Chapter 63:

Chapter 63:

Chapter 63: Departure to the North

Sushia had made up her mind.

She decided to reveal her hidden secret to Ascal.

Minister-nim... The truth is...

Whats the matter? If you want a snack, come and take one. Since when did you bother with such formalities?

But it was not easy.

Even for Sushia, the words would rise to her throat, only to get stuck there.

However, Sushia was a lady of the dukedom.

She had been accustomed to high-class education since she was young.

She possessed a trick or two for situations like this.

A strategy known as Boiling Frog.

Starting with a minor secret, gradually increasing the intensity to reveal a more significant one.

Minister-nim, I once secretly ate cookies when you were not around...

Ascal looked at Sushia with disbelief.

Did you think I wouldnt know?

Are you forgiving me?

No. Youll be docked pay equivalent to the cookies you stole.

How could this be.

Nonetheless, she had passed the first step.

Though it came at the cost of losing 20% of her salary.

Sushia decided to escalate further.

Ive secretly criticized your fashion sense in our office, calling it outdated.

Sushia.

Yes?

Is this some kind of patience test? I lose if I get angry?

Ascal spoke nonchalantly.

Then he returned to his work.

Sushia sighed with relief.

She had safely passed this stage too.

Raising the water temperature seemed to work so far.

The next day, Sushia decided to increase the temperature further.

You know, when the ladies were chasing after you, I actually sold them your unused items, like old feather pens. It was quite profitable...

Guard!

Eek! Im sorry! Minister-nim! Please forgive me this once!

Ascal looked at Sushia being dragged away with disdain.

Sushia didnt know.

In reality, a frog jumps out when it finds itself in boiling water.

Sob, sob. I wont do it again.

Sushia cried, holding onto the bars of a makeshift cell (something like an animal cage).

Fortunately, Sushia was released on probation, at the cost of an entire months salary.

Sushia sighed.

There was probably no need to reveal the secret after all.

****

The Empires North is cold.

With its rugged terrain and harsh weather,

Subspecies of animals adapted to this climate, commonly referred to as monsters, roam around, and from time to time, tribes looking for warmer lands knock on the Empires gates.

Its a place not for the faint-hearted, but for warriors.

Yet, the Empire did not fear for the North.

For it was guarded by the Iron-blooded Swordmaster, the impenetrable shield of the North, Duke Felix.

This is serious.

The Crown Prince let out a sigh upon reading the missive from the North.

The message, brought by an eagle, contained just one word.

<Help.>

Had Duke Felix ever called for help before? Had he ever even hinted at being in distress, even in passing?

Never.nove(l)bi(n.)com

This was undoubtedly an emergency.

The Crown Prince urgently convened a meeting.

****

There are dwarves, the Stonehead tribe, in the North. Could they have invaded?

Nonsense. Why would they suddenly invade the Empire after centuries of peace? And if that were the case, the message would have mentioned dwarves.

Or not.

It was an emergency meeting.

Even the ministers who usually found excuses to skip meetings had no choice but to attend.

Regaining his composure, the Crown Prince, instead of addressing Yulias impudence, was curious.

Its been a while since youve asked for a favor. But why? Yulia, you wouldnt want Ascal to be in danger either.

I will go with them.

You?

The Crown Prince thought reflexively. Was she seeking an opportunity to be alone with him? Yet, he decided not to voice this thought.

Having you there would indeed make it safer, but that makes it even less permissible. Do you want to make me out to be the bad brother who sends his sister to the cold North?

Is it not possible?

Yes. I plan to send reliable talents to the North, but not you.

Yulia turned her head sharply.

Are you upset?

Yes.

The Crown Prince was a bit taken aback. His sisters emotions seemed to have become more varied recently. Whether this was good or bad, he couldnt tell.

Your Highness! Another message has arrived from the North!

This message was slightly different from the first. The Crown Prince let out a sigh, the third one for the day.

It contained a name.

<Send Ascal to the North.>

This time, it was an official request.

Even for the Crown Prince, it was difficult to ignore a request from the Duke of the North.

Yulia spoke up.

If youre that worried, why not send someone else along with them?

Who are you suggesting?

...father...

?

****

Eventually, the individuals to be dispatched to the North were decided.

Minister of Evaluation, Ascal Erindale.

Minister of Development and Innovation, Bernstein.

Ministers, please board the carriage!

It was an impressive procession. Traveling to the North was no easy task. Carriages loaded with supplies and soldiers lined up for the escort.

Im not sure if this is the right decision.

Bernstein.

What?

If we fail this time, Im thinking of giving up... This is my last earnest attempt.

Ascal gazed into the distance as he spoke, and Bernsteins eyes slightly reddened.

Lets succeed, no matter what. Ascal.

Ah... Bernstein.

As the fists of two unlikely allies were about to meet, another significant figure appeared. Ascals pupils dilated in shock upon seeing this person.

Her Highness Princess Yulia Barba is here!

Ascal was taken aback. Yulia had clearly taken a leave of absence. Why was she here in person?

This carriage is not meant for Her Highness!

Be quiet, you lowly creature.

...?

But there was something off about her aura.

Yulia, having boarded the carriage Ascal was in, scanned the interior with a languid gaze.

Quite a smelly carriage, isnt it?

Was Yulia always this toxic in personality? Well, yes, but...

While Ascal was lost in thought, Yulia took a seat in the carriage.

And then,

You always seem to be running away.

Yulia played with her hair, stroking her platinum locks that fell over her shoulders, and eventually rested her chin on her hand, looking at Ascal.

If thats the case, I have no choice but to come and catch you myself. No matter how many times it takes, even dozens.

Ascal broke out in a cold sweat.

Is this really Yulia?

****

Minister-nim! Im finally ready to confess! The truth is...

No one was there.

Sushia tilted her head in confusion at the sight of the empty office.

A staff member who came to clean said,

The minister left for the North yesterday.

How could this be...

Sushia collapsed to the ground in dismay.

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