Chapter 31:
Chapter 31: Frog Commotion
When one became the top person in any department, 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 documents again today.
Most of them were matters already neatly handled, so all he needed to do was stamp his approval.
Therefore, unless there was something special, the department 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.'
'Former 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 tamed 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 moment? I have something to discuss."
"I'm sorry, but I'm busy with tasks right now."
It was that Lia kept requesting personal meetings.
Ever since the event at the Duke's party, Lia often seemed restless, as if she had something to confess.
'Please, no confession about you being princess. Not that.'
Desperately, Ascal shifted his gaze to his paperwork, pretending to be busy.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
Lia seemed about to speak, but bit her lip and returned to her place.
Sneakily, Ascal wiped away the cold sweat.
'Please save me. Father, Mother.'
His throat felt tense and stiff.
At times like this, he dearly missed the massages from the cat tribe. Looking to kill some time, Ascal headed towards the recreation room.
He decided to ignore the piercing gaze from Lia behind him.
****
"Welcome, 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 demeanor.
The Cat tribe's masseur, worried that the Crown Prince might feel uncomfortable, diligently pressed and massaged, sweating profusely as always.
With a somewhat 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 come 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 came 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 met him only once at a party, the count had left a strong impression on Ascal.
There were two types of tax collection.
First, there was the kind and gentle approach: notifying the noble of the visitation date in advance, leisurely dropping by, partaking of the hospitality, exchanging pleasantries, and then leaving with a token amount in the name of tax collection.
The second was like today's surprise visit to the territory, intended to extract taxes directlya genuine form of collection.
"You've gone through a lot coming all this way. Come, don't be shy. First, have a warm cup of tea. You'll fall sick if you let yourself get cold."
Upon seeing Ascal's arrival, Count Devar's face hardened in an instant. However, he soon greeted them with a congenial smile and led them to the reception room.
With his quick wit, he had already grasped the unfolding situation.
Thank you for the offer, but we are here on official business. Please check this warrant. It seems your servants have been trying to hide something since we arrived. Would you kindly ask them to cease?
Kane responded coolly.
Reliable as always.
Though Count Devar, like a sly snake, tried to delay and hide his most valuable possessions, Kane had anticipated this move and put a stop to it.
Hmm This is a jar engraved with the traditional design of the Subarda Kingdom. Judging by its preservation, it's estimated to be worth 5 gold. If you disagree with the evaluation, you can submit a separate document to the evaluation department.
This This is a replica! It's not genuine!
Interesting. The marks inside the jar match the years of the Subarda Kingdom. Dismissed.
Using magical tools designed for evaluation, Kane meticulously examined Count Devar's treasured possessions.
Devon searched various parts of the mansion, uncovering valuable items Count Devar had hidden, while Kane assessed their value through the magical tools.
Ascal sat imposingly, setting the atmosphere.
Once Kane finished inspecting, he swiftly recorded the appraised values on a document.
Their roles were perfectly divided.
This is a Gem Frog. You've been raising such a thing?
Count Devar's face turned pale.
That, only that
It's a pet frog highly valued among collectors. However, if one is to raise it for breeding purposes, they must report it to the Empire. It will be confiscated.
From inside its cage, the frog croaked sadly. Its patterns shone like a jewel.
The appraised value is 1 silver.
Sob... Forgive your poor master, Serros.
Just as Ascal was about to jot down the value of the Gem Frog, the frog, perhaps sensing its fate, suddenly leaped.
Ah!
Catch it!
Fortunately, the frogs escape was quickly thwarted.
<Gem Frog: 4 silver>
However, due to the commotion, Ascals quill pen slid, accidentally adding an extra stroke, making it 4 silver instead of 1.
It seems we've appraised everything of value here. We'll send the tax invoice promptly.
We'll take our leave now, Count.Leaving behind Count Devar, who looked as though his soul had left his body, the tax collectors coldly departed. Their job was executed flawlessly.
Except for one minor detail.
****
Empire Magazine - The value of the Gem Frog jumps fourfold!
Have we been undervaluing the true worth of the Gem Frog?
The talk of the town: What is the real value of the Gem Frog as appraised by the Director of the Evaluation Department, Ascal Debrue?
Ascal closed the newspaper.
It was just a minor oversight. The Crown Prince seemed satisfied with their work, so it wasn't a concern. If anything, such a slight mistake could even help lower his overly polished reputation.
This might actually be a good thing.
Empire Magazine - Skyrocketing! The Gem Frog, once valued at 1 silver, now trading at 10 silver, causing a sensation in the market!
"Wai...wait..."
And the next day, the value of the Gem Frog surged even more, reaching 20 silver.
Having memories of his previous life, Ascal had an instinctive feeling that this situation would spiral uncontrollably.
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