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

The two arrived at the banquet hall.

As more people gathered around, Lucia's temperature gradually dropped, and her fantasy slowly faded away.

To restore a proper appearance, we cannot lose face for the Academy.

Mien greeted the people and said to Lucia:

"By the way, Lucia, Bishop Phil and I sent a message this morning saying that Fernila was too out of control during her match with you."

Therefore, the Holy See has decided to strip her of her status for three years, barring her from entering the Holy See, and conveys her apologies to you on her behalf.

"Hmm," Lucia replied, her thoughts a jumble of emotions.

Mien sighed: "After all, Furila is backed by a powerful family in the capital. Phil has already made a tough decision to do this."

…………

Upon entering the banquet hall, a red carpet stretched into the distance, and the magnificent hall was bustling with people, all dressed in luxurious attire and behaving with poise and elegance.

It wasn't time to start yet, and many waiters carrying plates moved around, distributing snacks and drinks.

People were divided into several groups, chatting and laughing with each other; they were all established or future interest groups.

The moment the two entered, everyone seemed to have received the news; even those with their backs turned immediately turned around and looked at them.

Unlike the bustling atmosphere in the academy, they simply smiled and nodded, hoping to leave a good impression on the saintess.

Mien smiled and led Lucia to the front.

Three young waitresses quickly came over. One gently removed Lucia's coat, another served her snacks and drinks, and the third bent down to gently lift Lucia's hand.

Lucia instinctively took a step back, slightly pulling her hand back, which then froze in mid-air.

He felt somewhat uncomfortable being served so attentively by a girl who was about his age.

Even just a few months ago, I always did these tasks myself and was very skilled at them. How did I suddenly become the one being served?

"Um, I'll just take it myself..."

Mien immediately interrupted her, smiling as she said:

"Holy Maiden need not worry, the Academy has enough servants, these tasks do not need to be done by the Holy Maiden herself."

Lucia was bewildered by Mien's sudden change of attitude.

It seemed to be the first time she had heard Mien make fun of herself like that, and she blushed with embarrassment.

He silently accepted the servants' service.

The wide and luxurious corridor running through the entire banquet hall resembles a stage.

The people on both sides showed expressions of admiration, excitement, and praise.

Some people would bow softly to her, their expressions pious: "Your Majesty."

Lucia initially felt she had to respond to someone's expression, so she nodded in return.

Later, they realized that if they returned the gifts one by one, they wouldn't be able to walk anymore, so they started bowing every two steps.

But how do we do that?

At this point, the learning abilities honed through the exam-oriented education at the academy began to show.

Just copy it; there's a perfect example right next to it, isn't there?

She glanced at Mien out of the corner of her eye and began the one-to-one replica.

Learn to squeeze out that standard institutional smile of Mien's: "four parts majesty, three parts elegance, two parts gentleness, and one part nobility."

After practicing a few times, I gradually mastered the key points of facial expression and the curve of the smile, achieving a perfect replication.

It really works! Just smiling like that is enough to respond to any situation. Having a formula is great.

Without further ado, they carefully observed Mien's walking posture.

I learned his walking posture and stride length, where "the legs move but the body remains still, and the head moves but the shoulders remain still."

After a few repetitions, you'll be able to handle it easily.

Mien had just finished nodding to a prominent figure standing nearby.

Turning around, Lucia was startled; anyone who didn't know better would have thought the princess had arrived.

She calmly dealt with the gazes around her, turning everyone's attention into her own stage.

"It's so hard to learn good things, but it's so easy to learn bad things," Mien sighed inwardly.

However, it's not that they've gone astray; it's a business skill they must master in the future.

After walking a long distance, they finally arrived at the very front, deep inside.

At a glance, I spotted Shanara sitting there all alone, shivering. She was sitting at the large table in the very center, looking extremely uncomfortable.

After all, the people around him were all upper-class people gathered together, occasionally letting out hearty and deep "old money laughs".

At first glance, Shanara looked like she was there to crash the wedding banquet. She was lucky she wasn't kicked out by the waiters.

But because she dared to sit alone at the head table in the entire banquet hall, no one dared to question her, fearing that she would offend someone.

In her fear and unease, she saw Mien walking slowly towards her, and... who is this person?

The moment she saw Lucia, she thought she had mistaken her for someone else. Was this the daughter of a high-ranking imperial official who had come to inspect and offer condolences?

Fortunately, the moment Lucia saw her, she immediately reverted to her dorm-like self, flashing an excited smile: "Shana!..."

Mien and Lucia took their seats.

"How long have you been waiting here?" Lucia asked with a smile.

Shanara looked like a dead person: "It feels like it's been about a year..."

"what?"

…………

Soon after the Auguste Scholars spoke a few words, Mien announced the official start of the banquet.

A long line of waiters filed in carrying plates, placing stacks of dishes in front of each person.

"The celebratory banquet for all families and high-ranking officials in the capital is an official matter and falls within the reasonable budget. If you don't attend, someone else will."

Mien elegantly straightened her wide sleeves, cut a small piece of deep-sea silverfish roll, and put it in her mouth.

Lucia stared blankly at the wide variety of food in front of her; these were things she had only heard about in rumors when she was a child.

Only after seeing it in person did I realize how limited everyone's imagination was: a noble banquet wasn't actually an all-you-can-eat truffle pastry buffet.

Her gaze quickly locked onto a vegetable-like dish labeled "Stewed Blue Bitter Mushrooms," which looked similar to what she had eaten before, so she took a bite.

"Ugh, it tastes so bitter..." Lucia stuck out her tongue, about to spit it out.

I just can't get used to these aristocratic foods.

"That's not how you eat it."

"Um?"

"I said that's not how you eat it."

Shanara swallowed a large mouthful of crab roe and lobster meat: "This should be eaten together."

As she spoke, she picked up a spoonful of sheep's milk curd, spread it on her skin, then forked a piece and held it to Lucia's mouth: "Ah."

Lucia wrinkled her nose, opened her mouth, and ate it. Her eyes lit up. Sure enough, the bitterness and muttony smell were neutralized and replaced by the aroma of cooked vegetables and the sweetness of mutton fat, which melted her taste buds. She couldn't help but squint her eyes.

She was surprised to find that Shanara was extremely shrewd when it came to food, and she was very particular about the order in which she combined and arranged her food.

Lucia asked her where she learned about these ways of eating.

Shanara said that some of it came from her childhood accumulation, while some came from her current breakthroughs.

Seeing Shanara enjoying her meal, Lucia's throat tightened, and she felt a surge of appetite.

She also began to get curious and tried this and that. Human taste instincts don't lie; delicious food is delicious food, which aroused Lucia's deepest desires.

Shanara's madness dispelled Lucia's guilt and worries, and she began to enjoy the food heartily, patting her bulging belly.

As Mien ate, he noticed Shanara's appearance and her increasingly swollen stomach, and sighed helplessly.

Eating like this, accepting everything offered, may be fine for your mouth and stomach, but your butt won't be able to handle it when you get home at night.

Shanara had previously wondered if becoming a follower of a saint would betray her academic ideals, but now she just thinks, what's wrong with being Lucia's dog?

…………

Because of the banquet rules set by Mien, no one came up to Mien and the others' table to chat during the meal.

Lucia was not disturbed; people simply expressed their friendliness and respect from afar, which was a good thing.

After the banquet, Mien led Lucia and Shanara out the door.

"Luya, come with me to the Holy Core. I have something to tell you. Shanara, you go back first."

Shanara, feeling a little dizzy, mumbled, "Okay, teacher."

Then he left.

"Luya, do you know Valgon City?" Mien asked as they walked.

"I know that's where the promotion ceremony is held."

"Anything else?"

Lucia shook her head. Tin Can Street was the whole world that the people there lived in; she knew nothing else about it.

"It was a very, very small city-state, you could think of it as a large version of Tin Can Street."

Lucia nodded thoughtfully.

On their way to the Holy Spirit Core, the two were passing by the Saintess's new residence.

They saw four people loitering in front of the door.

It was a richly dressed young man, followed by three attendants.

Their clothes bear a uniform emblem: a shield with half a black dragon wing outstretched, and molten fire marks dripping from its claws.

The young man quickly spotted Mien and Lucia, his face lighting up with excitement, and hurried over.

"Greetings, Chief Executive Officer Mien." He waved his hand to his chest and bowed respectfully to Mien.

"Oh, and Your Excellency the Saintess." The man displayed gentlemanly elegance and bowed respectfully to Lucia.

Perhaps this is his real goal.

Lucia pursed her lips, and a nobleman who had once dared not look her in the eye lowered his proud head to her.

"I am Owen Carax of the Carax family, and I extend my sincerest respects to you both."

Lucia glanced at Mien instinctively.

Mien asked calmly, "Why are you lingering here, sir of the Carax family, instead of leaving?"

"Oh!" Owen looked regretful and glared at the three servants.

"I'll definitely punish those three idiots when I get back. How could they give me the wrong directions and leave me unable to find my way out!"

I could only wander around and somehow ended up here.

We just happened to run into you two!

"That's quite a coincidence."

Mien chuckled to himself, "What a coincidence that I got lost! What a coincidence that I ended up here!"

He smiled at Lucia and said, "The Carax family's main members and forces are located in the border city of Reno, in the Morgan Mountains, where legends and relics about dragons once circulated."

Count Flammy is the lord there, controlling everything for the empire in a distant place that the empire cannot fully reach.

This is the second son of the family, Mr. Owen.

Mien was somewhat surprised. He had always known that Owen was sent to the capital to assist the professional affairs officer because he was irredeemable due to his cynicism and stupidity. It was more of a form of disdain and punishment, with the hope that Owen would grow up.

Today's performance surprised me. I didn't expect that he would come here specifically instead of indulging in wine and women. He even used his brain to create misunderstandings. Has he been possessed by someone?

Owen smiled at Lucia, doing his best to show his friendliness and goodwill.

Lucia frowned.

"Upon hearing that the great Cassil Empire has finally given birth to its most sacred saintess, I have come immediately to express our respect."

"You came all the way from the border?" Lucia asked, somewhat surprised.

"No, no." Owen waved his hands repeatedly: "I was specially stationed in the capital by my family to communicate with the capital and handle related matters."

She lives near Mingke Street; I wonder if Her Majesty has heard of her.

"Oh? Mink Street? I know that place."

Lucia had indeed heard of this place: "It's just west of Iron Can Street, very close by, only half an hour by carriage."

Upon hearing this, Irving quickly waved his hand, revealing a look of disgust:

"I would never go to a dirty and impoverished place like Tin Can Street! It's just that our place is a little out of the way, hahaha..."

He was very worried about the impact on his and his family's image in Lucia's eyes.

At this moment, a servant reminded her, "The saintess comes from Iron Can Street."

Irving's laughter stopped abruptly.

"Oh! I'm talking about Wilder Street on the north side! It's so dirty there!"

Tin Can Street is such a beautiful place! I've asked them to take me there many times, but I just haven't had the time!

Mien sighed inwardly. As expected of him, he didn't even bother to check the saintess's background before coming.

Lucia's face darkened, and she raised her head to sneer:

"Mr. Owen may not really know that Iron Cans Street is not as beautiful as you say. There was a plague outbreak not long ago, and many people died."

"This actually happened! They must not have told me."

Irving, sweating profusely, replied, "I'll send people there immediately when I get back to help those who have suffered."

He thought to himself: I just wanted to work hard, make some contributions to the family, and return to the warm and peaceful city of Reno. Why is it so difficult? I messed everything up without even realizing it.

"Is there anything else?" Lucia asked coldly.

"Yes! Yes, Your Majesty." Owen's composure had turned into a frantic scramble as he hurriedly ordered his servants to hand him the items.

It was a crimson object, resembling the scales of a giant creature, its red markings making it appear as if it were burning.

"This is the most precious keepsake of our Carax family—'Dragon Scale'."

My father, Duke Flammy Carax, was the most devout believer of the Goddess of Light!

He instructed me to personally deliver this to you. No matter what difficulties you encounter, as long as you encounter members of the Carax family, or are in Reno City, the family and everyone in Reno City will do everything in our power to help you!

"Please accept this!" With that, Owen knelt down in front of Lucia and held up the token.

Lucia glanced at Mien, who didn't speak or respond, but simply stared at Owen.

Lucia pondered for a moment, then took two steps forward, looking up at Owen who was kneeling.

He reached out and took the "Red Dragon Token".

"Very well, Mr. Owen, then I will accept the Carax family's kind offer."

Irving was overjoyed and almost jumped for joy. He had finally accomplished something in his life. He would return to his family in triumph, bathed in starlight!

"Then I won't disturb you two any longer." He bowed and hurriedly led the three away, afraid that something might go wrong.

Watching their retreating figures, Mien whispered:

"The Carax family hasn't been involved in the empire's conflicts for over a decade. I wonder why they've suddenly come to curry favor with us today."

However, Chief Flami's political wisdom and character were always first-rate, and he would never stoop to any underhanded schemes.

"He must have encountered some trouble to awaken this 'old dragon' from the Morgan Mountains."

"Teacher." Lucia reached out and handed him the 'Red Dragon Token'.

His expression was like that of a well-behaved child who voluntarily hands over his lucky money during Chinese New Year.

Mien couldn't help but laugh: "They gave this to you."

Lucia was somewhat surprised: "But it's completely useless to me."

"I don't really need it, but since it's a gift for you, please accept it."

Lucia thought for a moment, then put it into her body.

On the way, Mien said again:

"We need to go to Valgon before the formal promotion ceremony. You need to meet with Countess Neuer there first. She is also the youngest knight commander in the empire."

"Mm." Lucia nodded.

"Are you scared?" Mien asked.

"I'm not afraid."

…………

As soon as you pass through the gates of the administrative district and the magic experiment area, everything around you suddenly becomes quiet.

As the two walked to the Holy Core, the several 'magical celestial bodies' rotating in the air gave people a sense of tranquility and holiness, washing away all the worldly affairs that had just occurred.

"Luya, do you remember the 'plague' that happened in Tin Can Street?"

Upon hearing this, Lucia's expression immediately changed, and she said softly, "I remember, that was a disaster brought about by the Tantric sect."

The two entered the building.

Suddenly, a point of white light emanated from Mien's arms, then rapidly spread, forming an endless, pure white domain. Everything around them disappeared, and they seemed to be ascending through the void.

The effects of the [Quiet Bookmark] domain gradually unfolded.

"Don't be afraid. This is my ability to create an absolute space where outsiders can't see or hear anything."

The pristine space soothed Lucia's fear, allowing her to listen quietly to Mien's words.

"The reason I call Walgane a giant tin can town is because the plague also happened here."

"What?!" Lucia's pupils dilated suddenly. "Was this done by the Cult of Contractual Truth again?"

Mien continued leading Luya forward.

"Yes," Mien said, "That's why I specifically chose this location for the promotion ceremony, understand?"

Lucia pondered:

I vaguely remember resolving the cult incident in Iron Can Street under Mien's guidance, which suggests that I might have the ability to handle cult-related incidents.

Moreover, she is no longer the weak girl who almost died, but has a new identity—the Holy Maiden of Light, which is also her duty.

"I understand, teacher. I will try my best to resolve this cult incident again."

Mien shook his head: "This time is different, it's just that you're not enough on your own."

Lucia sensed the tension in Mien's tone.

Mien and Lucia recounted the details of the situation there, and everything they had investigated with Phyllis...

Within the pure white realm, they stepped onto a void staircase, which slowly ascended them.

Lucia's lips gradually tightened.

Everything Mien described was not something that happened far away, but something she had seen and experienced firsthand, as if she could feel it herself.

"Therefore, I plan to bring the Imperial Army and the Holy Knights there."

Seeing Lucia's surprised expression, Mien told her all about his plans without reservation.

"However, even though they were able to quell all the cultists' rebellion, someone still needed to confront the Mother Goddess."

Lucia recalled the moment she faced the Mother Goddess at the Fountain of Faith, their gaze meeting in the void, and a long-lost chill crept up her spine.

"Eradicating or sealing away evil gods is the Academy's job, and the Academy needs your help."

Lucia clenched her fist, looked up, and asked, "Teacher, what do you need me to do?"

Mien looked at Lucia and smiled with relief.

After a long pause, gazing into the distance, he replied, seemingly unrelated to the question:

"Lua, do you think you have talent?"