "the daughter of a duke" but as a true friend.
She showed her that she didn’t need to hide herself to avoid being an outcast.
Who cares about the noble society?
Why should I care about how the other noble ladies see me?
Why should I worry about what other nobles think of me?
No matter what happens, I’m Joy Patran.
The daughter of the Patran family’s duke.
The one who annoys all the other noble ladies.
The girl who her close friends jokingly call "Dizzy."
A mage with talents so remarkable that even academy professors praise her.
And Lucy’s friend.
"Lady Patran?"
The moment Joy took a step forward, a lady from a count’s family beside her called her name.
"What are you trying to do?"
"Surely you’re not going to side with Lady Allen again?"
"Please don’t, my lady."
"Lady Patran, remember you are the center of our faction."
"My lady, please."
Despite the flurry of remarks from the noble ladies around her, Joy didn’t hear a single one.
Instead, she revealed the fierce smile usually hidden behind her fan and spoke to them.
"Silence."
Words Joy would never have spoken normally.
Words that were undeniably an insult to anyone who heard them.
Words that would have made any noble lady’s face turn red.
But not a single noble dared to speak against her.
The air around Joy was so cold that it felt as if one might freeze if they dared approach her.
Shaking off the hand that tried to hold her back, Joy walked forward along the path that naturally opened for her.
...What am I doing!?
In a rush of emotion, she acted without thinking, but now what!?
Of course, I don’t regret what I did! I feel relieved, and I’d answer anyone who tries to chastise me with “So what?”
But I have no idea how to fix this situation!
Ah! Stupid me!
Why can’t I think things through before I act!?
This is why they call me "Dizzy Joy," whether I’m with Lady Allen or the Third Prince!
"Joy."
Still marching toward the stage, screaming inside her head, Joy was startled by the sight of her older brother Jeff, who had somehow appeared.
"Brother."
"Did you plan all this?"
Joy bit her lip, unable to answer.
"I thought as much."
"Brother... what do I do?"
"Don’t worry. You’ve already done your part."
"...What?"
"You’ve shown your will to our family head. That’s enough."
It didn’t take long for Joy to understand the meaning behind her brother’s words, that now she could step back.
A deep laugh filled the hall, drawing everyone’s attention.
The master of the Patran family, one of the six great ducal families, and one of the kingdom’s most powerful figures.
He was among the few who could speak boldly even in a room filled with nobles.
The Duke of Patran continued laughing as he spoke.
"I apologize, everyone. I was simply delighted to see such a bold display from our lady."
Murmurs spread through the crowd, for Lucy’s behavior seemed more insolent than bold.
But neither the Duke of Patran nor Lucy paid attention to the whispers.
"Lady Allen?"
"What is it, Lord Clumsy?"
"Pfft. You still call me that even here? Thank you."
The nobles around the hall gasped at the sight of Lucy casually insulting the Duke of Patran and him laughing it off as if it were nothing.
"Allow me to offer one piece of advice. I understand your frustration with those weaker than you, but showing that too openly is unwise."
"Is it wrong to call weaklings weak?"
"Technically, the graduation speech is directed at students, so it’s not a problem. But remember, there are more than just students here. Look around; countless stars yet beyond your reach are here."
The Duke used his magic to step behind Lucy, gesturing to those present.
"First, there’s the First Queen. One of the mightiest knights in Soladin’s history and a figure who brought peace to the kingdom. When she was chosen as queen, the capital knights famously mourned for months."
The First Queen shot a sidelong glance at the Duke, smiling.
"Months is an exaggeration. It was barely a month."
"In front of Your Majesty, of course. Elsewhere, the grumbling never stopped."
"Oh my. Sir Sikel, is that true?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Even the vice-captain still toasts to your skill at every gathering."
"Really? I had no idea."
The Duke continued, following the Queen’s laughter.
"And then there’s the Second Queen. Once, her skills struck fear into the hearts of academy students."
"Duke, are you sure that’s a compliment?"
"Haha! I’m honored to know the strength of the Bedfer family banner! How could it be anything else?"
The Second Queen let out a small chuckle, easing the hall’s tension.
"Then there’s Count Kent, pride of Soladin’s swordsmanship. Of all people, only he could withstand a clash against your father at his peak."
"I’d say ‘withstand’ is a bit generous. It was more like he clung on desperately."
"Ha! Humble as ever! Ah! We can’t forget Duke Luchten! When he smashed that boulder thrown by a giant with his hammer, I was speechless!"
"How long ago was that?"
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.
"The time you got hit by rubble and rolled down the castle wall!"
"How many times have I told you not to bring that up!"
The Duke regaled the guests with tales of the nobles present, sharing remarkable feats, amusing incidents, and stories that sparked wonder and laughter in the crowd.
By the time his stories ended, the Duke turned back to Lucy and spoke.
"Lady Allen, your talent, like your father’s, is extraordinary. One day, you’ll likely be considered the continent’s best. But that day hasn’t come yet. Right now, you’re still young and fragile."
"Are you incapable of being direct? I don’t like pointless, roundabout stories, Lord Clumsy."
"Show humility, future of Soladin. Make others aspire to your talent rather than envy it, as your father did."
Lucy quietly looked at the Duke, then left the stage without a word.
It was a blatant act of disrespect, but the Duke only chuckled, so no one dared to call her out.
"Your Majesty, the First Queen, would you care to offer a toast on behalf of Soladin’s future?"
"It can’t be helped. Everyone, raise your glasses! To Soladin’s future!"
"To Soladin’s future!"
The party, which had nearly been filled with tension and resentment, was now infused with the pride of the nobility.