Chapter 61:

Chapter 61:

Chapter 61: Lets Plant Trees

A royal decree had arrived.

<In light of the deforestation caused by recent developments across the empire, there is concern for the loss of forest resources. All ministers are hereby instructed to take the lead in planting trees to restore the flora of our empire and set an example.>

The archaic handwriting and choice of words revealed the documents origin.

This is serious.

The Emperor is taking action.

With his health recently improved, the Emperor had been looking for ways to keep himself busy. However, control of the empire had already shifted to the Crown Prince, and so the Emperor had started to engage in these seemingly meaningful but ultimately futile tasks typical of someone nearing retirement.

But it was an imperial command. It could not be ignored.

Ascal gathered his department heads to relay the message.

Each of us should plant a tree.

Where should we plant them?

In the backyard behind the Evaluation Department. Each person can plant a sapling there.

Hmm.

The response was lukewarm.

Ascal considered three options:

1. Scold them.

2. Motivate them.

3. Straight up ignore the decree.

It became clear. There are things you only see when you reach this position. The first option was overwhelmingly tempting.

As Ascal was deep in thought,

Does everyone intend to tarnish the Ministers reputation? Other departments will be planting trees too; we cant afford to be outdone.

'Incredible.'

Ascal was moved.

Kane, a department head, had played his card right. It was like a skill from a game that only activates with a loyalty level above 80...

Thats a good point. Ive heard the Department of Development and Innovation is on the rise. Wouldnt it be embarrassing to lose the title of Outstanding Department to them next year?

I actually enjoy planting!Arin suddenly spoke up, drawing everyones attention.

She then averted her gaze, seemingly embarrassed.

'Right. She was a department head too.'

Its a bit nerve-wracking, but having enthusiasm is certainly a good thing.

Then, lets conclude this meeting with that.

****

Should I just mix some poison in the medicine? That inept old fool is finally getting comfortable, and now hes tormenting his subordinates again. Maybe I should just end him...

Elenia, the former Empress of the Empire, spat out these venomous words.

Ascal, unable to respond, simply sat in his chair, staring into space. Sometimes, its best to pretend you didnt hear anything. Engaging could lead to a permanent separation of his head from his body.

Hows business going?

Realizing she was the former Empress, Ascal seriously contemplated whether he should use honorifics with her, but decided to interact with her as usual when she was just Elenia.

It seems this family has a penchant for double identities. Yulia, Serena, Eleniacould the Crown Prince be the same?

Yes. Where there are people, there are concerns. Everyone has their own set of worries. Love advice, for instance...

I see.

Hehe. You seem quite popular, Minister?

Elenia leaned in and whispered to Ascal.

Which of my daughters catches your fancy? Serena or Yulia?

Ascal replied calmly.

How could I dare harbor disrespectful thoughts towards the noble royal family?

Youre not exactly out of their league anymore, are you?

"..."

Those playful obsidian eyes. Getting caught in a witchs pace always leads to loss. Ascal feigned ignorance.

Lets end the jokes here. You came to the fortune-telling house to have your fortune told, right? Oh, by the way, fortunes are free for life for you, Minister.

What was the name of the flower shop?

Erus, was it?

Theres no such flower shop in the empire. You must be mistaken, Minister.

Could it be that Lia knows the name of every flower shop in the empire? Thats unlikely. This must be a bluff.

And if a flower shop sold this sapling, they would be penalized. Its an unauthorized exotic species.

Now that I think about it, it might have been from the fortune teller.

To give him a harmful tree. Ascal didnt hesitate to blame the fortune teller.

****

Cough, cough. What brings you to this poor old woman?

Elenia had transformed into an old woman. She looked different from when he first saw her at the illegal street stall.

The twins were also missing.

Peeking around, Ascal noticed the twins hiding like cats under covered tables and in crevices.

The twins put their fingers to their lips and mouthed silently:

- Its hide and seek. We cant get caught.

Ascal pretended not to notice.

Where did you get this sapling you gave to the Minister?

Its from my homeland, but is there a problem with the sapling?

See for yourself.

Oh, my back.

The old woman picked up her cane and went outside.

What was Elenias purpose in giving him such a sapling?

The old woman, seemingly with poor eyesight, approached and caressed the trees grain.

What is this... Why is it so big?

Elenia was flustered.

****

- Thats a divine tree.

Ascal, seriously contemplating whether to remove the tree or not, met a dragon in his dream.

It seems we meet quite often these days.

- Id rather be sleeping peacefully, but interesting things keep happening.

Whats a divine tree?

- Its a tree with a spirit. Some races worship it as a guardian deity. However, usually, trees that aim to become divine end up dying instead.But why would such a precious divine tree grow in the backyard of the Evaluation Department?

There were too many guesses to even begin to list.

- Offer tribute to me.

Pardon?

- That orb would be ideal, but a divine tree could somewhat restore my power too.

It hasnt even fully grown yet?

- In about a hundred years, it should be mature. Offer it then.

Most humans dont live a hundred years.

- You...

Just then, a white dragon appeared and bit other dragons neck.

- Ouch.

It wasnt very effective.

The newly appeared dragon was much smaller compared to the dragon, even smaller than Ascal.

Then, the small dragon turned to look at Ascal.

[Ive finally found you.]

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