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

Since the announcement of the award ceremony, the Academy has been exceptionally lively these past few days.

Scholars who had previously been stationed elsewhere gradually returned to Beijing, their figures walking in with pride.

Not only were the scholars who were honored extremely excited, but other scholars and students were also unable to contain their excitement.

The venue was set up in the arena where Lucia had fought and competed, which is also the largest venue in the Academy of Scholars.

However, the seating area has been nearly doubled, allowing almost all scholars and students to attend.

Early that morning.

Lucia walked out of the villa alone; Shanara had left early to attend to other matters.

As soon as he stepped outside, he found a familiar car parked in front of the door, with Mi En sitting in the back seat.

The driver got out of the car and opened the door, and Lucia sat down next to Mien.

"Professor, why did you come to pick me up in person? Isn't this an award ceremony for scholars? Aren't I just an honorary alumnus?"

"I don't have time to pick up nearly a hundred people one by one."

Thinking about Phyllis's actions, Mien felt a surge of anger.

His intention was to scare Phyllis and get her to remove a few that were really too much to handle.

She simply changed the order of the list and considered it a new list!

I don't know who taught her that.

"Are you nervous?" Mien asked.

Lucia nodded, thinking about her upcoming speech and the comments people were making about her.

"How does that compare to the day of the combat assessment?"

The car slowly drove along the original route towards the arena.

Lucia looked out the window, thought for a moment, and felt even more nervous today.

At the time, he seemed only focused on smashing Funira's head, and didn't think much about the onlookers.

Although it was still early, many people had already gathered around, arriving early with joy on their faces.

The car drove directly into the arena via a hidden passage.

Mien first led Luya to a preparation room, where several rows of Luya's saintly robes were neatly arranged.

"Let's change our clothes first."

Lucia nodded and walked over.

Someone has already chosen a suitable outfit for her according to etiquette.

Lucia picked them up and went to the changing room at the back.

Mien sat outside waiting leisurely, but suddenly said:

"Lua, after you change into these clothes, you can no longer wear your scholar's robes."

Lucia turned around in surprise, then silently went inside after a moment.

After a while, Lucia came out.

Mien paused for a moment.

To match the atmosphere of the Academy, Lucia's attire was simple and dignified, yet it highlighted a sense of purity and holiness.

On the simple knee-length white dress, pearl embroidery flows gently along the hem, and below the collar, the stars of the Academy are outlined in white gauze.

It further highlights the girl's natural beauty. Without excessive embellishment, every inch of her skin is naturally sculpted, outlining delicate and beautiful curves, and her eyes are as pure as moonlight.

Mien's eyes glazed over slightly, captivated by the beauty of the saintess and the young girl.

Lucia had worn it before and was already used to it, but when she saw Mien's eyes, she blushed shyly again.

She might not know what emotion this was at first, but seeing Mi En's appreciative expression, a warm feeling rose in her heart.

A woman should look good to those who please her.

Actually, it's just that the child has grown up.

"Let's go." Mien stood up and extended her hand.

For some reason, Mien instinctively wanted to reach out and hold Lucia's hand whenever he saw her in her saintly white dress.

He knew very well that this was not because of a man's lust.

Rather, it is a sacred calling... transcending reason and magic, connecting them together, though Mien has yet to find any trace of it.

Lucia blushed and placed her small hand in Mien's large hand, and together they stepped onto the magic staircase.

We went to the private room where we watched the game with Rachel and others last time.

Soon, a flow of people gradually poured in.

The same venue, but even more lively than last time.

Unlike the last competition where the outcome was uncertain, this time everyone came to express pride and best wishes.

As the huge area was filled up one by one, Lucia wondered why she hadn't noticed so many people before.

I tried to comfort myself by thinking that this award ceremony was mainly to recognize the scholars who conducted the research, and that people were mainly watching them, while I was just an interlude.

However, many people in the audience were already wearing crosses and golden ribbons from the Holy See.

This couldn't possibly be someone coming to support Bishop Phil, could it...?

"Sigh..." She sighed unconsciously, and then quickly straightened up after realizing it.

"What?" Mien asked calmly, "Don't you think you're worth it?"

Upon hearing this, Lucia hesitated for a very long time before finally nodding.

"It just feels a little strange."

She was uncomfortable with the feeling of being watched and admired by those around her, especially the people close to her.

Then, realizing his own remarks were inadequate, he added, "I don't think I'm suited for this."

"What's strange about it?" Mien chuckled softly. "You see."

He pointed to the crowd sitting in the audience.

The award ceremony officially began after August's announcement, and amidst tremendous cheers, one by one, the research scholars walked onto the stage.

Their eyes were filled with immense pride, and in response, the scholars and students also wore the same pride amidst the thunderous applause from the audience, as if it were a shared honor.

"You have brought them so much honor, you certainly deserve it."

A glint of light flashed in Lucia's eyes, and some of the knots in her heart were untied.

In a daze, she felt a little thirsty and stood up.

"I'm going to get some water."

As a result, she stepped on the tassels at the back of the skirt, and if she hadn't used magic, she would have almost fallen flat on her face.

"You still think you're wearing an academic robe?" Mien glanced at her.

…………

Because Phyllis submitted such a large list, the ceremony lasted for almost two hours, and the enthusiasm had not waned.

They were all awarded the Academy's Medal of Glimmering Light, and those who had rendered sufficient merit were officially promoted to the rank of Holy Order Scholar.

Lucia looked at them carefully, one by one.

She tried her best to imitate how they went on stage, received cheers, and gave speeches, nervously preparing to follow their example.

But they were not shy at all when faced with the applause and cheers of the crowd; they made no attempt to hide their honor and pride.

The performers on and off stage seemed to be one.

"Should I learn like this too?" Lucia wondered.

Thinking back to what Mien said, perhaps it was because they also brought honor to the audience that they felt they deserved it.

As she studied, Lucia secretly thought: Maybe this is actually quite good...

Slowly, when he saw Phyllis walk onto the stage with her teeth showing, Mien became furious.

He had informed August in advance that the honor bestowed upon Phyllis would be retained, but all related benefits would be cut.

But seeing her radiant expression, it had no deterrent effect whatsoever.

But her appearance on stage also indicates that the award ceremony is nearing its end.

Mien stood up.

"Let's go, it's our turn."

The two walked slowly backstage, and people who saw them along the way immediately bowed respectfully.

His eyes, however, held an intense fervor.

Just then, Shanara walked by, carrying a large bouquet of flowers.

Lucia exclaimed happily, "Shana!"

He then asked, "What are you doing here? What are you doing here?"

He looked at the bright red bouquet in her arms with a puzzled expression.

"I'm the student representative this time, and I'm in charge of giving you flowers," Shanara's face peeked out from behind.

"What?!" Lucia's round eyes widened.

"You?" She pointed to herself. "For me?"

"What are you thinking? It's definitely not about giving flowers to a first-year student like you."

Are you kidding me? You've only been at the Academy for a few years.

They're definitely offering flowers to you, the saintess.

Shanara adopted a senior, experienced demeanor.

This only made Lucia laugh in exasperation, and she punched her on the head.

Shanara left, holding the flowers.

A smile still lingered on Lucia's lips; she felt that things were actually quite nice this way.

August's death bubble sound, amplified by magic, traveled backstage, followed by Lucia's speech.

"It's your turn," Mien said softly.

Lucia nodded, took a deep breath, and walked to the front of the stage.

Mien watched Lucia's retreating figure, a smile curving his lips.

He was very satisfied with Lucia's transformation today.

According to her plan, after adapting and gaining confidence, Lucia's next step is to grow.

Rapid growth.

Growth in skills, growth in mindset...

Based on the physical examination I conducted when I first met her, she would soon be an adult and a grown woman.

Girls need to grow up.

The spotlight overhead momentarily blinded Lucia, who then slowly walked over it to the front of the stage.

The vast arena was unusually quiet.

The lights and countless gazes shone on her.

This was completely different from the jubilant celebrations that followed when scholars received their awards.

Everyone maintained a sacred and tranquil atmosphere, and the excitement in their eyes dissipated, replaced by devout respect.

Seeing the completely different looks people were giving her, Lucia swallowed hard.

How can I learn this?

She originally wanted to do what the people before her did, to make a few jokes about "one of us" and share the honor with everyone in a friendly manner.

It's clearly irrelevant to the topic.

Sweat trickled down the back of her neck; under such high pressure, Lucia couldn't quickly calm her thoughts.

But the prolonged silence only made it seem more sacred, and no one thought Lucia was acting strangely.

Finally, she had no choice but to speak:

"May the Goddess of Light bless the Academy, and may I forever protect the Academy, bringing glory to all."

She looked around, but it was still very quiet.

Before she could panic, thunderous applause suddenly erupted, but the people remained seated, their eyes filled with faith.

Under the lights, within the sacred dress.

She felt that she existed in another way in this world.

Shanara, who was standing nearby, walked over with a bouquet of flowers.