Consultation with Marquis Vardmoi
That day’s meeting ended there.
It was decided that a follow-up discussion would be held later, this time including Marquis Vardmoi as well.
However, it seemed that the general consensus was that proceeding with the school plan was too hasty.
“I understand the desire to increase places of learning. However, even if you add more, unless you have a clear purpose for what you want to achieve by doing so, people won’t gather.”
“I see… May I ask how you attract people, Marquis Vardmoi?”
“Well, it’s not me so much as Lily here. You’ve heard the story, haven’t you? By providing free lunches, she reduces the burden of childcare, and students can train under skilled artisans sent from various guilds, honing their craft. Since this includes the Trade Guild, they naturally come to learn the importance of reading and writing.”
“I see. Then perhaps we could try that as well…”
“It won’t be as easy as it sounds. Regarding the lunches, each school provides enough food for all students. This is possible because Lily oversees the entire food supply network and can buy surplus ingredients cheaply. Getting people dispatched from the guilds also isn’t easy. You’re rushing things too much.”
“I see… I just wanted the children of our country to learn more about the wider world.”
According to Kiri, her nation doesn’t have much contact with other countries and is somewhat closed off.
That’s why she wants children to study, learn about the outside world, and broaden their horizons.
Hmm, I see.
“By the way, Kiri, was it? You’re from the ‘Isles of the Eight Gods,’ yes?”
Plum, who had been listening quietly until now, suddenly addressed Kiri.
I wonder if this “Isles of the Eight Celestial Thrones” is the name of her country?
“Yes. I’m from the Isles of the Eight Gods, but…”
“Then your country has diplomatic ties with my homeland, the Darshe Principality. Would you be open to sending students abroad to study?”
Study abroad, huh.
If they went to study in the Darshe Principality, that might help them become more interested in the outside world.
That might actually work.
“If such a thing is possible, I would be most grateful. But… can you make such a decision on your own?”
“Well, I’d have to ask Duke Sazaby back home, but it should be fine. He’s my father, and I’ve never heard of our diplomatic relations being strained. Let’s both take this idea back and discuss it further.”
Kiri looked surprised upon hearing Plum refer to the Duke of Darshe as her father.
Well, of course she would be—normally, a princess from the Darshe Principality wouldn’t be working as a bodyguard for a merchant.
Yeah, I totally get how she feels.
What do you think about this chapter?
Thanks for the treat.