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

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

Transcending worldly concerns, gazing upon all living beings, carrying a mission and responsibility.

Shanara came over holding flowers.

There was not a trace of private playfulness in his eyes, but a calm as still as a lake, reflecting only his faith in the saintess.

Lucia's movements became more graceful and poised.

She gently accepted the flowers, then looked at the people in all directions, who were also offering her their blessings.

Shanara left, and a dark blue figure slowly approached.

Mien stood next to Lucia, took her hand very naturally, and they looked at the crowd together.

Lucia no longer blushed, as if this was no longer a private matter between Mien and Lucia.

This symbolizes the inseparable and unified relationship between the Academy of Scholars and the Saintess, as they face the world together.

"Gentlemen."

Mien's eyes were calm and resolute. In this situation, he was naturally the leader that everyone followed, guiding them in their direction.

All the scholars and students were deeply moved by the sight before them.

"The world situation is changing, and the empire is constantly moving forward."

Throughout history, the Academy has shouldered the responsibilities of the entire empire, steadfastly upholding the transmission of knowledge and forever fulfilling the missions bestowed upon us by different eras.

Today, the great Cassirer Empire, its great people, have entered a new era, bestowing upon us a new mission.

He turned to look at Lucia, and Lucia met his gaze, her eyes filled with deep affection yet solemn.

"As everyone surely knows, the beautiful and holy Saintess Lucia has descended upon our Academy and into our lives."

Mien tightened his grip, and Lucia's heart skipped a beat.

"This requires us to adjust our beliefs and stand with the saint."

He paused, his gaze sharpened, and he slowly swept his eyes over the crowd.

In the stillness, everyone Mien scanned felt something profound enter their hearts.

"Shoulder the empire's bright faith, and together bring the empire an everlasting glory, dispelling the darkness."

Mien’s tone was full of emotion, and his speech gave everyone goosebumps and inspired them to strive.

"But this means," Mien's expression suddenly darkened:

"None of us can stay in the warm confines of a school and spend our lives peacefully dealing with books."

Mien's sudden change in mood startled even Lucia.

This is also an important purpose of Mien's holding of this ceremony:

Tell everyone in the Academy, including Lucia, about the possible calamity.

What they need to face amidst an unprecedented upheaval in two hundred years of peace.

Let's leave it at that, give a heads-up, so that when it actually happens, people will start to change their minds.

Mien's face regained its warm smile:

"Now, let us join together for these scholars who are fighting bravely for the people of the great Cassirer."

He is the pride of our Academy! And the pride of the entire Empire!

She held Lucia's hand and raised it up, and a thunderous cheer erupted.

In this context, Lucia is seen by everyone as someone who leads them all, just like Mien, the second sun of the Academy.

The ceremony ended amidst lingering emotions, with Mien leading Lucia off the stage.

As the temperature dropped, Lucia's heart gradually detached from the holy light, returning to her original self.

After getting close to everyone, Lucia, like Mien, felt a strange emotion stirring within her.

The same 'lust' that has nothing to do with gender is simply a desire to be close, to merge into one...

But neither of them knew where this emotion came from, nor did they know that the other felt the same way.

With her heart racing, Lucia couldn't find the source of it, but she still 'escaped' and immersed herself in their world together, prolonging that feeling.

The two walked to the other side of the backstage area. There was no one around, but they could hear the noise of the crowd in the arena.

"Luya." Mien's voice suddenly became very soft.

"Hmm?" The softer the sound, the more it stirred Lucia's heart.

You've changed a lot.

"Is there?"

"Hmm." Mien's eyes seemed to hold the whole world: "It seems like I've grown up."

Lucia turned her head away and did not respond.

She felt that the sentence was strange, especially in this context, as it easily reminded her of those messy plots in novels.

"You are the greatest contributor to the Valgan Castle incident." Mien released Lucia's hand. "So I also want to give you something."

He began to take out the prepared items from his pocket.

Lucia's heart skipped a beat.

"It can't be..."

Her pupils gradually contracted.

"It can't really be..."

The girl in the white dress began to have wild thoughts, and her emotions began to spiral out of control.

Why did the teacher suddenly say she's grown up?

Why was this ceremony specially arranged? Why...?

He was trying to imply something to himself; all the abnormalities pointed to one possibility.

Lucia stopped breathing, her heart was pounding, and her eyes were fixed on Mien's hand.

He pulled a white gift box from his pocket.

He gently raised it in front of him, and Lucia forcibly awakened her numb hands and lifted it up.

Everything that happened was telling Lucia that she no longer needed to doubt, but she still looked up.

He saw Mien's bright eyes looking at him.

"Open it," he said.

His tone and deep affection seemed to say: Yes, that's exactly what you think.

"Open it," Mien said again, his voice urging her on with a hint of anticipation.

Lucia's fingers trembled as she gripped the edge of the gift box; her heart was in her throat.

But the girl's mind was still restraining her, telling her not to overthink things before she actually saw "it".

With a slight effort of four fingers, the gift box was opened.

However, instead of the silvery-white light Lucia had imagined, there was a dark, cold light inside.

It also froze Lucia's eyes.

Mien seemed quite pleased with what he had given, his tone smug as he chuckled:

"This is the weapon used by the female spy we captured together. It's a top-tier weapon among Holy Spirit-level weapons, and it resonates perfectly with yours. It also has endless potential for development."

The same satisfaction and contentment he had shown a few months ago appeared in his eyes:

"Luya, it's clear from your changes that you've really grown a lot."

Therefore, I consider this treasure the best gift for you, and I look forward to your continued growth.

Just like when I gave out the Holy Light Staff to newbies before, I was filled with encouraging anticipation.

However, Lucia no longer responded to the little girl's overwhelmed happiness at receiving candy.

Lucia's pretty face twisted together from the emotional shock, her slanted lips and eyes filled with the disappointment and disdain of an older man.

He simply replied, "Huh?"

Mien froze on the spot.

What's going on?

How could this happen?

Isn't it perfectly natural for him to manipulate and guide a mere girl?

The sudden loss of control left even the mature Mien somewhat bewildered and speechless.

Little Lucia broke the awkward silence for him, bowing earnestly and saying with a mixture of gratitude and utter perfunctory politeness:

"Thank you, Ms. Mien."

She closed the gift box and hugged it to her arms.

"I still have some things to take care of, so I'll head back first. You can continue with your work, teacher."

After saying that, she calmly left.

After a long while, Mien finally recovered from his astonishment and couldn't help but laugh.

"You've really grown up."