Chapter: 347
When Lucy first appeared on the platform, Joy looked at her with pure admiration.
All the grandiose words learned from living as a noble young lady lost their meaning, leaving only praise of her beauty. That experience was so astounding that Joy couldn’t help but forget the gazes of those around her and follow Lucy’s movements in a daze.
Even I, who had previously seen the demonstration, was at a loss for words, so I didn’t even need to ask how others felt about it.
Hehe. I’m glad to think that everyone will remember the scene of the young lady wearing the clothes I picked for her.
It was rewarding to have chosen the best outfit among all the clothes I tried on her.
However, Joy’s happiness didn’t last long.
The moment Lucy, positioned at the center of the platform, opened her mouth, she realized that this place would be remembered by everyone for a different reason.
Lady Allen! What on earth are you doing?!
This is not a place for you to be!
This is a gathering of powerful nobles!
No matter how great a force Benedict is, there are limits to that!
The former lady might have been oblivious, but the current lady shouldn’t be unaware of that—why, for goodness’ sake!
“Why does everyone have such an expression? I’m not saying anything untrue. Ah, did I speak too strongly that it hurt your feelings~? I apologize for that~”
“I heard you’ve changed. Guess I was wrong.”
“After all, Lucy Allen is still Lucy Allen.”
“Is such a kid going to inherit the Allen family one day?”
As Joy watched the real-time decline of her friend’s reputation, she screamed silently inside.
No! The old Lady Allen might have been one way, but the new Lady Allen is a good person!
She would willingly risk her life for others!
Though sometimes a bit playful, she’s someone who knows enough consideration and can brush off insults like they’re nothing!
You lot, who know nothing about Lady Allen, shouldn’t judge her based on just one side!
While Joy thought this, she also realized she couldn’t do anything about their judgments.
A mistake made during a sudden encounter is detrimental in noble social life, and a disaster created in a gathering of nobles can be significant evidence to define a person.
“Why, oh why? Does what I say not suit your ears? Puhahhaha. But you see, the ones who put me here are the academy’s shoddy people. I’m surrounded by weak and dumb kids, what do you expect me to do? I can’t lose even if I wanted to.”
“G-goddammit.”
“Hey, look to the side.”
“If it weren’t for everyone around…”
Seeing her noble friends’ expressions growing grim, Joy chewed her lips, hidden behind her fan.
The situation is the worst. Every time Lady Allen speaks, people are reminded of the past lady.
If this goes on unchecked, no one will believe that the lady has changed.
People think that change is impossible.
A fool is just a fool, no matter how capable.
“The shame of the Allen family.”
Just as those words crept into her ears, Joy turned her head to see a pale-faced young lady covering her mouth and bit her lip tightly.
Joy understood.
Once a situation has escalated to this point, there’s no way to mend it.
With the disaster happening, returning to how things were is impossible.
Joy knew that as soon as she stepped in, she would become a target of criticism too.
The words of criticism that had been creeping up would only grow stronger.
She realized that when she eventually met other factions in the social circle, this would be where the blame began.
Joy understood.
According to the ordinary noble mindset, the right thing to do in this situation is to not step forward.
If she intervenes without any justification, nothing would come of it.
Puhuhuh.
Then Joy’s eyes met Lucy’s, who was laughing on the platform.
Amidst the growing voices of discontent and the criticisms popping up here and there.
Joy stared blankly at her friend.
And then lowered the fan that had been covering her face.
As the young lady of the Partlan family, Joy had long been striving to act like a duchess.
Nobody forced her; the Partlan couple had told her she could do what she wanted since they had a son to carry on their lineage, so her effort to be a noble was entirely her choice.
‘Is she truly the young lady of the Partlan family?’
Not wanting to betray others’ expectations.
‘How elegant she is.’
Fearing the disdainful glances surrounding her.
‘She’s truly dependable.’
Worried that if she didn’t become the lady everyone wished for, she’d end up alone.
Joy had been trying to fulfill her role as a duchess.
She suppressed her love for sweet things.
She erased the longing for friendships found in various novels.
She stifled her emotional heart like any other girl.
She believed this was the right path, so she lived like this.
But since meeting Lucy, that changed.
She laughed and called the struggling Joy a “foolish young lady.”
She treated Joy, the duchess, as just a friend.
She showed Joy that she didn’t need to hide herself to avoid being alone.
Yeah. What does it matter what the social circles think?
Why should it matter how other young ladies see me?
Why worry about how other nobles regard me?
No matter what happens, I am Joy Partlan.
I am the duchess of the Partlan family.
I am someone who causes discomfort to other young ladies.
I’m someone close to them who gets teased for being foolish.
I’m a wizard with extraordinary talent who’s praised enough by a professor at the academy.
I’m Lucy’s friend.
“Duchess Partlan?”
The moment Joy took a step forward, a lady from a neighboring count household called her name.
“What are you planning to do?”
“Are you going to take Lucy’s side again?”
“No way. Lady.”
“Partlan young lady. Please remember that you are the center of our faction.”
“Lady, please.”
After several young ladies chimed in with various remarks towards Joy, she paid no attention to any of it.
Instead, she revealed her trademark vicious smile that had been hidden behind her fan and said to them:
“Shut it.”
Words Joy would normally never say.
A phrase that bore a clear meaning of insult.
Something that would make any young lady blush.
Yet, no one among the young ladies dared to respond to Joy.
The frost surrounding her made it feel like anyone stepping in would freeze to death.
Shaking off the hands that tried to hold her back, Joy naturally moved down the path that opened up.
…What should I do?!
In that moment of overwhelming emotion, what I did was done, but how should I handle it now!?
Of course, I don’t regret what I did!
I think I did what I had to do!
It felt good!
No matter what those people say later, I’m ready to throw back a response!
But! I can’t think of any way to remedy this situation!
Aaaaah! Silly me!
Can’t I just think a little before doing things?!
That’s why you’re the Lady Allen and the Third Prince, and you’re still called a foolish young lady!
“Joy.”
As she moved towards the stage while screaming inwardly, Joy’s eyes opened wide at the sight of Jeff, who had appeared out of nowhere.
“Brother.”
“Do you have any plans right now?”
Joy couldn’t respond, her lips just moving.
“I figured as much.”
“Brother, what should I do?”
“Don’t worry. You’ve already done what you were supposed to.”
“…Huh?”
“You’ve expressed your will to the head. That’s enough.”
Gradually, Joy understood what it meant to be able to take a step back now.
“Huhaha!”
The loud laughter filling the hall drew the attention of everyone.
The head of the Partlan family, considered the best among the six duke families.
A figure renowned for carrying grim rumors, one of the kingdom’s most powerful figures.
Among the many nobles gathered, one of the few who could speak confidently.
With everyone’s gazes upon him, the duke of Partlan, still laughing heartily, continued speaking.
“Well, that was rude of me. Watching the young lady being so bold makes me happy.”
At the duke’s words, the hall erupted into murmurs.
Lucy’s earlier appearance was much closer to arrogance than boldness, after all.
However, neither the Partlan duke nor Lucy Allen paid any mind to the small murmurs.
“Lady Allen?”
“What’s the matter, Duke Clumsy?”
“Puhuhuh. To think I’m still called Clumsy Duke here? Thank you.”
Watching the two converse, the nobles in the hall held their breath.
The sight of Lucy Allen insulting Duke Clumsy and his equally amused reaction shocked them all.
“So here’s a piece of advice. I understand your disappointment with your less talented classmates, but it’s inappropriate to display that feeling outwardly.”
“…Is it wrong to tell shoddy people that they’re shoddy?”
“Essentially, the speech at this end-of-term party is directed at the students, so you could say that. However, the people gathered here are not just students. Look around. Aren’t there many stars you have yet to surpass?”
The duke, having said that, used his magic to move behind Lucy.
“First, there’s the First Queen. She is one of the strongest female knights in Soladin’s history and a great figure who brought peace to the kingdom. Everyone knows the story of how the capital’s knights grieved for months when she was chosen as queen.”
The subject of the story, the First Queen, gazed slyly at the duke and smiled.
“A month is a bit exaggerated. It hardly lasted a month.”
“It was only in front of the queen that it was so. Elsewhere, they continued to complain.”
“Oh my. Is what you said true?”
“I’m not the only one. First Queen, even the vice-captain still praises your valiance at drinking parties.”
“Really? I had no idea.”
Following the words of the guards, the First Queen chuckled, and the Partlan duke continued.
“How about the Second Queen? At one point, her might instilled fear in many academy students.”
“Duke, you are indeed complimenting her, right?”
“Haha! I know the sense of security when the Bedfur family banner was flying high! How could that be anything but praise!”
And then the Second Queen let out a small snicker, causing the atmosphere of the party hall to gradually lighten.
“The pride of Soladin’s swordsmanship. There’s Count Kent too. In his prime, he was the only one who could hold his own against your father in a duel.”
“Rather than holding his own, it seems appropriate to say he clung to him.”
“Hahaha! Modest, as always! Ah! We cannot forget Duke Ruhten! I still find it funny that he smashed the boulder that a giant threw with a hammer!”
“What time are you talking about?”
“The time when you got hit by a broken stone and fell over the city wall!”
“How many times must I tell you not to bring that up!”
The Partlan duke began recounting stories about each attendee, telling tales of their notable deeds.
It was awe-inspiring achievements that drew gasps from anyone listening, stories that made men and women, young and old, chuckle, and enticing tales that stirred people’s imaginations.
Before long, when all those stories came to an end, the Partlan duke gazed into Lucy Allen’s eyes and continued speaking.
“Lady Allen, your talent is as wondrous as your father’s. In time, you will surely be called the best on the continent. However, not yet. You are still young and weak.”
“Can’t you speak plainly? I don’t like superfluous talk. Clueless duke.”
“Show humility. The future of Soladin. Don’t allow envy toward your talents to prevent you from longing for them, just like your father did.”
Lucy, who had been quietly watching the duke, said nothing as she left the stage.
That was clearly rude, but since the Partlan duke chuckled and let it slide, no one pointed it out.
“First Queen, will you do the honors in place of the unpolished future of Soladin?”
“I have no choice. Now then, everyone, raise your glasses. To the future of Soladin!”
““To the future of Soladin!””
The party hall, which had almost been filled with criticism and anger, was now packed with the pride of nobles.
