“...So, Priscilla-san, do you like Battle Universe?”
“If you were to ask if I ‘like’ it, I wouldn’t know how to answer. However, if I were to put my current emotions into words... I would say it is enjoyable.”
The interior of the mansion was the very definition of opulence. It was so lavishly decorated it made my head spin.
What staggered me most, however, was the sheer number of butlers. Given the massive scale of the estate, I suppose it was only natural, but the sheer volume of staff was still overwhelming.
And right now, Cecil was locked in a match with Priscilla.
This was a little experiment I’d set up myself.
A Slave Crest suppresses a person’s emotions and restricts their actions. Apparently, the specific restrictions are decided by a set of meticulous rules during the contract; depending on the master, some slaves aren't even permitted to speak to others.
But Priscilla was different.
Curious to see just how far her restrictions went, I’d asked her to play a round against Cecil. The result? No problem at all. Neil’s rules for her seemed to be fairly loose.
The truly unexpected part, however, was that Priscilla possessed a level of skill that defied all logic. I watched in genuine shock as Cecil’s hand froze mid-air several times, her brow furrowed in concentration.
But still—
“I... lost.”
In the end, even a prodigy like Priscilla couldn't overcome the legendary Cecil. Priscilla lowered her head, her voice remaining perfectly monotone. Even so, from my perspective, it looked like Cecil had struggled far more than she usually did.
“Thank you very much. Priscilla-san, you were incredibly strong!”
“Not at all. It was my first time playing, so it was quite a struggle.”
“...Your first time? What do you mean by that?”
Priscilla tilted her head just a fraction at Cecil’s bewildered question.
“I mean exactly what I said?”
“...And you have that much strength... on your first try?”
“I do not know if I am ‘strong’ or not. I have simply watched Master Neil play from his side before.”
Wow, way to make us feel inferior.
Unlike Cecil, however, I wasn’t that surprised. After all, the Original Story explicitly stated that Priscilla had the second highest IQ in the world, right after Cecil herself.
“That's amazing! Um... Priscilla-san, if you’re okay with it, would you like to go for another round?”
“Eh? I do not mind, but...”
At that, both Priscilla and Cecil turned their gaze toward me.
Good grief, what did we even come here for? I’m losing track of the mission already.
But in a sense, this was good news. It seemed Priscilla’s emotions were still intact.
But then—
“Hey there. Sorry to keep you waiting. I must be doing a pretty good job as your senior if you’re willing to go out of your way to visit me on a holiday.”
The door swung open, and Neil stepped into the room. Priscilla stood up immediately.
“Master Neil—”
The next instant, the sound of a sharp slap echoed through the room. Neil had struck Priscilla across the cheek.
Cecil gasped, and even I couldn’t hide my shock.
“Don’t take liberties, Priscilla.”
“...My apologies.”
“Go prepare drinks for my juniors.”
“Yes, Master.”
In any normal situation, that would have been a massive overreaction. But Neil just turned to us with a casual smile.
“If you give a slave too much freedom, they start to develop a sense of independence. It’s quite a headache. She didn't cause any trouble, did she?”
“...No, she didn't. If anything, she was keeping me company so I wouldn't be bored. Besides... to us, Priscilla-san is our senior. To lay a hand on her like that...”
“Haha, you really are a kind soul, aren’t you? But I’m glad to hear it. Looking at the board, it seems Priscilla lost. If she had actually won, it would have been quite embarrassing for me to have a slave cause my guests such discomfort.”
This guy...
Neil had to know about Cecil’s reputation. He also undoubtedly knew that Priscilla had never actually played Battle Universe before. And yet, he spoke with such arrogance.
In a way, he had the worst personality imaginable. He took that attitude while being fully aware of just how much natural talent Priscilla possessed.
————————————————————
Afterword:
Priscilla has finally made her appearance.
Weiss is heading into the fray as a tag-team with Genius Collector Cecil—now, let's see how this goes! (^^)/
It's the final day of the Kakuyomu Contest, and we've officially surpassed 100,000 words! Every character is running through the story with their own charm, so please check it out!
I obtained [Otherworld Guide Map] 5.0 ★★★★★ (57,894 reviews), so I'll be enjoying a carefree trip to another world by relying on [Reviews]. https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330669743197880
Also, for the final day, I've posted a [Short Story] of the [Otherworld Romance] I previously published. It's a complete story at 10,000 words and even hit the top rankings on Narou, so I'm confident in the quality. I'd be very grateful if you gave it a read!
I was dumped by the Count I had been promised to since childhood, but a shocking truth came to light years later, so I think I’ll go pay him a visit. https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818023212800219516