They are all characters I control.

Bishop Simon addressed Claire (Lia) in the first half of his speech, while addressing His Majesty Darion and the other nobles present in the second half.

However, there are still some people who don't quite understand.

[Lia: Bishop Simon and Lady Isabelle have made contact? Bishop Simon just said that Lady Isabelle asked him to give her greetings? I don't think I received any contact from Isabelle!?]

Claire: You idiot, of course it can't be true. How could Isabelle contact Bishop Simon? Especially behind your back? And have Bishop Simon send her greetings?

[Lia: Huh? Then Bishop Simon isn't lying? But...]

[Claire: So what if I lied? Bishop Simon is trying to show Darion that his relationship with Isabelle has actually improved, and that you nobles and the emperor are still just dogs at my feet.]

[Lia: But if it's fake, then this is just a bluff, isn't it?]

[Claire: Oh, so you know how to bluff now?]

[Lia: Really, God of Guidance, please don't make fun of me. It's not right for Bishop Simon to lie like that.]

[Claire: So what if we lied? So what if we bluffed? So what if we used someone else's power? As long as it works, Bishop Simon will rely more on your relationship with Isabelle in the future, which isn't a bad thing for us.]

Moreover, Bishop Simon also needed a more direct high-ranking member of the Church of Goddess to support him.

The archbishop who used to support him has abandoned him, so Bishop Simon has found a new backer, Isabelle, and is using Lia as a connection to help him gain Isabelle's favor.

This was even more damaging to His Majesty Darian and the nobles, because the Acting Saintess's official status was higher than that of the Archbishop.

Even without knightly orders like those of the archbishops or church territories with their own armies, it is now a crucial 'handle' that can prevent the archbishops from launching wars of conquest at will.

To put it bluntly, as long as the acting saint nods, the archbishops will launch wars against any country without any restraint.

The archbishops had their own territory, and naturally they coveted the territory of others.

Therefore, it is unlikely that the Empire can curry favor with the archbishops; it will only suffer losses. However, currying favor with the Acting Saintess is absolutely the right thing to do, and naturally, the Empire is even more afraid of the Acting Saintess's dissatisfaction with it.

Therefore, with the acting saintess Isabelle now backing him, Bishop Simon was no weaker than when the archbishops were supporting him, and his deterrent effect on the empire was even stronger.

This is also why Bishop Simon would pretend to be something he's not, even if it means lying to save face.

His Majesty Darian's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes turned cold for a moment. "Your Excellency's arrival is quite timely."

"Unfortunately, it's just that I'm personally concerned about Miss Liya's safety." Bishop Simon straightened up and stood beside Liya, displaying a clear stance of 'I support Miss Liya'.

Normally, His Majesty Daryan would have already made a joke and eased the situation by now.

At this moment, His Majesty Darion remained seated on his throne, watching Bishop Simon and Lia with icy eyes.

Bishop Simon was even more certain that this kind-hearted emperor was about to rebel against him.

Then he would have to stand on Lia's side even more.

Chapter 47 That's not my dad

The younger brother who had always obeyed him and followed his every word was now sitting there defiantly.

Bishop Simon was even more certain that this kind-hearted emperor was about to rebel against him.

Then he would stand even closer to Lia, whether it was out of flattery for the acting saintess Isabelle or for his own interests in the empire.

“Your Majesty, Miss Lia is still young, and it is not advisable to rush into a marriage.” Bishop Simon’s voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

"Moreover, the Marquis of Rost is currently under investigation by the church, and his family affairs are still unresolved. It would be improper to discuss marriage at this time."

This is one of the reasons why Bishop Simon would cause trouble for the Rost family.

While venting his anger on the Marquis of Rost was the primary objective, breaking the marriage alliance between the Rost family and the royal family was also a secondary objective.

With the Marquis de Rost, the Marquis de Marla, and their second daughter Elena still imprisoned in the Church of Goddess, Bishop Simon's words were clearly an attempt to use the Church of Goddess's legitimate reasons to pressure His Majesty Darian.

Furthermore, they deliberately sided with Leah, not only refraining from locking Leah and Marquis Rost up together, which made their stance quite clear.

His Majesty Darian's gaze grew even colder, and he made no attempt to conceal his sharpness as he confronted Bishop Simon.

“Your Grace, Marquis Rost is an imperial nobleman, not a prisoner of the church. His investigation is still ongoing, and you have no right to use him as an excuse to manage royal affairs.”

As the emperor of the empire, His Majesty Darion also took the opportunity to speak up for Marquis Rost.

The nobles were ultimately not nobles of the Church of Goddess, but nobles of the Empire.

Even if some nobles flatter the Church of Goddess and Bishop Simon to curry favor, they are still nobles, and the emperor naturally has a duty to protect the nobles under his command.

“Your Majesty has misunderstood.” Bishop Simon bowed slightly, his posture respectful, but his tone was by no means soft.

“I am merely stating the facts. The Marquis of Rost is suspected of having dealings with heretics, and the Rost family’s affairs cannot be settled until this matter is clarified.”

"Miss Lia's engagement cannot be arranged either."

His Majesty Darian stared at Bishop Simon in silence for a long time.

The face that the world called a "good old man" was expressionless at this moment, with only a pair of unfathomable eyes, like two dry wells.

"Your Excellency, are you determined to meddle in the royal family's affairs?"

“It’s not about managing.” Bishop Simon raised his head and looked directly at His Majesty Darian: “It’s about fulfilling my duty. I am the bishop of the Imperial diocese, and it is my responsibility to protect the faith of believers and the integrity of their families.”

The air in the hall seemed to freeze.

The nobles bowed their heads, not daring to utter a sound. Everyone could see that Bishop Simon and His Majesty Daryan had completely broken off relations.

On one side is the church, and on the other is the royal family.

It's best not to offend either side, unless one side has already won.

Claire (Lia) sat in a chair, holding a wine glass, and sipped her wine slowly.

Earl Orlando sat beside him, a slight smile playing on his lips, clearly enjoying the performance.

Anna, the maid, stood at the back. She was not worried about the impending disaster for the Rost family. On the contrary, she had once been a lackey of the Marquise Mara and the second young lady, Elena.

She used to bully Lia quite a bit, and although she suffered many whippings and bloodshed for it, Anna is now completely loyal to Lia.

To be precise, she was the maid of the evil 'Lia' in front of her.

Now that Anna has learned of the impending doom facing the Rost family, she can't help but feel grateful that she made the right choice.

If she had continued to obey Marquis Mara or Miss Elena, she would probably be imprisoned in the church now.

However, His Majesty Darian was not stupid. Seeing that he and Bishop Simon were evenly matched, he realized that Darian was not foolish enough to be superior.

He still chooses to put pressure on the weaker ones.

“Miss Leah,” His Majesty Darion suddenly turned to Claire, “tell me yourself, are you willing or not?”

However, His Majesty Darian clearly underestimated Leah at this moment, or more accurately, Claire, who was controlling Leah's body.

No amount of pressure will change Claire's answer to this question.

Claire set down her glass and looked at His Majesty Darian. "Hmm? I already said that. The wedding date can be discussed, but the tokens of love cannot be exchanged. That's the Rost family's bottom line."

"What if we absolutely need an answer today?"

Claire did not answer.

He simply looked at His Majesty Daryan, his eyes as calm as a stagnant pool.

Bishop Simon stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Miss Leah has already made herself very clear. If you continue to pressure her, it will not be good for the reputation of the royal family.”

His Majesty Darian looked at Bishop Simon, then at Claire. His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of his throne, once, then again. Everyone held their breath, awaiting his decision.

"Guards!" His Majesty Daryan suddenly spoke.

Two royal guards entered.

"Bring the Marquis of Rost here."

Claire was somewhat surprised.

The Marquis of Rost? Wasn't he imprisoned by Bishop Simon?

“Your Majesty!” Bishop Simon’s face darkened. “The Marquis of Rost is under investigation by the Church. When did you release him?”

“He is a nobleman of the Empire,” His Majesty Daryan interrupted him. “I need to see him; I do not need your permission.”

Bishop Simon gritted his teeth and remained silent.

His face was grim. The Marquis of Rost was indeed imprisoned in the church's cell, but that cell was in the capital, not in the church.

If His Majesty Daryan sends men to take the person away and they refuse to release him, that would be a direct conflict between the Church and the Royal Family.

The Church of Goddess wields considerable influence in the Imperial territories, but that influence is based on the Empire itself.

Claire noticed Bishop Simon's expression and sighed inwardly.

This bishop is no good when it really matters.

Having grown accustomed to a life of doing whatever they wanted, they underestimated the ambitions of the royal family and failed to take precautions and build their own territory in advance. As a result, they are now being turned on and held hostage.

Claire spoke up: "The Marquis of Rost's case is still pending. By bringing him up now, in what capacity do you intend for him to attend this dinner? As the Marquis of Rost? Or as a suspected heretic?"

His Majesty Daryan stopped knocking.

"Miss Lia, are you threatening me?"

“It’s not a threat,” Claire said. “Just a reminder.”

His Majesty Darian stared at Claire for a long time.

“You are much better than your father,” he finally said, his voice very soft.

Claire did not answer.

Just then, His Majesty Daryan suddenly laughed.

The smile was cold and faint, like a frozen lake in winter.

"However, Marquis Rost is still the head of the Rost family recognized by the Empire. Whether he is guilty or not is a matter for the future. For now, he is still the Marquis of the Rost family and can decide matters concerning the Rost family."

As the words fell, the clanging of the guards' armor and the uneasy voices of the men followed.

Everyone turned to look, and the Marquis of Rost's disheveled and dejected figure appeared at the entrance of the banquet.

Lia's father at this moment showed absolutely no signs of being a nobleman.

Chapter 48 Then Leave the Rost House

Some time had passed, and Lia hadn't seen her father for a long time.

His once magnificent marquis's suit was now wrinkled and clung to his body, with obvious stains on the cuffs, as if it hadn't been washed during his imprisonment.

His hair was messy, his face was covered in stubble, his eyes were sunken, and his eye bags drooped down to his cheekbones.

His eyes were unfocused, like a caged beast that had been locked up for a long time and was suddenly released, unable to adapt to the light.

He was sandwiched between two royal guards, his steps unsteady. When he saw the hall full of nobles and the brightly lit banquet table, he instinctively shrank back.

[Lia: My guiding god...you mean me...]

Claire: Shut up, don't say anything.

[Liya:...]

Claire: This is not something you can do. The Marquis of Rost has always had this relationship with this new empire; it will come to an end sooner or later.

[Lia: But he's my father...]

[Claire: Does he treat you like a daughter?]

[Lia: I...]

Claire: Just sit here and watch. You'll see how it unfolds.

His Majesty Darian sat on his throne, looking down at him. "Lord Rost, it's been a long time."

Marquis Rost's lips trembled, his voice hoarse and almost inaudible. "Your Majesty... I have not committed a crime, I have not colluded with heretics!"

"Whether someone is guilty or not is not for you to decide, nor for me to decide." His Majesty Darian's voice was calm, but when his gaze swept over Bishop Simon, there was a clear hint of provocation.

"Someone, bring a seat for the Marquis of Rost."

The guards pressed the Marquis of Rost into a chair opposite Claire. The clanging of the chains as he sat down was particularly jarring in the hall.

Claire looked at him without saying a word.

This man, who was once arrogant and willing to push his daughter out to shield him from harm for the sake of his family's interests, now resembles a stray dog.

They don't deserve sympathy; they're just laughable.