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

"Miss Neuer."

Lucia blinked:

"When did she become my friend? I didn't know that."

Mien smiled.

It isn't now, but it will be in the future.

There are too many reasons.

It wasn't just General Sestan's political influence, but also Neuer's control of a powerful armed force.

These are all things that the Academy of Scholars will need in the future.

Even if you don't have the strength now, you need to lay the groundwork early on.

Neuer, a man with strong limbs but a simple mind, is the best choice.

Moreover, Neuer seems to treat Lucia with utmost sincerity, even with a hint of reverence.

There's nothing wrong with maintaining a good relationship with this kind of "sycophant."

Thinking about this, Mien felt there was a hint of a "political marriage" in it.

Luckily, the other person was a girl.

"Luya, I think Miss Neuer is a pretty good person."

Lucia understood what Mien meant, turned her head away, and did not answer.

She wasn't sure what she really thought of Neuer, but at least she didn't want to get too close to such an irresponsible nobleman.

Mien didn't insist, and the group returned to the Temple Academy in silence.

…………

August was already waiting at the gate with his men.

Several knights in armor stood beside them, and upon seeing Mien and Lucia, they respectfully knelt down to pay their respects.

They have a completely different temperament from the Imperial Army.

August came to Mien's side.

"I have already escorted Count Neuer to the conference hall of the administrative platform and arranged for his reception."

"very good."

They returned to the administrative tower at a leisurely pace.

As soon as the doors to the conference room opened, Neuer, who was sitting inside, immediately stood up.

She looks completely different today than she used to.

No longer wearing that aloof and impersonal silver-white armor.

He changed into a simple white satin shirt, brown trousers, and the Silver Moon Knights badge on his chest.

It appears simple and ordinary, making people feel much closer to it.

Only that golden ponytail remained, swaying high in the sunlight.

She approached the two of them, immediately placed one hand on her chest, and bowed to Mien.

"My Lord".

Mien returned the greeting respectfully.

Then she looked at Lucia and bowed in return.

But Mien could clearly sense that her movements were more exaggerated and her attitude was more devout.

It felt like if Mien hadn't been there, she would have knelt down before Lucia.

Lucia was taken aback by Neuer's sincerity and could only respond politely.

Neuer was about to say something.

But then Mien said, "Luya, why don't you wait in my office for a moment? I have something to discuss with the Countess first."

I'll come back to find you after this is all over.

After saying this, he invited Neuer to enter the meeting hall alone, while August left with Lucia.

Neuer stiffened, his eyes widened, and he turned to look at Lucia's back. He pursed his lips and followed Mien inside with a helpless expression, turning back for one last look.

How could Mien not know who Neuer had come to see?

The more anxious you are, the less I'll let you see me.

Let's get down to business first.

The two entered the meeting room, while the others were asked to leave.

After sitting down, Mien asked seriously, "Miss Countess, what brings you to the Academy today? Is something the matter?"

Neuer composed himself and answered seriously:

"There are some things I need to discuss with you."

"Oh? What happened?"

Neuer glanced at the doorway, as if to make sure no one else could hear, and lowered his voice to say:

"According to what I've heard, the princes' and princesses' factions within the empire are fighting over the war, and they may soon drag the Academy into it."

"Oh?"

Mien had originally planned to try to find out some information, but he didn't expect Neuer to tell him so much directly.

"Where did you get this information from?" Mien asked knowingly.

Neuer lowered his eyes, slightly reluctant, but still said, "From my father."

Although she didn't want to reveal her identity as the daughter of a general, she still couldn't accept lying.

Mien naturally knew this, and hearing Neuer say it put him even more at ease. He had originally wanted to bring General Sestan into the conversation anyway.

He adopted a worried and serious expression, paused, and asked:

"Does the countess know what kind of war this is? And why is the Academy of Scholars involved?"

Neuer was somewhat surprised: "You didn't know at all?"

"We are academics."

"Alright." Neuer accepted this explanation and patiently explained:

"Due to the esoteric events that occurred in Valgon, it was discovered that they were related to the Severn Empire."

There is even evidence that they possess weapons of mass destruction.

Therefore, in order to protect our citizens, it is necessary to proactively send out military force to carry out the suppression.

This confirmed Mien's guess.

"The Severn Empire is extremely weak, and this war is a foregone conclusion. Therefore, both Prince Phoenix and Princess Rachel are vying for control of the war."

"So that's how it is." Mien rested her chin on her hand, frowning as she pondered.

"Then why did the Academy of Scholars get involved?"

Neuer hesitated for a moment, but after some deliberation, he said:

"Because I heard from my father that Prince Phoenix's faction is actively launching a counterattack, and what they are most worried about is the involvement of the Academy, fearing that you will side with Rachel."

Worrying isn't enough; we need to consider what actions might be taken.

"What operation?" Mien's gaze sharpened.

Neuer shook his head: "I don't know. I only know it from snippets of conversation between my father and those around him."

Mien believed.

From the very beginning, he had noticed that Neuer seemed to have something on his mind.

She definitely didn't come here simply to tell me these messages.

"I see..." Miens pondered for a moment, then nodded to Neuer in thanks: "Thank you for your help, Miss Countess."

But why are you telling us this?

As far as I know, your father, Mr. Sestan, seems to be Prince Phoenix…”

Mien didn't finish her sentence, not wanting to embarrass Neuer.

These words indeed revealed Neuer's true feelings.

She lowered her eyes for a moment, then raised them again, a determined light shining in them:

"Chief Mien, I have some questions for you."

Her sincere and respectful expression was just like when they first met—a respect for a wise man.

"What is it?"

Whenever Neuer made a decision, her eyes always held an unwavering resolve, sweeping away all her worries and determined to carry it out:

"Who do you think is a more suitable monarch, Prince Phoenix or Princess Rachel?"

Upon hearing this, Mien nervously looked towards the door and the window.

If you want to die, don't drag me down with you.

I just happened to be at the Academy and have no idea what this person was talking about.

"What do you mean by that?... " Mien adjusted his posture somewhat awkwardly.

"Because in my heart, I feel that they are both..."

Neuer seemed completely oblivious to Mien's unease, blurting out everything like a young girl confiding in her best friend.

"Stop, stop, stop," Mien immediately interrupted him.

I blanched it, please don't let the blood splatter on me.

Neuer was not allowed to finish his sentence.

But I also understood her concerns.

"Uh," Mien replied vaguely, regaining his composure.

"I think I understand what you mean."

Neuer wanted to elaborate, but Mien preemptively asked:

"Countess, since you say so, I've heard a rumor and would like to ask you if it's true."

He looked directly into her eyes and asked, "I heard you have some conflict with Prince Phoenix, is that true?"

Neuer lowered his brow, a hint of disgust flashing across his face.

"There were indeed some unpleasant things that happened some time ago."

Because during the saint's ascension ceremony, I dispatched law enforcement officers and the Silver Moon Knights to drive away those who had gathered in front of the consciousness field, some of whom were close to him.

Therefore, relying on the prince's backing, they criticized my actions and even complained to my father.

How could Mien not know? He was the one who started it all.

"What did your father say?"

He wanted to know just how close Sestan's relationship with the prince really was.

A hint of disappointment appeared on Neuer's face:

"He didn't say anything."

It seems that her father's silence was more painful than any criticism she might have been told.

"So that's how it is."

It seems they haven't quite reached the level of being a loyal dog.

After all, the reason why the highly respected General Sestan Elyu was able to stand on Prince Phoenix's side was because of his loyalty to the Cassirer Empire.

This loyalty will be extended a second time.

It first spread from the Cassirer Empire to the current emperor, Lyent.

Because of his loyalty to Lyont, the lineage was passed down to his eldest son, Phoenix.

Regardless of how much this loyalty will be weakened after changing hands a second time,

The problem now is that Emperor Leander has turned against him.

He actually expressed his support for his fourth daughter, Rachel.

Now, Sestan faces a choice: should he remain loyal to Emperor Lyont and support Rachel, or should he choose to remain loyal to the legitimacy of the Cassirer Empire, namely Phoenix?

Before answering your question, may I ask you a question?

"Please speak."

Have you asked your father this question?

Neuer looked away, and after a moment replied:

"No, all I know is his choice."

"So, what is his choice...?"

"This is what puzzles me even more; I don't know what my father is thinking."

Mien understood what she meant: Sestan was also conflicted, or rather, observing the situation.

However, not being absolutely loyal is the same as being absolutely disloyal.

With the loss of the absolute support of Sestan, a vital political force, Phil and Phoenix's faction could not possibly win the race for dominance in the war.

This gave him a clearer understanding of the situation and allowed him to make more plans for Rachel's future control of the war effort.

"I see, I understand your concerns."

Mien crossed his arms on the table, adopting the posture of a wise elder, and looked into Neuer's eyes.

"If you don't like either of them, why force yourself to choose?"

Neuer was taken aback.

"But...this is different."

How could we not make a choice?

Even if he were just a minor count, he couldn't possibly be completely indifferent to the affairs of the empire.

"I'm not denying you any choices, but besides those two things, do you have anything else you like?"

Neuer looked at Mien with a puzzled expression.

Besides these two things?

Where is a third political force within the Cassirer Empire that can rival them?

Her brain was overloaded; she pondered the master's words for a long time but still couldn't grasp anything.

Mien spoke again:

"I'm not talking about specific things, anything you like is fine."

He casually picked up a dessert from the table, put it in his mouth with a silver spoon, and a happy expression appeared on his face.

"Anything you like, anything that makes you happy or proud, is fine."