They are all characters I control.

The Marquis of Rost opened the carriage door and stepped down.

Tonight's banquet is not in the same place as the last banquet held during the new tax era, but it is also in front of a magnificent palace. The light from huge crystal chandeliers flows out from the tall doors and windows, reflecting the last rays of the sunset on the horizon.

The sounds of music, voices, and clinking utensils could be faintly heard, and the surrounding area was already filled with the carriages of other nobles.

Lia followed beside her father, took a deep breath while looking at the noisy and bustling banquet hall in front of her, glanced at her maid Anna beside her, and then stepped onto the red carpet.

The entrance of the Rost father and daughter attracted some attention, but most of it was met with mocking and sarcastic glances.

Clearly, everyone at the last New Tax Dinner had already foreseen the future of the Rost family. Even offering the new tax would not change their situation and status, so naturally no nobles came to curry favor with them anymore.

Although the Marquis of Rost looked displeased, he dared not retaliate.

Fortunately, the savior arrived soon.

"Good evening, Your Excellency. And my beautiful little Lia, you are truly captivating tonight."

A magnetic, amused voice sounded beside me.

Earl Orlando, like an elegant fish, had somehow slipped through the crowd and appeared before them.

Today she wore a perfectly tailored pure black dress, which made her skin look like jade, and her beautiful face was adorned with an impeccable and charming smile.

No one would have guessed that this count was actually a woman.

"Good evening, Earl Orlando." Marquis Rost forced a smile, his tone polite but with a hint of barely perceptible flattery and restraint: "I must thank you for your consideration that Leah is able to attend tonight's banquet."

“You flatter me, Marquis. It is my honor to accompany Miss Liya.” Earl Orlando smiled and extended his arm very naturally.

Lia hesitated for a moment, then blushed slightly.

Although the count was her aunt, he still looked like a man, and she was still a little shy about getting close to him in front of so many people.

"Ahem, Lia, you should keep the Earl company." Marquis Rost gave Lia a look.

"Good, good."

Lia lowered her head slightly and took the count's arm in response.

This action, under the watchful eyes of countless people around, almost confirmed a certain relationship.

The whispers began again.

Earl Orlando smiled and said to Marquis Rost, "Please make yourself at home, Marquis. I have something I'd like to say to Miss Leah alone, and I'd also like to introduce her to some friends. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."

The Marquis of Rost had no reason to object; in fact, he was happy to see it happen.

“Alright, Your Excellency, it’s no problem. Lia can stay with you tonight. I also have some old friends I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Having said that, without waiting for Earl Orlando and Leah, Marquis Rost took the initiative to leave.

After watching Marquis Rost squeeze into a group of impoverished nobles, Earl Orlando and Lia exchanged a smile.

The two left the center of the crowd and walked onto the balcony where there were few people.

"What? Are you already nervous? You'll experience many more scenarios like this in the future." Count Orlando handed Leah a glass of red wine.

Lia doesn't drink alcohol, but looking at the glass in front of her, she naturally understood who it was meant for.

"I will summon the God of Guidance."

Seeing Lia's quick reaction, Count Orlando could only manage a wry smile.

My niece seems completely unconcerned about having her body controlled by others. Who knows what the 'Guiding God' will do to her in the future?

However, both Lia and herself do need the power of that 'Guiding God' at the moment.

Chapter 86 All the Banquet Guests Have Arrived

Countess Orlando gently swirled the crystal glass in her hand, glancing at "Lia" beside her whose eyes had instantly deepened and whose demeanor had drastically changed, a smile curving her lips.

However, Claire, who was summoned, was in low spirits. The imperial palace where the banquet was being held used to be his.

Now, the land has changed hands.

"What do you want? Are there any special events at the Advent party tonight?"

When Claire was emperor, he never held parties like the 'Advent Day'. He wouldn't fawn over the Church of God like the current royal family does.

“Of course, after all, this is ‘Holy Advent Day’.” Count Orlando noticed that ‘Lia’ was in a bad mood, and she said with interest.

"You should know that 'Saint Advent' is the birthday of the saint of the Goddess Church, and a 'Holy Council' is held on the eve of this day."

"On the surface, it's an expression of respect for the saint, but in reality, it's an opportunity to discuss some important matters, such as Bishop Simon's new tax, on a day that no one can refuse."

She turned slightly to the side and gestured with her wine glass to the central area of ​​the hall, which was vaguely surrounded by the crowd: "Look, the main characters are all here."

Claire followed her gaze.

The first thing that came into view was Bishop Simon, who was clearly dressed up and full of self-satisfaction tonight.

He wore a brand-new, luxurious purple bishop's robe with gold trim, and a tall crown symbolizing the authority of the royal capital diocese. His smile was both reserved and ardent.

The bishop was clearly very happy today.

Meanwhile, His Majesty Darian was standing beside the bishop, holding a glass of wine. He listened to Bishop Simon's words with only occasional slight nods, revealing little emotion.

Prince Alvin stood half a step to the emperor's side.

The young prince wore a crisp princely suit and inherited his father's handsome features, but his features were noticeably more youthful.

"See that?" Count Orlando's voice drew Claire's attention back. She took a sip of her drink, her tone laced with her usual sarcasm.

“Bishop Simon will be communicating with the Holy Council by magic tonight. It’s clear that Bishop Simon has already made arrangements with the archbishops and is now preparing to challenge for the position of archbishop.”

After saying that, Earl Orlando glanced sideways at Claire beside him.

Unfortunately, she didn't see anything.

The Lydia controlled by Claire had no expression on her face and even seemed bored.

"Are you really not worried at all?" Earl Orlando asked, somewhat frustrated.

"There's nothing to worry about. If he can become the archbishop, then let him."

Claire shrugged, looking completely at ease.

Earl Orlando snorted somewhat sullenly, and deliberately turned his back to Claire without saying a word.

Looking at the sulking Earl Orlando, Claire was both amused and exasperated: "Aren't you supposed to be playing the man? Why are you acting like a woman now?"

"Pretending to be a man is tiring too. I'll take a break and turn back into a woman to avoid forgetting that my true identity is that of a woman." As Count Orlando spoke, her back trembled slightly in front of Claire.

Her long, smooth hair clung to her slender body, and the exotic fragrance emanating from her gradually drew people in.

To be honest, Claire was quite curious about what Earl Orlando would look like in women's clothing after the potion's effects were lifted. She was sure he wouldn't look ugly.

Since she's Lia's aunt, she should have some similarities to Lia, but her bust size probably isn't much larger.

"Alright, stop being so temperamental, your old rival is here."

Claire watched as Captain Karl walked straight towards them from a short distance away, completely ignoring the other people who came up to greet him along the way.

Claire naturally couldn't be bothered to pay any attention to this knight commander from the Goddess Church.

This kind of guy is left for Earl Orlando to deal with.

"Tsk, this guy is really bored." Count Orlando immediately dropped his affectionate demeanor when he saw Karl.

"The God of Guidance says that you, Earl, brought this all here, so you are the one to deal with it."

Having regained control of her body, Lia quietly relayed Claire's words.

"That's not necessarily true. Maybe it was your 'guiding god' who brought it here?"

Earl Orlando glanced at Leah and complained, the glance directed at Claire, who shared a body with Leah.

Lia felt a little embarrassed; she was just a sandwich filling.

On the left is my aunt, and on the right is the one who has always guided me.

"Hello, Miss Lia, it's nice to see you again." Karl wasn't wearing armor today, but rather a sharp, dark blue Judgment Knights uniform.

Although the knight commander didn't seem to care much about dressing up, tonight was a special night for Bishop Simon, and as a follower, he dressed up for once.

"What's wrong, Captain? What's up with you today?"

Despite being ignored by Karl, Earl Orlando made his presence known by subtly moving to block Captain Karl's path.

"What excuse are you going to use to get close to Leah this time? Haven't you figured out what you investigated last time? Karl, your abilities are really worrying. How about you become my coachman?"

"I've figured out what happened last time. I wasn't doing this on official business; I just wanted to say hello to Miss Lia."

Carl was already used to the Earl of Orlando's difficult behavior and remained unmoved.

"Oh? Now that you've said your hello, Miss Lia and I can leave, right?" After saying that, Count Orlando put his arm around Lia and ignored Karl, preparing to move to another spot to talk.

However, as soon as Earl Orlando appeared in the banquet hall, nobles immediately poured in.

Compared to Karl, whose eyes were sharp and somewhat intimidating.

Earl Orlando, being an easy-going, elegant, and kind man, was naturally very popular, attracting a large number of noblewomen and aristocratic ladies.

Although Count Orlando was able to hold onto Leah at first, the crowd that kept appearing pushed her away.

Some woman, perhaps jealous of Leah's position standing next to Earl Orlando, shoved her, causing Leah to fall to the ground and nearly be stepped on by his high heels.

“Watch out, Miss Leah.” Karl appeared again.

He stood between Lia and the crowd, like a wall.

"N-nothing, thank you, Mr. Karl." Lia quickly got up from the ground.

"Let's go over there together, it's quieter there."

Karl maintained his distance from Lia throughout, gesturing to her to a seat not far away.

Leah didn't answer. She glanced somewhat helplessly at Earl Orlando, who was surrounded by the crowd. Clearly, the earl, who was busy dealing with the situation, couldn't help her at this moment.

So Lia immediately sought help from her guiding god.

[Lia: Guiding God! W-What do we do?! Lord Karl invited me; he must suspect me and want to spy on me!]

[Claire: You've finally gotten your brain working! Congratulations!]

[Lia: Y-Is that so!? That's good, but what do I do next?]

Claire: Go ahead, if you don't go, it'll seem like there's something fishy going on.

[Lia: Okay, alright.]

Back in reality, Lia nodded as she looked at Karl standing in front of her.

"Okay, thank you, Mr. Carl."

"You're welcome. It's what we knights should do."

Karl looked at the timid and cowardly girl in front of him, and no matter how he looked at her, he couldn't see anything wrong with her.

So, the Rost family is the one connected to the followers of the evil god emperor, right?

The young lady in front of me is just a mouthpiece.

Chapter 87 Holy Council Communications

The Marquis of Rost was pleasantly surprised.

Although he was standing on the edge, he was always keeping an eye on his eldest daughter, Leah, and Earl Orlando.

He had originally planned to go and bring Lia back when he saw Earl Orlando surrounded by a group of overly enthusiastic nobles and ladies, and when Lia was pushed aside.

Unexpectedly, Knight Commander Karl stepped forward on his own initiative.

This made Marquis Rost almost unable to suppress his smile. When did Leah become so familiar with Knight Commander Karl?

At this moment, his timid and unassuming eldest daughter, Lia, was sitting at a relatively secluded small table against the wall with Captain Karl, the Church Inquisition Knight Commander known for his cold and ruthless demeanor.

They were actually still talking? The atmosphere of the conversation seemed stiff at first, but it gradually relaxed.

This was an unexpected bonus; Lia was actually quite familiar with Knight Commander Karl!?

Besides Earl Orlando, a favorite of His Majesty, Leah also knew Knight Commander Karl, a favorite of Bishop Simon. At this moment, Marquis Rost was very curious about what Leah and Knight Commander Karl were talking about.

Of course, he never expected that his daughter would be talking to Karl about breathing techniques and swordsmanship at this moment.