Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy-Chapter 328: Penalty Time (2)

“Hehe. Who would’ve thought the lady had such a cute side to her.”

“You could just accept our gratitude since you were considerate of us.”

“Lucy, are you shy?”

“Yes, she’s definitely a shy one.”

After getting dragged into a private room at the Academy, I found myself surrounded by the four of them, forced to listen to this nonsense. Normally, I’d have shut them up by now, but unfortunately, I’m completely at their mercy.

If they decided to change their minds and impose some twisted punishment, things could get even more humiliating. Not wanting the situation to worsen, I clenched my fists and kept silent.

Besides, this situation wasn’t entirely bad for me. Sure, the misunderstanding was cringeworthy, but thanks to it, Arthur and his group were feeling indebted to me. If I could endure this discomfort for just a little longer, maybe my punishment wouldn’t be as severe.

It’s fine. This is nothing. I’ve faced life-threatening situations more times than I can count—what’s a little bit of embarrassment? It doesn’t hurt, it’s not scary, and there’s no danger of dying. All it does is make my head a little warm, so I can handle this.

“Look at her, afraid to speak because she’s worried about what we’ll make her do. She’s a shy little coward.”

“Indeed, how adorable. I can’t wait to dress her up later.”

“Joy, may I join you?”

“Of course! My dream is...”

Nope. I can’t take this.

The thread of my patience snapped, and I lifted my head with a grin.

“What’s this, Lucy Allen? What’s with the sudden expression?”

“Just got a little annoyed, seeing how smug our innocent little prince was acting. Couldn’t even look me in the eye this morning, and now he’s calling me a shy little coward.♡ How could I hold back?♡”

“Wha... What nonsense are you spouting?! I-I was merely—”

“Really?♡ Are you sure?♡”

“...”

“Per~vert♡ So gross♡ It makes me want to throw up♡”

Arthur’s face turned red, and he fumbled for words, unable to come up with any rebuttal.

One down.

Next, I turned my attention to Frey, who was quick to join in teasing Arthur.

“Turns out the prince is a pervert?”

“Pfft! Dumb swordswoman♡ Who’d think you weren’t a pervert?♡”

“...Huh?”

“You always pick fights with me just to get scolded♡”

“No, I don’t—”

“Oh, really?♡ Then why did you run off like a blushing maiden last time?♡ I’m just dying to know♡”

Frey’s eyes darted around as she struggled to find a place to look, eventually bowing her head in defeat.

Two down.

When I turned my head, Joy and Faivy quickly averted their gazes.

Oh, what’s this? Are you finally realizing you crossed a line?

It’s too late now, though. Keeping quiet now won’t erase what you’ve done!

You’ll all pay for your crimes!

“Poor little lady, I get that you’re thrilled to have friends, but try to contain yourself♡ If you keep it up, I might just start calling you ‘Simple Lucy’♡”

“W-well, I’m not exactly thrilled, you know?”

“Oh? Really?♡”

“Of course! I’m the center of attention for so many ladies—do you really think I’d get excited over something like this?”

“Oh? So I don’t need to be your friend then?♡”

“...”

“You really don’t need me?♡ So I can stop hanging out with ‘Simple Lucy’?♡”

“...sniff. No, I’m sorry. I got carried away and made a mistake.”

“Puhaha♡ Good. ‘Simple Lucy’ is cute because she’s simple♡”

One more to go.

Turning slightly to the side, I saw Faivy’s face had turned bright red.

“So, our timid saintess?♡”

“Y-yes?”

“Pfft♡ And to think they call you a saintess♡ Don’t you feel bad for the people who look up to you?♡”

“I’ll repent right away! I’m sorry!”

Seeing the four of them unable to look me in the eye filled me with satisfaction.

As for later? Well, that’s future Lucy’s problem.

Right now, I have no regrets about what I did!

...No, actually, that’s a lie.

I’m really starting to regret this.

Am I really getting swallowed up by this “Mesugaki Skill”? Why does my temper feel like it’s getting shorter and shorter?! Compared to the stuff I used to hear when I was working, their teasing is nothing!

Even as I inwardly lamented my own actions, I kept up the confident act.

What’s done is done.

The die is cast; I have to see it through!

I’ll use my upper hand to weaken the punishment!

“Prince?...”

“Prince Pitiful, aren’t you going to say something? Or did you regress so much you forgot how to speak?”

“...Yes. I still have a lot to say.”

Arthur’s gaze was as intense as a man set on revenge.

Right. Forget the upper hand, I’m screwed.

“Lucy Allen. Surely you remember what you agreed to when we succeeded in the dungeon?”

“...Yes! Of course, I remember!”

“Do you think I’m as foolish as you are, Prince? Of course, I remember.”

“Then this will be easy. We had extensive discussions on what to ask of you. Some even suggested simply asking you to treat us to a meal.”

What?! Really?! There was a suggestion like that?

You should have said so sooner! If I’d known, I would have gritted my teeth and endured whatever you said!

“But now, it seems there’s no need to show such mercy.”

As Arthur’s voice dropped, Frey and Joy nodded along. Faivy hesitated but ultimately kept quiet under their sharp gazes.

“Lucy Allen. Here is our request: each of us will take one day from your schedule. In other words, you must obey whoever ‘owns’ you for the day.”

“I already know when I’ll take my day, Lady Allen.”

“So do I.”

“M-me as well, Lady Allen.”

“I’ll inform you of the date. Prepare yourself accordingly.”

Arthur’s words, dripping with a promise of revenge, sent a chill down my spine as a notification sounded in my ear.

What now?!

[The penalty has been set.]

[You must follow their requests for one day each.]

[Please do your best to complete the punishment.]

...

You piece of trash.

Do my best? Do my best to complete it?

This is all your fault!

This whole situation exists because of you!

Acting like it’s someone else’s problem... Just you wait, Pathetic God!

I will never forget this grudge.

I’ll make sure you pay for this one day!

The next day, after the penalty was set, I arrived at the training grounds as usual, only to be greeted by Frey. She usually stuck close to me, but today her steps were lighter than usual.

The reason was obvious—she was the one who had taken my day.

Watching her flit around me like an excited puppy without changing her expression made me chuckle.

Sigh. What could she possibly ask me to do?

If I remember correctly, she said something about wanting me to praise her. So is she going to ask me to spoil her all day?

If that’s all, I can manage. It’s not like complimenting a cute girl is difficult.

“Lucy, Lucy.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Why, dumb swordswoman?”

“No, not that. Today is different.”

Different? Does she want me to call her by her name?

“Try saying this: ‘Frey... Sister.’”

“...What did you just say?”

“What?”

“Frey... Sister. Hurry up.”

Hearing her ask to be called “Sister” made my mind reel.

It’s not that I have an issue with using respectful language. In the working world, you often have to bow to people younger than you. Speaking politely to someone my age isn’t that big of a deal.

The problem was the term “Sister” itself.

Sister!

I’ve never even said that word before!

I could handle calling someone “Noona” or “Madam,” but “Sister” feels inherently wrong to me!

“Today, you promised to do as I asked, so hurry up.”

[Failure to do so may result in additional penalties involving random individuals around you.]

Wait, additional penalties?

Does this mean I’d have to fulfill requests for even more people?

“Random individuals around you”... Could that include the Lovesick Fox?!

Gah! That’s unacceptable!

Fine! I’ll try! But if I fail because of the Mesugaki Skill, it’s not my fault, got it?

If you blame me, I’ll seriously quit this whole thing!

“...F-Frey... Sister.”

“Frey Sister.”

See! There’s no way this will...

Wait... huh?

“Huh?”

“Frey... Sister.”

“Frey Sister.”

...Did I actually say it? I didn’t use any of my usual insults?

Could this be a dream? I pinched my cheek and felt a sharp pain. I smiled.

It’s real.

I actually called someone by their proper name.

I have no idea why this is happening. Is the penalty overriding the Mesugaki Skill? Or maybe that Pathetic God pulled some kind of trick.

But who cares why?

What matters is that I can finally say someone’s name properly.

“Frey Sister.”

So happy to be able to say what I’m actually thinking, I repeated Frey’s name, only then noticing her cheeks turning red.

What’s with her? I thought she’d act smug, but she’s just standing there, speechless.

Tap, tap.

Following the sound, I turned and saw Joy and Faivy, both standing frozen with wide eyes.

Isn’t it a bit early for them to be out on the training grounds?

“Lady Allen!”

Joy suddenly lunged forward, grabbing my shoulders with both hands.

I blinked, taken aback by her excitement as she practically shouted, “Please! Please call me Joy too! No, you don’t even have to say ‘Sister’—just Joy will be fine!”

Wait, she wants me to call her Joy?

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Um... will this work?

I just managed with Frey, so maybe...

“Joy?”

“What nonsense is that, Simple Lucy?”

Looks like I can’t do it without the penalty’s influence.

“Aaagh! Why can’t I be called by my name? Why only Kent Lady?!”

Watching Joy whimper in frustration, I let out a laugh.

Excuse me, but no one wants to say your name more than I do.

Maybe when it’s your turn, Joy, I’ll call you by your name properly. But for now, please hold on.

And Faivy, why are you looking so obviously disappointed?

Did you want me to call you by your name too?

As I stood there, dumbfounded, Frey finally slipped herself between Joy and me.

“Today, Lucy is mine. Step aside.”

“...Ugh. Just wait, Kent Lady! When it’s my day, you won’t even get to look at Lady Allen!”

Joy?

What exactly do you plan on making me do?

I’m feeling seriously anxious here.

At least explain yourself properly.

“Whatever. It’s enough that I can take Lucy home today.”

...Frey?

Take me home?

What on earth do you mean by that?!