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

What makes you feel happy or proud? ...

Neuer lowered her eyes in thought, her wool lace sleeves trailing at her chin, creating an extremely incongruous air of ladylike elegance.

But her eyes immediately flashed with images of swords and spears on the battlefield.

Without a doubt, it was his own military rank and the Silver Moon Knights.

Whether it was to dispel doubts about her relying on her family background or to respond to contempt from others about her being a woman.

The battlefield is where things are most convincing.

Killing the enemy to defend the country also represents absolute justice, demonstrating that one is always on the most correct and noble path.

This naturally became Neuer's entire life, supporting his pride.

She completely dedicated herself to the military.

However, the Waalganse incident shattered all of this.

The glory that once overshadowed everything could not conceal the darkness under its rule.

The reasons that supported me in not "thinking so much" were overturned.

She witnessed firsthand the plight and despair of the people in the city.

And his irresponsible governance was completely exposed to the world by Mien.

Although other high-ranking officials and nobles of the empire did not care and would not question or criticize Neuer because of this matter, after all, it was a minor matter compared to the major one.

However, she couldn't get over this hurdle herself.

So, when faced with Mien's question, she had the answer on the tip of her tongue, but couldn't say it, and was even ashamed to say it.

Seeing Neuer's constipated expression, Mien naturally knew her simple thoughts.

"Are you thinking about Valgon? It seems like that's gotten on your mind."

Neuer, surprised that his thoughts had been seen through, looked at Mien's nonchalant expression and tentatively asked:

"Are you saying that wasn't my fault?"

"Of course."

Mien immediately 'smacked her with a hammer,' causing her head to droop again.

"But," Mien changed the subject, "why are you so concerned now?"

Why did they risk offending Phoenix on the day of the ceremony to manage the crowds' viewing area?

Furthermore, I've heard that you recently severely punished the colonel you appointed to manage Valgon, and personally handled many matters."

Neuer's eyes widened: "Because..."

Because I feel that I should at least try to make amends…

"Why didn't you do it beforehand?"

"I didn't know at the time..."

"So," Mien raised her voice, laughing, "you've never changed, have you?"

Seeing Neuer's bewildered look, Mien walked to the window with his hands behind his back:

"You have always upheld your principles and pride, haven't you? In fact, your sense of honor as a knight has never changed."

Mien's words struck Neuer to the core.

Amidst countless things I can't forgive myself for, a ray of sunshine shone through.

"But……"

"I didn't say you didn't do anything wrong; you did do something wrong."

But as you've done, steadfastly pursuing what you're proud of and unwavering in your heart is enough.

Mien looked directly into Neuer's eyes:

"Miss Neuer, and this is my answer to your previous question."

Neuer's super muscles activated his super brain, and he quickly understood what Mien meant.

She gripped the hem of her skirt tightly with both hands under the table, revealing her fair calves and ankles below.

Mien's words gave her a direction, a direction she could follow firmly as before.

Much of the gloom on her face dissipated, and she voiced her last concern:

"But as a soldier, whom do I need to obey? I must obey orders."

Mien did not answer, but instead asked:

"That's the question I wanted to ask you too, Your Excellency, why did you get involved?"

They actively got involved in this war.

Perhaps it's not just because of one's own sense of justice or responsibility?

It's probably not just to remind the Academy of Scholars.

Mien's gaze seemed to see right through Neuer, revealing the girl in her heart.

Neuer looked away, somewhat embarrassed.

"That's certainly true, Your Excellency."

A master is a master!

No matter how cryptic or convoluted their explanations may be, a good master is one who can resolve people's doubts.

Even using obfuscation and ambiguity is a tactic to persuade and convince.

All metaphysics, in essence, is psychology.

With a renewed sense of hope, Neuer felt grateful and no longer hid the truth from Mien.

"I do have my own selfish motives."

She looked up at Mien, regaining her usual proud and upright demeanor, her chest even puffed out with pride.

"It's still because of the matter I asked you for advice when we first met—the Maple Valley incident."

More than two hundred years ago, the supreme commander of the empire, General Jasper, lost his army of 900,000 to 100,000 and was captured by the Severn Empire for more than ten years, where he even got married and had children.

You once told me that this was all a compromise he made to appease everyone.

Therefore, I want to see and understand all of this for myself so that I can convince myself that the honor of the Cassirer Empire's army has not been tarnished.

Why is this child so dazed?

Mien coughed lightly.

If one were to delve deeper into the Severn Empire, a simple inquiry would reveal that Jasper's situation was far more complex than merely being captured.

As a member of the imperial family and commander of the army, he completely let loose there, having a blast.

To this day, the absurd stories of him fighting against many enemies and battling dragons in the wild are still told there.

After the two countries reached an agreement, it was practically the Severn Empire that kicked him back; he cried and begged not to come back.

If the child really knew this truth, how could her heart bear it?

However, after thinking it over, Mien instead showed an encouraging expression:

"Very good. Sometimes seeing things for yourself is a hundred times better than hearing or thinking about them."

I only inferred his glorious deeds based on rumors and records.

I believe that once you get there, you will find your own answers and reclaim your honor for the Cassirer Empire and its army!

Mien hid the sly smile that he could barely suppress from the corner of his mouth.

Neuer responded with sincere thanks and nodded vigorously.

The two stood up.

"Countess, thank you for the information you provided to the Academy of Scholars. It has been of great help to us. On behalf of all the scholars, I thank you."

The two walked out of the conference hall.

Neuer, however, only responded absentmindedly.

Finally, unable to hold back any longer, he said:

"Um... Lord Mien."

"I've come here today because I have some things I'd like to discuss with Her Majesty the Holy Maiden. I wonder if you'd be willing to..."

"Just tell me if there's anything you need."

Mien wore an expression and smile that suggested he was thinking of Neuer and didn't want to cause her any trouble.

"Hmm..." Neuer's eyes darted around, "It would be better to talk to her myself."

"Oh! I see." Mien pretended to just realize what was happening. "I'll take you to see the Holy Maiden of Light right away."

Neuer breathed a sigh of relief and followed Mien sullenly to the office where Lucia was waiting.

As Neuer approached the door, preparing to knock and go inside, Mien said meaningfully:

"However, the Holy Maiden has been busy studying combat abilities recently in order to prepare for potential dangers in the future."

So if it's convenient, could we finish this quickly?

After all, I just heard you mention the impending war, so I hope we can focus on training together.

Neuer froze, his mouth slightly agape as he looked at Mien.

It's unclear whether she truly understood the unspoken meaning behind Mien's words.

But in the end, it gave Milne the answer she wanted.

"I can help with that!"