Just like how me and Valerie decided to help each other while maintaining a line so that either of us won't get in each other's way, the same thing applies for me and Andrin. We compromised to help each other to a certain extent as we go through our plans.
"Baroness Emond"
"Yes, marquis Annora?"
"May we know how many young men there are who have made that promise to you?"
"That is an easy question. So far, there are three of them. That would include prince Diego"
The nobles murmured as they thought hard about who was the second and third one that ask me out. However, the empress already knew who the second one is, but it did left her speechless that there was a third one despite knowing my movements all this time.
Since John would always report back to her majesty, Empress Lucia should already know that Samuel has feelings for me.
"Also, for the sake of their privacy, I will not disclose their identity"
The nobles murmured once again.
In their knowledge, Phoenix would be a mythical guardian of the empire whose strength would be greater than most high ranking spirits.
What they don't know is that Phoenix is currently weakened. Extremely weakened. To the point that it is no exaggeration to say that Phoenix is in the bottom rank.
At most, Phoenix can only make multiple gust of wind in a day. That's how weak he is right now.
But, Phoenix still has his overwhelming majestic appearance which makes the people think that Phoenix is strong.
Honestly, among the transmigrators that I know of, I would be weakest one, even if I were to put Almas and Phoenix in my team, and that would include the one who is affiliated with the temple.
Almas would be somewhere in the intermediate rank while Phoenix is at lowest one. Even if me, Almas and Phoenix team up against either Valerie or Andrin, we would lose by a landslide since they won't get hit no matter what as they also possessed individuals with inhumane physical prowess along with their own skills and power.
But,
"With my deal with the empress, I will be staying here in the empire for several more months. Those who wants to talk with me further can just come to the emerald palace after receiving permission to her majesty. I will try to entertain whoever comes up"
My name alone currently holds more power compared to the other transmigrators.
"A deal you say"
"Yes. I cannot specify what the deal is about however, I assure you all that I will stay here in the empire for atleast another half year"
The nobles turn towards to her majesty.
In response to the nobles' curious gaze, the empress simply nodded, agreeing to the words I have said.
"Regarding this matter, I will only be accepting one time only per household in a day as I, too, have things to do"
"We understand. However, will the baroness attend the new year banquet?"
If I remember correctly, that banquet will happen at the last day of the last month as the name suggest.
"Assuming that the banquet hall would be warm, then yes"
The nobles laugh softly but was mad on the inside. While I do genuinely mean what I said just now, to them, they took it in another way.
They must have interpreted my words as "Assuming that the banquet hall would be warm enough, I supposed I can" or something along those lines.
Of course, not everyone misinterpreted my words.
The empress, marquis Miller, Sir Aiden and John who understand my condition well could tell that there were no other meaning to my words.
...
I went out of the council room as the nobles of the empire will now continue their meeting with matters that concern each lord's territory.
Since I am an outsider, it is only normal for me to be kicked out.
"My lady"
"Yes, John?"
"Why did you told them that it would be okay to meet nobles if they got the empress' permission? As far as I know, don't you hate meeting strangers"
"Because it was a bait"
And the empress knew that well.
"It is a bait to lure someone in to the emerald palace"
We waited at the empress' office until the council meeting ended as per her majesty's order before I entered the council room.
The door opened and her majesty, the empress came in and sat while exuding the charismatic energy of a ruler.
"Your majesty, is there something you need from me?"
"Yes, there is. I want you to attend the new year banquet. And do not worry about the banquet hall being cold because I will make sure that it would be hot as summer's day at that time"
I already feel pity for the nobles who will wear thick clothes at the new year banquet.
"I understand. But, I don't think that is all you want to say though"
The end of the empress' lips curved upwards as she leans backward while covering her eyes. Finally, she removed her hands from her eyes and smiled widely.
"Of course you get it!"
Her face was as if she was in complete ecstasy.
For the first time ever since I arrived from this world, I felt shivers run down through my spine.
"Since you already understood what I was about to say, I won't get detailed and ask that you do a good job. My secretary will be the one who will be responsible for informing you of who will go to the emerald palace"
"Thank you very much, your majesty"
While I did said they have to get the empress' permission, in actuality, anyone is allowed. Since she wants me to discern who among her subjects have betrayed the empire.