Floor 3: Intent Detected

Munch!

Crunch!

It was a pleasant day, not a cloud in the sky. Birds chirping while they flew through a light breeze. The flowers among the garden the jewels of the royal courtyard. This was accompanied by the light sounds of tea dishes and tasty cookies. Sadly, like all places, nothing was perfect.

"Father. How long will the saint be with us?" This little emperor was boldly digging daggers in my eyes.

Focused on my now tasteless tea, I ignored the the obvious threats. Thankfully, a much more agreeable man was with us. He was enjoying several cookies, a rare sight to see him so relaxed.

"I'm having my staff rehire his attending personally. It could be some time since the church is resisting. They don't like such interference." He ends his words with a loud satisfying crunch of a cookie. His son was not so satisfied.

The last few days he dealt with less attention, sharing his toys and snacks, and his servants. The prince's pride was taking a hit and he made it clear. The second his father would disappear Red would berate me with insults and complaints. He even tripped me this morning. I only responded with blank expressions. This infuriated him beyond measure.

'Lack of activity detected. Would sinner like a time skip?'

'Warning: Floor 3 has limited time. 48 more hours allowed for the floor.'

I nearly spit out my tea. My tea mates noticed my coughing fit.

"Are you alright child?" The sturdy hand of the great lion settled on my fluffy head.

I quickly nodded my head while I calmed myself.

It had a time limit? The system could have told me! Aggravated, I had to excuse myself to speak with the system. I turned on the pitiful look too easily.

"Forgive me emperor. May I be excused? I want to rest." He couldn't refuse and sent me on my way.

The royal guard escorted me back to my current residence. Local servants and maids quick bowed as we passed. Not long in the golden halls one of the guards opened my door.

"We will be outside if you require anything Saint." I nod, enjoying the temporary authority the emperor gave me.

My room was full of golds and reds. The decor was now filled with empire propaganda. Brave paintings of past royals' victories along with smiling family portraits. Various lions covered more smaller pieces such as the vases. The bed was the standard rectangle with a large frame and roof. Ruby gemstones encrusted the wooden sides as the eyes of large lions. A massive, painted, golden sun filled the backboard. Alas this room had no balcony and only a few windows.

I facepalmed the bed and rolled over.

"System. How long is the time skip? Can I effect some events?"

'Time skip is up to your discretion. Events only possible by sinner interference may be altered.'

My original plan was to slowly take over the prince's allies among the servants. Then focus on his political allies. Once he was throughly ruined by reputation, I would sweep in and clean up. His ending wouldn't be clean at all though.

The issue would be timing. My best bet would be our wedding day. The one time I would have alone with him.

I gave out a long thought out list of changes to the timeline. Alliances I would forge, people that would be replaced. The system refused most of it. Each point I had to argue why it occurred, specifically my role in it. After a few precious hours the system agreed to my terms.

'Time skip will commence with specifications. Time will move forward 10 years.'

I felt myself grow heavy and lost consciousness. Waking at the familiar sound of a system message.

'Time skip complete.'

I lifted myself up to the familiar surrounding of the white cage. My garbs a ghostly white. A faint knocking at my door.

"Enter."

Several servants, their heads low in respect, approached.

'Saint. We are here to prepare for the wedding.' I gave a nod allowing them to lead me.

A long flower bath, possible multiple pounds of makeup, and a deatailed silver toned wedding suit, all prepared in a few hours. They topped it off with a clear fabric veil that trailed beyond two meters behind me. They continued to fuss over every little wrinkle till my current nanny entered the room.

"Are we ready?" She asked.

"Yes." A maid replied.

The system did not give me memories of the past decade. It seems I was rather close with this nanny. I didn't even know her name, but she struggled to keep from crying. On the way out she almost took my hands but stopped herself.

"My saint. I know you and the prince will live happily together. He truly loves you. I can feel it." Her wide grin and gentle eyes backed her own words.

In turn, I faked a sweet expression and walked out the opened doors of the white room for the last time. Either Red was a far better actor than in the past, or that woman was truly blind.

The emperor awaited in the hall, looking beyond content. I took his arm as he guided me down the halls. I heard a sniffle from him.

"Forgive me. I never expected to be this emotional." I didn't dare look at the weeping lion. "I never expected my son to be so lucky with his Saint." My eye twitched under all that makeup. "I pray you can grow to understand one another."

He stays silent after that. We arrive at the throne room. It's doors wide open for us. Either side filled with royals and nobles with gentle expressions. The room was lined with blue wedding decor and flower bouquets.

What?

I couldn't help but be surprised. The church required all white for the Saint's wedding.

The emperor let out a faint chuckle and whispered in my ear.

"My son thought you would like them. You have always like deep blues."

I have? The thought of a certain handsome ass comes to mind. A light blush coats my cheeks. The emperor takes it the wrong way. More importantly why would that prince care about something like that?

I glance up at the alter up ahead. Red is staring at me dumbstruck and filled with…

The intent messages I often ignored made things painfully apparent.

'Loving intent detected.'