They are all characters I control.

As the acting saintess, she displayed such an arrogant attitude when she met the emperor of the new empire.

Chapter 110 The Value of the Acting Saintess

How high was Isabelle's status? Simply answering this question would be somewhat difficult to grasp the key point.

However, all we need to do is observe Isabelle's attitude at this moment.

Facing the emperor of the new empire, her smile remained unchanged. Although she did not adopt a condescending attitude or make any pronouncements, she still exuded a sense of oppression.

"Lady Isabelle, I apologize for disturbing you, please don't mind my presence." His Majesty Darion completely disregarded Isabelle's attitude.

His Majesty, the "good old man," maintained his usual gentle and friendly demeanor.

After saying that, he consciously withdrew from the light screen.

Isabelle gave a soft "hmm," seemingly unconcerned about His Majesty Darion's self-imposed departure, and her gaze returned to Lia.

"So, Miss Lia, I'm sorry I didn't contact you sooner. Did you reach out to me this time because of what happened last night? Or did our previous conversation cause you any trouble?"

Looking at Lia, Isabelle's eyes held a hint of inquiry.

His Majesty Darion looked somewhat embarrassed. Even though he had left the magical barrier, Isabelle still knew he was there, which was why she asked that question.

Claire, who witnessed this scene through Leah, was also amused.

This is practically asking you directly: Did the emperor and his people force or scare you into making the contact?

Moreover, although Isabelle's tone was gentle, her protectiveness was almost undisguised.

It must be said that Claire really admired this big cart. Although she was an acting saint of the Church of Goddess, this Virgin Mary opposed all exploitative classes.

Even the new royal families of the new empire, which were supported by the archbishops, were no exception.

His Majesty Daryan's smile froze completely. Although he was extremely shrewd and managed to maintain a calm facade, the slightly curled fingers inside his sleeve betrayed the shock he felt inside.

He originally just wanted to test Lia's value and see if he could make contact with her, but he never expected that Isabelle would value Lia so much.

This is not just "appreciation," but more like a proactive "attention" with a protective connotation.

Some are happy while others are sad; if His Majesty Darian is sad, then Earl Orlando is happy.

Earl Orlando almost burst out laughing. He felt incredibly pleased as he watched the emperor's wonderful expression.

After all, from the very beginning, His Majesty had been suppressing her, preventing her from cooperating with Lia. Fortunately, Lia wasn't only supported by her; she also had the 'Guiding God' by her side.

Although this acting saintess, Isabelle, did not know what her relationship was with the 'God of Guidance', it was indeed the 'God of Guidance' who brought her here.

Although Earl Orlando had no idea how the 'Guiding God' got involved with the Acting Saintess.

Marquis Rost was completely dumbfounded. He stared wide-eyed at the holy Isabelle in the light screen, then at his daughter whom he had always considered the most useless. His mind was a complete mess.

What... what's going on? When did Lia become so familiar with the Acting Saintess?

Are they so close that the saintess would apologize for "not contacting her promptly last night"?!

"No, no! Sister Isabelle, I'm not in any trouble, I just..."

Lia hadn't expected her sister Isabelle to say that. She quickly waved her hand, her face flushed red, and she stammered a subconscious denial.

Seeing her like this, Isabelle's voice in the magical light screen became even gentler: "That's good. You don't need to be nervous, Lia."

“I appreciate that you can come up with those new taxes, but I also don’t want you to be tied down by unnecessary things.”

"What was originally a good thing has been distorted by those who are blinded by profit into taxes used to amass wealth."

Isabelle's words were direct and more intimidating.

She knows everything and doesn't like being fooled or looked down upon like a fool.

This is an attempt to establish authority.

As for the establishment of authority by this acting saintess, it was also very successful.

Judging from His Majesty Daryan's silent gaze as he looked down at his teacup, and the other nobles who nervously looked away, it was clear that the effect was excellent.

After all, they hadn't even dared to object to the words of a bishop before, so how could they possibly argue with the acting saint under the most venerable saint in the Church of Goddess?

In any case, it was Marquis Rost and Bishop Simon who took the new tax from Lia, and it had nothing to do with the royal family and nobles of their new empire.

"Lady Isabelle, thank you for your concern..." Lia said, somewhat flustered.

However, she also remembered the words of the 'Guiding God' that told her not to be afraid to contact Isabelle directly.

Just as the 'God of Guidance' had said.

Lady Isabelle wasn't angry at all; in fact, she was on Lia's side and protecting her. In her heart, Lia's trust in the 'Guiding God' grew even stronger.

"Then how about I contact you again later, Miss Lia?" Isabelle gave the agreed time in the magical light screen.

She certainly didn't want His Majesty Darian to overhear her questions to Isabelle.

"I...I understand, Lady Isabelle." Lia nodded vigorously.

"Then we'll see you later."

As Isabelle finished speaking, the magical light barrier dissipated.

The room was completely silent.

His Majesty Darian slowly sat up straight, the smile on his face long gone, replaced by deep contemplation.

Earl Orlando smirked, raising his eyebrows smugly as he sipped his tea, appearing completely unconcerned.

Marquis Rost was still reeling from the shock he had just experienced. His gaze toward his daughter was incredibly complex, filled with surprise, regret, and a twisted, rekindled hope.

Lia gripped the communication gem that had been restored to its cool state tightly, her palms sweating profusely.

Looking at these important figures in front of her, she didn't know what to do for a moment, and everyone fell silent.

"Miss Lia, thank you for your help today." After a long pause, His Majesty Daryan finally spoke.

"Since the Acting Saintess wants to contact you, you should go back first, so as not to cause her displeasure because of our presence."

Hearing His Majesty Darion say this, Lia naturally nodded.

She couldn't wait to leave this suffocating place, and disregarding all formalities, she quickly stood up: "Yes, Your Majesty."

“Lia, let me take you back.” Marquis Rost quickly stood up.

However, Earl Orlando stood in front of Marquis Rost and grabbed Leah's hand first.

"I'm sorry, Your Excellency Marquis, Miss Liya will be staying with me for a few more days. Instead of Miss Liya, why don't you go look for the engagement ring? Your Majesty, I'll take my leave with Miss Liya then."

After bowing to His Majesty Darion, Earl Orlando turned and left with Lydia.

The moment the door behind them closed, Leah and Earl Orlando saw the embarrassed and helpless expression on Marquis Rost's face.

He deserves all of this.

Chapter 111 Busy with Two Accounts

The exquisite and luxurious count's carriage rolled over the smooth stone-paved road of the royal capital.

Lia's nerves, which had been stretched to the limit, suddenly relaxed as she leaned back against the soft velvet chair.

Her shoulders, which had been holding on tightly, slumped, and she let out a long, deep breath, a breath that carried a clear sense of lingering fear and relief.

"Miss, would you like some tea?"

The maid Anna handed Liya a cup of black tea.

"Thank you, Anna!" Lia took the drink and her expression relaxed after taking a sip.

Although there was black tea in the palace, how could she possibly drink it in front of His Majesty Daryan and those nobles?

Fortunately, this time it didn't cause any trouble.

When asked to speak to the acting saintess, she was terrified, but the acting saintess's attitude was so gentle that Lia still feels like she's dreaming.

“You did very well, little Lia, even better than I imagined.” Count Orlando looked at Lia with full approval.

Her mouth was sealed by His Majesty Darian. It was clear that His Majesty Darian was determined to use Leah and would not allow Count Orlando to interfere.

Even though Count Orlando couldn't support Lia, Lia still handled the situation quite well.

Of course, this is also thanks to Lia's 'Guiding God'.

"Hmm, but Your Excellency, why didn't His Majesty mention the engagement just now?" This was something that Lia was still wondering about when she left the palace.

She thought His Majesty Darian would propose marriage to her next, but of course, Lia would refuse no matter what.

However, after I communicated with Lady Isabelle, His Majesty Darion did not mention this matter.

So what's going on? Is the engagement still valid? Leah wants to resolve her engagement issue cleanly, especially since the Earl even asked her father to find the engagement ring before he left.

"Hehehe, it's simply that His Majesty Darian discovered that your relationship with the Acting Saintess is incredibly close." Count Orlando's face revealed a delighted, radiant smile.

"Moreover, the Acting Saintess clearly showed her dissatisfaction at that time, and stopped talking to you when she saw His Majesty Darian and the others were present."

"If His Majesty Darian sees you so close to the Acting Saintess and proposes a marriage you're not interested in, who knows what the outcome will be?"

"His Majesty Darian, who has been able to endure so much by Bishop Simon's side for so many years, will not risk offending the Acting Saintess by bringing up the engagement again."

Hearing Earl Orlando say that, Lia breathed a sigh of relief.

It's good that the engagement isn't mentioned; it's reassuring that His Majesty wouldn't dare force her to marry Prince Alvin.

But Lia was still somewhat dissatisfied.

"Then, how can I cancel my engagement with Prince Alvin?"

"That depends on what your little sister does," Earl Orlando scoffed.

If Lia were to initiate the annulment of the engagement, His Majesty Daryan would most likely not agree.

Moreover, now that they've seen Lia's value, it's even less likely they'll let her go.

However, if it were Lia's younger sister, Elena, her existence might actually allow Lia to escape her engagement with Prince Alvin.

"I see..." Lia nodded, seemingly understanding.

Although this was not the answer she had hoped for, the current outcome was not bad.

"Lia, don't get too excited yet," Count Orlando said, looking at Lia sitting across from him.

"You should know that if you get this close to Acting Saintess Isabelle now, it also means that you will be targeted by more people."

"There will be even more trouble coming your way then, not to mention that His Majesty Darian has clearly not given up on how to use you, and Bishop Simon will definitely make some moves as well."

"The troubles you face from now on will only get bigger and bigger, not easier than before. But in return, you will also gain the ability to protect yourself. It's completely different from the life you had as a young lady who was bullied in the Rost family. Now you also represent the Nolan family."

Lia, who had initially felt relieved, was startled by the perfectly timed pressure from Earl Orlando.

What family, what stark contrasts, what trouble?

These words were both unfamiliar and frightening to Leah, as she looked at her aunt who seemed determined to mold her into the second 'Earl of Orlando'.

She could only nod: "Oh, oh, I understand, Earl."

Seeing Earl Orlando nod in satisfaction, Lia was frantically typing in her mind.

[Lia: Guiding God, it seems my aunt wants me to end up like her!?]

[Lia: I don't really want to become a noblewoman, but I can't refuse my aunt. I don't have much confidence.]

[Lia: What should I do? I don't know, can you tell me, 'Guiding God'?]

Looking at this naive and innocent young lady who treats herself like an AI, Claire could roll her eyes but she wouldn't see it.

I sighed. Fortunately, this guy has one redeeming quality.

That means she listens to advice; even though the child is simple-minded, she's obedient. Will her newly created second character, Eleanor, be as obedient as Leah? Claire wasn't sure.

[Claire: Don't waste time with unnecessary chatter. Just wait for your communication with Isabelle.]

[Lia: Oh! But Lady Isabelle seems to dislike having other people around, so Auntie will probably be kicked out too, right?]

Claire: With me here, what are you afraid of? Whatever she asks, I'll give you suggestions for answering; just read them aloud.

Looking at the words 'God of Guidance', I thought, 'I am here.'

Lia was no longer afraid.

She clenched her fist and nodded forcefully.