Chapter 69: Building Schools and Improving Roads
“The first matter is related to the training of young Elves. I have decided to establish a school in the Elven Royal City to cultivate the young members of our Elven race and provide better education for those who cannot find good teachers.
Of course, it’s not limited to just our young Elves; if any of you wish to study and improve in areas you aren’t proficient in, you’re welcome to join as well.
So, I hope you all can prioritize the construction of this school, as it will undoubtedly enhance the overall strength of the Elven race.
I sincerely hope that you will take the time to further your education. Our Elven lives are long and we can’t just stand still; we must dare to try new things.”
“Your Majesty, may I ask what subjects this school will be responsible for teaching?”
One Elven Lord voices his query from below.
“In my plan, the school will teach a wide variety of subjects. Besides the main focus on magic and combat skills that can enhance individual power, we will also impart general knowledge and guide the thoughts of young Elves to lead them on the right path. Later, if any Elves show interest, the school will intentionally cultivate their research abilities, allowing them to explore deeper knowledge together with specialized teachers.”
Airael responds.
“Then who will be managing this school?” Another Elven Lord inquires.
“The principal of the school will be His Excellency, Grand Mage Domiya.”
Airael continues.
“It’s actually Domiya!?”
The crowd of Elven Lords is shocked.
At the same time, they begin to have some thoughts of their own. Many of them are Mages, and if they could get guidance from Domiya, their strength might improve even further.
Airael sees that they have fallen silent.
She understands their thoughts.
Just like she mentioned earlier, not everyone is fortunate enough to encounter a good teacher.
Many waste time due to the lack of proper guidance and end up achieving nothing.
As for opposing Domiya’s appointment as principal, they would surely find a suitable reason later!
They probably can’t even convince themselves.
“Your Majesty, what do you need us to do regarding the establishment of the school?”
“If possible, I hope each of you can generously contribute some money, knowledge, and personnel to support the construction of the school. This is for the benefit of the entire Elven race!”
Airael’s last statement carries weight, standing firmly for the greater good.
The Elven Lords exchanged glances.
Money isn’t a problem; they can spare people too, but knowledge is a bit tricky.
The first two can be given and reclaimed later through various means, but knowledge, once given, is truly given away.
Seeing their hesitation, Airael adds, “Everyone, while asking you to part with your precious knowledge may seem to infringe upon your interests, I hope you can prioritize the greater picture. After all, only with giving will there be receiving. Today, you give one, and tomorrow, you might gain ten.
On this point, I believe you should learn from His Excellency Domiya, who has selflessly shared her knowledge.
Our Elven race needs us to unite like this right now.
Furthermore, the school I am establishing is not just a place for learning, it is also a research institution that will explore new knowledge based on current understandings.
If you can master new and more powerful knowledge, why hold onto old and outdated knowledge so tightly?
It’s like having the chance to get a fine sword, why cling to a rotten stick in your hand?”
Airael’s words paint a big and enticing picture for them.
Regarding that new knowledge, Airael truly has no intention of keeping it from them.
As she mentioned earlier, now is a time for them to unite.
Of course, it would be even better if they were willing to accept her centralized idea.
“Your Majesty, you are absolutely right! I was just being shortsighted earlier.”
After a moment of silence, one Elven Lord finally speaks up.
Airael deliberately looks over.
The speaker is a female Elven Lord with a mature figure, named Kairi.
To say, there aren’t many female Elven Lords among the current batch.
There are only three among the existing nine Elven Lords, counting herself because she is also the lord of Silnas Island.
Thinking of the lord of Silnas Island reminds Airael of the deceased Krul.
Then she thinks of Krul’s unworthy brother, Mork.
Her gaze then lands on Linis, who is currently turned away from her.
She suddenly feels that the past events may not be as straightforward as they seemed.
Based on her limited knowledge of Mork, she could tell he is a highly self-controlled Elf; otherwise, how could he have defeated the demonic power within him?
How could someone like that have committed such acts back then?
Could it be that the young man lost control?
Shaking her head, Airael decides not to dwell on it for now.
This is a meeting, after all.
When Airael returns to her senses, the Elven Lords have already shown no disagreement with Airael’s proposal for establishing the school.
“Very well, everyone, you have made a very wise choice. To affirm your readiness, after this meeting ends, I will take you to see a newly developed secret weapon.”
Upon hearing that there is a secret weapon to view, the crowd of Elven Lords becomes excited.
“Quiet! Quiet! Quiet!”
Seeing things escalating out of control, Linis steps in to maintain order.
Having governed the Elven race for so many years, Linis possesses substantial authority.
Soon, the venue settles down.
Every Elven Lord sits obediently.
“Everyone, I know you’re eager to see what this so-called secret weapon is, but allow me to keep you in suspense for a moment. Next, let’s discuss the second matter.”
Airael smiles and continues, “The second matter is quite simple. I hope that when you return to your territories, you can enhance the infrastructure within your domains, especially the roads, ensuring they are not only passable but as safe as possible. I don’t need to stress the importance of roads; I believe you all understand. To get rich, you must first build the roads. Once the roads are smooth, it will not only facilitate trade to help us earn more but will also stabilize your territories.”
The Elven Lords all nod.
This point indeed doesn’t require Airael to elaborate; they know it themselves.
Especially Mason, the benefits of improved roads in each territory are immense for him.
Then, Airael discusses a few more things with the Elven Lords.
Everyone voices their opinions, and issues are resolved where possible; if they can’t be solved now, they will be set aside for later. Overall, the discussion goes quite smoothly.