I find it very sacred to pick someone up and make them a saint.

People had assumed that Phil was not coming back.

As the Supreme Council approached, one magnificent and lavish convoy after another arrived in the capital.

Colorful family banners fluttered high in every street and alley of the capital.

All the regional officials gathered at the heart of the Cassirer Empire.

The crowding also made the "air" thick, and an invisible tension permeated the air.

This was a scene no generation had ever witnessed; the empire had been stagnant for far too long.

It seems to have finally come back to life.

What would it look like if it came back to life?

Most of the counts and city lords had gathered around Rachel.

Whether it's a proactive visit or an appointment with Rachel.

It's clear to the naked eye that Phil and Phoenix's chances are over.

Because the old emperor, Ryent, was still alive in the palace, he tacitly approved of this situation.

This tacit approval seemed to send a message that made people even more frantic, and those willing to gamble were already trying to jump on Rachel's big ship as early as possible.

Therefore, Phil appeared dejected when he arrived at the Academy.

He had not left the Church of Light for a long time.

Having lost the internal power struggle, he knew that going out to visit would likely only bring him humiliation.

The will of Heaven cannot be defied.

But he still came.

Unlike Phoenix, who is the emperor's foolish son and might be spared, my situation is completely different.

Therefore, he came to the Academy to try his last chance.

It wasn't because of Mien; he didn't even expect Mien to help him. After all, he had heard about Rachel's visit and how it had affected his mindset.

It was because of Lucia.

Ultimately, Lucia is, after all, the Holy Maiden of Light, and her faith is in the Goddess of Light of their church; this bond is unbreakable.

Perhaps Lucia will side with him because of this relationship.

However, the Holy Maiden of Light wields considerable influence among the people.

Even if it's just to save your own life?

He forced his broken back to straighten, and with his head held high, led more than twenty Papal Knights to the Academy of Scholars.

To maintain inner resolve and the dignity of the Papacy through sheer force.

But he has already become nothing more than a figurehead in the public eye.

As Phil finally emerged from his shell, the surrounding gazes were quiet yet subtly mocking.

They looked at the once arrogant archbishop with disdain.

The wind ruffled Phil's snow-white beard and platinum cloak, making him appear extremely lonely on the wide road.

They arrived at the main gate of the Academy and looked at the tall stone gate, which seemed like an iron wall.

The people all around were watching intently, mostly with the intention of watching a spectacle unfold and see how the archbishop would make a fool of himself in front of them.

Phil's gaze also became somewhat vacant.

But the moment they arrived, a magical force emanated from the tightly closed, tall marble door.

Then, the same small door opened gently.

It wasn't August who stepped forward, but Lucia, dressed in the sacred veil of the Papacy.

Her gaze was extremely calm, yet like an all-encompassing ocean, looking upon all living beings.

But it stirred something deep within Phil's heart!

He suddenly felt his throat go dry and was somewhat speechless.

Lucia gracefully walked out of the small door and gently approached Phil and the others.

Their steps were solemn, like those of a sacred ceremony of the Vatican.

Phil snapped out of his daze and immediately dismounted.

He had completely lost his former arrogance and disdain for Lucia.

This sparked a discussion among those around them.

"What does Mien mean by that?!"

Everyone knows that although Lucia is the Holy Maiden of Light, she is absolutely obedient to Mien, and her every move represents Mien's will.

Does this mean Mien has chosen to side with Phil?!

People urgently notified their heads of household.

Phil's eyes were filled with fervor, but he only looked like a thirsty person who had finally received alms, and he hurried to meet Lucia who was coming.

Just as the two were about to get close, Lucia took a half-step back almost imperceptibly.

This subtle movement was invisible to others, but it was extremely obvious to Phil.

Lucia's expression remained calm and undisturbed, as if she were simply following the will of the goddess and fulfilling the duties of a saint.

Phil froze for a moment, then immediately composed himself.

Like Lucia, he also displayed a solemn expression, and his movements became as expansive and powerful as ever, representing the sacredness of the faith in light.

The two followed the rituals of the Holy See, their similarly dignified movements demonstrating their shared faith.

"Bishop Phil," Lucia said slowly.

"Holy Maiden of Light, Lucia, greetings." Phil was unusually respectful.

"Chief Mien is unable to come in person to greet us due to other commitments..."

Lucia said the same thing as August.

However, she was communicating with the archbishop in the capacity of a saint.

Phil's expression was far less exaggerated than Rachel's, but the sense of ritual in their synchronized movements was still surprising.

Phil immediately expressed his understanding and responded.

Then, I tentatively asked:

"Thank you for coming to greet me. May I ask what Chief Mien's intentions are...?"

Lucia interrupted Phil, shaking her head:

"I can only represent my personal will."

Lord Mien possesses his own will and thoughts.

"Yes, yes." Phil withdrew his expectant gaze, but quickly adjusted his mindset.

He never expected that Mien could help him.

But allowing Lucia to come and greet him already shows a great deal of goodwill.

Not only did they preserve their own and the Vatican's dignity in full view of everyone, but they also received unexpected courtesy.

Furthermore, the connection with Lucia gave him something to look forward to.

Even if she loses in the political struggle, can Lucia find a way to save her life?

This thought led him to have immense respect and longing for Lucia.

It was as if this little girl was taller than him.

"Holy Maiden, since your ascension, you've had no contact with the Holy See for a long time. Could you perhaps...?"

Just as he was about to take their relationship a step further, Lucia slowly bowed, interrupting him.

"Your Excellency, due to important matters at the Academy, I, like the Chief, do not have much time to greet you."

She kept the meeting time slightly shorter than when she met Rachel.

"I understand, I understand." Bishop Phil straightened his robe with a composed air.

"Your welcome, oh, and Chief Mien as well."

After giving Mien a light glare for ignoring him, Lucia looked away and gracefully returned to the Academy, closing the door behind her.

Phil felt a sense of relief and exhilaration; it was the first breath of air he had taken after being submerged for so long.

His excitement made him smile wearily.

They mounted their horses and the massive crowd returned to the Church of Light along the same route.

He carried an air of inexplicable victory, perhaps simply because the expected humiliation had vanished.

The people who had been circling around had completed their most important investigations and judgments, and some were preparing to pack up and leave.

However, their gazes towards Phil were no longer contemptuous, nor did they sneer.

The elderly, powerful minister managed to maintain his dignity and secure his last chance at survival.

But everyone's final judgment remained unchanged: Mien and the Academy of Scholars did not side with Phil.

However, out of respect for faith and the Academy's consistent neutrality, he was given the courtesy he deserved.

Lucia and Phil's conversation remained within the established formalities.

As long as Mien doesn't change direction, Rachel is bound to win.

The situation is evolving rapidly, and time is racing along with it.

Before they knew it, the day arrived for the Imperial Supreme Council.

At dawn, under countless gazes,

The tall and solemn gates of the Academy of Scholars finally opened after being closed for a long time.

After being exposed to sunlight, it spreads out slowly and evenly.

People only saw Mien and Lucia holding hands.

He walked out gracefully and unhurriedly towards the royal palace of the Cassirer Empire.