Chapter 134: Door in the [Poker Face]

Chapter 134: Door in the [Poker Face]

Sofia straightened her back and crossed her arms under her chest. She ordered the skeleton Paladins to stay down unless she was attacked, but Pareth and the High-Priest got up after her, turning to face the nobles behind on each side.

Sofia said nothing as she looked at the emperor and he looked at her, she decided to trust Karins advice. Emperor Xeros opened his mouth once again, his tone was cold, asserting dominance. A heavy golden scepter appeared in his right hand.

None can lie in the Emperors presence, he declared, striking the ground with the scepter. A mana wave washed through the chamber. Area skill. No lies? This isnt my first time. Go on, ask your questions. And be ready to pay for the answers.

I will ask several questions. My skill will kill you if you lie. You may choose not to answer, in which case you will be thrown out of the Empire never to return. Do you accept these terms?

Will kill me? I dont even have the rune on but I doubt it. If its a single powerful hit that will be countered by the void physique if its an [Instant death] by my blessing. I should be mostly safe but lets play along.

[Poker Face] reached level 30

Here we go again

Depending on the question, I may require to be paid an equal value for the answer, Sofia answered in a similar tone.

That is acceptable. Xeros turned to the short supporter that had been immobile until then. Chancellor.

The man nodded and took a step forward. A scroll appeared in his hands, he glanced at it and read, Saintess Sofia, your abilities are unlike those of the Saints preceding you. Are you really the Saintess of Scripture, God of Skyreachs Church?

I am, right? For the system at least.

As disgusting as it is I am, she answered, still only looking at the Emperor.

[Poker Face] reached level 31

Sofia was secretly monitoring the nobles reaction through Pareth. A few of the higher-level ones seemed shocked, looking at the ceiling then at Sofia, then at the ceiling again. I guess whatever is meant to kill me if I lie would come from above. Do they think I lied to the first question?

Xeros nodded to his chancellor, who followed with his next question, Do you harbor any nefarious intentions towards the Empire or its citizens?

I do not.

Are you an ally to Skyreach, its Royals, or its Church?

Almost the same question. Are they trying to cover for loopholes in questions like this?

I am not.

Do you follow the wishes of Scripture?

[Poker Face] reached level 32

Is this a joke?

This big armored skeleton is Identified as a Hero. Does he occupy one of your Hero slots and have a blessing?

[Poker Face] reached level 35

Thats almost the same question as the last. But I dont need to give away any detail beyond saying yes. Thank the lords for [Poker Face] helping me not inadvertently reveal my answers early Lets see if hell accept the price this time.

The price I require for this answer is the complete skeleton of a dead Hero who possessed a magic class.

This prompted a wave of indignant gasps and whispers from the nobles. Xeros briefly pondered on it. It will be brought to you after the audience.

This deal seemed to anger someone in the audience who couldnt refrain a furious What?! from escaping his mouth.

[Mage - Lv. 99]

The Chancellor did not take this interruption lightly, he gave orders to the immobile knights that had been lining the walls like statues until then, Escort Baron Shinso out this instant.

The Baron Shinso in question seemed to have realized his mistake and did not protest as two heavily armored knights unceremoniously threw him out of the throne room. The remaining nobles were silent as graves. Sofia took the opportunity to answer.

This is Pareth. He is indeed the Hero occupying my first slot and has a Heros blessing. He has his own class and skills, everything you could expect from any other hero. But he is a skeleton.

Is that so? Does he possess free will?

He does.

Interesting. This will be everything for the formal audience, Xeros declared, canceling his supposed lie punishment skill. But he wasnt done talking, Saintess Sofia. Will you join the Empire? We offer you a high-ranking position in the guild or the army and the title of viscountess along with the land befitting it.

Just like that? Being strong has some benefits it seems. But

Thank you for the offer, Your Majesty. But I will have to decline. I have personal matters to take care of before I can think of settling down anywhere. What am I even going to do with a nobility title? I need to get stronger, not take care of some random big plot of land. Cant afford to be tied to the Empire like this. Why would I want to work for anyone at this point anyway? I am not lacking in ways to make money.

Xeros took the answer in stride, Surely you would at least accept citizenship?

[Poker Face] reached level 36

Wait, that's exactly the kind of pattern a swindler would use Im not opposed to this in principle. Maybe.

What does that mean for me?

You will be able to purchase land and property in the Empire and to redeem war contributions such as killed members of Skyreachs Church. But you will need to help defend the Empire if it is in danger and will also be subject to the Empires law.

My answer will depend on the details of the law.

Good, the emperor smiled and stood up from his throne, I declare todays session officially over.