But Lia was no pushover.

 

Instead, she implemented a softening policy by treating the tantrum-throwing Ascal kindly. Ascal felt a twinge of guilt. Indeed, it was a move worthy of an imperial princess.

 

"Let's stay strong today too, Minister. You got it!"

 

She even raised her fist in encouragement. Was this a signal that if he still didn't listen, she would punch him in the head with that fist?

 

"I'll go. I will go."

 

Lia smoothly got up and watched Ascal as he put on his coat, tilting her head slightly in wonder.

 

 

The State Council meeting.

 

A gathering where all the ministers of the Empire and the Emperor discuss the major affairs of the state.

 

Although it sounded grand, the State Council had only recently started functioning properly.

 

'No matter what we discuss here, if the sycophants have their say, it all goes back to square one. How could one be motivated?'

 

But now, with the sycophants gone and the Crown Prince managing state affairs instead of the Emperor, the State Council was regaining its original function.

 

The attendance rate, which was once a mere 20%, had impressively crossed 50%.

 

'It's clear why the Empire fell.'

 

The ministers who still didn't attend were mostly from wealthy noble families. They were absent with a bold attitude of 'cut me off if you dare'.

 

And indeed, they were cut off, just as they wished. Yulia, who had become a tyrant, decisively beheaded them.

 

The Crown Prince looked around at the ministers and smiled.

 

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules. I won't take more of your time than necessary, so let's discuss the agenda briefly."

 

Though it felt almost like a regency, the Crown Prince was not yet the Emperor. He seemed to give way to the ministers with more practical experience.

 

"First is the matter of exporting improved magic stones. As you know, our Empire's magic stones are unparalleled in quality and efficacy compared to others. This is all thanks to the efforts of the Minister of Evaluation. Let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude again."

 

"It was just good luck."

 

"Hahaha. Luck is also a skill, isn't it?"

 

Surprisingly, the State Council meeting passed quite smoothly. Much of the work was handled by Robin, the Minister of Magic, and Sorbe, the Minister of Finance.

In truth, it was fair to say that only these two ministers were actually doing their jobs. They approached the meeting with enthusiasm, as if determined to showcase the skills they couldn’t due to the influence of sycophants.

 

Thanks to this, Ascal had become almost like a human cactus, silently lost in his own thoughts.

 

'I want to go to the Kingdom of Kelli.'

 

"The second item is about the Kingdom of Kelli."

 

"…!"

 

Ascal and Bernstein’s eyes lit up simultaneously.

 

"Recently, there have been increasing disappearances at the southern hot springs of the Kingdom of Kelli. They've conducted their own investigation, but they can't seem to find the cause. They might have to close the hot springs."

 

"That's unfortunate news."

 

"Therefore, the Kingdom of Kelli has sent a request for aid to the Empire. If there are any volunteers willing to go to the Kingdom of Kelli to investigate this mysterious situation…"

 

The Kingdom of Kelli was in an alliance with the Empire, essentially a vassal-like alliance.

 

The Kelli Kingdom, being a resort nation, brought in substantial revenue. In return for protecting Kelli, the Empire received tributes, creating a win-win situation.

 

"This matter should be handled by the Department of Evaluation."

 

"It should be the Department of Development and Innovation."

 

Ascal glared at Bernstein.

 

Bernstein glared back at Ascal.

 

'Give it up, Bernstein. The Kingdom of Kelli is mine.'

 

'No, you give it up. I can't just work to death like this.'

 

Without speaking, their eyes communicated everything.

 

"Oh! Stepping up for the Empire like this. Truly the Empire's hidden dragon and saint! Good. This task will be handled jointly by both departments."

 

 

The two ministers already knew.

 

No one would send their subordinates to the Kelli Kingdom. Essentially, the minister would personally go to Kelli under the guise of work, enjoying a legitimate vacation.

 

However, both ministers couldn't be away at the same time.

 

In the end, only one person could go to the Kingdom of Kelli.

 

"Heads."

 

"I'll go with tails."

Ascal chose heads, while Bernstein picked tails. As Bernstein tossed the coin, he looked triumphantly at Ascal.

 

'I knew this would happen, so I prepared a coin that only has tails.'

 

Ascal just smiled back.

 

'Good thing I suspected and switched the coin back to a normal one.'

 

The coin clattered onto the table.

 

"Yes! Heads!"

 

"Argh, there goes my vacation!"

 

Bernstein clutched his head, no longer bothering to hide his true feelings.

 

"Unfortunate for you, but you'll have to support me from behind. Got any useful tools?"

 

"I'm not a general store, you know."

 

Grumbling, Bernstein brought out a tool that resembled a thermometer.

 

"It's a homemade hot spring water contamination measuring device. It's certified by the association, so there should be no issues using it."

 

"How long did it take to make this?"

 

"A day?"

 

Ascal looked at Bernstein, speechless.

 

To think he says he's incompetent, just lucky? Ridiculous. Such a man should be kept in the Empire and put to work for life.

 

"Make sure to pack other tools necessary for the job."

 

"I can't thank you enough."

 

"Just bring me back a souvenir."

 

"I'll bring something expensive."

 

But Ascal felt something was off.

 

Bernstein was too compliant.

 

"Also, I've arranged for someone from the Department of Development and Innovation to accompany you to Kelli. It's a shame I can’t go myself... but the person is exceptionally talented and will be a great help."

 

"Is this talent the kind I'm thinking of?"

 

"Of course. Excellent in magic and very smart. You know this person."

 

Bernstein smiled.

 

'Someone I know?'

 

Ascal racked his brain for someone he knew from the Department of Development and Innovation, but couldn't easily come up with a name.

A few days later.

 

The day Ascal left for the Kingdom of Kelli.

 

He discovered who Bernstein's referred person was.

 

"I'm Seri Lavione, the new member at the Department of Development and Innovation. I might be inexperienced, but I'm looking forward to working with you."

 

Serena curtsied, holding the hem of her skirt.

 

Once on the carriage, Serena tapped the seat next to her, inviting Ascal.

 

"Come on, we need to get going before Princess Yulia notices, okay?"

 

With no other choice, Ascal climbed into the carriage.

 

But he chose the seat opposite her.

 

Serena playfully tapped Ascal's leg with her toes, giggling.

 

"You're being too playful, Princess."

 

"I'm not a princess, I'm Seri. Call me that, and I'll stop."

 

Ascal dodged his legs here and there, but Serena persistently teased him.

 

'Bernstein, this is unforgettable...'

 

His plans for a peaceful, solitary vacation had gone awry. He had intentionally left without any attendants, and yet here was this siren-like strategy at play.

 

 

"Sing a song!!!! Seri!!!!!!"

 

And so, upon reaching the hot springs, the two found themselves in the midst of a crisis unlike any other.