Concerned about the secrecy of Hanna’s situation, Ryu and Leanne made a magical contract to ensure that the information would not accidentally leak, even if they were to unintentionally divulge it.
Magical contracts were unbreakable as long as both parties did not agree to dissolve them.
Though they required mutual consent to be formed, that wasn’t an issue.
Ryu, who had witnessed his brothers’ genius, realized that his sister was a true prodigy, surpassing them.
Ryu went to the study and proposed something to Father Farza.
“Build a school?”
Father Farza tilted his head in confusion.
There was already a significant school in the neighboring Marquis Sugoella’s territory.
Ryu’s proposal seemed unclear to Farza.
“Yes, but not the kind of school you’re imagining. It would be a basic school to teach reading, writing, and simple calculations. Unfortunately, the literacy rate among the residents is very low. It’s low even within the country. Having individuals who can read and write is highly valuable. If the residents can read and write, it could contribute to the development of the territory.”
“…I see. Indeed, being able to read and write can prevent fraud during contracts, and residents won’t be easily deceived by calculations from other merchants. It’s not a bad idea for the residents to gain knowledge and become richer.”
“Yes. Those who want to learn more could go to the school in Sugoella’s city. People who study there might return to contribute to the development of our territory.”
“Alright, let’s create a school. We can hire knowledgeable individuals like Professor Saiten, who appraised Ryu, and retired individuals who can read and write. That should work.”
The name brought back memories.
Professor Saiten, a knowledgeable person known in the royal capital.
Ryu hadn’t had any contact with him since the appraisal of his ‘Gokudo’ skill.
‘I should visit and greet him as part of the teaching request,’ Ryu thought.
Professor Saiten’s house was at the outskirts of Landmark Town.
It had been four years since their last meeting, and Ryu couldn’t remember his face.
As they arrived, they saw a man leaving the house, holding a watering can, presumably heading to the vegetable garden.
“Oh? An elf and a young boy… Ah, Ryu-chan, isn’t it?”
Professor Saiten noticed Ryu and Leanne, recalling the information he had heard or read.
“It’s been about four years. You’ve grown so much that I didn’t recognize you. Hahaha.”
Saiten warmly welcomed the two and guided them inside.
“Ah, that’s right. Is it okay if I perform an ‘Appraisal’ on Young Master Ryu after such a long time?”
When the two of them took their seats, Saiten asked first.
“Eh, ah… Sure.”
Ryu was bewildered by Saiten’s carefree attitude.
“…Oh! Unknown skill ‘Gokudo,’ with experience point increase! This is amazing. ‘Gokudo’ has turned ‘Jack of All Trades’ weakness into the best thing! Also, Ryu-chan, you’ve put in a lot of effort. With stats like this and an experience point boost, there probably isn’t a student like you in the Royal Capital’s Academy.”
Embarrassed at being exposed by Saiten’s ‘Appraisal’ skill, Ryu was relieved when Saiten praised his efforts in the end.
“I should write a paper about this! Sorry, Master Ryu, for using your time today…”
“No, no, we just arrived!”
Ryu hurriedly interrupted Saiten.
“Please, at least hear our business first!”
Saiten, realizing his mistake, apologized.
“Sorry… So, what brings you here today?”
Finally on the main topic, Ryu explained their intention to hire teachers for the new school.
“Well, I’d like to help, but with my research and paper writing, it’s hard to find time. Oh, but there’s someone in town who used to come to me to learn reading and writing. I can introduce you to them.”
Politely declined by Saiten, Ryu was introduced to an alternative person.
It turned out that this person, named Shikyo, was a skill holder with the ability to teach.
Currently working as a receptionist at the ‘Apothecary Guild’, she was willing to switch careers.
Ryu wrote a letter with Saiten’s recommendation and handed it to Shikyo at the ‘Apothecary Guild’.
Shikyo, with long black hair down to her waist and a slender figure, was a beautiful woman, making Ryu momentarily numb with the presence of an elf like Leanne beside him.
“From Professor Saiten?”
Surprised, Shikyo read the letter and her eyes sparkled.
“I’m Shikyo. Please let me do this!”
Although Ryu was taken aback by her immediate decision to leave her current job, he entrusted her with the task since she seemed genuinely enthusiastic.
