It's indeed necessary to go to the Magic Academy and meet with Archbishop Ronis. Asa felt guilty in the archbishop's snowy white noble carriage.

  According to Cedros, apart from saving himself with the help of Xiao Yi, another reason for taking down the World Tree's leaves was also because of Archbishop Ronis' intention. Moreover, the archbishop had left a transmission scroll for him to return and meet with him after his comeback. However, upon returning to the imperial capital, Alsa's mind was preoccupied with the duke's residence and Xiao Yi, completely neglecting the venerable old man who had saved him, almost forgetting about him entirely... Fortunately, the archbishop had sent a carriage to invite him over. Alsa felt that he wouldn't be able to face the archbishop's majestic yet kind smile anymore.

  The carriage drove all the way to the grand cathedral of the Magic Academy. Asa got off and happened to see the Archbishop walking out slowly with two high-ranking priests, followed by a middle-aged man who looked like an official and a young man who seemed somewhat familiar. The young man had a braid and immediately showed a fierce expression when he saw Asa. However, Asa didn't mind this hostile display at all, just like a tiger wouldn't care about a maggot gnashing its teeth at him.

  Asa walked over with a red face, bowed his head to Bishop Ronis and said: "I'm sorry, Your Excellency. I'm late."

  In his own view, this was already a very courteous courtesy, fully expressing his apology and respect. However, the faces of the other two people changed immediately, especially the fat man who looked like he had a brain full of intestines, with an expression of surprise and uncertainty. Asa's attire was not that of a clergyman in the church, but when he saw the bishop, he didn't kneel down to pay his respects, just bowing slightly as if to an ordinary elder. This was already astonishing, and even more unthinkable was that the bishop also accepted it with pleasure, without showing any dissatisfaction.

  "It's settled then, Your Excellency. I have some pressing matters to attend to now. Perhaps you can come again another time." Bishop Ronis nodded at the middle-aged official with a gentle yet authoritative demeanor that brooked no refusal. The Prime Minister had no choice but to withdraw with the young man behind him, bowing deeply on one knee before the bishop.

  Asa just realized that he was probably a bit rude, in any case his status would never be more noble than the Prime Minister.

  "It's really exhausting to deal with these officials." Bishop Ronis shook his head and sighed. He motioned for the two priests beside him to withdraw. "Come with me," he said, leading Asa into the small room inside the cathedral. Apparently, he didn't want others to know about their conversation.

  Bishop Ronis gestured to Asa to close the door, then sat down and motioned for Asa to sit as well. With a faint smile that was still so affable yet dignified, he said: "I don't like formalities. When others are present, it's enough to put on a show, but when it's just us two, there's no need for that."

  It's probably only those who lack confidence who pay more attention to others' attitudes towards themselves, while someone like the Archbishop, who is admired by everyone he meets, would instead find it a burden.

  "I actually thought you'd come yesterday." Bishop Ronis looked at Asa with a faint smile. "Did you go to the Duke's mansion?"

  Asa's face turned red and she nodded slightly.

  "Due to my circumstances, the Duke probably still doesn't dare to take action to eliminate you, someone who knows too much. I suppose he wants to win you over? But it seems like he hasn't succeeded as expected. He's considered one of the most cunning and resourceful people in the royal capital, yet there aren't many people who can make him helpless. You haven't disappointed me." Bishop Ronis looked at Asa, his eyes flashing with two points of light, seemingly asking very casually: "Hasn't he used your feelings for Miss Muraq to motivate you, to win you over?"

  Asa didn't understand for a moment, then remembered the duke's stirring words yesterday and was immediately stunned, shocked beyond measure.

  Bishop Ronis would never send someone to follow him. Moreover, yesterday's conversation between him and the Duke was not known by a third person, he wouldn't say it himself, and naturally the Duke wouldn't publicize his own emotional secrets either. So how did the Bishop know?

  Bishop Ronis continued to speak in a measured tone, "The Duke should have been able to see the feelings between you two. He has always been perceptive in such matters and is skilled at using emotions, which is one of the reasons he is stronger than other powerhouses. I can imagine that his words yesterday were very moving, but it seems they did not have the desired effect on you. Can you tell me why?"

  A Sa rubbed his head, with a twisted expression said: "She has her own choices... I have my own path to follow. Actually, the Duke's words moved me a bit, but I understand that I'm not suitable for doing big things, I have my own way of life."

  His response sparked an unexpectedly pleased Ronnis. He patted Asa's shoulder, his tone surprisingly showing a hint of excitement. "Good. I didn't think you'd have such a broad mind at your young age. You know, power, status, and money aren't anything; only emotions are the hardest to deal with. Only those who have a firm sense of self and stick to their own path are truly strong. Only such people can achieve great things. You really didn't disappoint me."

  Asa felt a bit bewildered, as if the bishop had placed enormous hope in him. He didn't understand what this "disappointment" meant. He only felt a little uneasy, not wanting to bear someone else's emotions on his body, let alone the hopes of a respectable person like the bishop, which was even more burdensome.

  Moreover, he was a bit surprised. He saw another side of the bishop who seemed to be completely out of touch with reality in the eyes of the duke and others, something profound and wise. The deeply wise duke seemed no different from a child in front of him, knowing exactly what he was up to just by inference.

  "Alas, too many things have happened during this period. Originally, I only asked you to retrieve that book, but unexpectedly, you ended up in Europe and so many things occurred. All of these are too coincidental, beyond my expectations." Bishop Ronis let out a bitter smile, looking up at the ceiling. The study was not large, but the ceiling was surprisingly high. His gaze fell into the distant space, revealing a bewildered expression. "Perhaps it's the arrangement of fate..."

  Asa was even more baffled. He thought that these things were indeed coincidental and unexpected, but when all was said and done, it was just a small misunderstanding in Europe, where he had gone to steal something but hadn't succeeded and got beaten half to death before being rescued. This kind of thing happened every day all over the country, so it didn't seem necessary to use phrases like "the arrangement of fate" that sounded so mysterious and solemn.

  Bishop Ronis lowered his head to look at Asa. His eyebrows were furrowed, and the two points of fire in his eyes flickered on and off as he suddenly asked: "I'm asking you a very personal question. Do you believe in fate?"

  "Fate?" Asa had heard of this thing, those legendary stories often started and ended with such a phrase, so that one could judge the ending from the beginning of listening to the story.

  Bishop Ronis nodded. "Yes, that's what I mean. Everything is already arranged and the world is actually moving forward on its predetermined path."

  "I don't believe it." Asa's reply was crisp and absolute. The story could be fabricated that way, the events that occurred could be said to have been predetermined long ago, but in reality he absolutely did not believe it.

  "What if it really does?" asked the bishop again.

  A Sa angrily said: "Even if I had, I wouldn't believe it."

  "Why?" Bishop Ronnis's eyes widened. "If you knew it was all futile in the end, would you still do it?"

  "...Well...it's not like it's futile or anything. People are born to die, so should we just sit around waiting for death? It's better to focus on what you're doing instead of wasting time thinking about those inexplicable questions. And who can really say what will happen anyway?"

  Bishop Ronis thought for a moment, then burst out laughing. This hearty laughter and his thin face didn't quite match. His lean face seemed to be unable to contain such intense emotions, as if the smile was about to break free from his facial constraints.

  Asa was taken aback, overwhelmed with favor. He had not expected that his casual words would bring such great joy to the bishop.

  "Good, good, good......" The bishop repeated this word without stopping, with a smile and vitality on his face. "You're right. Who can really say what will happen? Instead of wasting time on these issues, it's better to focus on doing what should be done. I didn't expect that I would also think too much about these trivial matters, now I realize that I was also thinking too much. Thanks for reminding me, I really need to thank you."

  "It's nothing, nothing..." Asa felt even more embarrassed.

  Bishop Ronis' troubles seemed to have been lifted, and he looked radiant as if he had made up his mind about something. "Alright, let's get down to business," he said. "I asked you to come here because I need a favor from you. Can I?"

  Facing such a kind and respectable old man who was so happy just because of his own words, the savior who saved his life, with an identity above all, still asked him to help with a small favor in a very gentle manner. Such a request is impossible for anyone to refuse, Asa immediately nodded in agreement.

  "Alright. I want to appoint you as a bishop. Go to the western front and command the priests there," said Bishop Ronis.

  "What?" Asa thought he had misheard.

  The Archbishop let out a deep sigh and said, "You don't know, the situation is very difficult right now. The other candidates are either from the military or the Ernie family. Yesterday, several high-ranking military officials came to see me, and you also saw it earlier, didn't you? The Prime Minister is also eyeing this position. The political struggle is intense, and both sides want to use winning this war to strengthen their own influence. In their eyes, it's just a political chip, but in reality, it's a war that could cost the lives of tens of thousands of people due to their petty squabbles. Tomorrow, I will advise the Emperor to withdraw his troops and avoid war. Although I rarely speak on matters of state, when I do, my words are usually effective. Plus, Sedlos has his own methods, so this ceasefire should not be a problem. However, the Emperor's orders have not been issued yet, and the conference will likely take some time, while the troops in the west are still there, and war could break out at any moment. Therefore, I need someone who does not belong to any faction, is not eager to gain military merit, and is trustworthy to help me ease the situation in the west first, and try not to let the war happen."

  "This kind of thing... I really can't do it." Asa shook his head and waved his hand.

  "No, you must be able to do it." Bishop Ronis looked at him with a very trusting gaze. "You have to help me with this, which is also saving the lives of millions of soldiers."

  The lives of millions of people. Asa felt like he was suddenly suffocating. Forget it, just consider it as repaying the Archbishop's kindness in saving his life. He nodded. "Alright."

  Bishop Ronis nodded in satisfaction and relief. Today, this thin and majestic old man looked particularly happy, with a rich expression on his small face.

  In the study of the duke's mansion. The Duke is dealing with a batch of documents sent by the military, recently the troops in the west had an accident, and all the magicians mysteriously annihilated without even starting the war.

  The unexpected arrival of the frontline came just in time. This is a catalyst, and a political storm is about to unfold in the imperial court. He must make early preparations for it. Now he has mixed feelings of joy and worry.

  The defeat of the Western army was something he had long anticipated, and when Sedros asked for his assistance, he had already foreseen all the variables that would follow. As soon as the city of Eufor was established, it would be a rare opportunity for the military ministers who yearned for military achievements to go to war. However, General Sanders would never be a match for Sedros and Gru, and defeat was inevitable. At this time, the Ernie family would naturally seize the opportunity to use their own people to take over the general's position, but the military would not easily agree. At this time, his daughter's marriage had already made him a member of this family, and as the Minister of Military Affairs, this subtle position would immediately produce a magical effect. Therefore, all the plans that had been brewing for a long time would soon enter a climax-like good ending, so even he, who was old and cunning, couldn't help but feel a little excited.

  However, there is still an unexpected factor that worries him. The worry is that there is an important person he has not yet won over. Although this person does not intend to get involved in the muddy waters of politics, if the things they hold in their hands are revealed, it could send them tumbling down into the depths of hell at any moment. Even if it's just a one-in-ten-thousand possibility, it's still too dangerous. And yet, this danger cannot be eliminated by force or direct means. This person is also the most difficult opponent the Duke has ever encountered, completely immune to wealth, power, and status, and even using emotional manipulation as a last resort has proven ineffective.

  The duke is almost always thinking about how to deal with this person, and once he's settled, everything will be perfect.

  The Duke's deputy, Knight Klaus, was arranging the documents that had been sent over. Although he was getting married tomorrow, his face didn't show any fluctuations, and he was still putting all his thoughts into these official matters. After all, this marriage was also just an 'official matter'.

  A man dressed as a pastor hastily walked into the study. This was a 'sentinel' planted by the Duke in the Magic Academy. In every institution and minister's mansion within the imperial capital, there were people arranged by the Duke, so that as soon as anything unusual happened, the Duke could receive news at the first time and react quickly.

  The duke was well aware that intelligence is always the most important thing on the battlefield. The officialdom is also a battlefield, and it's a more profound, mysterious, technical and artistic one.

  This outpost brought a very valuable message. The prime minister came to the Magic Academy this morning to ask the Archbishop to appoint his son as the divine officer for this dispatch, but the Archbishop later consulted with several high-ranking divine officers and decided to appoint someone else.

  The duke smiled slightly. According to the news from the West, the prime minister's eldest son had already caused the deaths of hundreds of magicians, and this time it was inevitable that he would hit a wall. He asked: "Who is the candidate? Which minister's son is it? From the military?"

  "It doesn't seem like it's one of the sons of the high-ranking officials in the court, a very strange name... hmm..." The spy furrowed his brow in thought. "Seems to be called... Asa."

  Next to him, Klaus frowned. In his unique memory, only titles with power and authority were stored, but this name was an exception, and the lowly plebeian name that he hated the most could not be forgotten. This reality had always made him feel annoyed. Now he heard this name again. The key is that this name has already been linked to power and authority, and it must occupy a place in his noble memory space. He felt like being forced to swallow a cockroach was disgusting.

  But as soon as the duke heard this name, he immediately slapped the table and shouted: "Good." It wasn't just his mouth that shouted, even the expression on his face seemed to have spelled out a 'good' character.

  The duke waved his hand and let the spy return to his post. He saw Klauvis's puzzled eyes, smiled slightly and said: "Do you know the story of boiling a frog in cold water?"

  "I don't know." Klauwens had never known what story he was waiting for the duke to explain.

  "When a frog is suddenly thrown into a pot of boiling water, it immediately jumps out in pain. But later, when it falls into a pot of cold water, the water is cold, but the fire underneath is slowly burning. The water slowly warms up, and the frog is unknowingly cooked to death." The duke smiled with an epicure's delight. "As long as you're willing to take the risk, what's the problem?" He waved his hand grandly like a master chef. "Immediately prepare the most exquisite and expensive invitation card, with golden foil lettering. Then have someone deliver it to this soon-to-be-appointed official. Be sure to invite him to attend the wedding tomorrow."

  The duke was too elated by his own triumph to notice the displeasure on Klauw's face.

  The next day, almost everyone in Wangdu had been eagerly awaiting the wedding ceremony was finally held.

  The groom is the noble son of the Erni family, recognized as the first knight of the imperial capital, the captain of the Holy Knights' squad, and the disciple of Roland. The bride is the daughter of Duke Mlak, the Minister of Military Affairs, whose career is also on the rise. This is indeed a good marriage that brings together two influential families. Both the military and the Erni family, who are like fire and water in the imperial court, are delighted with this marriage and are thinking about the benefits that their own people will bring to the other side's camp.

  And for the ordinary people waiting to see the excitement, this wedding was absolutely not disappointing. Dozens of ceremonial knights escorted a snow-white carriage to the magic gate, with a bright red carpet stretching from here all the way to the entrance of the grand church, lined with children holding flower baskets on both sides.

  When the newlyweds stepped out of the carriage, everyone couldn't help but let out a burst of admiration.

  The groom was tall and handsome, with a head of golden hair that matched his knight's armor, radiating charm and brilliance like the legendary sun prince. The bride wore a snow-white wedding dress, her light veil unable to conceal her beautiful features and raven-black hair, while the elegant and poised demeanor she exuded with every gesture left all who beheld her enchanted.

  As the couple walked onto the red carpet and stepped towards the sacred hall, hundreds of children standing beside the carpet picked up petals from their baskets and threw them into the sky. The solemn wedding march also began to sound from the hands of the royal orchestra. For a moment, flowers filled the sky and music surged like a tide.

  But in the midst of this joyful and festive atmosphere, people around the newlyweds could sense a hint of discordant chill.

  Klauvis forced a faint smile on his face, though he couldn't find any reason to smile in his heart. This was work, part of the job, an indispensable procedure, and he could be free after holding on for a few more hours, he kept telling himself. Even through the armor, he could feel that the other hand clasping his arm was so soft, but Klauvis would rather have a wooden stump hanging from his own arm than this woman who didn't take him seriously at all.

  Xiao Yi only felt that she was holding a wooden stick. Looking at the petals flying in the sky for her, listening to the music and cheers ringing out for her, yet in her heart there was only silence.

  The priests stood neatly on both sides of the grand church to bless the newlyweds, and the high priest stood on the altar smiling as he waited to host this grand wedding.

  The archbishop is nowhere to be found. He's probably discussing their important matters with him right now. Xiaoyi recalled the conversation she had with the archbishop that night.

  In front of Bishop Ronis, she didn't dare hide anything and told him about her desire to run away with him.

  "Didn't you promise your teacher, Sedros, that you would come back and fulfill the engagement?" The bishop smiled, without any blame in his tone, but Xiao Yi's face turned red.

  "I know. For young people, emotions are indeed the most beautiful thing, and there's nothing that can't be given up for them. You're not wrong... but you can't do this. Do you know what will happen if you run away? Your father's military power may be lost. Whether it's the military or the Ernie family who gets the military power, the next thing will be a great war between the empire and Oufu. Even if we can make peace in the end, there will still be tens of thousands of soldiers dying, and the empire and Oufu will have a deep-seated grudge against each other, which is not good for anyone."

  Xiao Yi bit her lip and replied in a low, melancholy tone: "Yes."

  "And even if it's for his own good, you shouldn't go looking for him." Bishop Ronis' voice was soft and benevolent, but left no room for compromise. "There are many important responsibilities that will soon weigh on his shoulders, and a very bright future ahead of him. If you run away with him now, this fine young man may be ruined by romantic entanglements. I'm telling you..."

  After listening to Bishop Ronis' words, Xiao Yi fell silent for a long time before finally bowing her head and responding: "I understand. I shouldn't delay him..." She lifted her head one last time to gaze at the large mansion in the west that was already vaguely visible, then turned around and headed towards the Duke's Manor.

  Bishop Ronis looked at the back of Xiao Yi disappearing into the darkness and sighed, turned around and originally wanted to continue walking towards the big house, but after thinking about it, he turned back to the Magic Academy again.

  "...Are you willing to marry this man beside you and promise to love him for all eternity?" The high priest's voice brought Xiao Yi's thoughts back to the grand cathedral, as he struggled to put on a sacred and benevolent expression.

  What is he busy with now? Is it for that great career to work hard in preparation? Xiao Yi was dazed for a moment, and replied softly: "I'm willing."

  As soon as he finished speaking, the guests around him burst into cheers. She turned her head to look at the hundreds of people in the church who cheered for her previous words, feeling a chill of confusion and loneliness.

  Asa is now alone in the big house, staring blankly at the corpses around him. The invitation sent by Duke Mlak has been crumpled and thrown into a corner of the wall.

  The archbishop waved his hand, and he quickly possessed a degree that had been refined for many years at the Magic Academy. The three high-ranking priests unanimously believed that he was an excellent student with outstanding abilities, making him extremely suitable for the position of priest. Moreover, he had always diligently guided the deceased in the warehouse where corpses were placed at the Magic Academy, demonstrating his devout faith.

  Shandoru heard this remark and exaggeratedly spat out a mouthful of saliva. But now he doesn't know where the old man ran off to, Asa wants to find someone to talk to but can't.

  He and the person who was thinking of him in a not-too-distant place almost simultaneously felt desolation and loneliness.

  At this time, in Bishop Ronis's bedroom elsewhere in the Magic Academy, Shandru was having tea with him.

  "After this, it's unlikely that I'll have such an opportunity again. I'll be very busy. You know, there's a lot of behind-the-scenes work to support a hero. " The bishop listened to the faint noise and music outside while taking a sip of tea. "Fortunately, we've made a good start."

  "What are you really planning to do with that kid?" Sandru, who had been quiet for a while, suddenly frowned and said. "Don't you think it's too much for him? That kid is obviously not cut out for this."

  "I will cultivate him gradually." Bishop Ronis smiled slightly.

  "It's not this issue. Don't you think his personality is fundamentally unsuitable for doing anything big?"

  "I knew, so I didn't tell him the truth about things, and let him gradually get used to it from small matters."

  Shan Drew let out a long sigh and said slowly, "It's hard to change one's nature. To turn a bird that was originally soaring in the sky into a lion, don't you think it's too awkward? That kid must be very uncomfortable, and probably will never get used to it."

  "But I have no choice." Bishop Ronis's expression turned gloomy. "You don't approve of my methods?"

  "I don't know. I'm just an old man watching over a corpse, that's all. Whether it's you or her, and whatever big thing you're going to do, I won't interfere."