Several days then passed and not a day have passed where nobles wouldn't come to the emerald palace.
The public knows me as the master of the mythical guardian, which is Phoenix. Naturally, many will come to the emerald palace to see Phoenix.
While some did come to see Phoenix, some noblewomen tried to befriend me while some noblemen tried to woo me.
At the same time, the security in the emerald palace has increase by four fold. Half of the knights that are under John were now acting as guards in the emerald palace.
"To think that her majesty would waste human resources like this"
"How is it a waste, my lady?"
"Is that even a question, John? You know very well that the company that you are leading are the best shadow imperial knights that serves directly under her majesty, right"
"Yes. And?"
Many people find his stupidity as cute, well, even I do sometimes, but come on. How can he be this dense?
Knock. Knock.
The door opened and Monica entered the room with a tray that has a letter on it.
"My lady, a letter has arrive"
I wonder who it is. So far, everything has been sailing smoothly as ever.
I red the letter at my usual place, by the window, and sighed upon knowing who will be my guests today.
I spoke too soon. Is this what they call 'calm before the storm' or something'
"Who is coming today for my lady to be so depressed?"
"The Rolfe family"
Among the counts, their influence and wealth is average. The only thing they can show off to the high society of the empire would be count Rolfe's daughters who are known as "Rose of Eden" which is Anna Rolfe and "Lily of the moon" which is Belle Rolfe.
Not to mention, it is also written that the Theano family will come later tonight.
Because of what I said, Monica informed the head maid and head butler of the emerald palace. They then made sure that everything in the palace would be in perfect condition before the guests arrive.
A few hours passed by and a carriage showed at the front doors of the palace.
The carriage door opened.
The famous "Rose of Eden" and "Lily of the moon" showed up with their average looking parents.
Truly, their beauty does matches their titles as the two most beautiful women in the empire. The knights were also mesmerized by the beauty of the two young ladies.
All except John.
I wasn't able to see their faces back then since they were wearing a veil but I do now understand why the rumor of them receiving marriage proposals every day spread.
"I greet the count and the countess. And it is a pleasure to see the two flowers of the empire once again"
"Baroness Emond speak too highly of us"
"And of course, it is also a pleasure to meet you again. If I remember correctly, our last encounter was at his highness' coming of age ceremony, at the first day"
How can they remember something as trivial like that?
"Yes, it was. Let's go in, this cold place isn't really the right place for us to have a conversation, does it"
I led them to the drawing room with a smile as I feign ignorance and pretend not to hear them whispering at my back while head butler led the knights of the Rolfe county that escorted the count's family to a warm room.
Hot tea and warm snacks were already prepared right before they enter the palace. The scent from the tea and the snacks ease some tension from our bodies.
"Baroness, is that a scented candle?"
"Yes. It was made from a rare flower from the east and has relaxing effects"
"I see. It is perfect for easing the stress from this cold weather"
Instead of relaxing, the effect is more similar to anesthetics. And because of that, it will make others less likely to lie and become more open.
"Baroness will you please tell us the name of the flower?"
"Of course count. The name of the flower is 'Rafflesia'"
There's no way you all would ever find it since I can confidently say that Rafflesia doesn't exist in this world and that no such flower has the same name. To begin with, it is a flower that Almas cultivated himself.
We talked and talked about useless things until,
"Baroness, is that animal over there the famous guardian of the empire?"
Belle Rolfe asked with a mocking smile on her face.
"Yes, he is"
'Phoenix come here'
-Should I show off again, master?
'Of course. But this time, make it as flashy as you can'
The bird flew to the center of the room and flap its wings. With each flap, his wings would release something that sparkled beautifully against the light.
His wings then glowed and a gust of wind was released.
Thankfully, we have already finished eating the snacks and finished drinking the tea so nothing was stained.
Phoenix then landed at my right shoulder gracefully and held his head high.
The count's family was in complete awe to finally see the legend of the empire right before their very eyes.
Belle Rolfe on the other hand had an expression that was filled with envy and displeasure.
Anna Rolfe, her sister, gently pulled Belle's gloves.
Belle then realize that I saw her 'true colors' which was very embarrassing for her and her family.
One word from me and the entire high society of Vanifi would criticize her, making her value in the marriage market to drop by several levels.
Other than their beauty, both Anna and Belle don't have any noteworthy talent on them, as they never learn anything from the beginning.
Ashamed and don't know what to do, Belle Rolfe avoided eye contact while her sister, Anna Rolfe maintain her composure.
"To be able to see the empire's guardian... I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity unlike my father and grandfather who never had the chance to see the great guardian's magnificent form!"
"For me as well. I only heard about the great guardian of Vanifi when I was a young girl at night whenever my mother would tell me tales about Lord Phoenix"
"Indeed. I, myself still cannot accept the fact that I became the master of a legend. It all feels like dream"
The two kept on praising Phoenix until they were interrupted by their daughter.
"Father, mother, I believe it is late already. Also, doesn't the baroness have another batch of guests to receive today? I believe they are the Theano ducal family"
The count and countess notice that the sun was about to set already.
"Oh my, it looks like we have taken too much of your time baroness"
"It was truly an honor to meet you and Lord Phoenix. May you be protected for all eternity"
The count and his family left after their carriage was readied.