Chapter 31: Frog Commotion
When one beca the top person in any departnt, if there was a notable perk, it was that they could use the plush leather chair all by themselves.
It was commonly referred to as the 'Director's Chair.'
Ascal leaned back, reviewing docunts again today.
Most of them were matters already neatly handled, so all he needed to do was stamp his approval.
Therefore, unless there was sothing special, the departnt Director's duties would usually conclude by mid-morning. It was a position of responsibility, not necessarily of work.
'I now understand why those at the top loiter around while their subordinates work.'
'Forr Director, I finally realize.'
Lately, Ascal had three concerns.
First, his work was so relaxed that his will to defect from the empire was weakening.
It was like a fox tad by a human.
'Get a grip, Ascal Debrue.'
Reaffirming this to himself, Ascal felt a surge of determination.
And his second concern...
"Director-nim, do you have a mont? I have sothing to discuss."
"I'm sorry, but I'm busy with tasks right now."
It was that Lia kept requesting personal etings.
Ever since the event at the Duke's party, Lia often seed restless, as if she had sothing to confess.
'Please, no confession about you being princess. Not that.'
Desperately, Ascal shifted his gaze to his paperwork, pretending to be busy.
Lia seed about to speak, but bit her lip and returned to her place.
Sneakily, Ascal wiped away the cold sweat.
'Please save . Father, Mother.'
His throat felt tense and stiff.
At tis like this, he dearly missed the massages from the cat tribe. Looking to kill so ti, Ascal headed towards the recreation room.
He decided to ignore the piercing gaze from Lia behind him.
****
"Welco, Ascal."
Upon entering the recreation roo, his third concern appeared.
The Crown Prince was there.With both hands propped under his chin, Kain, draped in a robe that revealed his upper body, greeted Ascal warmly as soon as he saw him.
He resembled a village chief in deanor.
The Cat tribe's masseur, worried that the Crown Prince might feel uncomfortable, diligently pressed and massaged, sweating profusely as always.
With a sowhat resigned attitude, Ascal laid down on the massage bed next to the Crown Prince. Soon, gentle hands began massaging his back.
"Is it alright for you to co here so often? Aren't you swamped with official duties?"
"Taking a short break doesn't cause any harm. Besides, isn't taking care of one's body also a part of official duties? Heh!"
The magical touch that eased the tight muscles in his back and buttocks from horseback riding also relaxed the Crown Prince's expression.
"Actually, I ca today to ask a favor."
"You're mistaken. We don't have any horses. We've already sent them to a larger ranch to frolic freely."
No, no, thats not it. Well, thats partly true.
Fortunately, not many had seen Ascal during the Pegasus incident. Kain, who was on the lower floor, hadn't witnessed the Pegasus.
Had he seen the Pegasus then, he might've gone beyond simply being curious and perhaps even employed personal influence.
"Do you know Count Devar?"
"Yes, he's known to be rather talkative."
"Haha, it's not just talkative. He probably spreads half the rumors in the empire."
Count Devar.
Having t him only once at a party, the count had left a strong impression on Ascal.
There were people who love to interfere everywhere and spread words. Count Devar was the epito of that type.
"But there are recent talks that Count Devar isn't reporting his taxes properly."
Kain remarked with a aningful tone.
"While the empire tirelessly works day and night to provide for its citizens, if there's a despicable individual lining his own pockets, what would you do?"
"Well..."
Kain always looked lancholic, and it was easy to forget, but he was still the heir to the throne.The Crown Prince's words had a clear intent.
'Im not going to do anything directly, so could you handle Count Devar for .'
Having understood, Ascal pondered.
Between the Crown Prince and Count Devar, whose side should he take?
Without a doubt, it was the Crown Prince.
No matter how much the Crown Prince seed to enjoy flattery or appeared to lack substance, it was all just an act.
Having a favor owed would certainly co in handy soday.
Perhaps...
"If there's soone harboring such ill intent, shouldn't we force them to return their ill-gotten wealth to the national treasury?"
"That's precisely what I'm saying! As expected of Ascal, I knew you'd understand!"
But what made Count Devar so unlikable to the Crown Prince?
"And you know it's certainly not because of rumors that I enjoy horseback riding, get injured, and receiving massage treatnts while hanging around the palace. It's all for the empire."
"...."
Ascal simply nodded halfheartedly.
****
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