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

"Phyllis." After everyone left, Mien called Phyllis out to him alone: ​​"Let's go visit Miss Knight."

Through his personal investigations over the past few months, Mien discovered another advantage of the Academy within the Empire, besides its "political neutrality": its "ease in gaining popular support."

It could also be said that he had previously only focused on his situation within the upper echelons of the empire, but recent events have made him pay attention to the role of the Academy among the people of the empire.

Their aversion to the nobility and the Papacy ironically made them much closer to the Academy, which had long been largely ignored.

The problem is the comparison; compared to them, doing nothing is already a huge advantage.

Local forces and grassroots officials are also targets for gaining favor.

However, one must also be mindful of the degree of indiscretion, so as not to arouse the attention and resentment of the princes' and princesses' factions.

Phyllis asked, "Miss Knight?"

"It is Count Neuer," Mien replied.

Phyllis was puzzled as to why Mien addressed her as a knight instead of a count, and asked, "But she's not away for long periods of time."

"What a coincidence, she just got back a couple of days ago."

Phyllis was curious about how Mien knew so much about her whereabouts.

Mien didn't take it seriously. After mingling among the upper echelons of the empire for so long, how could he not have his own information channels?

For the daughter of a powerful general, it's not difficult to grasp her general itinerary.

"If you want to cause trouble on someone else's turf, you should always give them a heads-up."

…………

Nestled against the mountainside, the manor is surrounded by a vast expanse of oak and ancient pine trees, with pale purple magical vines climbing the stone walls—low-level magical imprints passed down through generations.

Mien and his companion walked to the gate, revealed their identities, and asked the guard to inform Count Neuer, while they waited where they were.

He was expecting the returning guards to lead him inside, but after a while, a group of people appeared in front of him.

The soft, rhythmic sound of hooves grew louder as Miss Neuer rode her pure white warhorse slowly out of the side door.

Behind them followed a neat and orderly procession of honored knights, all clad in silver-white armor, with sharp longswords and knight shields hanging on either side of their saddles.

She was a young and beautiful white-haired girl with delicate features, a straight back like a pine tree, and clear, firm, and proud eyes, like a pure white and sacred swan, yet full of heroic spirit.

She made no attempt to conceal her pride.

Mien's investigation revealed that her formidable strength gave her the confidence to be proud—a 6th-tier knight, she was already among the best of the young talents.

However, the sheer amount of pomp and circumstance this woman displayed made Mi En think she was just a young, inexperienced girl.

The pomp and circumstance were enormous; the empire's gilded insignia and coat of arms covered the armor, and eight guards followed behind, their reins inlaid with gold.

If it weren't for "My General Father," those she offended would have anonymously reported her for plotting a rebellion long ago.

Or perhaps everyone knows she's rather 'simple-minded' and wouldn't have such thoughts.

Mien was somewhat surprised that he was personally greeted. Just as he was about to say hello, he saw Neuer deftly pull on the reins and dismount.

He placed one hand on his chest and knelt in a half-kneeling salute to Mien.

"Your Excellency, Chief of the Temple Academy, is the Silver Moon Knight Commander, Neuer Elyu, who pays his respects."

This set of etiquette is theoretically fine, but the problem is that nobody is actually following it.

Nowadays, most people with real power would simply offer a simple bow to Mien to express their respect, without adhering to such etiquette or showing such reverence.

I have long heard of your great reputation for erudition and benevolence, but I have never visited you in person.

"It's alright, the army has its own duties, they all serve the empire." Mien smiled.

Led by Neuer, Mien and Phyllis entered the manor together.

Upon entering the main house, the marble floor gleams like a mirror, and the portraits of past owners and war medals hanging on the walls silently showcase the estate's rich heritage.

They then entered Neuer's private room.

Phyllis was asked to stay outside and was treated with great care.

After entering the room, Neuer removed his armor piece by piece, revealing a moon-white velvet dress underneath, with delicate silver rose patterns embroidered on the collar, and his white hair cascading down like a waterfall.

A hint of confusion lingered in his eyes.

The two sat down.

Before Mien could speak, she asked:

"My esteemed Chief, there is something I need to ask you. It has been troubling me for a long time, and I cannot find the answer."

Somber and serious, as if worried about something.

"Please speak."

"Are you aware of what happened in Maple Valley?" Neuer asked.

Mien guessed what it meant: "I know."

Neuer said:

"When I passed by two years ago, I learned what had happened here, but they wouldn't explain it to me clearly. Later, after I inquired in detail, they finally told me the story that had been circulating."

More than two hundred years ago, Jasper Lowell, the supreme commander of the Cassirer Empire and the pride of the royal family, led his army to fight against the Seferen Empire here.

Nine hundred thousand troops faced off against one hundred thousand, but due to a stratagem, they inadvertently ventured too deep and were surrounded. After holding out for three months, they failed to break out and were personally fermented.

He was imprisoned in the Severn Empire for ten years, only to be released in exchange for resources after gaining the upper hand on the battlefield—a humiliating defeat.

As he spoke, his tone became somewhat agitated:

"But since I joined the army at a young age, haven't they repeatedly told us that the glory of the Imperial Army has never been tarnished? If this is not a humiliation, then what is?"

But if this is an insult, then what about the Empire's glory, which has an unspeakable past? The sacred medal has a flaw; how can I face it? Is it all a lie?

Mien knew the history of the empire by heart and remembered this incident from when the empire was just beginning to rise.

Although no one would bring it up, the matter was too big and too famous to be completely covered up, especially in the military, where it was gossip passed down through generations and known to everyone.

Mien smiled. "Did you ask those generals, or your father?"

"I asked."

"So what did they say?"

"They seemed indifferent, thinking it was unimportant, and unwilling to discuss it seriously with me, simply telling me that it wouldn't damage the empire's honor."

When I pressed them for details, they just laughed it off and wouldn't give me any further answers.

Mien understands.

What's the difference between this and telling a child that Ultraman is fake and was even hung up and whipped by monsters? It's too cruel.

The generals, of course, disagreed. Wars always have winners and losers, which is nothing strange. What matters is that they are the ultimate victors.

I just didn't expect Neuer to care so much and to be unable to accept the destruction of what is most sacred in his heart.

"I see." Mien smiled faintly. Wasn't this her comfort zone?

He studied the subject of debate his entire life.

Neuer was overjoyed to see Mien's composed demeanor, no longer stammering, and awaited his reply.

Mien: "That's right, you only know one side of the story, not the other."

Although General Jasper Lowell was captured and served as a member of the royal family in the Empire for ten years, he never lost his loyalty and integrity to the Empire.

Neuer frowned; such a superficial explanation was clearly not convincing to her.

Mien continued:

"During these ten years, he diligently studied all aspects of the empire, including military law and the traditions of daily life, and for this purpose, he married a woman from the Seferon Empire."

For the sake of future revenge, he recorded everything that happened here and investigated it thoroughly, providing information for his counterattack upon his return. He, Miss Knight, retained his patriotic integrity, never wavering in the slightest.

Neuer relaxed slightly, but still looked doubtful: "Is this true?"

"Of course," Mien chuckled. "Do you know about the Battle of the Dur River ten years from now?"

"Of course I know."

"It was his squire who led the Imperial army across that dangerous river."

Neuer's mouth dropped open: "Really?"

"And this too." Mien picked up a candied date paste dessert from the table:

"The method for making this thing was also brought back to the Cassil Empire by him, and it became a well-known snack throughout the country."

"Is that so..." Neuer said thoughtfully.

Mien recounted many anecdotes, weaving together a vivid picture of his life.

Of course I wasn't lying. These things can be easily verified by checking. I just made some minor extractions and modifications.

Jasper Lowell quickly accepted his fate after being captured and agreed to one of the enemy's demands in exchange for his life.

They even began to actively integrate, mentally preparing themselves to settle down, get married, and have children.

Ten years later, when it was thrown back at him as a bargaining chip, he was quite resistant to it and unwilling to act immediately.

The Cassir Empire brought him back in order to preserve its reputation. To protect its name, it kept a low profile after bringing him back, letting him live a quiet life and handling the situation discreetly.

Everything I just mentioned is an unimportant byproduct; it makes no difference whether it's there or not, and you can force a connection between it and other things.

Neuer listened to Mien's heroic epic, about a resolute man who, even when trapped in the empire, even when suffering humiliation, even when there was no hope, still survived unyieldingly, with his mind set on his own glory.

My lips repeatedly curved upwards and downwards, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of understanding that brought tears to my eyes.

The gloom in my heart was swept away!

A master is indeed a master!

After listening, his eyes revealed immense admiration.

"I see, I see."

Neuer rose and bowed in a knightly salute, sincerely expressing his gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance."

Looking at her strong physique, Mien sighed. She was too easily fooled. People really shouldn't overtrain their bodies; this was just too much.

I'm glad I could help you.

Mien said, "But I have come here to ask you for a favor."

"What is it?" Neuer asked hurriedly, almost forgetting that the other party had come to visit him.

She can help with anything on her turf, and if she can't help herself, she can ask her father for help.

Mien lightly waved his scholar's robe, and a survey report of Valgon City emerged from his sleeve, which he handed to Neuer.

"During the recent investigation in Valgon, the Academy of Scholars discovered a phenomenon resembling that of a secret cult. After a detailed investigation, it was found to be a large-scale conspiracy to carry out sacrifices and subversion in Valgon."

Neuer frowned as he flipped through the investigation report.

Tantric Buddhism? Sacrifice? Subversion?

How could this have suddenly happened in the great Cassiel Empire?

The gloom that had just been cleared away is now lurking back.

The neatness still occurred within its own territory.

If it were anyone else, she would have already considered them a con artist and punished them at least if not killed.

But this is the chief scholar of the Academy, Mien; one cannot disbelieve him. A master would not easily deceive himself.

Putting down the investigation report, Neuer pondered for a moment and made his decision: "Of course."

As she spoke, she took out a token with a golden lion engraved on it.

"This is a token representing me and my family. Please accept it. With it, the Academy can mobilize law enforcement officers in Valgon City in my name to assist in the investigation and handling of the cult."

Despite still being skeptical, he showed his deepest sincerity.

Mien gazed at the golden lion token, then sighed:

"Thank you, Countess Neuer, but the law enforcement officers alone are not enough to handle the cult incident that has occurred here."

"So you mean..."

"I need the help of the Countess's Silver Moon Knights."

"What? That's impossible!"

Neuer instinctively refused. The Silver Moon Knights were her life's glory. As the youngest knight commander and the holder of the highest medal, this was not something that others could easily take away.

The Silver Moon Knights are not here to deal with petty thugs; that would be blasphemous.