A child's shout came from afar: "Out of bounds!"
The French was just as broken.
Then seven or eight indian boys came tearing over, only to realize they had caused trouble.
One boy of eight or nine hurriedly apologized to Napoleon. "S-sorry, honorable..."
He seemed to have forgotten how to pronounce the word.
Napoleon gestured for his attendant to return the ball to the boy and asked, "You're playing football?"
The boy stared at him blankly. He did not understand.
Carol said from beside him, "Yes, Major. They play football for a while after class. It's their favorite thing to do."
"After class?" Napoleon asked casually. "What are they learning?"
"French, of course. Whether they do business or deal with government people in the future, they won't be able to do without French."
Napoleon nodded. These Indians are learning rather quickly. He himself had studied French when he was eight, and he knew how difficult it was.
Of course, if he had seen Rahman's simplified French, he probably would not have thought so.
Some of the smarter Cherokee could even hold simple conversations after a year of study, like Carol. But to actual French people, their French was only barely understandable—and one had to fight the urge to correct all their mistakes.
The children left clutching the football, while Carol said with heartfelt emotion, "This is simply the best game in the world.
"Everyone loves it. After learning to play, the children even train for hunting and combat much faster than before."
Napoleon was somewhat surprised, but quickly understood.
Playing football required at least an understanding of teamwork, the importance of formations, and even how to command and obey commands. Those were all basic qualities of a qualified soldier.
*It seems football training will have to be introduced in the