Chapter 133: Courting

Chapter 133: Courting

In a dimly lit but grandiose palace corridor, Sofia and Karin stood before an imposing double door. This was the door to the throne room, where the Emperor would receive her. They were waiting for the signal to enter.

You know, Sofia Maybe This might be a bit too much, Karin said as she looked behind Sofia.

Is it? If I am going to make a strong entrance, I might as well go all-out, dont you think? Besides, I still dont understand why I need to get a public audience. I asked for nothing. I dont even remember how we got to the palace and you have been avoiding the subject all this time.

Listen Sometimes Its better if You should cherish the ability to forget, is what I want to say about that. And the audience was set in stone the second you entered the empire again if Im being honest. As an unaffiliated and dangerous power, its Xeros responsibility to make sure you arent a menace to the empire.

Does he personally meet anyone coming in thats above level 100? Thats going to be a lot of work.

Come on Sofia, dont play dumb. Weve all seen Pareth fight yesterday and Kuli saw firsthand what you left of the Churchs third temple. If youre going to act like youre a regular Saintess now I cant guarantee that Xeros wont snap back.

Alright, sure. Im not unaffiliated though, Sofia answered, flashing her Vampire card, which had the only effect of making Karins horizontally-slit eyes roll. Oh, right, I also have this she continued, bringing out the Saint Alliance badge, and pinning it on her chest.

Wait, you're in the Alliance? Oh, that just makes everything even Ah. Whatever. Xeros problem, Im only in charge of the coins.

Youre what now?

Karin tilted her horned head. She smirked. Oh, did I never say? Let me properly introduce myself this time then. I am Karin Lacour, Karlsons wife for sixty-three years, mother of three, level 188 [Blood Mage], and currently the Empires head of finances.

Because of course you are I guess the weird looks from the innkeep werent only because of Kuli Then what is Drians job?

Boiling water, Karin deadpanned.

Boiling water?

Boiling water.

He is a fire mage so I could see that but Lets You said many nobles would be here right?

... Yes, this is the day of the month when Xeros deals with their reclamations, most families will at least have someone there to observe.

And now, the last audience for this session! You may have heard of her escape from the tyranny of the Skyreach Church last year, Saintess Sofia of Scriptures.

Karin gave some advice before the doors opened, Walk up to the stand, you should bow until Xeros addresses you, but not too low. To make things easier, only talk to answer questions, if possible. Im sure you can get him to give you some nice stuff if you play this smart. Youve got this, Sofia.

Sofia thanked Karin for her help and quickly threw a Midenicite catalyst to the High-priest so he wouldnt be empty-handed. She also gave a few last orders to the skeletons to make sure they played their part well. She also asked Pareth to change his armor to make it as massive as possible and to add a cape.

Also, make the sword bigger if you can.

The doors opened, revealing the empires throne room.

The throne room was a grand chamber of immense proportions, with soaring ceilings and walls adorned with intricate tapestries and murals. The dusk sun glared from the giant stained-glass window behind the throne, casting a warm orange glow across the room and illuminating the ornate decor.

The room was filled with a crowd of nobles, their lavish clothing and jeweled adornments glittering in the light. They were all dressed to impress. They stood in clusters on either side of the chamber, attentively observing the opening doors in perfect silence.

At the end of the room, elevated on a dais, sat the emperor's throne, an imposing structure of carved wood and steel. The emperor was sitting comfortably, his features stern and imposing as he surveyed the room from his throne. He wore the same attire from before, except for a different, heavier deep-red cape, draping over his shoulders and the arms of the throne.

Sofia was first to enter, Pareth and the High-priest following closely behind her on either side. A murmur of shock ran through the nobles' ranks as they laid eyes on the skeletons, but none raised their voice.

So far so good. Sofia scanned the whole room as she walked forward. Most of them are still under level 100. That small guy near the emperor is a 250+ supporter Three others above 200. And the knights lining the walls are around my level. Ten of them.

In short, only two of them are a danger. Emperor Xeros and the supporter near him.

Wings ajar to appear more imposing, Sofia confidently advanced through the throne room. Under the awed eyes of some of the weaker nobles, the Paladin skeletons followed. They advanced, bones and armor shimmering under the sunlight. Their steps drowned the room in the cadenced sound of their synchronized march.

This lacks a skeleton musician.

She stepped up to the stand facing the throne, and following Karins advice, she bent forward in a light bow. Skeletons, kneel.

As if suddenly let free, the nobles voices got louder as she looked down. Only to be silenced by a snap of the Emperors fingers.

Welcome, Saintess. You may rise.