Chapter 58:

In a really darkish room.

The chief tapped the chessboard anxiously.

The Spider was going through its biggest disaster since its inception.

Initially possessing eight legs and a head, the spider now solely had six legs left. Nonetheless, it was manageable. Three legs on the left, three on the proper – it maintained stability.

This meant that the spider now had restricted strikes it might make. Due to this fact, each single transfer was treasured for the chief.

Witch. Why didnt you assist the Holy Kingdom?

The spider had been secretly aiding the Holy Kingdom from behind the scenes.

They’d been accumulating the Empires corruption and passing the knowledge to the Holy Kingdom, even having a hand within the potions and miracles they created.

They shared a typical objective: to convey down the Empire.

Nevertheless, because of the Empires propaganda, the Holy Kingdom fell into damage. Worse nonetheless, the scandals the Holy Kingdom had been hiding had been uncovered to the world.

The rumor that the Holy Kingdoms pope indulged in debauchery turned out to be true.

Many misplaced their religion, and the nationwide faith of the Empire was not the Star faith.

You may have prevented this catastrophe.

The witch bent the brim of her hat together with her finger.

Youre overestimating my talents. Even I cant undo whats already been finished.

You may have prevented it, witch. Dont inform me youve developed a conscience now? You’re…

The witch snapped her fingers. Flames flickered from her fingertips, illuminating her face. Her eyes had been stuffed with remorse and hatred.

Sufficient.

I overstepped. My apologies. However, witch, it’s good to show your price to us now. You probably did fail your mission, in any case.

Alright. What do you want? Inform me.

The chief seemed down on the chessboard and stated,

Kill the Emperor.

The witchs face subtly modified.

Why? Hes incompetent. It could be extra dangerous to the Empire to let him reside so long as doable.

Thats an previous story now. The true energy within the Empire lies with the Crown Prince. The Emperor is now ineffective. Its a bit early, however we have to transfer our plan ahead.

The chief tilted his vial.

Youve been supplying Ascal with drugs. This works properly for us. Change the contents of that drugs to poison. And Depend Erindale would be the one accused of poisoning the Emperor.

Even somebody like Ascal would discover it onerous to flee the accusation of poisoning the Emperor. The Empire would lose each their Emperor and their dragon.

Forger. Put together a believable story. We all know that typically the pen is mightier than the sword.

Alright. Final time was my defeat. However this time, even he wont have the ability to escape.

The spider weaves its net.

And the goal of this lure was none apart from Ascal.

This net will probably be inescapable.

****

Minister-nim, I see a ghost!

Sushia burst into the workplace.

Ascal, who was about to scold her, paused on the sight of Sushia. After her saint coaching, she had misplaced weight and her pores and skin had brightened, making her, properly…

It was like when a buddy, who’s only a buddy of the other gender, abruptly attire up and also you suppose, Was she at all times this beautiful?

Nevertheless it was nonetheless Sushia, in any case.

Have you ever lastly misplaced your thoughts?

Its actual. Look, there! Theres a ghost behind you, Minister-nim!

Ghost… that is an excessive amount of. However then once more, in a world the place magic exists, ghosts would possibly as properly. So, what does the ghost appear like?

Sushia seemed behind Ascals again in silence, then abruptly jumped in shock.

It has no neck. And its cursing you, Minister-nim!

?

It retains mumbling, Thats my seat… give me again my seat…

Ascal thought of ignoring Sushias ridiculous joke, however then determined to play alongside since he had nothing higher to do.

A seat? In fact, I can step apart.

Now you imagine me, proper?

Contemplating he had conversed with starlight not way back, being startled by a ghost appeared pointless.

However that is severe. Seeing ghosts makes life inconceivable.

I do know, proper. What ought to I do now?

It appeared like a facet impact of Sushias coaching as a saint candidate, enhancing her non secular sensitivity.

Does this imply if one turns into a saint, they must see tormented spirits daily?

That was an in depth name. He was proper to say no the supply.

I cant show you how to there. Possibly an occult skilled might. Wait a minute.

An thought struck him. The Witchs Forest. Possibly there they might remedy Sushias drawback.

However seeing ghosts may not be solely dangerous. No less than youll by no means be bored, Sushia.

You say that as a result of its not your drawback. Minister-nim, from the Stars Holy Scripture, Chapter 22, Verse 2!

Don’t ignore these in misery. Deal with them as you’ll one other dwelling being. Ugh.

The scripture got here out robotically. Thats the issue with rote studying.

Please, dont ignore a sheep in hassle, Priest.

How did you memorize the scripture?

I solely memorized that half. Thought it’d turn out to be useful sometime. It feels rewarding now.

Thus, Sushia, the almost-saintess, and Ascal, an official priest of the soon-to-be-disbanded Stars church, headed for the Witchs Forest.

It was an hour later when Lia completed her work and returned to the empty workplace.

****

Wow. Of all of the horses Ive ridden, this one is the most effective!

Fer is not any joke.

Fer, donning wing covers, carried Ascal and Sushia swiftly in the direction of the Witchs Forest.

Attentive to its riders, it slowed down on tough terrain and easily navigated obstacles, providing a top-notch using expertise.

Ascal had one more reason for heading to the Witchs Forest, other than Sushias situation.

Time to start out gathering the herbs wanted for the crystal tea.

Even whereas working on the Analysis Workplace, Ascal had at all times introduced the Emperor with crystal tea he made personally. Because of this, the Emperors well being improved to the extent that he might go searching.

The demise of the Emperor would convey a significant upheaval to the Empire.

Escaping the Empire earlier than that occurred was the most effective plan of action. Though varied makes an attempt had failed up to now, the human spirit doesn’t simply surrender.

Minister-nim, theres one thing I have to let you know proper now.

Sushia positioned her hand on Ascals waist. Her voice trembled barely. When Ascal glanced again, he noticed Sushias face flushed pink.

Does it must be proper now?

Sure. I cant maintain it in any longer.

Go forward.

The wind blew, fluttering Sushias white hair. Her flushed face moved her lips coyly, as if to say, I’m nonetheless a lady, in any case.

I must pee.

Its about time.

Ascal stopped Fer.

Go and are available again.

The Witchs Forest was simply forward. The world, thick with bushes, was best for privateness.

Sushia hurried off.

After which.

Aaaah!

Whats the matter!

Startled by Sushias scream, Ascal rushed in the direction of her.

Ghosts! There are such a lot of of them! Theyre all me!

[TL: Please consider giving our other novel, “I’m the Only One Who Can’t See Ghosts,” a try, which is being translated by my friend Bill. This amusing story follows Yoo Hajin, our protagonist, who finds himself in a world where everyone can see ghosts and wield psychic powers. Uniquely, he is the only one unable to see ghosts or harness any psychic abilities. However, this also renders him immune to the effects of both psychic powers and ghosts. It was also the grand prize winner at the Novelpia Competition in 2023. Here is the link: /2023/12/im-only-one-who-cant-see-ghosts.html

You can support the translation and read 5 chapters ahead of the release here on Patreon: /OracleTls]