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

Bishop Phil had already arranged for the paladins and law enforcers in the center of the city to shout in unison.

Phoenix rode his horse lazily through every street and alley, looking around wearily at everything.

Everyone knelt in greeting.

The woman hiding inside the house hugged her child tightly, her heart trembling with the shouts.

Rachel's imperial army, naturally, also bowed in obedience, bowing to the current Second Sun of the Cassirer Empire.

Rachel was still walking with Mien and the others in the streets a mile away. She showed no displeasure; on the contrary, her eyes lit up, and she felt a sense of exhilaration at the challenge.

"Chief Mien, we need to hurry up, or we'll miss the prince's ceremony." The princess's tone was sarcastic.

Mien smiled gently and did not respond.

Lucia saw a child, only two or three years younger than her, peering out from the windowsill with big eyes. She was immediately pulled down by a large hand from behind.

"What kind of ritual is this?" Lucia frowned.

If that's the case, why come to Wargan? There isn't a single person to be seen here.

She felt even more insignificant.

Despite what Mien and Rachel still said, the saint's influence in the empire was less than that of an adult paramecium.

However, they were still overwhelmed by the vortex of power rushing towards them.

If Mien hadn't shielded her in his arms, she would have been torn to shreds by these forces long ago.

Looking at the empty streets, Lucia felt that she, in her weakness, could not help anyone here.

They may still hope for the protection of a saintly figure in their imagination, but faced with the oppression of power, they can only hide and endure. If no saintly figure comes to save them, will they be disappointed...?

Thinking of this, the girl's tender heart clenched with emotion.

"Miss Neuer."

Neuer turned to look at Mien, his gaze full of heroic spirit.

"Do the people of the city-state of Vargan worship the goddess of light?"

Neuer asked in confusion:

"Of course, the entire Cassil Empire worships the Goddess of Light, so why would Chief Mien ask that?"

"Will they attend the saintess's ascension ceremony?"

"Of course it should be. Isn't the ceremony the responsibility of the Academy of Scholars?"

"But why can't we see a single local resident around here?"

Neuer paused, looked around, and a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes.

"The Academy of Scholars has naturally arranged all the details of the ceremony, but it doesn't understand the local people, which is beyond our control."

"What you mean is..."

"If no one participates in the ceremony in the Countess's fiefdom, wouldn't that make the Empire look bad?"

Especially in front of Prince Phoenix.

Mien specifically named him, but this was a subtle provocation to Neuer.

Although she was definitely on the princes' side of the political spectrum, she herself strongly rejected this notion.

Rather, she simply disliked Rachel, an ambitious schemer who was destroying the empire.

Neuer, whose political acumen was zero, frowned in thought.

Mien asked, "The Countess has been the lord of this place for over ten years. She should know more about everything here than the Academy of Scholars, so I need to ask for your help."

"Hmm..." Neuer hesitated for a moment, then answered decisively:

"Actually, that's not the case. I live in the military year-round and spend very little time here. Most of the time, I leave it to a retired colonel to manage."

Mien hadn't expected Neuer to be so honest, or even willing to hide anything.

Rachel immediately broke into a mocking smile:

"Chief Mien may not know this, but Neuer is the Knight Commander of the Silver Moon Knights, the most outstanding young commander."

Naturally, there was no time to familiarize oneself with everything here.

Neuer inevitably felt ashamed, yet he couldn't refute it.

Before Mien's visit a few months ago, he had never doubted that he had done anything wrong or derelict in his duties. Everything in the city of Valgon under his rule was fine, and there was no need to worry.

But now, reality has repeatedly proven that he is an extremely irresponsible count.

This made her feel ashamed, a feeling she was unwilling to deny to herself.

Mien timely came to the rescue:

"The most urgent task is to plan out a route and venue for the public to attend the ceremony."

Neuer's eyes lit up for a moment after hearing Mien's suggestion, then dimmed again, and he did not respond immediately.

He gritted his teeth as he looked at the grand scene of the princes ahead.

How do we clear this blockage?

Could you please ask the Prince of Phoenix to move his car? Have some manners and don't park randomly and obstruct traffic.

Rachel laughed and said, "Chief Mien, you're putting the Countess in a difficult position."

She was more of a soldier in the Imperial Army than the lords here, and soldiers naturally have to be loyal to Prince Phoenix first, right?

Mien's expression remained unchanged.

Neuer felt two inviolable things colliding in his heart.

With a solemn expression, she chose to remain true to what was most sacred in her heart amidst the accumulated struggles.

After a moment, his eyes hardened, and he stopped, bowing to the group and saying:

"I will make room and access for the people of Walgane to watch the ceremony."

Having said that, she turned her gaze to Rachel and replied haughtily:

"However, Your Highness Rachel, I am only loyal to the holy Cassirer Empire, unlike you."

Rachel did not refute, but smiled as she watched Neuer go to move away from the congested soldiers and nobles.

"Chief Mien, you're being a bit too lenient with Neuer, causing the Countess to offend a lot of people."

Mien asked in confusion, "What does Your Highness mean?"

Seeing this, Rachel didn't pursue the matter further or point it out.

But in her heart, she already took it as a gesture of goodwill or help from Mien.

If Neuer and Phoenix develop an inevitable conflict, who knows how much drama we'll see.

Mien looked back and saw that Neuer and several others were already sternly negotiating and dispersing several groups of people.

He truly showed no pity for Miss Neuer, and even went so far as to push her into conflict with the prince's faction and sever ties with them.

'If the innocent and honest knight has conflicts with both the prince and the princess, what will become of her then?' Mien thought to herself.

Lucia couldn't help but look back to observe.

As she entered the inner venue of the ceremony, she looked back at the last moment.

Neuer has worked hard to clear a wide street.

The once bustling streets are now deserted, with not a single person in sight.

This left Lucia feeling utterly empty.

She walked through the gate alone.

…………

The night passed quickly. Lucia was half asleep when dawn broke. It was very quiet outside, with only the occasional sound of patrolling boots.

On the morning of the saint's ascension ceremony, the center quickly became noisy.

Mien led her out of the residence and into the hall.

Scattered among them were various elegantly dressed nobles and generals, whose demeanor, unlike that of those seen in the Academy of Scholars, exuded a more arrogant composure.

When they saw Rachel, Mien, and Lucia, they rushed to greet the princess first, showing obsequious smiles.

Then he exchanged greetings with Mien, and finally looked at Lucia.

However, his eyes held more of a scrutinizing look.

This disgusted Lucia, who responded to them calmly, but her heart was even more troubled.

Mien always stepped in front of Lucia at the right time to prevent them from having any further conversation with her.

Upon reaching the depths, they encountered August. Mien said to Lucia:

"You and August go and prepare first; I have some things to deal with."

Lucia, unusually, did not respond to Mien immediately, revealing for the first time her intention to keep him.

She didn't want to be left all alone by Mien, and even felt a little pitiful and aggrieved.

But he hesitated for only a moment before saying, "I understand."

Mien noticed this keenly and gently patted her head: "I'll be back soon."

"I'm fine, teacher." Lucia shook her head.

Mien left with a smile.

"Should we change our clothes first, Your Majesty?" August asked.

Lucia lowered her eyebrows slightly, thought for a moment, and replied, "Let's wait a bit."

Auguste led her to a magnificent, spacious, and fully equipped partition room.

Lucia sat down, and could see people coming and going in a constant stream in front of her.

As the time for the promotion ceremony drew closer, the commotion around them grew increasingly intense.

Lucia gently pressed her legs together and looked down at her toes.

Her chest was straight and flat, but her heart was filled with confusion, making her anxiously think: Teacher, please come back soon.

Although I don't know what use coming back will be, at least I have someone to rely on.

She shuffled her toes and suddenly noticed a large figure sitting next to her.

The familiar smell of paper and ink, and the scent of sandalwood and cashmere fabrics, wafted up.

Mien's large academic robes blocked most of her vision, instantly giving her a sense of security.

Looking up, Lucia saw Mien's serene smile, which made her heart ache slightly.

"Teacher," I asked instinctively.

"Didn't I say I'd be back soon?"

"Hmm." Lucia lowered her head.

She should have responded to Mien with a smile or words of gratitude.

But a strange feeling arose from somewhere, causing Lucia to avoid expressing it, instead hiding everything as if her heart was completely unmoved.

He sat quietly with his head down.

My heart was actually stirred by a tremendous surge of warmth.

When Mien saw Lucia's unusual behavior, he didn't say anything or disturb her, but just sat quietly to the side.

The two sat close together, and after a long time, Lucia's chaotic emotions were gradually calmed down.

Even though I still can't figure out many things, they seem to be minor matters, nothing to be afraid of.

…………

The great bell inside the city's tower rang, its deep sound resounding throughout the surroundings.

There was only one hour left before the ceremony officially began.

Footsteps became more frequent, and the sound of running could be heard from outside the field; everyone was busy.

Lucia took a breath and stood up.

"Go change your clothes."

Lucia nodded and went to the changing room further inside.

The scholar's robe was designed from the outset to cover most of the scholar's body, in order to avoid being stained with bright colors and to highlight the scholar's solemnity and profoundness.

Lucia took off her clothes one by one, revealing underneath her thin, close-fitting white slip dress and her fair, jade-like skin.

She then took off her gauze skirt, revealing her exquisite and slender figure.

She glanced at the snow-white saint's robes adorned with sacred and magnificent crystals and pearls, then took them off and put them on one by one.

Soon after, she opened the door and came out.

Mien was already waiting for him outside the door.

The pure white holy robe slowly draped over her shoulders, the soft satin shimmering and highlighting her slender and gentle lines.

Her face and chest were adorned with delicate silver patterns and light gold tassels, and a touch of shimmering white jade adorned her forehead, as if she had instantly shed her girlish naiveté.

It has gained a more mature fullness and charm.

She met Mien's gaze, her cheeks flushing for some reason, and she lowered her eyes.

She took two steps in shoes adorned with light gold vine patterns, her feet studded with tiny pearls and pebbles.

"Teacher, is it alright?"

Mien gently raised her hand and placed it on the white veil by her ear, kneading it slightly.

Lucia couldn't help but look up and meet Mien's gaze.

A gentle, indulgent smile filled her heart.

"I think you are sacred, Lucia."

Lucia avoided eye contact again and offered no response.

Mien didn't mind and naturally took her hand:

"Let's go."

They led Lucia to the waiting area behind the high platform.

Lucia could only perceive her own breathing, trying to feel it and calm it down.

Soon, the two arrived at the final waiting hall before the ceremony.

Bishop Phil and Princess Rachel were still waiting inside. Further inside was a huge golden sofa, where Prince Phoenix was reclining impatiently.

Phil and Rachel rushed over the moment they saw the two enter, startling Lucia and bringing her back to her senses.

"Good morning, sirs." Mien naturally shielded Lucia behind him, avoiding the two hands that were vying for her attention.

After exchanging greetings, Bishop Phil spoke first:

"The formal ascension of the Holy Maiden of Light will naturally be led by a bishop of the Holy See of Light to stand before everyone."

Rachel retorted:

"The Holy Maiden of Light is a saint of the Holy See of Light, but she is also a saint of the Empire, so naturally she receives the blessings of the people along with the royal family."

"Princess Rachel, are you saying you'll represent the royal family?"

Rachel glanced relaxedly at Phoenix, who was standing to the side like a vegetable: "If you'd like to be led by your brother, I have no objection."

Bishop Phil frowned: It's more important not to lose points than to add them.

"My lords, there are only twenty minutes left before the ceremony begins," Mien reminded them calmly.

Lucia is now directly under Mien's academy, so his words cannot be ignored. The two stopped arguing.

Mien suggested:

"Why don't you two join the Saintess on stage together? That way, while everyone is blessing the Saintess, we can also express our faith in the Papacy and the Empire. Wouldn't that be more appropriate?"

Lucia, who was standing to the side, was momentarily taken aback.

Rachel and Phil exchanged a glance and reached a consensus.

"That's fine too."

"Let's do it that way then."

They tacitly avoided asking, "Isn't Mien going on stage?"

If Mien doesn't bring it up, they won't bring it up either; such a grand and glorious scene deserves to have at least one less person.

Mien avoided it like the plague:

"A glorious scene? Not necessarily, but it's definitely a memorable scene."

He wouldn't go up even if you asked him to.

A general clad in heavy armor strode in alongside August and knelt on one knee.

"Please prepare, Holy Maiden."

Mien nodded to Lucia, who took a deep breath and responded to Teacher Mien with a determined look.

She may not be able to become a qualified saint, nor meet the expectations of the people.

But at least she is a qualified student of the Academy of Scholars, and she will certainly not disappoint Mien's expectations.

This thought can at least soothe the anxiety in my heart at the moment.

Phil and Rachel walked on either side of Lucia, smiling as they entered the long corridor leading to the high platform.

Mien's figure gradually disappeared behind them, and Lucia's lingering gaze slowly subsided.

"Your Highness, there has never been a precedent for royal family participation in the previous Saintess promotion ceremony. We don't know if the public will be able to accept it."

"If you can't accept it, you'll gradually adapt. Everything has a beginning; you can't escape it by hiding, can you?"

The bishop's and the princess's argument drifted past Lucia's ears.

She walked between the two men like a puppet on a string, or a tool they could use at will.

A white dot appeared in the distance ahead, and faint sounds of bustling activity could be heard outside.

Lucia's expression grew tense again.

Just like yesterday, outside will be a deafening roar from all the imperial soldiers and high-ranking nobles.

Their praise and blessings were not for themselves, but for the two people beside them.

Am I truly a qualified saint?

"At least do the right thing." Lucia thought to herself, remembering what Mien had taught her, and silently encouraged herself.

The white light spots grew larger and larger, and a bright sky appeared before everyone's eyes.

The three stepped out of the passage.

In an instant, a thunderous roar of cheers crashed down like a mountain.

Lucia saw below, where the city of Valgon was packed with people.

They occupied all the areas where they were allowed to watch the ceremony, crowding together densely, even squeezing towards the soldiers on either side, their fear gone.

Men, women, and children all wore bright smiles, carrying a hope and anticipation that Lucia hadn't seen in a long time.

People stood on tiptoe, straining to see, the streets were deserted, and a vitality and joy that had been absent for so long surged forth.

Their eyes were filled with intense light, and they talked loudly, oblivious to their surroundings.

Someone lifted the child onto their shoulders.

Some people are short, but they hold the flowers high, making them sway in mid-air.

Lucia's tears flowed uncontrollably, mingling with the glistening decorations around her eyes.

It shimmered brightly in the sunlight.

A little boy asked in confusion:

"Mom, the saint seems to be crying."

His mother patted his head and said excitedly:

"no

That was the divine compassion of the Goddess of Light for humanity.