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

Before leaving the Academy of Scholars, Lucia asked Mien somewhat nervously: What are those lords and dukes like?

Mien simply patted her head:

"Don't be afraid. Adults deal with adults, and children deal with children. These are not people you need to face."

And those of the same age are even less of a concern.

Lucia felt much more at ease, but after all, she didn't know much about the abilities of her peers, had almost no contact with them, and couldn't find her own place.

All I can do is clench my fists and wait cautiously for the challenges I may face.

Mien deliberately traveled with minimal entourage.

Because everyone understands that this Supreme Council is Mien's grand stage.

Whether he can ride on Rachel's coattails or maximize the Academy's political influence to bring them to the forefront.

Komin, however, only took Lucia with him and walked to the Cassil Palace.

It's as if he's saying that he only represents himself and is exercising his own power.

Once you've clocked in and completed your task, you can leave work.

Lucia, standing to the side, represents only the Holy Maiden of Light.

People have different opinions:

Some ambitious people think that Mien is too stupid, clinging to his previous experience and refusing to let go. Why should he pretend to be neutral now that the situation has changed?

Many people were calmed down by Mien's actions; the tense situation made people too restless.

Looking around at the unfamiliar people and their cold gazes, Lucia was initially a little nervous.

Comien held his hand tightly the whole time, his steps slow and leisurely.

The parallel steps made Lucia feel much more relaxed.

At this moment, they were just like when they used to stroll hand in hand in the Academy of Scholars, only now they were in the supreme capital of the empire.

Lucia felt a strong sense of dependence at that moment.

Looking at the various forces gathered in the streets and alleys, the nobles dressed in gorgeous clothes, the knights with swords, and the dazzling flags and badges.

It was as if as long as he held Mien's hand, he wouldn't have to worry about anything.

This made her suddenly and impulsively decide to follow the surging emotions in her heart and squeeze Mien's hand hard.

Mien's composed expression froze for a moment, then he immediately returned to normal, casually glancing at them and nodding to any lords he recognized.

He glanced down at Lucia and found that she looked perfectly normal.

"When did this little girl become so bold?"

Mien suppressed the upward curve of her lips.

It felt like an old man being teased by a young girl.

After walking through the outer streets and alleys, the magnificent Cassirer Palace came into view, and Lucia's pupils widened slightly.

She gripped the iris flower at the hem of her gown tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force.

The gilded reliefs on the palace walls gleamed coldly in the setting sun, like countless pairs of watching eyes, while the sound of guards' armor scraping against each other came from the main gate.

Outside what seemed like a gate connecting to the sky, two rows of guards stood in neat rows, tall and proud, swords in hand, facing each other.

Everyone had to disarm before entering. The guards' cold gazes disregarded anyone's status or authority; they obeyed only Emperor Lyonte.

One lord after another calmly handed their magical weapons to their subordinates, stretched out their wide robes, and stepped forward.

They left the rest of their forces outside the palace, demonstrating their power.

Large and small groups of people surrounded the palace, divided according to their power and influence.

Mien and Lucia, on the other hand, had no one behind them and no weapons in their hands. They walked past the guards, who were gleaming with cold light, with complete ease, ignoring them as if they were returning to the Academy.

They left no trace of their influence outside the venue and were harmless to humans and animals.

They give the impression of being extremely "clean" amidst a complex situation.

Upon entering the palace gates, one is greeted by a towering staircase leading to the heavens.

The white crystal steps gleamed with a cold, faint light, winding their way up to the clouds. Giant stone pillars, carved with sacred emblems, stood on either side, and the magnificent castle roof was hidden in the thin mist, exuding an awe-inspiring and noble royal aura.

Lucia had a vague sense of déjà vu, as if she had just arrived at the Academy for the first time.

Arrived at the world's highest city, the Royal Palace! The Royal Palace is so beautiful.

They accidentally entered the Heavenly Palace.

Step by step, people climbed nearly a hundred steps and arrived at the majestic temple.

A single block of obsidian forms a wide platform, with dazzling crystal chandeliers hanging from the dome.

The vast space resembled the arena of the entire Academy of Scholars, yet it was merely a council chamber here.

A huge obsidian round table was placed in the very center of the hall, surrounded by more than twenty high-backed chairs.

The three innermost seats are the tallest, covered with golden holy symbols, while the rest are ordinary black seats.

Rachel and Phil were already seated in two of the three seats, with Rachel in the middle.

They all looked at Mien and gestured for him to sit down.

Mien smiled inwardly.

What's the point of voting here?

The three laws of the empire are the royal family, the papacy, and the academy of scholars.

Surprisingly, it wasn't Phoenix sitting on the royal throne, but Rachel.

This is enough to show how many people she had won over in the government, which shut people up, including Phil.

Mien smiled at the two of them, did not let go of Lucia's hand, but instead led her slowly over.

He brushed past one duke, earl, or general after another, but Mien paid no attention to them. His expression was not arrogant, but rather solemn.

Lucia walked on the outside, hidden behind Mien, but her gaze swept past Mien and she quickly spotted a familiar figure.

Neuer was already seated in a seat not far away.

She gazed at him with intense longing in her eyes, yet maintained a dignified posture, offering no indication of her presence, as if she were considering something.

Lucia instinctively looked at the person next to her.

He was an extremely tall man.

A red and gold cloak was draped over his mountain-like shoulders.

The tattoo depicts a roaring lion, and under its fierce gaze, the surrounding red appears as if it were blood.

The man's aging face was deeply lined with wrinkles, yet his eyes still retained a sharp, domineering edge.

His beard, covering the lower half of his face, resembled a lion's mane, and his eyes were deep and unfathomable, as if he were always watching his prey.

Lucia's breath caught in her throat for a moment, overwhelmed by the oppressive aura, and she lowered her gaze.

"This must be the legendary General Sestan Elyu..."

Even with Neuer by his side, he didn't seem like a lion cub, but rather a well-behaved golden retriever named Hakimi.

Mien naturally sat down in the last gold chair.

Rachel sat proudly in the middle, smiling and gesturing to Mien.

After responding with a smile, Mien also gave Phil a slight nod.

Once everyone was seated, no one uttered a word; the area beneath the towering dome was as tranquil as a forest.

Golden magic flowed from the surrounding statues and patterns, swirling around people.

The seats were gradually filled until only one remained.

Another mountain-like figure walked in through the doorway. His massive body made his steps heavy, and the silver scales on his body rustled.

With a high forehead and prominent brow ridges, his appearance was as strange as a vicious dragon.

He was covered in a long robe with gilded black dragon patterns, the fabric of which seemed to be woven with star scales. The collar and shoulder armor were embroidered with red gold dragon emblems, which were the emblems of the highest bloodline of Dragon City.

He met everyone's gazes, calmly glanced around, and then slowly sat down in the last seat.

Unlike General Sestan's ferocity and rage, his eyes were as deep as a lake.

There was a hint of solemnity and worry in it.

Mien gently introduced Lucia:

"This is Duke Flami Carax, the lord of Notting City, the one who gave you the 'Dragon Scale'."