Chapter 6:

Chapter 6:

The Empire had a beautiful system called Civil Support.

When it was harvest season or peak times, and the citizens were busy, leading to a shortage of labor, they could rightfully request manpower from the Empire through this system.

Then, after examination, the Empire sent idle manpower from the nation for civil support. Generally, the victims of this duty were soldiers, but in this case, it was officials.

The reason was simple. General Cedric complained in the Council, claiming that only his soldiers were being pushed to work. Our department main head stepped up, saying we would take care of what was perceived as a minor thing.

And now, our departments main head asked his immediate deputy if there were any officials available to go out for civil support. The deputy tossed this headache of a matter onto the head of Department 1.

Finally, Kane, the head of Department 1, dumped the problem onto Department 3, and thus, the final victims became Department 3.

Seeing your face like this is really great. Manager Ascal. Youre as handsome as Ive heard.

Viscount Yorick, who appeared to be of middle to old age, stroked his white beard and flashed a kindly smile.

Typically, at Viscount Yoricks age, saying handsome often needed to be interpreted as looking capable rather than actually having a commendable appearance.

It is an honor to meet you, my lord.

Ascal bowed respectfully.

Stand up now. Should a valuable body, which serves the nation, bow so deeply!

Viscount Yoricks mouth corners lifted in a pleasant smile. It was a common trait among the elderly to appreciate when the youth were nimble and courteous.

However, today youll have to bow quite a lot. Theres an awful lot of sweet potatoes to dig up.

Viscount Yorick, who handed over a hat with a long brim to shield from the sunlight, proceeded towards the sweet potato field. Department 3 followed him like ducklings trailing behind their mother.

Do you engage in fieldwork yourself without employing others?

Hmm? Its not particularly strenuous. I do it myself for a bit of exercise. Moreover, when I verify the quality of the food with my own eyes, cant I confidently recommend it to others?

It was said that Viscount Yoricks family had been of farming origins since ancient times. Near the Empires capital, Viscount Yorick, who had been engaged in farming from generation to generation, seemed less like a noble one might typically know, and more like a benevolent farmer.

However, one might see him a bit differently knowing that the lands he owned were among the most fertile and expensive in the Empire.

Viscount Yorick was a farmer and, simultaneously, a real estate king.

Bear in mind. If you make a good impression on Viscount Yorick, your future will be secure.

Ascal recalled Kanes admonition.

It was advice given with some consideration for him, but that advice... actually was not very useful.

Because, once Yulia became the Emperor, she would simply forcefully confiscate all of Lord Yoricks fertile lands. Casually tying him to treason.

The despair of Viscount Yorick, having the lands he tended to all his life unjustly seized, was persuasively depicted even within the novel.

Was it Lia, you said? Is this your first time doing fieldwork?

I tried it a bit when I was young, following my parents.

Hmm. A novice, then. Watch closely what I do.

Much like dealing with a cute granddaughter, Viscount Yorick sincerely taught Lia.

Indeed, true to her genius that even defies the god of talent, Lia quickly became accustomed to fieldwork after trying a few times.

Youre truly diligent, Miss Lia. Have you considered marrying into our family? Hehe.

I apologize. I am yet insufficient for marriage.

What a pity. Eh, compared to you, my lazy son is less useful than the fertilizer in the field. Hes aged enough but only fancies gambling.

Perhaps your son is just experiencing a brief period of wandering. Hell return to his place soon, wont he?

Is that so? Hahaha.

Watching their harmonious conversation, a scene from the novel crossed Ascals mind.

<Yulia von Sterrod! I will curse you from the depths of hell! Until the day you come to me, I will wait, anticipating the moment when I will grind you to pieces!>

Lets pretend I didnt think of that

To forget what hed conjured in his mind, Ascal busily dug up sweet potatoes. Having only dealt with paperwork daily, doing physical labor after a long while made his body scream in delight.

Thud.

Aarghh!

He was actually screaming.

Manager-nim. Are you okay?

Lia, who had been working in the field, ran over. The work clothes she was wearing were smeared with dirt, and the farming tool in her hand was also covered with soil.

I think Ive strained my back. A little rest should make it okay.

In reality, the injury was not that serious.

Lia held up a sweet potato that was larger than her own face. That sweet potato seemed more valuable than any she had dug up.

Shall we secretly eat this sweet potato?

It was a playful whisper.

Wouldnt be a bad idea.

.

.

.

.

The day waned.

Everyone has worked hard today.

Viscount Yorick spoke as if he was truly moved.

To be honest, it was a mere whim of an old man feeling lonely on his own. I express gratitude for you all joining in. Im sincere. Having official like you gives me confidence that the future of the empire is not entirely bleak.

With that, Viscount Yoricks expression suddenly turned serious.

As a loyal servant of the empire and of the lineage of the first guardians, I, Yorick Tesron, pledge to uphold a single favor for Ascal Debrue, whatever the difficulty may be. This vow will be kept in the name of my ancestors.

My Lord?

Ascal was taken aback by Viscount Yoricks words.

These days, the empire is filled with nothing but rotten ones. Theyre lazy and excessively greedy, you know? Ascal, since youve come here, you havent complained even once. And that, to a farmer, is enough to earn my trust.

Viscount Yorick clasped Ascals hands with both of his.

It may be a bit premature to say this, but please, protect the empire. The empire needs you.

......

Ascal couldnt readily respond with an agreement.

Instead, he licked his lips.

After leaving the territory,

He could not remember what he had responded with.

.

.

.

.

Todays snack is sweet potato.

But it was sweet potato yesterday. And the day before.

There are still some sweet potatoes left that we received from the Viscount Yorick. Well make a braised dish tomorrow, so please eat them all. Waste is taboo.

Ascal seemed to scoff at the sweet potato, as if growing tired of it. Even the most delicious sweet potato could become wearying when eaten every day.

Cough, cough.

Ascal choked, flailing his hand.

Please, have some water.

Only after drinking the water Lia provided did Ascal regain his composure. Then, the office door opened.

Didnt you say you were quitting?

Upon reflection, it seems theres no better job than this one here. Im sorry, but would you accept me back as a colleague once again?

Sushia smiled awkwardly.

Alright. But first, go clean the bathroom.

...Understood.

Sushia exited the office, with her cheeks puffing in mild frustration.

Lia let out a subtle smile.

[TN: Sucking honey: It's a korean expression meaning he/she had it easy ]