Chapter 34: Assassination
The Duke Sebes had a routine.
When lunchtime approached, he would finish his meal and lie down in a cozy armchair, listening to the melodies of the lute played by his employed musician.
Then, he would take a short nap for about half an hour while his personal barber carefully shaved his beard. Ever since he became the Duke, this routine had never been broken.
Thud thud thud!
“Your Grace! There's trouble!”
“What is it?”
Awoken by the sound of footsteps, Duke Sebes turned his head.
It was one of his spies.
The spy, drenched in sweat, reported hastily.
“Prince Kain is in uproar upon hearing that Ascal Debrue has been arrested!”
“I anticipated this. Do not fret, we have prepared for it.”
When they framed Ascal Debrue and imprisoned him in Zulat, it was expected that Prince Kain, who held him in high regard, would react. But Duke Sebes had always been the mastermind of numerous plots.
If he were to present the manipulated evidence, even a prince would find it difficult to challenge further.
Duke Sebes smirked and settled back into his chair. Today's nap would surely be cut short.
“Your Grace! There's more trouble!”
“What now?”
This time, it was a different spy.
“Duke Senestia and Princess Yulia have started advocating for Ascal Debrue!”
“This could be a bit tricky. Nevertheless, it’s still manageable.”
Duke Sebes squinted his eyes.
He knew better than anyone the weight behind the words of those in power. In this era, a mere word could turn innocence into guilt, and vice versa.
Prince Kain, Duke Senestia, Princess Yulia… Why did a mere 5th-grade official like Ascal possess such influential backers?
“The Emperor is on our side. That fact will not change.”
He felt a hint of uncertainty as he spoke. Initially, he intended to swiftly execute Ascal Debrue. However, the Emperor's response was lukewarm.
'Ahem, execution might be, well, a bit much. Ahem.'
Count Sebes had always managed to persuade the Emperor with his silver tongue. He expected this case to be handled swiftly as well. Yet, due to the Emperor's passive resistance, they had only managed to imprison the bothersome Ascal.
But what kind of prison was it?
It was none other than the empire’s most notorious, the dreaded prison of 'Zulat'.
The chances of Ascal coming out of there in one piece were nearly non-existent. To ensure everything went smoothly, the Duke even contacted the prison warden, Cheshire.
<Ascal Debrue is 'adjusting quite well' in Zulat.>
It was a satisfactory response.
Imagining Ascal toiling under the scorching sun, the Duke couldn't help but smile.
Today, he was certain he'd enjoy a pleasant nap.
“Your Grace! We are in deep trouble!”
“Your Grace! We are in deep trouble!”
“Your Grace! We are in deep trouble!”
Thud thud thud thud thud!
Three spies entered the Duke's room simultaneously.
Unable to contain his frustration, the Duke rose from his seat.
"Enough! What's all this fuss about?! If it's not urgent, you'll pay dearly!"
The spies hesitated, nudging each other to speak up.
The shoved spy eventually reported, albeit reluctantly.
"The Empire's Evaluation Department has gone on strike! They're protesting in the square, demanding Ascal Debrue's release!"
"Furthermore, the Cat tribe has joined them! Over half of the Cat tribe members in the empire are present in the square!"
The Duke's face flushed with anger, "Dissolve the protest at once!"
Witnessing the enraged Duke, the spies hastily left. After catching his breath for a moment, the Duke noticed a spy who hadn't left, giving him a side-eye.
"Why haven't you left?"
"Well... the White Mage Tower has discovered significant magical effects from the Gem Frog."
The Duke's eyes widened, "How on earth did that happen?"
"I wouldn't know."
With a stoic expression, the spy pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.
"What's that?"
"My resignation letter. It's been... 'interesting' working with you. Let's hope we never cross paths on the streets."
The spy departed.
Now wide awake, the Duke flatly remarked, “We’re screwed.”
The White Magic Tower...
A group of individuals who were beholden to no one and remained unsworn, devoted solely to the pursuit of magical studies.
"So, after such a long absence, my pupil returns only to say, 'I think there’s something about this frog, so please investigate it thoroughly?'"
Berman, the master of the Tower, eyed the student before him with evident displeasure.
While the primary purpose of the Tower was to prioritize practical applications of magic, when one reaches Berman's age, courtesy becomes second nature.
Regardless of the student's noble status, this recent request had undoubtedly overstepped a boundary.
With a tap of his staff on the desk, a soft carpet unfurled on the floor.
"Yulia, come here and sit for a moment."
It was time to impart some precious wisdom to the student who had been absent for a while.
However, Yulia resisted the master's teachings.
"We don't have the time, Master. Every minute counts."
"What did you say?"
Veins throbbed on Berman's forehead.
"Do you dare regard me, the master of the White Magic Tower, wielder of the White Staff, and one of only three Arcmages in the continent, as someone you can simply summon for your trivial tasks?"
A massive illusion manifested behind Berman.
Faced with the overwhelming presence of the Arcmage, Yulia bit her lip.
"Yes. You've earned the title of the 'First to Awaken', have been revered by countless mages, and even kings seek your counsel. But right now, this matter is far more critical."
Berman, initially appeased by Yulia's words, furrowed his brows at her final remark. With another tap of his staff, the grand illusion and the carpet vanished in an instant.
"So, you're saying these foolish frogs you brought are that crucial?"
Croak.
The terrified gem frogs croaked from their cage.
"Very well. I'll investigate these gem frogs on my honor. If they prove to be as valuable as you suggest, I'll overlook your impudence and entertain your requests."
Berman spoke with a cold gaze.
"But if they lack the value you've claimed, Yulia, even you will face the consequences. You'll be ostracized from the White Tower, and you should expect no future favors from me. Understood?"
"Yes, Master."
Yulia bowed her head in acknowledgment.
Berman sighed upon seeing his student's face.
"At least take a rest for now. You don't look well."
Even to Berman, who rarely concerned himself with such matters, Yulia's appearance was undeniably worn out.
How long had it been since she last slept? Dark circles marred the area under her eyes, and her lips were parched white.
"Thank you, Master."
"Ah... I wonder why such a bright child like you would get herself into such a mess."
Berman picked up the cage containing the gem frogs.
Actions speak louder than words.
No matter how fond he was of his pupil Yulia, once a promise was made, there would be no backing down.
"Why would this be a medium?"
Berman broke out in a cold sweat.
****
Cheshire, the warden of the impregnable prison Zulat, scrutinized the prisoner list with an unusual expression.
"What's going on here? This Jerobe records seem odd. Nothing matches up."
<Ascal Debrue - Market Manipulation>
<Jerobe - Murder>
It was the list of recent arrivals. Jerobe had entered the prison shortly after Ascal.
"If it's a murder charge, the records should be accurate. But the person he's said to have killed died a long time ago. Something's not right."
Cheshire's close aide, a guard, stroked his chin seriously as he looked at Jerobe's name.
"Jerobe has been clinging to Ascal Debrue at every opportunity since he came in. As if waiting for a moment when they'd be alone."
"...!"
Jerobe.
Exact background unknown.
Followed Ascal into the prison.
Always looking for an opportunity to be alone with Ascal.
The implication was crystal clear, even to a fool.
"Mr. Ascal is in danger! Act now!"
He couldn't let someone who had perfectly settled his housing and retirement plans die in a place like this.
Cheshire grew frantic.
****
Thud!
The moment Cheshire arrived at the exercise yard, he saw a figure spinning mid-air and then dramatically crashing into the sandy ground.
"Oh no, am I too late...?"
A colossal figure stood behind.
It was Jerobe.
Cheshire gripped his face with both hands.
It was already too late.
He had inadvertently caused the death of a benefactor.
"Why are you here, Warden?"
"Ah, Mr. Ascal. I came thinking you were in danger..."
Cheshire's eyes widened as he assessed the situation.
Ascal was in perfect condition, doing gymnastics.
'Then, who is the one on the ground?'
Cheshire checked the fallen person.
It was just a regular, vicious criminal.
Foam at the mouth, his eyes darting around in panic.
"Send him to the infirmary."
Cheshire ordered the guard.
After they lifted the felon, Cheshire let out a sigh of relief. At least Ascal was safe.
"What happened? It seems there was a scuffle between the inmates."
"Hehe. That guy charged at Ascal, so I played with him instead."
The one who responded was Jerobe.
It seemed Jerobe had protected Ascal.
Cheshire looked up at the towering figure of Jerobe.
"Ascal, let's crochet."
"Sure."
And, out of place for such a massive figure, Jerobe sat down immediately, pulling out yarn to start crocheting.
It was a mystery.
Who exactly was this Jerobe?
****
It was a dark room.
The Spider's leader unfolded a crumpled letter. Written as if by a child, the ink smeared here and there, making it difficult to decipher.
The leader squinted, barely making out the words on the letter.
<I've arrived at the prison as you mentioned. Surprisingly, I'm enjoying prison life.>
"Hmm. It seems Jerobe has successfully infiltrated. Forger, you did a great job."
"That was a piece of cake. But, unless the empire is filled with idiots, this won't last long."
The infiltration phase was a success.
Jerobe, a member of the Spider, might not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, but his strength was unmatched. After all, he wasn't a hybrid of the giant race for nothing.
"Was the assassination successful?"
"I'm reading about it now."
<I found the man you spoke of. Black-haired male. Seems smart. Ascal. I've approached him.>
"Hehe. Ascal, it seems your luck ends here. Once he's caught Jerobe's eye..."
<But Ascal... he's not the evil person you said he was. He's kind. Fun to be around. I like him more than you guys now.>
"Damn it, Jerobe! Don't tell me!"
<From now on, I'll be with Ascal. This is goodbye to you all. Bye-bye.>
"What did Jerobe say? Leader, about the successful assassination? Tell me quickly!"
"There are still six legs left on the spider."
"What do you mean, leader? Leader!"
The lights in the dark room went out.
