Established Pinnacle: The Enigma

But the middle-aged man was not stupid. He could understand the hidden meaning in her words, but decided to not say anything about it. He was veteran at this.

"Oh, you jest mi'lady. The Emperor has sent me, and we would like to recruit you." He continued on with his gentle smile and amiable laugh as he faced her gentleness.

The impression he gave out was that of a gentle old man, and by his bearing, and the way he carries himself, he really seemed no different than a gentle old man.

"Oh? That's absolutely great. I would love to accept and be well taken care off by his majesty, unfortunately, there is a lot I have to do and I am not sure time will be on my side to attend to the matters of the Palace." Cheryl replied.

Her gentle tone and aggressive-less words made it tough for the middle-aged man to use threats on her. Since he came as a kind man, he would seem hypocritical if he suddenly changed moods all of a sudden. Affecting the image of the Empire.

Nonetheless, he did not skip a beat to reply. "There is no need to worry about that mi'lady. Unless necessary, the Empire will not disturb you. And even if they do, we can send Higher Deities to come and take care of your people."

"Hm." Cheryl nodded her head, her smile getting brighter with a few hints of surprise and joy in her eyes. "Really? I would most likely appreciate that. But..."

She paused and had a conflicting expression on her face, it was so genuine and on point that, even a scheming person might doubt themselves for a moment.

"Is something bothering you, mi'lady? If so, don't worry, the Empire will make sure to take care of it." The middle-aged man responded to her conflicting expression with a soothing one.

"Haah~ It's just that, I have just recently given birth and have to—"

"You've what?" The middle-aged man couldn't help but cut her words halfway in shock. Even the two guards behind him did so. Three Higher Deities were surprised at this shocking words.

"I have just given... birth? Sir, is something wrong? Could it be that goddesses are not allowed to be pregnant? If so, I sincerely apologize." Cheryl bowed her head until it almost touched the table with an apologetic tone.

Seeing her like this brought a slight spark of pain to the hearts of everyone looking. A beauty, probably more beautiful than the Empress herself was bowing down in a sorry state to them. For no apparent reason!!!

"No no no, it's alright, it's alright. We were just, surprised that's all... There is no such rule like that in the Empire mi'lady." He finally managed to respond after a pause, then continued, "Goddesses giving birth is not a problem, and more than welcomed. But, aren't you too young?"

"Young? Fufu, good sir, I am over a hundred years old. It's just that my body refuses to Age along with me." Cheryl replied while covering her mouth.

"Then forgive me for my impudence. I hope mi'lady can forgive me?" The middle-aged man lowered his head slightly and apologized. He looked quite sincere as well. Two beings playing each other naturally, a battle of fake emotions.

"Of course, why would I be petty... So, good sirs, what might have brought you here to my domain?" Cheryl gently smiled at them and even helped him raise his head before sitting down.

"It's nothing great, we were only here to invite you to join us, that's all." He responded amicably without any lingering thoughts. No sign of whether he was lying or telling the truth.

"Once again, I would love to, but, not now. I'm unfortunate to have children who are obsessed with me." Cheryl said after a light sigh, her beauty still captivating even grown up men like them.

"There is no need to worry. By the way, who might the father be, if you don't mind me asking?" He asked naturally and fluently, as if he wasn't going into a deep topic.

Unfortunately for him, Cheryl shook her head with a bitter smile. "Forgive me, unfortunately he is not here, and I believe he won't be coming back from his mission anytime soon. I am sorry I cannot say anymore than that."

"It's alright. In that case, it was nice meeting you mi'lady. My name is Albert Jones, by the way " He sighed, but managed to hide his disappointment and stood up to bid farewell.

"Likewise good sir. Chelsea Goldyhat." Cheryl stood up as well and shook his outstretched hand with a gently and naive smile. It's beauty captivating them into not overthinking it.

She of course lied, naturally at that.

"Goodbye lady Chelsea." He bid his final farewell and turned to leave with his guards. His hands were held behind his back, making him look sagely and wise.

"Bye~ bye~. Tiara, send our guests out please." Cheryl cheerfully waved him off while giving orders to Tiara, who had long changed into a full maid outfit.

"Yes my lady." Tiara bowed and escorted the three guests out. She was born in the slumps, but it seemed like being a maid was a natural thing for her.

"...."

After a long moment of silence, Cheryl shook her head helplessly as the naive smile turned jubilant and carefree. 'Old fogeys.' She thought to herself, as if she could see through their scheme.

Meanwhile, on the side of Albert. It's been three days since they left Cheryl's Sanctuary. He currently sat besides a handsome young man and a stoic old man.

"That's what I've seen in her. Her charm is incomprehensible, almost greater than the Empress, who was one of the great beauties of the Five Empires. Her personality is loveable and quite sweet.

"She has a motherly aura around herself, and also claims to be a mother as well. She seems naive and sweet at first, but upon thinking on the way she chooses her words, she seems smart and intelligent.

"Her talent is at most above even Chosens or at most a highest grade Chosen. There are also six Heaven defying geniuses serving her, ten Dominions with high grade Chosens talents and at most a hundred century geniuses.

"It's only been five years, and her forces keep growing. Given more time, she would become a great assert for the Empire. With our support, she might even become an Ancient Deity. What do you think mi'lord?" Albert stopped talking and looked up at the handsome young man.

The young man had blonde hair and blue eyes, a charming appearance way less compared to True Gods, but still high for a deity. His Physique was lean and fit.

"She has a child?" That was the only thing that got through his head, unfortunately. He found it hard to believe to the point where, even now, he looked quite dull and heart broken.

"Yes, despite looking young, she claims to be a hundred years old. And as for the father of her children, she claims that he was far away, but I think it's all an excuse. Even the child, I saw no sign of one... And she seems pure."

Albert responded in a way suitable for the ears of his lord. He did not want the young man to look depressed and gain the attention of others on this matter. Especially the Empress.

"Is that so? That's great. Continue to investigate on this matter and make sure to treat her well. If she has a child indeed, try to find out who the father is. If not, try and find a way to introduce me to her life. Oh, keep this a secret to my brothers and try to help her nurture her people.

"If we want her to stand strong even without my help, she must be able to fight for herself against the others. What do you think senior?" The young man finally looked at the sage-like stoic old man.

The old man finally opened his eyes and looked at the young man. After a heart beat, he sighed and replied, "I have no interrest in your small Empire. I've seen far bigger organizations. All I want is those that are talented in Cultivation.

"And those people satisfy my needs." The old man said, his words targeted at the Mother Sanctuary, but after another pause, he them added, "In fact, I only need that young lady."

These words brought bitterness to the young man and Albert. They knew how strong this man was, he was probably from one of the higher realms, and could destroy this entire Central Cardinal with a flip of his hand.

But why, why did he have to take her, out of everyone else. As if feeling satisfied with their expressions, the old man nodded and added, "If she agrees to it herself then that's fine. But let me warn you...