Education Minister Seraphin Fistel strongly agreed with this, but he had views of his own as well.
"Your Majesty, knowledge is a double-edged sword. For those who can wield it and understand it, it is indeed a sharp weapon capable of changing the world.
"Just as it has been for you and many outstanding figures in our empire.
"But many people cannot understand it properly, making them very easily incited. Then there are those who can wield it yet use it to harm others, even to destroy the country.
"So we should put it in a cage and grant it only to those worthy of your trust."
Archbishop Rauscher also stepped forward to strike while the iron was hot.
"Your Majesty, the Bible teaches the people humility and obedience. Yet too much knowledge can leave people confused, even make them question their faith.
"Among those lost lambs, many lambs come to believe that they themselves are the shepherds."
Franz frowned slightly.
"It is precisely because knowledge is a double-edged sword that we need education to guide it. Relying solely on you noble elites, the nation's scientific and technological progress is far too slow.
"If only you could live up to even half the resources you command, this country would never have fallen to me to worry over!"
Franz then turned to Archbishop Rauscher.
"How many times have I told you? Knowledge and faith do not conflict. Why can't you understand that? Haven't you even read the textbooks compiled by the Church?
"You have utterly wasted the painstaking efforts of so many theologians and educators! Were loyalty education and moral instruction all for nothing?"
No one raised any objections, though Finance Minister Baron Bruck still offered a reminder.
"Your Majesty, if compulsory education is implemented throughout the realm, the fiscal budget