The Tutors' First Meeting

Toward evening, in House Boreas's reception room.

"Lady Alice's attitude toward her lessons lately... has indeed improved a great deal."

Teacher Edna was the first to speak, her tone carrying a hint of relief.

But then, an unmistakable helplessness surfaced, and she let out a soft sigh.

"It's just that... Lady Alice truly finds it very difficult to understand and memorize those rules of etiquette and historical events."

"I've tried many methods, but none of them have been particularly effective."

Cui Ciyou nodded and added,

"It's the same with arithmetic, reading, and writing."

"Alice works very hard; I can see that much. But she seems to have trouble grasping the logic and patterns behind them."

"Traditional teaching methods may be too abstract and dull for her."

"Her swordsmanship is fine," Ghislaine added succinctly, as sparing with words as ever.

She folded her arms and leaned back in her chair, looking rather smug.

"I know her swordsmanship is fine, Ghislaine." Cui Ciyou glanced at Ghislaine and sighed inwardly.

You're practically an adult version of Alice. No wonder the two of you keep getting along better and better.

Cui Ciyou cleared his throat and set aside the tangled thoughts in his mind.

"Many times, people can't only do what they're good at or interested in."

"Perhaps we should try to find a new method that will let her willingly accept and work hard to master the things she isn't good at, but which are just as important."

"Then... Mr. Ciyou, do you have any good ideas?" Teacher Edna asked expectantly, looking at Cui Ciyou.

Over the time they had spent together, she had discovered that although Cui Ciyou, her colleague, sometimes seemed rather aloof and quiet,

when it came to observing and solving problems, he always came up with unique ideas that were unexpected yet often effective.

She attributed this to Cui Ciyou's unusual "modern person" way of thinking.

"I do have an idea, though it isn't fully developed yet."

Cui Ciyou nodded without keeping them in suspense.

His gaze swept across Ghislaine and Teacher Edna's faces as he explained his new plan in detail.

"Since Alice finds those abstract theories and rules difficult to understand, we should make that knowledge as concrete and visual as possible, while cleverly combining it with the area that interests her most—swordsmanship and combat."

Put simply, it's just a basic interest-based teaching method, with text turned into images added in, Cui Ciyou thought.

And the deliberately arranged break earlier also gave Alice some time to relax and adjust on her own.

Then again, the overall standard of education in this world really does seem rather low.

But there's nothing to be done about that. It is a medieval fantasy world, after all.

Cui Ciyou continued, "My suggestion is simple: spark her interest in learning and create a positive learning environment."

"Specifically—"

"Have someone accompany Alice in every lesson."

"For example, during the afternoon arithmetic, reading, and writing class."

"Ghislaine should no longer merely watch from the sidelines. Instead, she can act as... a second student and learn alongside Alice."

"Huh?"

At those words, a very obvious look of surprise appeared on Ghislaine's bronze face, as though she had heard something utterly absurd.

"I... have to learn too?"

"That's right."

Cui Ciyou nodded firmly, a slightly wicked smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"I feel that the way you two think may be very similar in certain respects."

"During the learning process, you can discuss things and inspire each other."

"That will greatly ease Alice's loneliness and frustration when facing difficult problems alone."

"And if even you can learn it,"

"she'll naturally think, 'If Ghislaine can learn it, then I definitely can too.' That's a powerful psychological suggestion."

Then Cui Ciyou changed the subject, a trace of mischief entering his tone.

"Besides, having some basic arithmetic and financial skills would be good for you too."

"It's better than ending up penniless again, reduced to eating monster dung or unknown poisonous insects, then nearly dying of food poisoning, isn't it?"

"What do you think, Ghislaine!"

Cui Ciyou teased Ghislaine one last time with malicious delight.

Upon hearing that, Ghislaine's expression instantly changed from surprise to livid.

The veins on her forehead bulged, and dark lines immediately covered her bronze face.

Ghislaine glared fiercely at Cui Ciyou, her teeth grinding together.

But the painful memory of nearly starving to death won out in the end, and she forced out a few words through clenched teeth.

"Fine! I'll... learn!"

What an awful personality, Ghislaine cursed viciously in her heart.

Cui Ciyou smiled in satisfaction, then turned to Teacher Edna.

"And I can accompany her in Teacher Edna's etiquette and history classes. We can also try teaching in ways that better suit her interests."

"For example, in arithmetic, instead of merely using pebbles as teaching aids, we can use the number of sword swings, attack hit rates, and similar things for practical arithmetic lessons."

After a pause, Cui Ciyou continued.

"As for noble etiquette and history, I suggest we make greater use of situational simulations and role-playing."

"Teacher Edna can set specific scenarios and explain the relevant rules and historical background, while I can play different roles and interact with Alice."

"Let her personally understand the use of that etiquette in real social situations through acting it out, and experience firsthand the grandeur and turbulence of those historical events."

"We could even present famous historical battles or major decision-making processes in a manner similar to a 'sand table exercise.'

"Let her take part as a 'commander' or 'decision-maker,' thinking and making judgments."

"That way, she'll certainly retain a much deeper impression of this knowledge."

Teacher Edna's eyes sparkled repeatedly. She was clearly deeply drawn in by Cui Ciyou's bold and creative teaching idea.

"Combining history with warfare strategy... weaving etiquette into interesting social games... This... this is a brilliant idea! Perhaps... perhaps it really could work!"

Finally, Cui Ciyou summarized.

"Then let's give it a try."

"Tomorrow morning, Teacher Edna will handle the 'situational teaching' for etiquette and history, with me participating as Alice's 'classmate.'"

"In the afternoon, I'll lead the 'practical teaching' for arithmetic, reading, and writing, while Ghislaine participates throughout as a 'classmate.'"

"The evenings will remain free time, and the arrangement of one rest day every three days will remain unchanged."

"Does anyone have any objections?"

Ghislaine curled her lip but said nothing, tacitly agreeing.

Teacher Edna nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with enthusiasm.

Thus ended the first meeting of the tutors gathered around Alice Greyrat.