The problem was securing a school building, teachers, and students.
It was true for any era; if one was poor, children became laborers, and parents rarely let them go.
However, the situation in the current Landmark Territory was different.
Infrastructure was improving, and with the lord’s reforms, the citizens were becoming prosperous.
With prosperity came room for parents to consider their children’s future.
Immediately, the establishment of the school and its purpose were communicated to the citizens, and recruitment of students was conducted extensively.
Surprisingly, many were eager to send their children to school to learn reading and writing.
In no time, a whole class of children had gathered.
Some adults also expressed a desire to learn reading and writing at certain times.
The importance of literacy was something realized more by those who entered society as adults, and they often regretted not studying during their childhood.
Therefore, evening classes for adults were decided upon.
Shikyo and a few others were available as teachers, and Shikyo was assigned that responsibility.
Shikyo was enthusiastic and reliable, showing a personal attachment to the school and providing various suggestions.
With her foresight, it seemed like Shikyo could be trusted completely with the school matters.
Ryu prepared a blackboard for the school.
This was a request from Shikyo to have something to write on.
The process was simple, just using earth magic to clean the surface of a stone slab, but as long as it could hold chalk, it was sufficient.
Chalk was obtained from gypsum in the city, solidified to make it.
It was easy to make but very useful for the teachers.
Thin stone slabs were prepared for each student so that they could also write.
Writing and memorizing were best done together.
The drawback was that they would break if dropped, but with Ryu’s earth magic, they could be prepared in abundance, so there were stacks of spare slabs in the schoolyard.
The start of the school went smoothly.
Shikyo, who had been entrusted with everything, solved each problem one by one, and by the time of the first day, the classes were conducted without any hitches.
The students listened eagerly to the teachers, looked at the blackboard, and actively imitated the writing on the slate.
Erase and write, repeat.
Father Farza and Ryu, observing the first class from the corridor, felt a sense of accomplishment for the future of the Landmark Territory in this scene.
The feedback from the citizens was significant.
As days passed, walking through the town, words of thanks and gratitude were sent their way.
“I can read and write my name now!”
Although still at that level, with complete literacy, the potential would expand—being able to read books, perform calculations for work, and more.
Classes teaching reading, writing, and basic arithmetic were provided for free.
Although it was a burden on the Landmark family, they anticipated returns in the unseen future for the territory.
Also, dishonest merchants would be driven out of the town.
Those deceived by unfair contracts could avoid it by reading, and those who could calculate wouldn’t fall victim to embezzlement.
Ryu was convinced that this would happen in the near future.
Of course, even with literacy, some could still be deceived.
The old Landmark family was an example.
However, if they could read and calculate, sooner or later, someone would notice the fraud and come forward with a complaint.
At that time, the Landmark family could administer justice.
Imagining the potential expansion of the citizens, Ryu was excited and looking forward to it.
One day,
While walking down the street, graffiti was found on the road.
“I love XX!”
Or,
“XX is an idiot!”
It seemed like someone was using it for practice, but you shouldn’t mention real names.
Or rather, it spoiled the scenery.
So, Ryu immediately put up a sign.
“No Graffiti on the Road.”
The graffiti immediately stopped.
The citizens were becoming capable of writing and reading.
Ryu was pleased with that, but even more so, he was delighted with the citizens’ good sense to follow the sign.
