Chapter 34:

Chapter 34:

Chapter 34: Assassination

The Duke Sebes had a routine.

When lunchtime approached, he would finish his meal and lie down in a cozy armchair, listening to the melodies of the lute played by his employed musician.

Then, he would take a short nap for about half an hour while his personal barber carefully shaved his beard. Ever since he became the Duke, this routine had never been broken.

Thud thud thud!

Your Grace! There's trouble!

What is it?

Awoken by the sound of footsteps, Duke Sebes turned his head.

It was one of his spies.

The spy, drenched in sweat, reported hastily.

Prince Kain is in uproar upon hearing that Ascal Debrue has been arrested!

I anticipated this. Do not fret, we have prepared for it.

When they framed Ascal Debrue and imprisoned him in Zulat, it was expected that Prince Kain, who held him in high regard, would react. But Duke Sebes had always been the mastermind of numerous plots.

If he were to present the manipulated evidence, even a prince would find it difficult to challenge further.

Duke Sebes smirked and settled back into his chair. Today's nap would surely be cut short.

Your Grace! There's more trouble!

What now?

This time, it was a different spy.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

Duke Senestia and Princess Yulia have started advocating for Ascal Debrue!

This could be a bit tricky. Nevertheless, its still manageable.

Duke Sebes squinted his eyes.

He knew better than anyone the weight behind the words of those in power. In this era, a mere word could turn innocence into guilt, and vice versa.

Prince Kain, Duke Senestia, Princess Yulia Why did a mere 5th-grade official like Ascal possess such influential backers?

The Emperor is on our side. That fact will not change.

Was that correct?

He felt a hint of uncertainty as he spoke. Initially, he intended to swiftly execute Ascal Debrue. However, the Emperor's response was lukewarm.

'Ahem, execution might be, well, a bit much. Ahem.'

Count Sebes had always managed to persuade the Emperor with his silver tongue. He expected this case to be handled swiftly as well. Yet, due to the Emperor's passive resistance, they had only managed to imprison the bothersome Ascal.

But what kind of prison was it?

It was none other than the empires most notorious, the dreaded prison of 'Zulat'.The chances of Ascal coming out of there in one piece were nearly non-existent. To ensure everything went smoothly, the Duke even contacted the prison warden, Cheshire.

<Ascal Debrue is 'adjusting quite well' in Zulat.>

It was a satisfactory response.

Imagining Ascal toiling under the scorching sun, the Duke couldn't help but smile.

Today, he was certain he'd enjoy a pleasant nap.

Your Grace! We are in deep trouble!

Your Grace! We are in deep trouble!

Your Grace! We are in deep trouble!

Thud thud thud thud thud!

Three spies entered the Duke's room simultaneously.

Unable to contain his frustration, the Duke rose from his seat.

"Enough! What's all this fuss about?! If it's not urgent, you'll pay dearly!"

The spies hesitated, nudging each other to speak up.

The shoved spy eventually reported, albeit reluctantly.

"The Empire's Evaluation Department has gone on strike! They're protesting in the square, demanding Ascal Debrue's release!"

"Furthermore, the Cat tribe has joined them! Over half of the Cat tribe members in the empire are present in the square!"

The Duke's face flushed with anger, "Dissolve the protest at once!"

Witnessing the enraged Duke, the spies hastily left. After catching his breath for a moment, the Duke noticed a spy who hadn't left, giving him a side-eye.

"Why haven't you left?"

"Well... the White Mage Tower has discovered significant magical effects from the Gem Frog."

The Duke's eyes widened, "How on earth did that happen?"

"I wouldn't know."

With a stoic expression, the spy pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

"What's that?"

"My resignation letter. It's been... 'interesting' working with you. Let's hope we never cross paths on the streets."

The spy departed.

He couldn't let someone who had perfectly settled his housing and retirement plans die in a place like this.

Cheshire grew frantic.

****

Thud!

The moment Cheshire arrived at the exercise yard, he saw a figure spinning mid-air and then dramatically crashing into the sandy ground.

"Oh no, am I too late...?"

A colossal figure stood behind.

It was Jerobe.

Cheshire gripped his face with both hands.

It was already too late.

He had inadvertently caused the death of a benefactor.

"Why are you here, Warden?"

"Ah, Mr. Ascal. I came thinking you were in danger..."

Cheshire's eyes widened as he assessed the situation.

Ascal was in perfect condition, doing gymnastics.

'Then, who is the one on the ground?'

Cheshire checked the fallen person.

It was just a regular, vicious criminal.

Foam at the mouth, his eyes darting around in panic.

"Send him to the infirmary."

Cheshire ordered the guard.

After they lifted the felon, Cheshire let out a sigh of relief. At least Ascal was safe.

"What happened? It seems there was a scuffle between the inmates."

"Hehe. That guy charged at Ascal, so I played with him instead."

The one who responded was Jerobe.

It seemed Jerobe had protected Ascal.

Cheshire looked up at the towering figure of Jerobe.

"Ascal, let's crochet."

"Sure."

And, out of place for such a massive figure, Jerobe sat down immediately, pulling out yarn to start crocheting.

It was a mystery.

Who exactly was this Jerobe?

****

It was a dark room.

The Spider's leader unfolded a crumpled letter. Written as if by a child, the ink smeared here and there, making it difficult to decipher.The leader squinted, barely making out the words on the letter.

<I've arrived at the prison as you mentioned. Surprisingly, I'm enjoying prison life.>

"Hmm. It seems Jerobe has successfully infiltrated. Forger, you did a great job."

"That was a piece of cake. But, unless the empire is filled with idiots, this won't last long."

The infiltration phase was a success.

Jerobe, a member of the Spider, might not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, but his strength was unmatched. After all, he wasn't a hybrid of the giant race for nothing.

"Was the assassination successful?"

"I'm reading about it now."

<I found the man you spoke of. Black-haired male. Seems smart. Ascal. I've approached him.>

"Hehe. Ascal, it seems your luck ends here. Once he's caught Jerobe's eye..."

<But Ascal... he's not the evil person you said he was. He's kind. Fun to be around. I like him more than you guys now.>

"Damn it, Jerobe! Don't tell me!"

<From now on, I'll be with Ascal. This is goodbye to you all. Bye-bye.>

"What did Jerobe say? Leader, about the successful assassination? Tell me quickly!"

"There are still six legs left on the spider."

"What do you mean, leader? Leader!"

The lights in the dark room went out.

[TL: You can support the translation and read 5 chapters ahead of the release here on Patreon: /OracleTls]