17)Justice

Audrey was quite stunned, she said with deep interest, "I never imagined that such a thing would happen....Alright, my turn. Let me think of what I have to share." She cutely cocked her head and started thinking, as she recalled her father and elder brother's talk,  "Since the failure of the battle on Balam's eastern shore, the king, premier, and gentlemen are under immense stress. They eagerly wish to change.They believe that the government's structure is too chaotic. Every election, if there is a change of the ruling party, there will be a change of personnel from top to bottom. It makes things a mess and lowers efficiency tremendously. Not only does it cause the battle loss, it also brings great inconvenience to the civilians.My father says that the house of lords is still together due to Prince Edessak's arbitration signed by Earl Hall and Duke Negan last year, or else by now the gentlemen from the two parties would have been at each throats!"

When the Hanged Man, Alger, heard that he interjected with a weak giggle, "They believe? Then their beliefs are a little slow. Perhaps they will only feel the itch a year after they get bitten by black mosquitoes. However, the third Prince is definitely an interesting character. I've read in church reports that he is at least as strong as a Bishop, so he probably a Sequence 5 if not a Demigod."

Audrey chirped with appall, "Oooh, I never thought he was so strong, he definitely didn't look that strong!"

It was a good thing that Edessak wasn't a cultivation young master, or else he would have coughed up blood in anger 'What do you mean, do I look weak?' Emperor suppressed his inner cultivator and looked at Hanged Man and inquired, "Church of Storms, I almost believed you were a Pirate?".

Alger cursed himself for giving away his identity foolishly and then began deducing Emperor's identity, 'He knows too much, an orthodox organisation, maybe MI9? he seems to be quite up in the hierarchy'

Audrey extended her palm and covered her mouth. Ignoring Mr.Emperor and Mr.Hanged Man who were now both staring at each other like long lost lovers.She conveyed the essence of the information of what she said, "Unfortunately, they are temporarily unable to find a good solution to replace this system."

Klein who was until now listening carefully. Started explaining the modern bureaucratic system to the trio. Justice gazed at Klein and sincerely admired, "Mr. Fool, you must be an elderly person with outstanding intelligence who is very experienced in life!" not knowing that the Fool had just plagiarized the meritocratic system of the Foodaholic Empire to help Benson advance further in his career. The corners of Klein's mouth twitched and he spoke "Let us end today's gathering here."

"By your will." Audrey, Alger and Edessak stood up in unison.

***

Maygur Manor, Empress Borough

Next Saturday.

In a huge ballroom, candles were glistening on a few chandeliers, radiating an aroma that alleviated the psyches of people. By the sheer quantity of candles, they generated a light in no way inferior to that of gas lanterns.There were long tables with pan-fried foie gras, grilled steak, roasted chicken, fried tonguefish, Desi oysters, mutton stew, cream soup, and other delicacies. In addition, there were bottles of Mist Champagne, Aurmir grape wine, and Southville red wine. They were all glowing with a tempting glow under the light. Attendants in ruddy vests carried trays with crystal goblets and shuttled between the ladies and gentlemen outfitted both elegantly and gorgeously.

Audrey Hall, who's long blond hair was coiled up in a graceful bun and the earrings, necklace, and rings she wore twinkled brilliantly and at her feet were a pair of white dancing shoes that were tailored with roses and diamonds, caressed her crinoline gently with her right hand and her left hand held a glass of clear champagne.

Audrey acted quite differently today. Unlike her usual self placing herself center-stage of banquets and making her the emphasis of attention. Instead, today she evaded the bustle and quietly stood in the silhouettes of hanging curtains by the French windows. She took a sip from her Champagne as she observed the high-born mingle among themselves. As she 'Spectated' she noticed 'Duke Negan's wife Duchess Della who showing off her ocean-blue sapphire bracelet, and Count Wolf's son trying his best to impress Viscount Conrad's daughter. Duke Negan along with other members of the conservative party was currently trying their to appease Prince Edessak.'

In the extravagant banquet, Audrey saw many details she never noticed in the past. At that very moment, she noticed something in the dark. 'Susie', corners of Audrey's mouth trembled as her mood instantly changed. She could no longer retain her state as a Spectator.

As she reached Susie, she noticed another person who had appeared beside her.

Edessak spoke in a deep tone, "A beyonder animal huh? You are quite careless for a 'Spectator" don't you think Miss Audrey...or should I say Miss Justice". Audrey expression changed from horror to joy and to horror again as the prince disappeared mystically just as he had appeared. She looked at Susie as she muttered,

"Prince Ed-.....Emperor...!?!?"