In a very serious manner, I set the atmosphere without sparing any embellishment and started a splendid lie.

“I already mentioned it to my father earlier… Now it seems like the time to reveal it to you all.”

First, deliberately mentioning Duke Ahillo to enhance the credibility of my words.

‘My father, Duke Ahillo, is aware of the change in me,’ laying the groundwork would somewhat alleviate suspicions.

“After the accident when I lost consciousness for about two weeks… I said I lost my memory.”

“Yes, Empress.”

“But that wasn’t all. At that time, I didn’t realize, but I kept hearing a certain voice. A voice that told me many things.”

Charlotte, regardless of whatever happened, covered it up and seemed to trust me.

The remaining two were skeptical.

I put on a more convincing act.

“As I saw the world as he sees it and acted as he instructed after that accident where I lost consciousness for two weeks… But it wasn’t easy to think of this as the words of God. I thought I had gone crazy.”

Generate sympathy here.

When I adopted a slightly moist voice, Lady Bertolt, with a teary expression, stole a glance at me.

“But it wasn’t just that. At that time, I didn’t realize it, but I kept hearing a voice. A voice that told me many things.”

Well, it wasn’t exactly a lie.

Technically, everything was true, right?

I modulated my voice gently and whispered.

“But I don’t have divine power, do I?”

“Uh… Y-yes.”

“Yeah. So, for a long time, I doubted myself. If I became a saint, I should have divine power, shouldn’t I?”

At this point, I revealed the part that Derek might doubt.

It was a basic trick of a con artist to expose a weakness, thereby increasing trust.

“When I asked, God answered that it was because of my constitution. As you know, I don’t have divine power. Even after searching the whole country and bringing in that supposedly rare mage, there was no change.”

“That’s right.”

Lady Bertolt, as if remembering past struggles, reddened her eyes.

“My body is too weak to contain divine power. Instead, God said he would share his knowledge with me.”

Now, what do you think?

It might be somewhat suspicious, but it’s hard not to believe because it sounds so plausible.

Because receiving God’s words can’t be proven.

But receiving God’s knowledge can be proven.

Haven’t all my actions so far been that proof?

“Such incredible things…! Then, can’t we immediately drive away that detestable saint? You’re the Empress, aren’t you, who is also a saint!”

Charlotte exclaimed in excitement. Of course, in a very low voice.

I firmly held Charlotte’s hand and lowered my head.

“I don’t have divine power. Emperor won’t believe me either, probably.”
“That’s… unfair. Empress should be treated as a saint too!”

Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. Lady Bertolt was the same.

‘Derek seems to have roughly accepted it.’

Phew.

It was worth the performance.

With a sigh of relief, I opened my mouth.

“I can’t help it if rumors spread. Because I’ve changed from the past. However, I don’t intend to actively proclaim myself as a saint.”

“Empress…”

“The important thing is that the power I gained will help Nix.”

I smiled tenderly like a delicate flower about to wither at any moment.

The appearance I presented with the words I poured out was unimaginably delicate and fragile.

“Oh, by the way. We need to renovate the Empress’s residence. Change the current Valkyrie to the Astaloth Knights and incorporate them into my direct service.”

After taking a brief pause, I returned to the main point.

“The Empress’s residence is very spacious, but since I don’t really take walks, I’m planning to break down part of the support and turn it into a drill ground. I already have a uniform, and we’ll need to build a new residence building. I’ll stay in the Empress’s residence for the time being, so Susanne, please put some effort into welcoming guests.”

A comfortable uniform made from the finest fabric, boots made from the best leather, an expensive sword crafted by the best blacksmith. And, a salary and year-end bonus greater than any other knight order.

It would undoubtedly be a great help to the noble faction as the power of the Empress expanded, so there was no reason for Duke Ahillo not to provide financial support.

“There will be strong opposition.”

Then, Derek, who had been holding his tongue all along, cautiously expressed his opinion.

“The Imperial faction will likely try to portray Empress as intending to intervene in military affairs.”

“Perhaps they will. However… as you saw earlier, Sir Derek. The Imperial Knights willingly pledging allegiance to me. How can we stop that?”

I elegantly lifted the corner of my mouth.

“And I’m not afraid of a pack of barking dogs.”

If I try to expand my influence, opposition forces will create chaos as planned.

However, if the knights sincerely follow me, what can be done?

Will they try to amend the Imperial Law?

“I should send a letter to my father to visit tomorrow.”

“Oh, I’ll send it right away!”