The Tyrant Empress is Obsessed with Me
Chapter 9:

<Heads of the Empire's Evaluation Departments>

- Head of Department 1: Kane

- Head of Department 2: Devon

- Head of Department 3: Ascal

- Head of Department 4: Herbert

Devon had been on edge lately.

He was an elite, born as the third son of a count, educated by private tutors from a young age, and raised to be an imperial official.

When he became the youngest head of Department 2, Devon had no doubt that he was on the path to success.

That was until a guy who flew through the skies, or like teleporting, appeared, running along a parallel path to success.

‘Ascal Debrue.’

Even when he first appeared, Ascal, who had no presence, suddenly posted incredible results one after the other and was rapidly promoted to department head.

He surpassed Devon’s records at a remarkable speed. From that point on, Devon started to take note of Ascal.

‘It’s all just luck.’

To Devon, who clawed his way here through sheer, bone-grinding effort, accepting Ascal was impossible. Lately, seeing him hailed as the Empire’s ‘sleeping dragon’ was enough to churn his stomach.

However, even if Devon put his own assessments aside, the surrounding evaluations of Ascal pierced the heavens.

The term of the current main head of the Evaluation Department won’t last much longer. The next head wad likely to be Kane, head of Department 1. But what about after that? Not long ago, Devon could confidently say it would be him, but now… he couldn’t be sure.

‘I need a plan.’

Devon sat in his office, deep in thought.

Soon, the Empire would host an antique auction. The auction, held once a year, initially started as a simple bazaar but grew into an unbelievable scale as the years went by.

Nowadays, antiques that were simply rotting inside the house were exhibited, as well as hidden relics worth more than a mansion if one look at their value.

The current antique auction was a global festival, where shrewd auction-goers aiming for a jackpot and swindlers trying to fleece them gather from all corners.

‘This could turn things around.’

Having a discerning eye was the most critical virtue for an official in the Evaluation Department.

Hence, as a kind of tradition, officials often tested their abilities at the antique festival.

And what if, during that antique festival, Devon managed to outsmart Ascal?

The evaluations would reverse, and Devon would regain his rightful place.

‘Wait for it. Ascal Debrue.’

.

.

.

.

“Why should I go to the antique festival?”

The man with black hair spoke with seeming indifference. Even while his fingers flicked through the report, a kind of aura was palpable.

Devon swallowed hard.

But he must not be overwhelmed here.

“Don’t you want to prove your abilities as an official of the Evaluation Department?”

“So, participation isn’t mandatory, is it? Do I have a compelling reason to participate in the antique festival?”

Devon was flustered.

He didn’t expect Ascal to refuse. Moreover, his point was valid. It was difficult to replace a rebuttal.

“Here’s your coffee.”

Lia brought coffee to Devon.

“Thank you.”

He took a sip of the coffee. The rich and profound flavor of the coffee was of such high quality that it could be believed to be brewed by a professional barista.

Devon envied Ascal. Having the privilege to drink such coffee every day was pure luck.

If he had a secretary like Lia, his efficiency would surely increase.

‘What should I do... How can I beat him?’

While grappling with his thoughts, Devon spoke impulsively.

“Let’s make a bet. If I win, I will take Miss Lia to my department. If you win, you can take anyone from my department.”

After saying this, Devon felt regret. There was no way Ascal would accept such a ridiculous proposal.

“Sounds good.”

'?'

.

.

.

.

The Antique Auction,

It was a festival where people from all over the world gathered, bustling and noisy. Ascal didn’t particularly like this atmosphere, which was why he rejected Devon’s proposal, but...

‘Sending Lia legally to Department 2?’

Devon brought forth an irresistible offer.

‘I’m so grateful.’

In the context of a game of Catch the Thief*, it was as if he voluntarily took the thief card for himself.

“Come, come. Delicious chicken skewers, only 3 coppers each! It’s practically free! Free!”

“Put money down and win money! Guess which of the three cups has money under it and get double back!”

The Antique Festival drew the crowd. Naturally, peddlers swarm in, and street stalls became inevitable. Strictly speaking, they were subject to crackdowns, but there was an unspoken understanding to turn a blind eye during the festival.

“Are you sure you’re okay with accepting the bet?”

“There’s someone I really want to recruit into Department 2.”

In response to Lia’s question, Ascal, struggling to conceal his perturbation, made an excuse. He had essentially agreed to sell her out in front of her. Even if his own life was on the line, he felt a pang of guilt.

“Do you like chicken skewers?”

“I don’t know, I’ve never tried them.”

Then again, it was implausible that the empire’s princess had ever tried street food like chicken skewers. However, to energetically explore the festival hereafter, she needed to be somewhat satiated.

Ascal bought two chicken skewers and handed one to Lia.

“Try it. It’s quite good.”

The chicken skewer, smeared with sauce, seemed quite skillfully grilled and palatable. Lia watched Ascal eat his skewer and then cautiously bit into the end of hers. The sweetly sauced chicken was chewy and tender.

“...It’s delicious.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Having finished his chicken skewer, Ascal sorted his thoughts. The bet with Devon was straightforward: who could select the more valuable antique? The judgment would be referred to a professional appraiser in the empire to ensure fairness.

Of course, Ascal had no intention of seriously selecting an antique. He planned to casually while away the time until the festival ended, then choose any old antique and accept defeat.

“This is my first time at a festival like this.”

Lia, who rarely revealed her own thoughts, spoke. Her blue eyes, curiously observing the festival, contained a trace of excitement.

‘Yes. Since it’s come to this, let’s at least make her happy for the duration of the festival.’

Ascal decided to escort Lia to the best of his ability.

Dart throwing,

“A perfect score! Miss, you’re truly remarkable!”

“Damn! The coin was really in my sleeve. Your perception is impressive.”

Candy Making,

“This is the first time I’ve seen such pretty candy in ten years.”

Lia, with her innate talent, turned every shop she visited into chaos. By the afternoon, it had already been rumored, and she was barred entry to such an extent that there were no more enjoyable spots left.

“Shall we take a break?”

“That sounds good.”

But still, Lia, perhaps having enjoyed enough, sat on a bench with a faint smile, hugging the large bear she won as a prize.

“To slowly start winning bets, shouldn’t we select antiques?”

“I’m carefully selecting.”

To tell the truth, Ascal was thinking of casually choosing something before the festival ended.

The antique rankings given by professional appraisers ranged from F to S.

Devon was someone who was fairly capable, even among the managers.

He might be able to choose antiques of B or A rank.

And naturally, the antique Ascal was targeting for a definite loss was of F rank.

“Hmm. Young one. You have quite the eye.”

Ascal, who entered a dim alley, perused antiques at a shabby stall.

Goods spread on the mat on the floor were undesirable antiques, like an old jar, a sword without sharpness, voodoo dolls, etc.

Among them, Ascal chose the sword without sharpness.

“3 silver.”

“That’s expensive, let’s do 2 silver.”

“2 silver 50 copper.”

“Well, then I’ll buy elsewhere.”

“Young friend, you’re quite greedy. Tsk. Take it for 2 silver.”

The negotiation of price was spirited. The nuance that he truly won’t buy if the price wasn’t lowered was important. A skilled merchant reads this nuance well.

​

But Ascal was invincible in the negotiation because he genuinely had no intention of buying without a discount.

“......Is that really a valuable antique?”

Lia wore a worried expression.

“Trust me.”

‘You should trust.’

‘From now on, you have to trust people in Department 2.’

.

.

.

.

The three-day festival concluded.

The day faded away.

Those who obtained valuable antiques returned to their hometowns with smiles all over their faces, while those who spent a fortune and were swindled by scammers were dragged away by security, shouting at the top of their lungs.

The hotter the fervor, the greater the emptiness that follows its conclusion.

“So, the antique you chose is that old sword?”

“Yes.”

The item Devon chose was parchment. He confidently spoke as he pulled out the parchment inscribed with unrecognizable characters.

“It’s a record written in ancient script. It has immeasurable historical value. Seems like I’ve won this bet.”

“Hmm. We’ll know once it’s appraised.”

Ascal, who was eagerly waiting to quickly had it appraised and to confirm Devon’s victory, was anxious.

The two sent the antiques to the royal exclusive appraiser. Being an appraiser of countable skill, it was unlikely they would make a mistake in their appraisal.

And a week passed, the result came out.

[ Parchment of the Ancient Empire - B Rank

The Lost Sword of the First Emperor of the Barba Empire - Value: Incalculable (EX) ]

The empire was in an uproar.

“This is the royal sword that was lost generations ago, handed down through the empire’s lineage... How in the world…!”

The shocked appraiser, having thoroughly verified its authenticity, sent their heartfelt thanks, along with the certification, for returning the sword.

Naturally, the sword Ascal found was returned to the royal family.

And, unexpectedly, a meeting with the emperor was arranged as a reward.

“...At this point, I kind of want to die.”

Ascal drew on his pipe and gazed at the night sky. The smoke was unusually bitter.

“I have no choice but to admit defeat. Manger Ascal, choose whom you will take from Department 2...”

“You.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re coming.”

‘I can’t die alone.’

‘Let’s die together, you rascal.’

“No, logically, that makes no sense.”

“Let’s ask the main head.”

Having returned the royal family’s sword, Ascal had temporarily acquired the authority to push through any absurdity.

Of course, the main head approved.

“Welcome to Department 3, Devon.”

<Heads of the Empire's Evaluation Departments>

- Head of Department 1: Kane

- Head of Department 2: ( )

- Head of Department 3: Ascal

- Head of Department 4: Herbert

And so, Department 2 became a division without a head.

»»—ᴇɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ—««

[TN: Catch the Thief: It's a Korean game where the player with the thief card looses the game. ]