Gawain's sudden question left Norris momentarily stunned. He had already prepared himself for a reprimand, but he had not expected to face such a question—should he answer yes or no? Which answer would break the law?
After thinking for a long while, the old farmer decided to admit it honestly. More than one person knew he could read and write; if the lord asked around and learned the truth, then he really would be breaking the law.
"Yes... my lord," Norris said nervously, clutching the button at his chest. "I learned... to read and write."
Gawain raised an eyebrow, thinking that his judgment had indeed been correct.
Although Norris had not written a single word just now and had merely sketched a rough drawing, much could be judged from the way he held the pen. People who could read and write held a pen completely differently. In this world, where nearly everyone was illiterate, Gawain had seen how those who could not read gripped a pen and awkwardly drew lines on paper. The farmer before him, however, held it with obvious proficiency.
Even Heti looked at Norris in surprise. It seemed she had only just discovered this as well.
"Don't worry. Being able to write isn't against the law, and teaching others to read and write isn't illegal either," Gawain said, realizing that his abrupt question had likely frightened this honest farmer, so his tone softened. "Who taught you to read and write?"
Only after receiving the lord's assurance did Norris relax slightly. He rubbed his hands together and gave an embarrassed smile. "My lord, don't laugh at me when I tell you this... Back then, I almost entered the church and became a priest serving the Goddess of Harvest. I learned to read and write from a teacher then..."