Chapter 51:


    <b>Chapter 51: Royal Scandal (Part 2)</b>


    Darling. Ah~


    Ascal reflexively chewed on the strawberry that entered his mouth. The sweet pulp spread inside, a testament to its quality.


    These strawberries, supplied exclusively to the royal family, were grown on primend, carefully selected for the best variety, and nurtured with songs and care.


    No need to feed me directly, though.


    But isnt this necessary to keep otherdies at bay, by showing we are lovers?


    Serena, not bothering to listen, pushed another strawberry into Ascals mouth. She was determined not to waste this opportunity.


    From the day she found out that Ascal was the Prince of the Night.


    Serena had stolen a kiss from Ascals lips.


    That was fine up to that point.


    But after that, Serena confined herself.


    The reason was simple.


    On a cold night, wandering outside had led her to catch the worst cold of her life, a flu resistant to healing magic.


    For a whole week.


    Shey in bed, staring at the ceiling, only recently able to move again. Despite the doctors advice for a period of rest, the news of Ascals arrival at the pce had her leaping out of bed.


    There were even rumors of thieving cats clinging to Ascal.


    At first, Serena felt her blood boil upon hearing this, but then realized it was an opportunity.


    And the n flowed as she thought.


    Weve already had our first kiss, havent we?


    ...You stole it.


    Hmm, I was testing. So, it was indeed the first? Havent gone that far with Yulia?


    With her...


    It was a close call.


    Ascal spoke coolly.


    ess to further information requires authority beyond the level of a department Director.


    What a shame.


    Serena smacked her lips. Anyway, judging by the reaction, it seemed that Ascal and Yulia werent that deeply involved.


    After being by his side for so long, is that all you have, Yulia? If it were me, I would have already had his child.


    Serena scoffed at Yulia.


    Then.


    Miss Serena! Urgent news!


    What is it?


    Her maid and confidant, Rosa, hurried in.


    In front of her beloved.


    Serena elegantly lifted her teacup in response.


    Princess Yulia is heading this way, furious! And shes even carrying a sword!


    <i>Pff!</i>


    She choked.


    Serena spat out her tea.


    Oh, what a disgrace.


    First, Serena wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and then looked up to see if any tea had sshed on Ascal.


    You always make a mess, dont you?


    And what she saw was Yulia, who had already arrived in the royal garden, wiping the tea off Ascal with a handkerchief.


    I heard you were busy with official duties. Must be something urgent to neglect your superiors request toe here?


    Thanks to someone.


    Yulia sat down.


    So at the table, Ascal, then Serena, and Yulia sat in that order.


    An ufortable atmosphere lingered.


    Did you hear? Yulia? About us dating.


    Of course, she knew.


    She must have heard the news and rushed to the pce. Serena smiled a Victors smile. But Yulia said.


    Who do you think youre fooling? Obviously, its a fake rtionship.


    Hmm. Fake rtionship? Were actually in love.


    I heard about thedies throwing themselves at Ascal. And after you dered your rtionship with him, Serena, it stopped. Quite obvious, isnt it? He just went along with it, no choice.


    Sounds like a usible theory.


    And Ascal, he doesnt like women of your type.<i>Crack.</i>


    It sounded as if a fissure had formed on Serenas forehead.


    Ascal tried to sneak away from his seat, but Yulia didnt let him escape.


    Ascal.


    Yes.


    If youre going to have a fake rtionship, do it with me.


    Serena interjected.


    If thats the case, wouldnt your superior bebeled a yboy? Isnt it more stable to continue with me?


    You cant be trusted.


    Hmm. Maybe I should.


    And then Serena turned to look at Ascal.


    Youll continue the fake rtionship with me, right?


    Ascal. Trust me. Its better to pretend with me.


    Caught between the intense gazes of both women, Ascal coughed awkwardly.


    Well, I...


    ****----


    <b>The Empires Hidden Dragon, or should we say, the Empires yboy! Now spotted in a secret rendezvous with the Third Princess!</b>


    <i>Count of Erindale, Ascal, recently revealed to be in a romantic rtionship with the Second Princess, was seenst evening in an informal conversation with the Third Princess...</i>


    ----


    Whats this now?


    Ascal, reading the newspaper,mented in disbelief.


    Last night, he had returned to his room, pondering over his dilemma, only to wake up to such an article this morning.


    He had thought the imperial newspaper, with its cultured journalists and esteemedmentators, wouldnt publish such falsehoods. It was a great disappointment.


    I should formally protest.


    With that thought, Ascal stepped outside.


    Just then, the youngdies were enjoying an early brunch.


    Ascal instinctively tried to avoid them, but ended up making eye contact.


    Oh my! Lord Ascal!!! Who are you nning to date today?


    The cold Second Princess! Or the mysterious Third Princess!?


    But thedies reactions were slightly different.


    It was as if they were watching the male protagonist of thetest popr daily drama.


    Ascal passed by thedies without a word.


    How can he be so aloof, no wonder he can charm the princesses simultaneously...


    Even his back is cold, feels like I might freeze...It was absolutely maddening.


    Even Count Saynan couldnt help but say to Ascal,


    Wouldnt you share your secret with me? How on earth do you manage to charm both princesses at the same time... Count! Count!


    Ascal hurried to Serena.


    ...


    It seems we have a problem.


    Ascal showed the newspaper article to Serena.


    Sheughed.


    Why is this a problem? Its rather something to be thankful for.


    What do you mean?


    Youll understand soon. Look.


    Serena kissed Ascal on the cheek.


    Passing youngdies screamed in excitement.


    Congrattions on bing the Empires most popr figure.


    ...


    -----


    <b>The Empires yboy, now receiving a kiss from the Second Princess...</b>


    -----


    ...Is this really a newspaper?


    Ascal felt like he understood what Serena meant about bing popr.


    He protested to the imperial newspaper, but only got a response saying the higher-ups would review it. In other words, it was utterly ineffective.


    The Empire had no TV or dramas. The only media avable were newspapers or Magistone Receivers, essible only to a few wealthy individuals.


    Virtually all citizens read the imperial newspaper, giving it tremendous authority.


    And constantly on the front page of this influential paper were news about Ascals love life.


    Kyaa!!! Its Lord Ascal!!! Please, sign here!


    The reaction of the youngdies had intensified even more, as if they were seeing a celebrity.


    We shouldnt approach Lord Ascal, we can only silently admire him from afar.


    Of course, Lord Ascal and the Second Princess are a perfect match.


    What are you saying? Were you always for the Second Princess?


    Huh?


    The youngdies argument escted, evening close to physical confrontation, forcing Ascal to intervene.


    Ascal sighed.


    How did things end up like this?****


    Oh, Ascal. Youre hard to spot these days.


    Your Highness! You shouldnt approach me!


    What are you talking about? Its a beautiful day, why not go hunting together?


    ...I did warn you.


    ?


    ....


    -----


    <b>The Empires yboy, Ascal. Was his love life not just about women? Is he pursuing a forbidden love?</b>


    -----


    What is this...


    Prince Kain, lost for words, stared at the newspaper. The imperial newspaper was enjoying its heyday, thanksrgely to the royal scandals.


    And now, even the Crown Prince was caught in its grasp.


    This is absurd, even for a free press like the imperial newspaper... I must demand a correction immediately...


    Ascal calmly responded to the agitated prince.


    Its toote.


    Kyaaa! Your Highness! Look this way, please!


    The Crown Prince had be part of the royal scandal.


    <b>Cast: Ascal Erindale, Serena Barba, Yulia Barba, and Kain Barba.</b>


    <b>Poprity: 80%</b>


    Its easier to give up. Its not so bad enjoying this.


    ****


    Fortunately, as quickly as the publics interest red, it faded. After a few months, the royal scandal thankfully subsided, and rumors even began circting that it was all orchestrated by the royal family.


    However, during this time, the royal family, previously seen as strict and rigid, became more rtable to the citizens, earning newfound respect.


    I wonder who Ascal ended up dating~


    Sushia giggled.


    Amidst the chaos, Ascal, having returned to his deste office at the Evaluation Department, stood up from his chair.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    Ah, ah! Minister-nim?


    Ascal cornered Sushia, her heart racing.


    You should choose your teasing targets more wisely, Sushia.


    Ascalughed and sat back down.


    <i>Thump.</i>


    Sushia copsed, her legs giving out.


    Indeed, the Empires greatest yboy. His name will forever be synonymous with it...


    To calm her racing heart, Sushia consumed five cups of cocoa and ten cookies in the office.


    Ascal regretted.


    ...


    In a dark room.


    The leader of the Spider whispered in a sinister tone.


    Ascal... What a terrifying man. Not only has he eliminated two of our legs, but hes also concocted such a scheme...


    Despite their numerous machinations spreading rumors about the imperial family, public opinion hadpletely reversed.


    To think a single scandal could turn around the plummeting reputation of the royal family... Were utterly defeated.


    The forger conceded defeat.


    Ascal Debrue, or rather Ascal Erindale.


    He had be the greatest threat to the Spider.


    [TL: You can <b>support the trantion and read 5 chapters ahead</b> of the release here on Patreon: /OracleTls]