Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy-Chapter 345: Academy End Party (8)

Rene felt a twinge of guilt watching the dean break into a cold sweat.

Though he held the title of First Prince and was the kingdom's leading successor, Rene himself had once been a student at Soul Academy, indebted to the dean in many ways. It was hard to find joy in causing him trouble now.

But even so, Rene couldn’t resolve this predicament.

After all, the person behind this situation wasn’t him but his mother.

Earlier that morning, as Rene was trying to finish his daily tasks before heading to the academy’s end-of-term party, he was caught off guard by Kavady’s sudden arrival.

He’d assumed that she would only depart by the afternoon, considering the party was set to start around evening.

"First Queen, I understand the guards and other attendants aren’t ready yet," he mentioned.

"Yes, that’s true. But it’s not a problem. We’re going to move separately," she responded.

"...Excuse me?"

Kavady didn’t answer Rene’s question. Instead, she clapped her hands.

At that cue, people from the intelligence division entered the room, carrying disguises.

"We can’t exactly move openly—it would disrupt those who are here to enjoy the festival. We’ll go in secret."

Her statement, spoken with complete confidence, led Rene to ask a question, much like the dean had just done out of sheer common sense.

“First Queen, I mean no disrespect, but for someone of your stature, walking around without guards is...”

“Dean, what are you worried about? With Rene and me together, how many people do you think could actually threaten us?”

Unless Sir Benedict himself went berserk, there weren’t likely many who could cause trouble, as even the dean and Rene could hardly refute her logic.

Who, indeed, could harm the kingdom’s First Queen, one of the capital’s elite knights before ascending to her current position?

“Would I even need to resort to force? I believe in Soul Academy’s capabilities.”

At her tactful hint—implying they had better prevent any mishaps in advance—the dean had no choice but to assure her to enjoy herself.

Even though he was one of the high-ranking nobles and a renowned scholar chosen to lead Soul Academy, he was still a subordinate in front of one of the kingdom’s most influential powers.

“It’s been decades since I was enrolled here, but nothing’s changed,” she observed.

“Really?”

“Yes. That building over there. That statue, too. And even the prison for scholars.”

Kavady elaborated on how this place should be esteemed, watching with interest as a young girl crossed the square. Her gaze lingered on the girl, fascinated.

With each step, her red hair scattered in the breeze.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Her pale skin shone even in the sunlight.

Her small frame exuded femininity from every angle.

The girl’s beauty was striking enough to draw attention anywhere, but Kavady’s interest lay elsewhere.

It wasn’t her outward appearance but her inner qualities.

With a body trained to a degree that seemed unusual for an academy student and an aura of divine power nearly unmatched, Kavady couldn’t help but take notice.

"That girl—she’s from the Allen family, isn’t she?"

"...Huh? Ah, yes, I believe so."

Rene responded hesitantly, uncertain.

The Lucy Allen he encountered during the recent festival looked strikingly similar yet distinctly different.

What on earth had happened to her in just a few months?

While he’d heard she’d changed, he hadn’t expected it to be this drastic.

How did a mere doll-like beauty gain such vitality?

...So that’s why even the Apostle of the Arts couldn’t help but sing her praises and compose songs about her.

"Seeing her now is astonishing. It’s hard to believe that this is the same girl who used to insult me to my face."

“Likely a true heir to the Allen bloodline,” he replied.

“For a first-year student to be at that level...”

Creating a crescent moon with her eyes, Kavady watched Lucy disappear from sight before moving with a slightly lighter step towards the training grounds.

The dungeon training grounds were still bustling with people.

Everyone from those networking to build connections to those who rarely left their own territories had gathered here.

While Rene observed them, nodding at the impressive turnout for the dungeon, Kavady’s smile only grew broader.

A little later, Rene and Kavady entered the dungeon and proceeded leisurely.

They shared remarks about what was enjoyable in certain areas and what stood out elsewhere.

The conversation between Rene, regarded as a fitting candidate for succession, and Kavady, who had traversed countless dungeons, was a high-level discussion that would have brought tears of awe to Lucy’s eyes.

The two made their way without any hindrance, stopping only when they reached the hallway leading to the zero-level room.

The moment they entered the fourth chamber, Rene’s head was lopped off by Kavady’s sudden strike, and he rose, rubbing his neck with a frown.

A sound barrier spell, huh? Seems it’s not part of the dungeon’s original setup—must be the Queen’s handiwork.

“Rene.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“What do you think of being engaged to Lady Allen?”

“...Are you serious?”

Rene couldn’t outright dismiss it as a joke.

Apart from her personality, Lucy Allen had no real disqualifying traits.

Except that her personality was a very significant issue.

While Rene mulled over how to respond if the First Queen insisted, Kavady chuckled.

“Judging by your expression, you really hate the idea. I was joking. Lady Allen has far too many issues to make a suitable queen.”

“Then...”

“But she’s still a talent worth keeping close.”

“...”

“She’s also someone we should be cautious of.”

Helping Rene back to his feet, she adjusted her magic and continued calmly.

“Looks like I have more work on my hands. More to investigate, more to prepare, and a lot to think about.”

“...Is there anything I can help you with?”

“No, just go about your usual business. This is something I need to handle myself.”

With that, Kavady released her magic and continued down the hall alone.

Her steps were slightly slower than when she first entered the dungeon.

Ding.

“Lady Allen, have I perhaps done something wrong?”

Startled by the sudden notification sound, I flinched, and the pervert Apostle stroking my hair cautiously asked.

‘No, you’re fine.’

“Just that your disgusting hand movements give me chills. Don’t worry; it’s not like you’re nauseating only today.”

“Haha, well. I’ll try to be more careful.”

After making sure the pervert Apostle continued with his odd gestures, I turned my attention to the notification.

Nothing happened when my penalty period ended, so why is it giving me a pop-up now?

I was beginning to think it was a vacation alert or something.

Wait—come to think of it, isn’t the half-assed deity only this random with quests when something urgent happens?

It was the same with Adri, and with Favy.

Is something happening again?!

[New Quest Issued.] [So What. I’m Gorgeous.] [Demonstrate to everyone just how noble a person you truly are!] [Reward: A Clue About the Soul of the Hero]

I read the quest message, noticed the reflection of my narrowed eyes in the mirror, and sighed.

So it’s just a chance for the god to show off.

Is this just about saying, “Look, our Apostle is adorable and beautiful!”

Couldn’t you have a little divine dignity?

Would it kill you to carry yourself in a way that makes being an Apostle worthwhile?

Look at the pervert Apostle behind me. He never doubts his god for a second.

Want to know why?

Because the perverted Raven may be vile even by human standards, but it at least puts on a dignified show for its believers!

What are you doing, being less impressive than your own Apostle?

And seriously, the quest requirements are vague as hell.

Demonstrate nobility? Exactly how am I supposed to do that?

At this rate, it sounds like you could just judge I failed and impose a penalty right away...

Wait—why isn’t there a penalty listed?

Is there a bug or something?

Nope, the quest window and logs confirm there’s no penalty.

What is this? The half-assed deity has never done this before.

Any time it’s been either a dangerous or trivial quest, there’s always been a penalty.

I could just dismiss this as a rare act of generosity, but I can’t.

The half-assed deity embedded in my memory isn’t the kind to offer favors without expecting something in return.

At best, I’d guess it’s something ridiculous like “No one could possibly think my Apostle isn’t noble!”

Or perhaps there’s a trap ready for a post-failure ambush.

Judging by the last penalty, I doubt the half-assed deity is just messing with me, though.

Ugh, I don’t know.

Whatever. I’ll deal with it somehow. For now, let’s just see what this reward is.

A clue about the Soul of the Hero, right?

It’s the new feature, isn’t it?

I got it as a reward but had no idea what it was, so I left it aside. Now it’s promising a clue?

Should I be grateful they’re finally giving me an answer, even if it’s this late?

If I were as pious as Favy, I’d choose gratitude—but I’m not.

“Lady.”

The pervert Apostle’s excited voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I glanced at him to show I was listening.

“I would like to bestow one final blessing of the goddess. May I?”

A blessing from the Raven Goddess, usually tied to charm stats? That’s not something to refuse. The higher my charm stat, the better for me right now.

‘Sure, please go ahead.’

“Do as you wish. I doubt that crow could make me any prettier than I already am.”

Ack. I may have called the half-assed deity a deity, but I wasn’t even giving the Raven Goddess the title of goddess?!

Inadvertently insulting his god in front of him, I checked the pervert Apostle’s reaction in the mirror.

Frozen solid. Looks like even he couldn’t handle that one.

“...V-very well, then. I shall proceed immediately.”

Was that remark too sacrilegious for him to even acknowledge?

Is that okay?

Won’t your goddess get mad at you for allowing such blasphemy?

The perverted crow is notorious for having a short fuse, after all.

I began to feel uneasy about accepting this blessing, half-convinced it might actually be some form of heavenly retribution.

But before I could stop him, the pervert Apostle had already started his prayer.

Sigh. It’ll be fine. Probably.

No matter how temperamental, there’s no way they’d mess with their own Apostle, right?

“Oh, goddess...”

As divine energy began radiating from the pervert Apostle, I noted its quality.

Unlike the warm sunlight of my own divine power or Favy’s, this had a refreshing sense of spring, gently tickling my skin.

Perhaps due to my familiarity with manipulating divine power, I could immediately sense its intent.

It’s asking to enter, huh?

Don’t try anything funny.

Try it, and I’ll burn you.

Allowing an entry point in my body’s divine energy, the Raven Goddess’s divine power flowed in.

I closed my eyes, feeling it spread through me with a cool, soothing sensation.

—A crow! How adorable! Thanks for the nickname! I’ll remember it forever, you ridiculously cute child!

Before long, a voice sounded in my mind just as the divinity within me took form.

This...

No way.

The lively, unmistakably cheery voice was easy to identify.

There was only one I had ever called a “crow.”

...Lady Armadi.

Forget what I said about setting an example.

Just stay as you are.

You’re better than that perverted crow...

Aren’t you? You’re better, right?

You should be.

Yeah.

You have to be.

Hearing a loud thud, I opened my eyes to see the pervert Apostle blissfully fainted on the floor.

We’ve met plenty of times by now.

Shouldn’t he have developed some immunity? It’s not like I look any different.

All he’s seeing is...me.

‘Gramps, do I look any different?’

But getting no response from him either, I sighed.

Great. Now I have no one to give me an objective opinion.

Knock, knock.

“Lucy Allen, may I come in? I have something to discuss before the party.”

Oh, Arthur. Perfect timing.

I needed someone to assess my looks anyway.

‘Come in.’

“Feel free to enter, but brace yourself. A pathetic prince like you might not be able to handle it.”

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“What nonsense are you...”

Arthur opened the door only to freeze in place like a statue.

So much for asking him for feedback.

Why are all the men here so hopelessly useless?