Goddess's Yuri harem: Chosing the Empress is hard-Chapter 112: Gather the People- Part 1

Princess Evelyn leaned back against the plush cushions of her chair, a smug smile curling her lips as she watched Lilith exit the chamber.

The priestess’s glare had been sharp, but the princess had long since learned how to dismiss such things. After all, she was royalty—whether the temple liked it or not.

Auriel sighed, rubbing her temples as she observed the childish exchange.

"Princess Evelyn, I asked you to behave."

She reminded her gently.

The princess rolled her eyes but did not argue. Instead, she straightened her posture and returned her gaze to Auriel.

"You wanted to talk about the palace."

She said, her voice returning to its usual composed tone.

"Yes. I need to know the full extent of the situation. The dark magic infestation was not an accident—it was intentional. That means there are still people within your palace who were involved in this. What is your next step?"

Auriel confirmed.

Evelyn crossed her legs and sighed.

"We are already investigating. The problem is that no one is being truthful. We have traitors hiding among us, and rooting them out is proving difficult. I suspect several nobles, but without proof, I cannot act. If I move too soon, I risk turning them all against me."

Auriel frowned, considering the issue.

"Is there anyone you trust completely?"

The princess was silent for a moment.

"...Countess Lola was supposed to be one of my most loyal subjects. And look what happened to her."

She admitted bitterly. The princess seemed to have her own share of burden to carry and Auriel felt sorry for her.

The reminder of the countess’s fate hung heavy in the air.

The woman had been a close confidante to Evelyn, and yet she had been the mastermind behind the dark magic corruption in the palace.

The betrayal had cut deep, even if Evelyn refused to openly acknowledge it.

Auriel observed the princess carefully before speaking. "

You are not alone in this. I will help as much as I can."

She assured him that was something the princess needed to hear after what she went through.

However, just because the goddess was willing to help her out did not mean that everyone else was just as eager.

"Goddess, we should remain neutral. Helping out is fine and all, but the imperial family needs to learn of their place."

Lilith spoke up, her voice harsh and firm. She was not willing to yield and Auriel had a feeling that having Lilith with her right now would be a problem.

Especially with how the pair looked ready to fight.

"Priestess Lilith, please do me a favor and call for some of our people to lend to the imperial palace. Now that we have been called for help, I feel like we should do a thorough job of it."

Auriel spoke before any fight could occur. She could tell that the priestess was not happy at the order, but she did so anyway.

"I understand. I shall begin to gather our people and tell them what we are going to do. After all, we cannot tarnish the goddess’s name like this."

The priestess said before she left. But she did give the princess a harsh glare before she left. Her gaze was clearly telling the princess to not cross the bridge or cause the goddess any problems.

Princess Evelyn smirked as she watched Lilith walk away, clearly pleased with herself.

The priestess’s glare had been sharp, but Evelyn had learned long ago not to let such things affect her. She was royalty—whether the temple liked it or not.

Auriel sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Princess, I asked you to behave. Also, please forgive Priestess Lilith. She is on edge after what happened yesterday. She will need some time to calm herself down."

She reminded her gently, her voice laced with exhaustion.

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"I am behaving. I’m simply existing. If the priestess takes issue with that, it’s not my fault."

She countered.

Auriel gave her a pointed look but chose not to argue. Instead, she shifted the conversation to more pressing matters.

"You said you were looking into the traitors within the palace. How is that investigation progressing?"

Evelyn sighed and leaned back in her seat.

"It’s difficult. Everyone is lying, and I don’t have the patience to sort through who is genuinely ignorant and who is actively deceiving me. The nobility plays their games well, and I can’t make a move against them without solid proof. If I act too soon, I’ll make enemies of those I need as allies."

Auriel nodded in understanding.

"It is a dangerous game, but you are not alone in this. I will help in any way I can."

Evelyn arched a brow, interest flickering in her gaze.

"And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

"My divine power can reveal truths hidden within the soul. If you bring me those you suspect, I can determine whether they are lying or not."

Auriel explained.

The princess’s lips curled into a smirk.

"So you have a way of rooting out deception. That will be useful."

Auriel sighed at her tone.

"We must be careful. If we expose too many at once, the real masterminds may go into hiding before we can reach them."

Evelyn waved a dismissive hand.

"I know how to play this game, Goddess. You leave the politics to me. You just use that divine magic of yours when I need it."

Auriel frowned slightly but did not press further. There was no use in arguing when Evelyn had already made up her mind.

Before they could continue, Carol and Lilith returned, followed by several carefully selected temple knights.

"We have gathered the people you asked for, Goddess."

Carol reported, her voice crisp and professional.

Lilith, still tense from her earlier argument with Evelyn, shot the princess a brief but warning glance. Evelyn, of course, looked entirely unbothered. If anything, she seemed to enjoy the tension.

Auriel ignored the silent exchange and turned to the knights.

"Good. Then let’s begin."

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