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

Flammy shoved aside his chair and slowly walked over, the energy emanating from him pressing down like a tidal wave.

Mien shielded Lucia behind him, her hair and cloak fluttering in the wind.

He gently pinched the corner of Mien's robe with both hands, believing that as long as his teacher was there, nothing would happen.

Sestan remained silent.

Because he knew perfectly well that he was in the wrong.

But here, no one argues about right and wrong, or who provoked or started the trouble, like women in the city do.

Resolving conflicts with fists is the least controversial method, and there's no need to waste words on it.

He wanted to make Mien bow down.

She didn't even respect Rachel, let alone give her a kind look, so she wouldn't care about the power of a top scholar.

The surrounding generals also secretly encouraged each other:

Well done, General Sestan!

We've been through thick and thin, so we can't lose face in front of this scholar!

Yes, perk up!

Mien flicked his scholar's robe with his right hand, calmly watching Sestan approach, without the slightest panic in his heart.

Because he knew very well that someone would prevent him from fighting Sestan.

The two drew closer and closer, and Mien felt the pain in his flesh caused by the pressure, but he still endured it without showing any emotion.

Those around him held their breath, wondering what strange magic Mien might be able to use next.

Mien's previous performance had dispelled their unfounded contempt.

Looking at Mien's calm demeanor, some even wondered if he was hiding the ability to go toe-to-toe with Sestan.

The two were only a few steps apart, and Mien was almost about to summon the Tranquil Domain to defend against the moment.

Flammy suddenly got up and walked over.

Although he was walking slowly, he appeared in front of the two of them in an instant under the illusory shadow.

He smiled and put his hands on Sestan and Mien's shoulders.

"What do you two mean by this?"

As he spoke, Mien felt a fiery energy invade his body.

It locks itself up tightly, like several iron chains, but it is not aggressive.

With a single move, he suppressed the magical power that was causing the two to clash.

Even though Flammy wanted to continue watching while sipping his drink, he couldn't let Mien and Sestan actually start fighting.

That would be irreversible; he would no longer be able to get help from both of them at the same time, especially from that stubborn Sestan.

"We still have to fight those bastards from the Severn Empire tomorrow, so why don't we practice in the command post first?"

Someone chuckled at the opportune moment, easing the tense atmosphere.

Comien and Sestan, however, remained unyielding, their eyes fixed on each other.

The older people get, the more stubborn they become, especially those who have achieved great honors, who cannot tolerate young people challenging their authority.

He remained unmoved and defiant in the face of Flami's pulling, his nostrils flaring upwards.

He clearly seemed to think, "This matter can't just be left like this."

Mien didn't care; if you don't move, I won't move either.

As if one is much younger than the other.

Flami looked helplessly at the two "gatekeepers" in front of him and sighed.

"General Sestan, let's sit down and talk."

Sestan finally spoke, saying each word clearly, "Mr. Mien, are you really going to hide behind others like this?"

Even without concealing his anger, he still carried a hint of contempt.

He lived in the Cassil Empire for 70 years and never took the Academy of Scholars seriously, especially when Mien deliberately concealed it.

The empire's honor was earned through their own hard work, one sword at a time. So what if Mien is one of the three great laws?

Mien wouldn't breathe on him just because of this little bit of aggression, but he suddenly felt a lightness on his back.

It seemed that Lucia had loosened her grip on the hem of her robe.

Only then did he realize that Sestan had meant "you".

Mien shrugged. "General Sestan, so what do you mean?"

"Let's have a duel."

Upon hearing this, Flami covered his face with his hands.

How old are you? Why are you still acting like a little kid?

"Sestan." He helplessly wrapped his arm around Sestan.

"Tomorrow is war."

Unexpectedly, Sestan remained unmoved.

"In a war of this magnitude, even if I had ten thousand men, I could breach its city and kill its lord."

"I believe..."

Just when Flami was at his wit's end.

Mien said, "I accept."

Everyone looked at Mien in surprise, including Sestan.

For a moment, Sestan even wondered if this guy really had some secret weapon and was trying to trick him.

Flammy immediately shook his head and said:

"Chief Mien, please don't escalate the situation."

I am well aware of the civility of your academy.

We absolutely cannot allow you to fight before the war even begins.

Sestan was about to say something more when Flami pulled him onto his shoulder, his expression solemn and dignified, his playful laughter gone.

"I hope you two will both give me some face."

Seeing this, Sestan swallowed his anger, but his face still showed resentment.

"But given the current situation, it seems unlikely that the battle meeting can continue. We should address the underlying issues first."

As he spoke, he glanced at Archie, who was half-squatting on the ground.

The meaning was clear: they would compromise and let Mien and Lucia leave.

Flammy nodded, agreeing with the decision; enough had been done for today.

He turned to look at Mien, about to say something, but was interrupted by Mien.

"Duke Flammy, I understand the absolute meaning of honor to you soldiers."

A smile played on his lips: "As I just said, I accept it."

Flammy's brow furrowed immediately.

The crowd erupted in uproar.

Mien has clearly put everyone in this position, and the "significance to soldiers" makes this decision irreversible.

"Chief Mien..." Flammy's gaze darkened, and he even withdrew all friendliness:

"As the head of the Academy of Scholars, do you not care at all about tomorrow's war?"

Mien smiled.

"Why do you say that? I didn't initiate the decision."

He scanned everyone present.

"It was you who proposed it."

Just as Sestan was about to lash out, Flami grabbed his chest and pressed it down.

"I said, I hope you two will give me, the city lord, some face."

His tone had become threatening.

Upon hearing this, Mien could only helplessly purse his lips, as if he knew of Flami's anger.

But the situation was already out of control.

Several people wanted to rush over and fight Mien in place of Sestan, while others hesitated, feeling that Mien was hiding something.

After all, everyone knows about the Valgan City incident that happened a few months ago, and many people have access to information about the role and existence of the Academy.

They suddenly burst onto the imperial stage.

"How about this?"

Mien seemed unable to stand the buzzing of these flies, and was genuinely trying to be helpful to Flammy.

"Then let's send our respective subordinates to fight in our place."

"What?!"

Sestan was taken aback.

"Where in the world can someone substitute for you in a duel?"

"Yes, sir, yes."

Mien said with a smile:

"The sixth part of the fifth volume of the third book of the Knight's Code states that if it is inconvenient for the two duelists to participate in the duel in person, the duel may still be concluded."

Someone else can take their place and compete for the glory of both sides.

Lucia peeked out from behind.