Chapter 49:

Chapter 49:

Chapter 49: Father Competes in the Tournament

At the Evaluation Department Office.

Ascal was away.

He had embarked on a long journey to the Imperial Palace to become the empire's greatest courtier. He was even staying there, having secured a room for lodging and meals at the palace.

The office was left vacant by the absent minister.

Yet, everything was running smoothly without any issues.

This was because Lia, in Ascal's absence, was effectively acting as the minister's deputy.

'I will surely bring back results from the Imperial Palace. While I'm away, Lia, you are as good as the minister. I will leave my official seal with you.'

The minister's official seal.

This seal was akin to absolute power within the Evaluation Department.

Lia had intended to follow Ascal to the Imperial Palace this time, but seeing Ascal's earnest attitude in entrusting her with the seal, she reluctantly stayed back at the department.

When will he return...

Lia sighed as she looked at the empty minister chair left desolate without its owner. Beside her, Sushia was kneeling, caught sneaking snacks.

****

At that moment, in the Imperial Palace, Ascal, who was earnestly working on his plan to resign from his position with the Emperor's permission, faced an unexpected situation.

"Count, try this. I've managed to get the new dessert that they only bake ten of each day."

"Count, could you tell me your measurements? It's about time to get some new clothes, don't you think? I'll gift you something that suits you."

"Count, my daughter is quite virtuous."

Grown adults were following Ascal around like chicks, trailing behind him.

Don't they have anything to do?

Right. Nobles generally have nothing to do.

Without realizing it, Ascal was being called the Count of Erindale, the leader of the emerging noble faction.

Among the flatterers, it was said that he had successfully established an independent faction, not aligned with the staunch factions of the Crown Prince, the Second Princess, or the Third Princess.

And the Emperor himself was acting as the advisor to this noble faction.

"Hmm"

Ascal hummed, seemingly in deep thought.

Immediately, Viscount Seynan rushed over.

"Do you have a concern, Count? Your worries are mine, allow me to share the burden."

How sweet.

This was a typical trait of the central nobility.

Unlike the territorial nobility, who had their own solid lands and soldiers, the central nobility in the capital had to survive purely on their own skills and developed a strong sense of mutual aid. In Viscount Seynan's mind, he and Ascal were one.

"I'm concerned about the land granted by His Majesty."

Ascal had received the land of Erindale from the Emperor.

If comparing to cuts of beef, it would be the chuck eye roll, or in terms of chicken, the neck - practically a land needing no governance, given as a nominal gift by the Emperor.

But in Ascal's heart, the triangle of desire was still alive; it was in a condition that could still attract one or two people in a second-hand market.

"And what of it, Count? Who manages your land these days?"

"What do you mean?"

"Leave it to a deputy. That's what everyone's doing nowadays."

"!"

Ascal had an epiphany.

He had underestimated this pseudo-medieval era; they were already adopting an auto-management system.

Indeed, it was more rational for a competent deputy to manage the land than the rapidly rising himself.

"If you wish, I can recommend someone capable of managing your land."

"Thank you. I'll consult with you later."

Viscount Seynan smiled.

Ascal also responded with a smile.

"Haha. It's the tea someone brought, of course. But, is there no way to learn the recipe for this tea? I would like to make it a national treasure of the empire if possible."

"The foreign merchant who told me about it wouldn't share."

"Well, it's such a precious tea, that's understandable."

Ascal firmly vowed to take the secret of the crystal tea to the grave.

****

"Son, I'm here."

"Why are you here, Father?"

"Lucia said you called for me."

Ascal was surprised when he went out to see the unexpected visitor. It was none other than his father, Arthur Debrue, who had come to the capital.

Now that he thought about it, Lucia's letters, which were always sent like spam, contained such content.

- Now that you are in a high position, isn't it time to put our relatives and friends in various positions?

In this era, that was a natural course of action.

When one person rises to power, they place as many relatives and friends in positions as possible.

Of course, if that person falls from grace, the rest also cross the same Jordan River, so putting all your eggs in one basket is a significant risk.

- We don't have many relatives to speak of. Lucia, you are essentially tied down managing the territory. Father is the only one with potential, I guess.

That was the gist of his indirect refusal, but Lucia interpreted it as 'send Father,' and thus sent him to the capital.

Ascal decided not to consider the possibility that Lucia sent their father to the capital simply because she couldn't stand seeing him idly swinging his sword and leisurely riding horses at home.

"How about we watch the festival while you're here?"

"Sounds good."

The work was mostly done by the Crown Prince. The Emperor was in a good mood. The treasury was full.

These three factors often lead to festivals being held at the imperial palace whenever there's a lull.

Today the weather is nice, let's have a festival; today the tea tastes good, let's have a tea party; today a horse has given birth, let's have a festival.

Thus, more than ten festivals had been held.

Ascal could understand why the current Emperor was called a tyrant. The Emperor was fickle and mood-driven.

"There's a horseback tournament."

"Indeed."

Horseback tournament.

The topmost entertainment in this era that one could watch.

The reason was simple.

In an era where only the strong survive, knights were naturally treated as alpha males. And what happens when alpha males ride horses and joust with lances or swords, sweating out in a duel?

And it was sometimes so intense that it could be fatal?

It was a sport that stimulated men at a genetic level. Naturally, ladies and noblewomen seeking their own knights often attended these tournaments.

And the victorious knights sometimes disappear with the ladies' hands in theirs.

In a broader sense, horseback tournaments could be seen as a microcosm of society.

"I should participate."

"Wait. Father?"

Ascal tried to stop Arthur.

He had summoned his father to the capital, only to make him participate in a dangerous tournament where fatalities were not uncommon.

But without a chance to intervene, Arthur went to the tournament registrar, had a talk, and then entered the waiting room.

"See you later, son. I might bring back a new stepmother for you today."

"Father!!!!!"

****

Several hours later:

<Finals of the Horseback Tournament>Arthur Debrue vs. Kain Barba

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