Chapter 66: The Big Benefactor Airael

Chapter 66: The Big Benefactor Airael

After summoning all the ministers, Airael set off once again for the Magic Research Institute.

Unlike yesterday, today her departure was quite a spectacle.

In addition to Celia and Aurora accompanying her, there was a royal guard of fifty following.

Such a procession easily drew the eyes of everyone on the streets.

“Is that Her Majesty the Queen?”

“I heard Her Majesty has completed her trials and the Grand Priestess is preparing for her to assume direct governance.”

“I wonder if Her Majesty will be as diligent as the Grand Priestess.”

“…”

Some elves speculated about Airael’s identity and began discussing among themselves.

News of the Queen’s return had spread throughout the city, and with Airael personally escorted by the royal guard, it was easy for anyone to conclude who she was.

Despite their voices being low, Airael caught snippets of their conversation.

However, Airael didn’t mind too much.

Though she intended to centralize power, she hadn’t reached the point of being so autocratic that the citizens couldn’t casually discuss her.

A degree of freedom of speech was still necessary.

As she rode past them on her unicorn, Airael acted as though she hadn’t heard anything.

Naturally, Celia and Aurora couldn’t say a word either, and they passed by nonchalantly.

Upon arriving at the Magic Research Institute in the west of the city, the guards at the door were quick to recognize Airael and proactively opened the grand doors for them.

Inside the laboratory, Domiya, who was still caught up in her work, heard that Airael had arrived again.

Though puzzled, she had no choice but to put aside her tasks to welcome Airael.

“Your Majesty!”

When she stepped out, Airael and her companions had already reached the entrance of the lab and happened to cross paths.

The royal guards stood by.

“Teacher Domiya, sorry to disturb you again today.”

“Your Majesty, your presence here denotes something rather important, I presume.”

Domiya spoke.

Just moments ago, she had thought this could only lead to one conclusion.

After all, how could Airael, who was about to assume governance, have the time to visit her twice in a row?

“You truly have a knack for deduction, Teacher Domiya. I indeed have an extremely important matter to discuss with you. Let’s talk inside.”

Upon hearing this, Domiya hastily made way for Airael: “My apologies! Your Majesty, please, come in!”

Airael entered along with Celia and Aurora, and together they headed towards Domiya’s office.

“It’s quite quiet in your lab today, Teacher Domiya!”

“That’s because I gave them a few days off, so they all went out to have some fun.”

“Teacher Domiya, you really care for your subordinates!”

Airael chuckled.

“Your Majesty is too kind!”

As they spoke, they reached Domiya’s office and settled onto the sofa.

“Your Majesty, may I ask why you’re here today in person?”

As soon as they sat down, Domiya directly inquired.

“Mainly two matters!”

Airael raised two fingers.

“What are they?”

“One is regarding the research funding we discussed yesterday. Early this morning, I summoned Minister of Finance Rugus to inquire about the kingdom’s finances.”

“What was the result?”

Hearing about her own research, Domiya immediately asked.

“Hehe, Teacher Domiya, guess what.”

Airael grinned mischievously.

“Judging by your expression, it seems there isn’t a problem!”

Domiya quickly replied with a smile.

“Yep!”

Airael nodded with a smile and then asked, “So, Teacher Domiya, is an annual research budget of one million gold enough?”

“Your Majesty, did you just say how much?”

Domiya thought she must have misheard.

“One million gold!”

Airael repeated, not batting an eye.

Though she had only a surplus of a few hundred thousand gold each year, her reserves were huge!

After all, she had a billion gold in inventory.

If so much gold wasn’t utilized properly, it would just go to waste.

Supporting Domiya’s research would be a great way to use it.

“Your Majesty, you can really support us with one million gold?”

“Of course! When a queen speaks, her word is absolute! Once I say it, I won’t go back on it!”

Airael puffed her chest out.

Her expression was so relaxed, as if saying this wasn’t a big deal at all!

Suddenly filled with excitement, Domiya rushed over and hugged Airael: “Your Majesty, you’re too good to me! So much better than that stingy Linis!”

“Teacher Domiya, please let go! I can’t breathe!”

Though Domiya’s chest felt soft, Airael was too overwhelmed to enjoy it.

In fact, she was really starting to suffocate.

“Lady Domiya, please release Her Majesty at once!”

Noticing Airael’s predicament wasn’t looking good, Celia, who stood to the side, immediately spoke up, ready to intervene alongside Aurora.

Fortunately, Domiya only lost control for a moment and quickly regained herself. She looked at Airael, who was adjusting her appearance, and said, “My apologies, Your Majesty. I truly got too carried away just now.”

“It’s alright!”

Airael waved off the concern with a smile as she arranged herself.

“Teacher Domiya, let’s move on to the other matter.”

“Sure! Go ahead.”

Domiya nodded and obediently settled back in her seat.

At this moment, Airael was her benefactor!

If she had known getting money from such a good student was so easy, she wouldn’t have sought Linis out back then.

That person was unbelievably stingy!

“I’m planning to establish a school within the Elven Race. The responsibilities of the school will be twofold: One is to create classes to teach eager elves various forms of knowledge, and the second is to conduct research just like you, Teacher Domiya.”

“But managing classes while conducting research might be a bit much, don’t you think?”

“It won’t be, Teacher Domiya. In my vision, the school will be divided into three levels: primary, intermediate, and advanced.

The primary level requires only basic knowledge, so the teacher’s requirements aren’t too high; a regular intermediate professional can take that role. The intermediate level involves teaching more profound knowledge, requiring a senior professional as a teacher. Finally, the advanced level is where it ties into the other responsibility of the school—conducting research.

Students reaching the advanced level, after completing the two lower levels, will have gained plenty of knowledge, allowing them to assist their teachers with research. In other words, the advanced level will be where students learn through participating in research until they can independently handle a project.”