The Tyrant Empress is Obsessed with Me

Chapter 27:

...So thats what happened.

Sushia explained the whole situation to Ascal.

How a simple tea party had blown up into such a grand event.

Who ended up attending the party.

Throughout her explanation, Sushia looked close to tears.

With the Duchess declaring a strike, Sushia had to take over the responsibility of hosting the party. Even if the servants and the Duke helped to some extent, it was clear she was overwhelmed.

But what if Ascal, whose stock had recently skyrocketed, became the face of the event?

It would be a breath of fresh air for Sushia as the organizer.

Hearing this, Ascal nodded in understanding.

You mustve had a tough time, Sushia.

Do you understand?

Sushias eyes glistened with tears.

As expected, the only one who understood her was Ascal.

Then, work hard. I believe in you, Sushia. Lets meet again with smiles later.

Director-nim! Please dont leave!

The young noble lady clung to his leg, crying.

Ascal was taken aback.

Let go!

No, no! I wont let go! Didnt we promise to be together till the end of hell?

I never made such a promise.

It was more than just making a fool out of oneself.

It felt like showing everything, scraping even the bottom of the barrel.

But no matter how much Sushia pleaded, Ascal had no intention of attending the party.

It was because there were more than one or two landmines.

The Crown Prince alone was enough pressure. Add to that the 2nd Princess Serena, whom he met as the Prince of the Night, and even Lia, who was now in a Third Imperial Princess mode.

While he could avoid Serena, he had doubts about how to behave the moment he met Lia.

To put the situation in perspective, it was as if his younger sister, who usually lounges around at home, was all dressed up with full makeup and hanging out with notorious friends.

It was like accidentally making eye contact with her on the street.

-Hey, whos that?

-I dont know. Why are you looking?

Just thinking about it is horrifying.

After much thought, the best option was not showing up at all.

Well, I should be going then...

Ahem.

A bigwig had arrived.

The one who revealed himself in the reception room was Duke Senestia.

Ascal quickly stood up from his seat.

Your Grace, its an honor to meet you...

Enough with the formal greetings.

The Duke waved it off, but Ascal didnt buy it. Fully immersed in the Oriental Confucian spirit and familiar with the class culture of the administration, Ascal perfectly understood the hidden message behind those words.

To interpret it:

-I dont want to be the old man who demands greetings first, so you better greet me properly on your own.

Maintaining impeccable manners, Ascal greeted the Duke.

Haha, the youth nowadays are quite bright in their greetings.

Success.

With his mood significantly lifted, the pleased-looking Duke sat opposite Ascal.

I heard that my daughter has been relying on you a lot at work lately.

Well... Thats not true...

Or was it?

Could he confidently say that it really wasnt?

Ascal, of course, often made empty remarks.

But wasnt this more than just a frivolous statement? Wasnt this a lie that shouldnt ever appear in the imperial history? As he pondered deeply, the Duke lowered his head.

I truly am sorry, Ascal.

It was an unexpected apology.

Surprised, Ascal bowed his head in return.

Shes always been a handful, and now shes even burdened with this party... Truly, I have no face to show as a father.

'...!'

'So that was why he was acting this way.'

Ascal realized the Dukes intentions.

Undoubtedly, the Duke had overheard the conversation with Sushia.

But pretending not to know, he smoothly established the fact of his participation in the party as a given.

No matter how amiable he looked, he was the Duke of the Empire. Such political maneuvering came as naturally to him as breathing.

Im the one whos truly without face.

...Why is that?

As her superior and close friend, I cant help Sushia in her distress and must leave. If only my relative wasnt seriously ill... Damn it!

However, Ascal wasnt about to be taken advantage of either.

He employed a skill honed over a long time, the sick relative card.

What could he do about a relative having a serious illness? What if he didnt go and they died?

How are you planning to handle this lie, Duke?

Upon hearing Ascals words, the Duke responded as if sympathizing.

As one gets to my age, friends and relatives often fall ill. I understand. Thats why you cant just ignore it. You mentioned an ill relative? Tell me the exact location. Ill send the best clergyman I know.

Damn it.

This was a countermove unheard of in modern times.

Not wanting to be caught in a lie, he gave the actual address of his relative. He felt a slight regret for his relative who might now receive an unexpected visit from a clergyman.

Ascal felt powerless.

Could he really not outsmart the Duke? What could be the way out of this predicament...

Wait.

There was one way.

Honestly, I dont want to attend the party.

!

Sometimes, honesty is the answer.

Its intimidating. How would a mere Grade 5 official fare in a gathering where the Crown Prince and all the Princesses attend? If I commit any impropriety, the consequences would be dire. This party is well beyond my league.

If thats the case, theres not much to be done.

The Duke easily conceded.

It seemed there was no counterargument to Ascals logic.

It was a victory.

He had just won a verbal duel against Duke Senestia, a heavyweight who had maneuvered in political arenas for decades. Ascal had to resist the urge to celebrate.

Then we should prepare for your wedding with Sushia. What date works for you?

What in the world is he talking about?

What do you mean by that?

Didnt my daughter cling to your leg earlier? Many have witnessed it. If rumors spread, she wont be able to marry elsewhere. Wouldnt you have to take responsibility then?

Was this a medieval marriage attack?

Facing such an attack for the first time, Ascals head spun.

Ill just attend the party.

Good decision.

****

Ascal was getting made up.

His hair and eyebrows were meticulously groomed by the Dukes personal stylist, while the tailor took his measurements for the outfit. They even applied powder to brighten his complexion.

Stop! I have had enough

Were almost done. Please bear with it.

An hour after that, the makeover was finally completed.

The beautician showed Ascal a mirror.

There was a completely different man reflected in it.

It felt as if his original self had been spread with a spoonful of butter and then lightly topped with caviar.

Wow. Might this be somewhat to my taste?

Sushia remarked from behind with an air of admiration.

For the record, youre not my taste.

Thats harsh.

While Sushia, donned in a dress, could easily be described as beautiful, Ascal, knowing her true nature, couldnt bring himself to pay a compliment.

Its about time for the party to start. Ill go ahead. Make sure you come later, okay? You cant run away. Ill chase you to the end if I have to.

Alright.

The graceful heiress of the Senestia Ducal House, Sushia, left her spot.

It was almost time for the party to begin.

As the host, even ten pairs of legs wouldnt be enough.

As for me... I can take my time. Maybe Ill bake some cookies?

Ascal decided to borrow the kitchen.

****

Serena Barba was waiting.

She was the type who valued practicality to the extreme. Even if it was a renowned party at the esteemed Senestia Ducal House, she wouldnt attend if there was no benefit.

There were two reasons she willingly set foot here.

Firstly, to keep an eye on the Crown Prince.

She needed to know who Kain was having secret talks with and whom he was getting close to.

Secondly, to scout for valuable talents.

Serenas information network was second to none in the empire. If someone had a vulnerability, shed exploit it; if they had a desire, shed provide for it.

That was Serenas way.

However, there always seemed to be exceptions.

Ascal Debrue.

No matter how thoroughly investigated, not a speck of dirt was found on him. She even wondered if he could be linked through bribery, but all such assets, it seemed, had been donated.

What kind of anomaly was this?

I want to understand you.

Was he truly the Sleeping or hidden Dragon as the citizens of the empire claimed? Or was he just a commoner with extraordinary luck?

Sir Ascal Debrue has arrived!

A servants announcement echoed through the hall. Serenas eyes shifted, spotting Ascal walking in from a distance.

Here, it was customary for the elders and superiors to greet first. The first was the host, the Duke Senestia, followed by Crown Prince Kain.

****

Serena assessed Ascal.

B-rank.

He was quite handsome. If rumors were to be believed, he had significant capabilities. However, his background was scant, and understanding his true foundation was challenging.

In Serenas current assessment, Ascal Debrue was B-rank.

Of course, even being B-rank held significant worth. Most of the nobility, in Serenas eyes, barely scraped C or D-rank.

The nobles were keenly observing Ascal.

But for now, they were on edge, waiting for Serenas lead.

Taking a step forward, Serena approached Ascal.

Would you honor me with a dance?

Serenas eyes sparkled.

I will be your backbone, raising you to A-rank.

Serena never thought her proposal would be declined.

That was, until a moment ago.

I apologize. My legs troubling me. Excuse me.

Ascal simply vanished.

Serena Barba stood alone on the dance floor.

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