The officials selected in this examination were not enough for Lin Yan's current needs. After a brief period of training, they were assigned to their posts.
Upon taking office, they realized the unique nature of these positions and understood this was their opportunity. Consequently, they dedicated themselves to their work, while also hoping that the leader they now followed would conquer larger territories.
This would allow them to advance further and attain higher positions.
Lin Yan's army advanced more rapidly and occupied more land. They had become accustomed to this way of life.
Inside a military tent, Lin Yan studied a map spread before her. This map, meticulously drawn by Morris from an aerial perspective, detailed all the terrain with extreme precision.
Recently, many soldiers from the lower ranks had displayed their talents and been promoted to mid-level generals. Many of these mid-level generals were now capable of acting independently.
Lin Yan no longer lacked people to lead troops. She transcribed some military treatises for the generals to study and then used warfare to accumulate experience for them.
This kind of conflict was likely to continue for a long time, as the Empire's emperor and the Holy See had both declared war on her.
Initially, the Holy See had intended to establish friendly relations with Lin Yan, and the Pope had even dispatched an envoy. However, before the envoy could reach Lin Yan's estate, Lin Yan's letter had already arrived at the Holy See.
Because of this, she had essentially slapped the faces of more than half of the Holy See's high-ranking officials, leaving them with no room to maneuver and unable to back down.
Although the Pope wished to welcome Lin Yan back, he was unable to defy everyone on his own. He also realized that he was the only one who wanted Angelina to return.
Not to mention the high-ranking officials of the Holy See, even the Cardinal, whom he had always considered his successor, did not stand with him.
Thus, he had to abandon this idea. Coincidentally, Angelina's reply confirmed his suspicion that his desire to welcome back the former Saintess was merely a one-sided wish.
Seeing that this "Rose of the Holy See" had no intention of maintaining friendly relations with the Holy See, the Pope hardened his resolve and decided that her influence could not be allowed to expand further.
Judging by her attitude towards the Holy See's high-ranking officials, Angelina harbored resentment towards the entire Holy See. They absolutely could not afford to gain another powerful enemy like Jiao Ting.
She had to be eliminated while she was still weak. The Holy See needed trustworthy allies, not someone who harbored grudges against them.
Even with the elves and dragons standing behind her, they would be no match for the Holy See. Angelina was too naive to believe that the Holy See consisted only of those visible figures.
Her arrogant rejection of the Holy See's overtures was incredibly imprudent. Since she no longer wished to return to the Holy See, they would not allow this former Saintess, who had tarnished the Holy See's reputation, to continue to exist.
The Empire's army and the Holy See's forces set out together, preparing to conquer Lin Yan. Facing the combined might of these two behemoths, Lin Yan felt no fear.
She only regretted that if she had been given more time, she could have cultivated more talents in her academy. Then, she would not have to worry about the casualties of these soldiers.
Flipping through the map, Lin Yan marked several strategically important terrains.
"Morris, this time, I fear I will have to request the intervention of the dragon race."
Looking at the intelligence reports from the Empire and the Holy See, Lin Yan turned to Morris, who had been accompanying her.
"My dearest, we are at your service at any time," Morris said, offering a gentlemanly bow to Lin Yan.
Over the years, Lin Yan had continuously worked to awaken the bloodlines of the mixed-blood dragons. More than ninety-five percent of the dragons she had assisted had awakened their bloodlines and become true dragons.
The remaining ones, who had not awakened, had their physiques strengthened and their talents enhanced. Even if they could not practice magic, Lin Yan had found other cultivation methods for them.
This ensured their lifespans would no longer be confined to that of humans. Consequently, the number of dragon newborns had increased significantly in recent years, and there were fewer single dragons on Dragon Island.
Such immense kindness meant that facing the Holy See, or even the entire continent, felt like a worthy endeavor.
"The dwarves have finished a new batch of weapons. You will also need to help me retrieve them," Lin Yan's expression turned serious.
"This war will likely be a difficult one. Morris, if this war unfolds as I wish, then after it concludes, let us get married."
Lin Yan knew she was making a bold declaration, but she still felt confident she could achieve it.
Currently, her missionaries had infiltrated the entire Empire. They had initially preached among the common people, and later gradually infiltrated the nobility.
They had particularly cured many noble illnesses, allowing them to navigate the upper echelons with ease.
These individuals had brought Lin Yan a significant amount of intelligence and faith. Now, if Lin Yan wished, she could become a god, a god with divinity.
However, Lin Yan had suppressed her desire to ascend. Her emotions seemed more subdued now, which was why she wanted to marry Morris.
The faith and magic washed over her emotions and memories. Within the vastness of her memories, her twenty-odd years in the real world seemed insignificant and distant.
She could no longer recall the appearance of her assistant. In her current state, she was becoming unlike herself.
Fortunately, Ming Hao had stayed by her side, preventing her from becoming lost in this tide of faith and magic.
"Alright, my dearest, I will prepare a grand proposal and an unforgettable wedding for you," Morris said, understanding that Lin Yan seemed to be evading something upon hearing her agreement.
He also knew that her mention of marriage might have other motives, but because she genuinely loved him, he was content.
He would ensure Angelina's safety and would not disappoint her. Their story would become a legendary romance spread throughout the continent, and they would be the envy of all.
Now, the only thing standing between him and his wedding was the removal of the bothersome Holy See. Once the Holy See fell, he could take his beloved back to Dragon Island.
"Yes, I also hope our wedding will receive the blessings of the entire continent," Lin Yan said, offering him an expectant smile.
The Holy See's mobilization was not a secret. The Holy See had its enemies over the years, and its greatest adversary was the Dark Holy See.
However, the Dark Holy See knew that Angelina was a former Saintess of the Holy See. They disliked people of the Holy See, and even though she was a "former" member, they kept their distance.
Therefore, they did not come to seize any advantage. However, many people, upon learning that she was about to confront the Holy See, came to seek out Lin Yan and join her cause in resisting the Holy See.