For the noblen of the continent, dungeon conquest skill is a matter of pride.
Who conquered more dungeons? Who cleared the most challenging dungeons? Who obtained the most remarkable items from these dungeons?
Originally, it started as a noble’s duty, but this competition soon evolved into a way for nobles to showcase their greatness. However, there was one fundantal issue with this rivalry.
It was rare for the dungeons they conquered to be the sa.
While dungeons across the continent shared so common features, their details often varied. This made it hard to settle any argunt over who had achieved more.
“I conquered a wider dungeon.” “The monsters in mine were more dangerous.” “Mine had more levels.” “The boss was ridiculous.”
These endless debates often resulted in the person with higher status claiming victory.
Powerful nobles would feel a lingering suspicion that the other person had conceded to them out of obligation, while the lower-ranking nobles harbored bitterness over their unjust loss.
Then, one noble ca up with an intriguing idea.
Why not create artificial dungeons for fair competition?
Thus, the system for artificial dungeons still used today was developed, and nobles took turns creating dungeons, showcasing their superiority by conquering each other's creations.
This form of competition has evolved over the years, with the latest trend among dungeon-obsessed nobles being the Dungeon Studies Journal.
This journal, published by scholars of Dungeon Studies, featured a selection of dungeons worth attempting each week. The quality of these dungeons was so high that nobles stopped taking turns creating them and instead focused on clearing the dungeons featured in the journal, boasting of their achievents afterward.
As a result, when noblen gathered, the question of whether one had cleared that week’s dungeon inevitably ca up.
Anyone who frequently t other nobles had to clear the journal’s dungeon every week.
“Hmm.”
Even the first prince of the Soladine Kingdom, René Soladine, clutched a copy of the Dungeon Studies Journal for this very reason.
René had established impressive records in countless artificial dungeons, not to ntion his successful track record in real battles. However, his position required him to do more than simply prove his skills.
As the kingdom’s first prince and a strong contender for the throne, René constantly faced scrutiny, so he needed to clear the journal’s dungeon each week to show he was improving.
However, René didn’t particularly enjoy these journal dungeons.
No matter how much effort went into them, dungeons created by people inevitably shared so similarities.
Wouldn’t anyone tire of clearing dozens or even hundreds of dungeons that all seed alike?
“Interesting.”
But today was different.
As René examined this week’s dungeon in the journal, his eyes glead with genuine interest.
The dungeon’s gimmicks were cleverly crafted.
One wrong move, and the challenger would be caught in their own trap.
But was it just sadistic?
Not at all. The dungeon designer was incredibly considerate.
If you looked around instead of fixating on what was in front of you, you’d find countless hints.
A dungeon that welcod those who deciphered its tricks but punished those who rushed forward blindly.
It’s been a while since I’ve encountered a dungeon I truly liked.
If dungeons like this were published in the journal every ti, René would open each issue with an eager heart.
After clearing the dungeon, René checked the designer’s na.
If this person created another dungeon, he wanted to be sure to tackle it as well.
“…Lucy Allen?”
Surprised by the na he found, René’s eyes widened slightly before he let out a short laugh.
“Well, it’s not surprising that she’d create sothing like this.”
Thinking back on her antics during the recent Partran festival, it made sense.
To pull off such crazy moves during a dungeon conquest would require an extensive understanding of dungeons. It wasn’t strange at all that she had crafted such a fascinating dungeon.
Nodding to himself, René flipped to the solution section at the back.
He was curious to see how soone as eccentric as Lucy Allen would explain this dungeon.
Surprisingly, the solution in the journal was perfectly normal.
There’s no way that cheeky person would write sothing this ordinary.
Ah, I see. The Soul Academy must have reviewed and edited it.
Makes sense. The academy’s graduate students must’ve had a rough ti.
And…
Hmm.
According to the last line, if he visited before Soul Academy’s term-end, he’d be able to challenge the dungeon himself.
René pondered this as he sipped his tea.
He had a reasonable excuse.
With Arthur and Cecil enrolled at the academy, he could justify checking in on Soul Academy, the kingdom’s representative institution.
And perhaps, in passing, he could et with that Lucy Allen.
“René, what are you up to?”
A woman’s voice from behind prompted René to stand imdiately.
“Your Majesty.”
The first queen of the Soladine Kingdom and the real power in the royal palace, as the king was currently ill.
She was René Soladine’s mother.
Kavati Soladine chuckled as she watched her son’s stiffly formal greeting.
“René, I’ve told you before—there’s no need to be so formal when no one’s watching.”
“No, Your Majesty. This is how I feel most comfortable.”
“Fine. Very well, sit down.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“You were reading the Dungeon Studies Journal. Was this week’s dungeon any good?”
“Yes. It’s the best one I’ve seen this year.”
“Oh, my! If you say so, I’m curious to see it myself.”
Taking the journal from René, Kavati’s eyes lit up with a crescent smile as she examined the dungeon details.
Even as the first queen, it would take her ti to figure out that dungeon, so René decided to make tea while she was occupied.
When she finally spoke again, the aroma of tea filled the room.
“René.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“When is the Soul Academy’s term-end party?”
Why is she asking that?
René was puzzled but answered promptly.
“December 1st.”
“That’s soon. I’ll have to keep busy until then.”
“…Are you planning to attend?”
“Yes. Even though we’re not related by blood, Cecil and Arthur are still my sons.”
I should see what kind of lives they’re leading, shouldn’t I?
She smiled warmly, but René didn’t believe her one bit.
The first queen he knew was not the type to show such affection.
“Well, I’ll be on my way. Make sure to clear your schedule for that day, René.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After Kavati left, René sat alone, staring at his now-cold tea, and let out a sigh.
“I refuse, Lucy Allen.”
Arthur looked at , barely concealing his contempt.
“It’s not a minor difference, but a crushing defeat I suffered. How would others view if I represented the first years?”
“Well…”
“Why? You’re already widely known as the ‘Pitiful Prince.’ Will being looked down on a bit more really matter?”
“…Do you honestly not understand, or are you just asking? Tsk. You’re really insufferable. I can’t believe I’m starting to sympathize with that rascal, Jackal.”
His mocking tone almost made want to snap back, but I bit my lip, rembering that I was asking for a favor.
“Think about it, Lucy Allen. I was born with many rumors shadowing . Imagine how people would gossip if I accepted such humiliation.”
Well… When he puts it like that, I’m at a loss for words.
“Even if I ignore the rumors, I still have my pride. Do you know how painful it is to receive pity from the victor?”
Arthur’s argunt about why he declined the speech at the entrance ceremony was unassailable.
It was so reasonable that anything I said would just sound like an excuse.
Ugh.
I should’ve intentionally missed a few questions on the finals.
Could’ve lowered my score a bit!
Why did I forget about this event?
Is Joy’s airheadedness contagious?! Have I beco an airheaded sugaki?!
As I wallowed in my own stupidity, Arthur propped his chin on his hand and spoke.
“Why are you so reluctant to give the speech? Looking down on others is your specialty.”
“…”
“Just speak like you did in the Dungeon Studies test demonstration. What’s the issue? Your reputation can’t get any worse, anyway.”
Listening to him dryly list these facts, my patience finally ran out, and I stood up.
“Huh? What… What’s this about, Lucy Allen?”
“Follow , Pitiful Prince. Let show you what your sharp tongue can bring upon you.”
“What are you saying—no, never mind. I apologize. I was being insensitive. Now, please, put away that mace—gah!”
Even after being turned down by Arthur, I didn’t give up.
“No way! I want to see Lady Allen on stage wearing the outfit I picked for her!”
“...I’m sorry. I just can’t bring myself to stand on stage in place of other noblen.”
“Uh… um, I’m sorry! Please, forgive !”
But all my attempts only led to refusals in the end.
They were all too overwheld by the idea of standing on stage over Arthur or Joy.
Argh!
If Jackal were here, I could just force him into it!
Why does he have to re-enroll as a first-year next year?!
“But…!”
“…Alright.”
Realizing there was no escape, I began planning with Grandpa to get through the speech as smoothly as possible.
But this really felt impossible.
Even if I said sothing, it’d get mistranslated by my sugaki Skill, turning into sothing completely different.
I was even half-tempted to just wing it and run away afterward.
“You know, I have an idea.”
While I was wracking my brain, Lovesick Fox spoke up.
“What is it?”
“What?”
“Wear a bunny girl costu with accessories and stun everyone to the point where they can’t hear what you’re saying!”
Watching the lovesick fox drool made it clear how pathetic he was.
You just want to see dressed as a bunny girl, don’t you?
Ugh. It was foolish of to expect any decent ideas from this pervert.
None of my friends are as hopeless as the lovesick fox or perverted apostle, so…
Actually…
This could work, couldn’t it?
At least enough to keep people entranced until I finished and left the stage.
Realizing the potential, I turned swiftly toward the lovesick fox.
“…Uh? What’s with that look?”
Before he could escape, I grabbed him around the waist and pulled him close.
“Eek?! W-Wait. Why are you suddenly—eh?!”
Lovesick Fox!
You’re actually useful sotis!
This must be the wisdom of the forest’s guardian!
Alright! Ti to test this idea on my friends!
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