“…What the hell is this?”
Suppressing the boiling anger from deep within, I asked, and the raven proudly puffed out its chest and answered.
“This city lacks proper reverence for you, Lucy! I was just trying to fill that gap of reverence!”
“When have I ever said I wanted that?”
“You haven’t! But everyone loves being revered, right?”
I don’t completely reject what the raven said. I do like being admired.
If it’s related to dungeons, I’m completely ecstatic.
But, still...
“The way you’re praising is all wrong! You idiot!”
This city doesn’t need a statue of ! Especially not one that’s made of gold and sparkles!
And why the hell is this crazy bird making a statue and bringing it to without even asking?
And to top it off, putting so much effort into it?! Even if you really, really wanted to make it, isn’t it normal to ask once in the middle of it?
“Have you completely rged with the raven in your brain!? Do you think everything that shines is good!?”
“Isn’t that the case? Humans go crazy for shiny things.”
“I’m not like that! So take it and get lost!”
“Do I really have to do that?”
While I was gritting my teeth in frustration at the thoughtless raven, I heard a questioning voice from behind.
Mama, who had gotten used to life here after a few days of descending to this world, tilted her head under the parasol.
“But it’s such a beautiful statue.”
“…That’s…”
Hmm. Even I can’t deny it. The Goddess’s work is beautiful.
I would love to argue, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
As Grandpa and Mama had said, the statue the raven brought was beautiful.
Even I, who don’t know much about art, was astonished.
If it were put in an auction house, rich people would probably spend their entire fortune to buy it.
But beautiful as it was, beauty alone didn’t solve everything.
I already feel burdened by the people’s gaze lately. How would they react if sothing like this showed up?
How would they react? They’d likely pray in front of the statue.
‘Ugh!’
The thought alone was enough to annoy ! The fact that it would be seen at Allen Estate made even angrier!
“Absolutely not!!”
I wouldn’t stop people from doing it elsewhere! They’re not the type to stop just because I tell them!
But I can’t allow it in my estate! If I have to see that every morning, I might die of stress!
“If you really want to decorate, do it in so gloomy place where your creepy followers are!”
“Don’t worry! I already set it up!”
“What?”
“I couldn’t give Lucy so half-assed gift! I made several statues and brought the best one!”
How long has it been since the work at the Sanctuary was finished, and this idiot has already made several of these statues?
The Goddess of Beauty and Art’s title was not in vain.
But why is she wasting that talent on this nonsense? She could have used it sowhere better!
“Ah! Was it not enough with just one? If Lucy wants, I can do the entire city in a the!”
“Are you speaking a different language? I said no! Get lost! Stop being selfish and use your talent for the world, you crazy raven!”
“I already am!”
This doesn’t make sense!
She clearly wasn’t listening to at all. This crazy bird!
Ahh! I really feel like pulling out all those wings!
That’s not entirely wrong, you know.
‘...Grandpa. I’m not in the mood for this argunt right now.’
I’m not teasing you. Think about it carefully. If that statue is placed in Allen Estate, people from distant places will co to see it. It has a symbolic aning as the city where you were born.
‘Do you think I don’t know that!? That’s exactly why I’m upset!’
Even when I was at the Sanctuary, I had a headache from all the people coming to pray, but do you want that happening here too!?
This is my ho! I can’t live like that!
Listen to the whole story. The fact that people gather ans the villagers could survive on tourism alone. Considering your influence, it will positively affect not just this city, but the nearby small estates as well.
Recalling the famous tourist cities from my past life, I couldn’t argue anymore and just shut my mouth.
I know more than anyone about the impact of tourists.
Thinking about the reasons people co here, I didn’t have to worry about any bad consequences.
Who would act disrespectfully in the place where the Goddess and her daughter live?
Even if soone does, they would be powerless against the knights of Allen. It’s easy to make local products.
If I casually drop a word to the art guild, they’ll beg to let them do it.
What’s it to if it benefits other people!? I’ve already done my duty! Now it’s my turn to exercise my rights!
Feeling a bit conflicted, I clenched my teeth and nodded.
No matter how many advantages there are, it’s still a no!
Our estate is not poor and struggling!
We have no reason to get involved in such businesses!
One more thing, this is also a beneficial offer for you.
‘Stop trying to seduce with flowery words! I’m not falling for it anymore!’
I know it’s full of benefits! But it’s bad for my ntal health!
Why should I have to watch all this nonsense, enduring a hole in the roof just to live in luxury?
This is not nonsense, I’m saying this because of a political issue.
‘Politics?’
There are many branches under the Allen family. Not long ago, your father unified them, and so of the heirs are now working at Allen Estate.
I know that too. I t them often while spending relaxed ti in the mansion. Though I greeted them politely, we never really had a proper conversation.
Later, you’ll inherit Allen and be in charge of them.
‘...I guess so?’
Having experienced palace politics, I know it’s not easy to just sit back and take orders. Even if your authority is high, they’ll still pursue their own interests.
Ugh. Just hearing about it makes feel sick.
But if you provide them with benefits, it changes the story. Like taming beasts with food, they’ll bow their heads if you offer them sothing they want.
‘Is that food tourism?’
That’s just the start. Gradually, you’ll make them satisfied with their roles as pets. You don’t need to worry about the headache. I’ll handle everything from planning to execution.
If the goal is to ta the branches, it doesn’t seem so bad.
After all, not everyone will co to the sa city. They’ll be distributed to other cities.
It’s better to endure the burden than deal with the headache of politics.
Most importantly, you need to build up the justification step by step so you can delay the most sensitive topics.
‘What’s that?’
Marriage discussions.
My brain froze for a mont at a topic I had never even thought of.
Marriage?
Oh, wait...
A marriage between and soone else!?
What kind of crazy nonsense is that!?
Marriage is an obligation for nobles. Although many years have passed since I lived, the idea hasn’t changed much.
Now that I think about it, Papa said he was stopping any marriage proposals.
Since my value has increased, there will be more proposals, and the pressure to fulfill them will only grow stronger.
However, if you make them dependent on you, they won’t even think about bringing up marriage proposals.
‘Oh...’
Do you know what’s more important? If you raise your influence like this, you’ll be able to refuse the proposals with confidence when your parents eventually bring it up.
Right. Right now, Papa and Mama will say whatever Lucy wants, but who knows what will happen later.
If the people who used to protect start recomnding this person or that one, I’ll have no choice but to run away!
Personally, I think it’s a good idea to seduce the Goddess and turn the entire estate into a tourist spot.
Persuaded by Grandpa’s words, I reluctantly whispered what she wanted into the raven’s ear.
Naturally, she was thrilled and said to leave it to her. I should’ve never believed her back then.
“Are you an idiot?”
The day after the raven set up my golden statue in the middle of the city, Arthur, who ca to see it, furrowed his brows after hearing the conversation I had with Grandpa.
“An idiot? I made this decision after careful thought!”
“That’s exactly why you’re an idiot. Why couldn’t you co to any better conclusion after thinking about it?”
“Then why the hell do you keep getting your ass handed to you by Frey and , Prince!? Don’t you know how to escape being born as a useless weakling!?”
“What does that have to do with this situation!? And I’m not a weakling! You two are just abnormally strong! I’m still plenty strong!”
“Yeah, sure. Enjoy bullying the weak and having fun.”
“…Ahhh! You really!”
Arthur yelled, but seeing the stares from the crowd around us, he quickly sat back down.
There were plenty of people here to see my statue.
If he dared to upset even a little, he’d be buried by the group!
Smiling wickedly, I watched Arthur grind his teeth before letting out a long sigh.
“Let’s get back to the main point.”
“Hmm? Why? Are you mad? Is it because of the heat?”
“You’ve been deceived by Ruel.”
“…What?”
“Think for a second. What kind of madman would try to force sothing onto the Goddess’s daughter? They’d be struck down by divine wrath.”
“But…”
“Even if that weren’t the case, no branch has the power to force their opinions on you. No strength, no connections, no authority. If they co after you, their house will collapse.”
Huh?
“At the end of the day, marriage proposals are for maintaining and expanding the family. Allen has no interest in expansion, and as long as you’re here, there are no problems with maintaining the family. Soone who carries the blood of the gods won’t die young.”
“Then…”
“There’s no reason for marriage proposals. To be more precise, it’s impossible for them to even co. Do you think there’s anyone suitable for you right now? Even greed has its limits.”
Huh?
“Of course, if you want soone for marriage, that’s a different story.”
“Would I want that!?”
“Then the matter is settled.”
“No. Mama and Papa might bring it up soday.”
“Hah. That’s pure fantasy. Would Armandi, the Goddess, and your father force you to do sothing you hate? The two of them might drop dead from the shock if you shouted at them.”
“…Prince, wait a minute.”
I raised my hand to stop Arthur’s words and quietly called Grandpa.
‘Grandpa. The prince is saying sothing weird, right? Right?’
...Well, technically, he’s not wrong!
‘What do you an?’
Human authority is limited! You must think ahead to the far future!
I silenced Grandpa by stuffing him into my inventory and stood up with a smile.
“I’m sorry, Prince. I have urgent business and need to step out for a bit. My friends will be here soon, so could you stay until then?”
“Uh? Uh, okay. I understand.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back shortly.”
I’m really conflicted. Where should I bury this old man so he can die miserably?
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