Chapter 52: Hot Spring Commotion (1)
Ascal leaned back in his executive chair, appearing weary.
Once you beco a minister, there are nurous places you get called to. The Empire was host to many events, and Ascal was often summoned to the larger ones.
At these events, he would shake hands with influential nobles and high-ranking officials, socialize a bit, and expend his ntal energy. By the end, he would feel almost like a half-zombie.
'Ah... I wish I could go to the Kingdom of Kelli. I want to spend my lifeti there.'
He recalled a book he had read in his previous life, which said, if you desperately want sothing, believe you have already achieved it. Then, naturally, you will obtain it.
'I am already in the Kingdom of Kelli. Lying under the warm sunshine at the beach. In a warm hot spring.'
However, nothing happened.
As a child, he had saved up his allowance, penny by penny, to buy a book for ten thousand won. Looking back, he should have spent that money on sothing delicious. Ascal resolved that if he could return to his original world, he would sue the author of that book.
"Its ti for the State Council eting, Ascal-nim."
Lia spoke with a respectful deanor.
"I feel a bit unwell today."
"If it were sothing else, I wouldnt mind, but the State Council eting is crucial for the Empire. You must attend."
"If only soone could go in my place. Soone more capable and of higher status than "
Then, Ascal glanced at Lia, specifically at the ribbon tied in her hair. Fortunately, she showed no sign of wanting to untie it.
'This is tolerable.'
Lately, Ascal had been checking Lia's limits how far he could push before she would untie her hair. After seeing her with her hair down a few tis, he felt the need to be prepared.
Lia stepped forward and gently massaged Ascal's shoulders.
"You seem very tired. Your shoulders are a bit tense. Shall I prepare sothing sweet for you?"
"Thank you."But Lia was no pushover.
Instead, she implented a softening policy by treating the tantrum-throwing Ascal kindly. Ascal felt a twinge of guilt. Indeed, it was a move worthy of an imperial princess.
"Let's stay strong today too, Minister. You got it!"
She even raised her fist in encouragent. Was this a signal that if he still didn't listen, she would punch him in the head with that fist?
"I'll go. I will go."
Lia smoothly got up and watched Ascal as he put on his coat, tilting her head slightly in wonder.****
The State Council eting.
A gathering where all the ministers of the Empire and the Emperor discuss the major affairs of the state.
Although it sounded grand, the State Council had only recently started functioning properly.
'No matter what we discuss here, if the sycophants have their say, it all goes back to square one. How could one be motivated?'
But now, with the sycophants gone and the Crown Prince managing state affairs instead of the Emperor, the State Council was regaining its original function.
The attendance rate, which was once a re 20%, had impressively crossed 50%.
'It's clear why the Empire fell.'
The ministers who still didn't attend were mostly from wealthy noble families. They were absent with a bold attitude of 'cut off if you dare'.
And indeed, they were cut off, just as they wished. Yulia, who had beco a tyrant, decisively beheaded them.
The Crown Prince looked around at the ministers and smiled.
"Thank you all for taking ti out of your busy schedules. I won't take more of your ti than necessary, so let's discuss the agenda briefly."
Though it felt almost like a regency, the Crown Prince was not yet the Emperor. He seed to give way to the ministers with more practical experience.
"First is the matter of exporting improved magic stones. As you know, our Empire's magic stones are unparalleled in quality and efficacy compared to others. This is all thanks to the efforts of the Minister of Evaluation. Let take this opportunity to express my gratitude again."
"It was just good luck."
"Hahaha. Luck is also a skill, isn't it?"
Surprisingly, the State Council eting passed quite smoothly. Much of the work was handled by Robin, the Minister of Magic, and Sorbe, the Minister of Finance.
In truth, it was fair to say that only these two ministers were actually doing their jobs. They approached the eting with enthusiasm, as if determined to showcase the skills they couldnt due to the influence of sycophants.
Thanks to this, Ascal had beco almost like a human cactus, silently lost in his own thoughts.
'I want to go to the Kingdom of Kelli.'
"The second item is about the Kingdom of Kelli."
"!"
Ascal and Bernsteins eyes lit up simultaneously.
"Recently, there have been increasing disappearances at the southern hot springs of the Kingdom of Kelli. They've conducted their own investigation, but they can't seem to find the cause. They might have to close the hot springs."
"That's unfortunate news."
"Therefore, the Kingdom of Kelli has sent a request for aid to the Empire. If there are any volunteers willing to go to the Kingdom of Kelli to investigate this mysterious situation"
The Kingdom of Kelli was in an alliance with the Empire, essentially a vassal-like alliance.
The Kelli Kingdom, being a resort nation, brought in substantial revenue. In return for protecting Kelli, the Empire received tributes, creating a win-win situation.
"This matter should be handled by the Departnt of Evaluation."
"It should be the Departnt of Developnt and Innovation."
Ascal glared at Bernstein.
Bernstein glared back at Ascal.
'Give it up, Bernstein. The Kingdom of Kelli is mine.'
'No, you give it up. I can't just work to death like this.'
Without speaking, their eyes communicated everything.
"Oh! Stepping up for the Empire like this. Truly the Empire's hidden dragon and saint! Good. This task will be handled jointly by both departnts."
****
The two ministers already knew.
No one would send their subordinates to the Kelli Kingdom. Essentially, the minister would personally go to Kelli under the guise of work, enjoying a legitimate vacation.
However, both ministers couldn't be away at the sa ti.
In the end, only one person could go to the Kingdom of Kelli.
"Heads."
"I'll go with tails."
Ascal chose heads, while Bernstein picked tails. As Bernstein tossed the coin, he looked triumphantly at Ascal.
'I knew this would happen, so I prepared a coin that only has tails.'
Ascal just smiled back.
'Good thing I suspected and switched the coin back to a normal one.'
The coin clattered onto the table.
"Yes! Heads!"
"Argh, there goes my vacation!"
Bernstein clutched his head, no longer bothering to hide his true feelings.
"Unfortunate for you, but you'll have to support from behind. Got any useful tools?"
"I'm not a general store, you know."
Grumbling, Bernstein brought out a tool that resembled a thermoter.
"It's a homade hot spring water contamination asuring device. It's certified by the association, so there should be no issues using it."
"How long did it take to make this?"
"A day?"
Ascal looked at Bernstein, speechless.
To think he says he's incompetent, just lucky? Ridiculous. Such a man should be kept in the Empire and put to work for life.
"Make sure to pack other tools necessary for the job."
"I can't thank you enough."
"Just bring back a souvenir."
"I'll bring sothing expensive."
But Ascal felt sothing was off.
Bernstein was too compliant.
"Also, I've arranged for soone from the Departnt of Developnt and Innovation to accompany you to Kelli. It's a sha I cant go myself... but the person is exceptionally talented and will be a great help."
"Is this talent the kind I'm thinking of?"
"Of course. Excellent in magic and very smart. You know this person."
Bernstein smiled.
'Soone I know?'
Ascal racked his brain for soone he knew from the Departnt of Developnt and Innovation, but couldn't easily co up with a na.****A few days later.
The day Ascal left for the Kingdom of Kelli.
He discovered who Bernstein's referred person was.
"I'm Seri Lavione, the new mber at the Departnt of Developnt and Innovation. I might be inexperienced, but I'm looking forward to working with you."
Serena curtsied, holding the hem of her skirt.
Once on the carriage, Serena tapped the seat next to her, inviting Ascal.
"Co on, we need to get going before Princess Yulia notices, okay?"
With no other choice, Ascal climbed into the carriage.
But he chose the seat opposite her.
Serena playfully tapped Ascal's leg with her toes, giggling.
"You're being too playful, Princess."
"I'm not a princess, I'm Seri. Call that, and I'll stop."
Ascal dodged his legs here and there, but Serena persistently teased him.
'Bernstein, this is unforgettable...'
His plans for a peaceful, solitary vacation had gone awry. He had intentionally left without any attendants, and yet here was this siren-like strategy at play.
****
"Sing a song!!!! Seri!!!!!!"
And so, upon reaching the hot springs, the two found themselves in the midst of a crisis unlike any other.
[TL: You can support the translation and read 5 chapters ahead of the release here on Patreon: /OracleTls]
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