But I find it very sacred.

Mien walked in the middle, but didn't interrupt, just listened to the two bickering with a smile.

The reason these two arch-rivals are focusing on an ordinary competition today is because their goals are surprisingly aligned—to ensure the fairness of the competition.

Pope Phil remained suspicious.

Although he didn't know that Lucia had only studied combat abilities for six days, even if she had received training after enrolling, she would still be no match for Furilla.

It was absolutely a huge opportunity given to him for free, which made him suspicious.

Since Mien wouldn't understand any of this, and perhaps it really is as he says—that he wants "the empire to produce a new princess as soon as possible"—then Rachel might be up to some kind of conspiracy.

Regardless, we must be vigilant and do everything in our power to seize this opportunity.

If Funila wins, she and the prince will take the long-delayed "Saintess Showdown".

During this period, the Vatican not only provided extensive training for Funila in combat, enabling her to master the skills, but also...

Moreover, just before the written exam, several high-ranking holy priests of the Holy See were assigned to teach her the light magic spell "Holy Flame Baptism," which is the Holy See's ultimate killing move.

They kept it a secret from everyone, which increased their chances of winning; they were determined to succeed.

All that's left to do is stop Rachel from using any underhanded tactics; he must come in person to urge Mien to ensure the fairness of the competition.

Rachel naturally understood Phil's intentions. Even if it was to put pressure on them, she wanted to come to the game in person to put herself in a proactive position.

Most importantly, you must avoid instructing Funi to do something underhanded that could seriously injure or even endanger Lucia's life!

Although she had long been prepared for Lucia's defeat and had even accepted that Lucia would lose, she still had to be wary of Bishop Phil.

If Lucia dies, it will disrupt all her plans.

Having fought for so many years, she naturally understands her rival better than anyone else, and she wouldn't be surprised if Phil did something despicable.

He came in person to stand behind Mien and support him, otherwise Mien alone might not be able to withstand Phil's pressure.

Since the two share the same goal of 'fairness' and cannot directly conflict with each other, let them appeal to the same person—Mien.

They unanimously pushed Mien to be the leader of this competition, using his name to suppress their opponents.

Mien looked at the two people beside him. Having spent so many years in the empire, he could see right through their thoughts.

Since they're already using their own reputation as a pretext, they might as well just open it up to the public and let all the higher-ups, teachers, and students come and watch. The only thing missing is charging admission.

If you want fairness, then make it completely fair and transparent!

In this situation, neither of them could openly force themselves to do anything.

The three took their seats in turn. The private room on the top floor of the arena was spacious and luxurious, offering a panoramic view of every corner.

"It seems Princess Rachel is quite supportive of Lucia," Bishop Phil began to challenge again.

Mien picked up a lemon tart, took a bite, and enjoyed both the game on and off the court.

"Ah, of course, after all, the hope is that a qualified person will shoulder the bright faith of this empire."

Rachel immediately responded, her words carrying a hidden meaning; she was always adept at using words.

Bishop Phil countered, "That's true, but Fernila has been born into the Vatican since childhood and is recognized by everyone as the next saintess. I think it's most important to be 'legitimate'."

Mien not only cheered for his counterattack in his heart, but also responded with veiled words.

"Okay." Rachel felt her most vulnerable spot had been touched, but she maintained her strong demeanor.

"But if unqualified people are elected, I think it will do more harm to people. Let's see their true abilities and see who wins and who loses."

As she listened, Mien's right hand, holding the spoon, slowed down, indicating that she was losing her appetite.

I dare not listen to what you all say. I have no opinion whatsoever; it's none of my business.

So he pretended to carefully examine the match arrangements and distanced himself from the dispute between the two.

Phil, unsure how to retort, suddenly turned his attention to Mien:

"Since both of them have been taught by Chief Mien, Chief Mien should know their relative strengths and weaknesses. Who do you think will win?"

Mien was startled, not expecting to be asked this question so suddenly, and could only laugh and say, "Without a competition, we naturally don't know the result."

"My lords," he said calmly, raising his hand to the jubilant students below.

"Why not just be an uninvolved spectator and enjoy the competition?"

Having been given a way out, the two took the opportunity to stop their verbal sparring and fell silent.

"Enjoy the game?" Rachel picked up a glass of absinthe, took a sip with her bright red lips, and smiled to herself:

"Having witnessed so many military duels, even risking my life, what's so interesting about two students fighting? Is it cute to watch them fight?"

Large numbers of teachers, students, and spectators entered the venue, quickly filling all the seats.

Mien began searching for Lucia, but found nothing.

Using the communication equipment built into the academy, they discovered that she and August were still at the main gate.

…………

Furilla seemed completely oblivious to the stares around her, and together with Father Noion beside her, led the group into the Academy's arena.

She hadn't been back here since Bishop Phil took her back to the Holy See a year ago after she finished all her courses at the Academy of Scholars.

After failing the Light Resonance test multiple times, there was no reason for him to stay here any longer.

She always viewed that moment at the Papacy as a disgrace, a homecoming for the defeated, and dared not look up at the people in the Papacy, for everyone knew they had failed.

Thanks to Bishop Phil's strenuous efforts, it was thought that things might still turn around, and that they could give those who looked down on them a good slap in the face, proving that they should never underestimate the potential of the young.

The sudden appearance of "Lua" dealt her a fatal blow, extinguishing her last hope.

Amidst the ups and downs, Phil tells her that she has a chance to fight that girl.

As long as I win, I can ignore the flaw in resonance and advance to Saintess, and take back everything!

As she thought about it, Funila clenched her fists so tightly that she almost pricked her nails and drew blood. All the fear and shame she felt surged up and were directed at her opponent—Luya.

Lucia got out of the car and followed the group of people with August, entering the stadium.

Ignoring the gasps and cheers around him, he frowned and stared at the figure in front of him with a hint of curiosity.

Although he still felt a little confused, after five days of training, he was fully capable of attacking her.

After ascending the magic staircase, they gradually separated from the other spectators, and the two groups headed together to the waiting hall.

Funila naturally noticed Lucia beside her, and upon learning who she was, her pupils dilated. Then, Lucia saw the contempt and hostility in her eyes.

Furilla and the others sat down, while Lucia and Auguste sat on the other side, not far apart.

Lucia snapped out of her thoughts, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

With the competition starting soon, she is working hard to adjust her fighting form and regain the feel of when she beat Hein.

Opening her eyes, she suddenly found that Funila had stood up from the crowd, amidst the surprised gaze of the man beside her.

It walked straight towards me.