The Tyrant Empress is Obsessed with Me 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, co 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 accustod 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 ?

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

How could this be.

Nonetheless, she had passed the first step.

Though it ca 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Ive secretly criticized your fashion sense in our office, calling it outdated.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 so 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 seed 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 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 (sothing 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 ti to ti, tribes looking for warr 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 ssage, brought by an eagle, contained just one word.

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

Never.

This was undoubtedly an ergency.

The Crown Prince urgently convened a eting.

****

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 ssage would have ntioned dwarves.

Or not.

It was an ergency eting.

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

Watching them throw in their two cents, the Finance Minister Sorbe pressed his temples.

These people, their absence would be more helpful.

Could Duke Felix be gravely ill?

Thats a possibility.

But what exactly does help an in the ssage? I wish it contained more detailed information.

Minister Robin of the Magic Departnt speculated.

Looking at the seal and handwriting, its definitely from Duke Felix. Hes a very pragmatic man. If he only wrote help, there must be a significant reason.

So, we have no concrete information yet?

Seems like it.

Hearing the exchange between Robin and Sorbe, the Foreign Minister Rampon chid in.

Lets just wait. With what we have, theres nothing we can do right now. Lets wait for the ssenger.

That was sowhat a valid point.

Though it likely stemd from a desire to avoid hassle, the statent wasnt wrong. Robin was about to retort but then held back.

At that mont, as the eting was about to be adjourned with no resolution, Ascal spoke up.

I will go to the North.

You will?

Everyones eyes turned to Ascal.

This is the ssage sent by Duke Felix. If this matter requires urgency, it might already be too late. Please send to the North.

Hmm...

Would you go to such lengths...

Robin was impressed.

To think that soone so young, in such a high position, could remain so devoted to the Empire, instead of becoming arrogant or lazy.

I knew my judgnt was right.

Robin had been evaluating Ascal since he was a re civil servant. Although he hadnt been able to bring him into the Magic Departnt, seeing him shine in the Empire was gratifying.

I object.

The Crown Prince dismissed the idea.

Lets be direct. If the North is in a state of ergency, what can a single person do there?

It wasnt a wrong assessnt. Ascal was neither a Swordmaster capable of facing hundreds alone nor a Great Mage. In the cold North, he would be no more than an ordinary man.

And if... if we were to lose Ascal in the North, the Empire would suffer an unimaginable loss. Thats sothing I dont even want to think about.

I agree.

Hmm.

At the sa ti, the Crown Prince looked at Ascal with warm eyes, as if to say, I recognize your passion for the Empire, now leave it to .

Im cornered now, Ascal thought, sinking into deep contemplation.

The direction of fate points north, north. That way, your wish might just co true.

Ascal recalled the prophecy.

No sooner had he heard such a prophecy than bad news arrived from the North?

This situation in the North was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifeti opportunity for him.

I didnt want to involve him if I could avoid it...

Ascal glanced at Bernstein sitting next to him.

Bernstein, looking as if wondering what Ascal had gotten into, stared back at him and then seed to realize sothing, nodding his head.

Their eyes t.

- Could it be the North?

- Yes. There might be a chance to escape there.

- Are you sure?

- Just trust .

The Minister of Developnt and Innovation, Bernstein, spoke up.

It would be aningless if only the Minister of Evaluation goes. But if I, a technician, were to go, it would be a different story. I, too, will go to the North.

Hmm...!

The Crown Prince let out a sigh once again.

Honestly, he wanted to dissuade them.

What kind of country sends its top officials to a dangerous area? It really should have been the underlings who were sent.

Yet, at the sa ti, he wanted to honor the loyalty of these two passionate young n.

Give a little more ti.

****

The Crown Prince was deep in thought in his office.

Was it right to dispatch Ascal and Bernstein to the North? Given their history of performing miracles, they might achieve beyond what anyone could imagine.

But what if they were lost? A dark cloud would loom over the Empire once again.

Its not feasible.

The risk was too great.

Curbing youthful recklessness was also part of a superiors role. Just as the Crown Prince was about to make his decision,

Big brother, I have a favor to ask.

Good heavens!

Suddenly, Yulia appeared, catching the Crown Prince off guard, nearly causing him to stumble.

Please send them to the North.

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 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 seed to have beco more varied recently. Whether this was good or bad, he couldnt tell.

Your Highness! Another ssage has arrived from the North!

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

It contained a na.

This ti, 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 soone 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 Developnt 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 ti, 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 et, 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 ant for Her Highness!

Be quiet, you lowly creature.

...?

But there was sothing off about her aura.

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

Quite a slly 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 co and catch you myself. No matter how many tis 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 mber who ca to clean said,

The minister left for the North yesterday.

How could this be...

Sushia collapsed to the ground in dismay.

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