Chapter 118

Granting a Title (3)
The “Transfer Jamming Barrier” is a magic spell designed to obstruct teleportation magic.

However, in this kingdom, I am the only confirmed magician capable of using teleportation. There hasn't been any countermeasure against it, and the magic required to inhibit teleportation is considered advanced.

Generally, interference-type magic is highly challenging.

Moreover, Arland is not exactly renowned for its magicians. It's hard to believe anyone here could pull this off. I found myself perplexed. The dress before me was frilly. Was I really expected to wear that? I don't even like dresses.

"Princess, you underestimated us, which made this process surprisingly simple. Did you think we remained stagnant? Our country's magic division has learned from its past mistakes and evolved."

The past? Did something happen? Wait, does this mean the magic division is involved? This is escalating! I haven’t seen them since the initial stampede.

"......"

"After failing to protect you last time, they devoted themselves to relentless training. The reason you haven’t encountered them since is that they were stationed in the northern territories. They've returned as an entirely transformed unit. Now, shall we try it on? You really should wear more elegant attire, Princess."

The shop's street-facing wall was glass, allowing me a glimpse outside. Standing there were individuals nearly two meters tall, dressed in robes and holding up staves. Soldiers accompanied them, holding placards reading, "Currently Protecting the Princess," for the citizens to see. Such meticulous planning... though, wait a second. Aren’t those staves more like maces? Clubs, really. What sort of training did they undergo? Also, those arms poking out of their robes were sheer muscle. The magic division I knew was skinny and academic. How did they turn into muscle-bound warriors in a matter of years? This kingdom has too much muscle.

"This barrier will be easy to destroy."

I conjured magic claws by manipulating mana, sending them slicing through the barrier like blades of wind. While they lacked physical damage and wouldn’t harm anyone, they could disrupt magic. This technique, classified as release-type, can nullify spells. But the barrier merely deflected my claws without wavering, packed as it was with dense mana.

"Now, Princess, let’s enhance your beauty. Honestly, it’s time you gave up. Constantly dressing like a commoner invites scorn from other nobles."

Ugh, like I care if they look down on me! I just don’t like frilly things. Honestly, I’d rather they make me a tracksuit.

This outfit is ordinary but crafted from high-quality materials, so it shouldn't be an issue. Nobody’s ever complained.

"It’s fine... no one says anything."

"That’s because they know you won’t change, not because they’re satisfied."

"My Father’s similar, isn’t he?"

"You really have grown up just like His Majesty."

Alicia glanced at me with half-lidded eyes before reaching for the dress behind her, momentarily breaking eye contact. This was my chance!

"Do it, cursed sheep doll!"

"Mehhhhh!"

With a quick draw, I summoned my magic tool: Cursed Sheep Doll No. 5. While it’s a dangerous artifact that curses targets, I used it here to cast a mana diffusion curse on the barrier. This caused the barrier’s mana to scatter and dissipate. By the way, if used on a person, it prevents them from casting spells, though strong magic users like me or my mother can unconsciously resist it.

All I had to do was press its nose to activate it.

"Now, please escort Marza and the others to the inn. Teleportation."

"Agh!"

Too bad. This level of cunning isn’t enough to force me into a dress.

I teleported back to my room in the castle.

"I’ve been waiting, Alice."

"This must be where I die."

Inside my room, my mother was elegantly sipping tea. She must have predicted my every move.

"M-Mother... you’re looking well?"

"Yes, quite. But if you’re here, it means you fled, didn’t you?"

"I didn’t flee. I merely advanced in a different direction."

I wasn’t fleeing—just changing my course. There’s no way I’d flee. Not me.

"I see. Then return to the shop immediately. Your free-spirited behavior has become excessive. Perhaps it’s time to adjust my parenting approach?"

"Yes, ma’am, I’m going back right away."

And so, I changed direction once more.

"Welcome back."

"You knew… That’s unfair."

When I returned, Alicia had an unmistakable *gotcha* expression on her face. Everything had been orchestrated. My teleportation relies on markers for long distances, and I currently had limited locations available. They had used that against me.

"The mage corps' confidence, which they painstakingly built, has been swiftly shattered by the princess's ruthless actions. What are you going to do about it?

They spent years honing their skills at the ends of the earth, only to return brimming with confidence."

The northern region—could it be the Frontier Fortress!

That place is the frontline defending Arland's borders. While the south is periodically invaded by that pest of the empire, the Frontier Fortress endures even worse: relentless attacks from monsters. It's a land of calamity, so treacherous that even successive generations of royalty couldn't venture beyond it. According to ancient documents, the first civilization of this world—the Magic Dynasty—was said to have existed there, but even Father, who ventured there once, proclaimed, "Never again!" due to the density of monsters inhabiting the area.

The Magic Dynasty's precise location remains unrecorded, and ruins from that era are scattered across the continent, leading to various theories about its placement. Even Eibon doesn't seem to know. Why it collapsed also remains unclear. The subsequent Era of Magic Tools partially revived the technology of the Magic Dynasty, but it too fell during the era of the Demon King's emergence and the ensuing continental war. Today, ours is considered the third civilization in this world.

Looking outside, I saw robed mages from the corps crouching in despair. Having ventured into the land of death to forge themselves, only to be so easily defeated, they must have been deeply shocked. What kind of mental attack was this? My heart ached painfully.

"If the princess wears a dress and graces them with her presence, it will restore their dignity. Their efforts might feel a little more validated."

"......"

Alicia started to inch toward me. I silently stepped back.

"You know I hate dresses."

"A princess disliking dresses is unacceptable. Besides, Mr. Perl spent six months painstakingly crafting this masterpiece."

"I'm taller than I was six months ago."

"No problem. Your height hasn’t changed."

It has—by about two centimeters... probably. However, it appeared my height hadn’t grown noticeably. The dress fit perfectly. How did my measurements get leaked? Well, Grandpa has that forbidden ability to roughly gauge three sizes just by looking, so I guess it can't be helped. It's a power that shouldn't exist.

"Ruffles and frills are hard to move in."

"You look beautiful, Princess... sniff."

Apparently, they were so happy it brought them to tears. When was the last time I wore a dress? I have a good memory, but I only remember things I make a point to remember, so it escapes me.

Before long, Lyrica emerged wearing an outfit befitting a noblewoman. And the world stopped.

"Lyrica..."

"Um, do I look strange? It’s not really my style, is it?"

Marza hugged Lyrica without a word. My view was then obstructed by Alicia.

"You look beautiful. Far more than usual."

I could hear vivid sounds of what seemed to be kissing. Meanwhile, the villagers tasked with guarding Marza emitted an aura of resentment... Piecing together fragments of their conversation, it seemed Lyrica was considered the most beautiful woman in the village. Marza, as the village chief, was trusted but faced a torrent of jealousy. The guards' dialogue was so laden with bitterness that I'll spare the details. Men are so...

Two days later, Marza received a noble title.

The ceremony took place in the audience chamber. For this occasion, Father donned extravagant, regal attire and a crown. Mother, being pregnant, was exempt from all duties. Pregnant women are generally prohibited from working. With no parties to attend, she spent her free time playing with my cats. Apparently, cats are fine with her. She must be a cat person. I, on the other hand, prefer dogs.

"Regarding this matter, the kingdom bears full responsibility. My sincerest apologies.

I pledge to provide as much support as possible. Furthermore, as per our agreement, I confer upon you the rank of baronet. Additionally, your child shall be elevated to the rank of viscount upon reaching adulthood."

"Thank you. I dedicate my all to the kingdom and its people."

In the audience chamber, Marza—or rather, Baronet Marza Barel—knelt before the throne.

Father sat on the throne. To his right stood the ministers, including the prime minister, and to his left was the crown prince’s chair. However, my seat was placed in the shadow of his.

I was told it was because I retained royal status as the head of the junior royal family. Still, I was hidden by a curtain and my brother, so I was barely visible—just a vague figure seated there. Yes, I was splendidly isolated.

"As compensation for this incident, the taxes owed thus far will be pardoned. Additionally, 200 years’ worth of noble annuities will be paid. Finally, as discussed, you will be reassigned to a different territory. I have presented several options; please choose carefully."

As the prime minister announced the prearranged terms, murmurs filled the audience chamber. It underscored just how unprecedented this was.

First, noble annuities are a substantial income. Receiving 200 years' worth is an enormous sum. Furthermore, allowing nobles to choose their reassigned land is extremely rare. Typically, the kingdom simply assigns a territory. Incidentally, I think the plains where I defeated the land dragon would be a good choice. They’re close enough to the capital and large enough to form a viscounty, with forests as well.

Though labor is scarce and only compacted dirt roads exist, the location is decent.

"We are grateful for your consideration."

Now that I thought about it, no nobles in the audience chamber had interrupted the proceedings. Peeking out slightly from behind my brother, I noticed the usual noisy bunch were all staring fixedly at Lyrica.