73

During his stay in the Desinia Territory Malediz conducted a detailed and accurate investigation into what Cyrus had described as "writing the book of Tales of the Gods in order to sell clothes and improve people's cultural literacy."

He frequently took Paul to and from the cities of Visas and Komoy Fort, his thoughts so complex that they changed almost daily.

However, it cannot be denied that the long dresses and other clothing sold in the Rose Clothing Store are indeed very beautiful and novel. Even in the Saint Airo Empire, he had never seen similar styles.

In addition to long skirts, the shop also sells hats, scarves, women's shawls, stockings, shoes, and other women's clothing and accessories.

However, it does not sell men's clothing.

Malediz sent Paul inside to inquire with the shop assistants, and the answer he received was that they were not currently considering mass production of men's clothing.

However, customization is acceptable if needed.

Paul only understood after asking carefully.

Such customization is similar to tailors making clothes specifically for the nobility; the price varies depending on the fabric used and the sewing pattern.

The low prices make it affordable even for some ordinary people.

The shop even created a special style catalog for customers who want to customize their items, which is very convenient.

Paul: "Sir, how many more days do we need to stay in the Desinia Territory?"

Malediz looked at him. "What?"

Paul coughed lightly. "Sir, I... I'd like to order a complete set of men's clothing, if I have enough time here..."

Malediz silent, his stern face devoid of any expression.

Just as Paul was feeling uneasy, he heard the cardinal beside him speak, his voice slightly somber.

"Sure, could you also order one for me?"

Paul exclaimed with delight, "Yes, sir!"

He then proceeded to show Malediz the styles of men's clothing.

But seeing is believing, so in the end, the two of them went into the Rose Clothing Store together.

After deciding on the style of clothing, Malediz and Paul went to the vicinity of the school in Visas.

There are currently only two schools in the Desinia Territory, located in the cities of Visas and Komoy Fort respectively, and these schools are specifically responsible for teaching children to read.

However, there aren't many teachers there, and sometimes pastors come to teach part-time.

They walked on the clean streets, their feet treading on the asphalt concrete pavement. There was none of the usual stench in their nostrils. The clean and fresh air made them want to take a deep breath, and their bodies and minds relaxed completely.

Paul didn't dare say it.

He felt that the environment in Visas was better than the capital city of the Saint Airo Empire; every corner of the city offered him new discoveries and surprises...

If Malediz allows, he will certainly take a public carriage ride to the foot of Par Mountain on his return journey.

The school that teaches children is called Visas First Primary School. Soldiers guard the school gate and prohibit strangers from entering.

They were naturally stopped by the soldiers and asked to show their identification.

Malediz produced the certificate issued by Cyrus —a pale red Watermarked Paper with a word of approval written on it, along with the Rose Thorn Family crest clearly printed on it.

After checking the identification, the soldier respectfully asked, "Please come in. Would you like someone to accompany you?"

"No need, I just want to take a stroll," Malediz, shaking his head.

The soldier then stopped wasting words and gestured for him to come in.

It happened to be recess time at school, and many children ran out.

They gathered in twos and threes in the open space, some even turning their heads curiously to look at Malediz and Paul, who were clearly strangers.

"Excuse me, sir... are you new teachers?" a little boy suddenly ran up and asked shyly.

The boy's name is Doffer.

He was dressed in cheap, coarse linen clothes, clearly the attire of a commoner.

The other boy who walked slowly behind him was dressed in a much more exquisite linen coat and boots; he was a nobleman's child.

"No, that's not it," Malediz said with a serious face.

Doffer took a small step back, his face flushed. "I'm so sorry, sir. Bishop Grove said there would be a new teacher coming today... I thought..."

"I'm so sorry, sir, for disturbing you."

Doffer was very polite.

At Cyrus's request and after pre-school training, the school's teachers were not only required to teach students to learn and read, but also to teach them etiquette and behavioral norms.

Doffer was a commoner, and he cherished the opportunity to study at school.

Because of his naturally thin build, Doffer was not very strong; he struggled to even lift a bucket full of water, and as the older brother, he was not as strong as his younger brother.

Aside from doing some housework, he couldn't help his parents much with anything else, including farming.

Later, when the school in Visas was completed, the lord personally recruited students, and children of nobles, commoners, and slaves could enroll within a specified time.

However, there are age restrictions and the number of students admitted is limited. Tuition is free after enrollment, but students still need to pay for books and meals in the cafeteria.

Families of commoners or slaves facing hardship could apply for subsidies, which would cover half of the cost of books and food.

Unfortunately, even after the school was established, the lord's decision to personally enroll students and implement preferential policies did not result in a large number of applicants.

This is completely different from the situation when you signed up to participate in military recruitment.

First, there's the age difference. The legal age for military service is fourteen, meaning the benefits are immediately apparent. School starts at six, so what kind of knowledge would a group of children learn?

In most people's minds, spending money to send their children to classes to learn to read is less worthwhile than keeping them at home to help with chores.

This way you can earn more money.

Those who held such views were mostly commoners and slaves.

With their current mindset, they don't think about long-term planning; living well in the present is the most important thing.

In this era, a six-year-old child can already help with many things, and they see no need to spend money to send a child to school.

The nobles had the money to hire private tutors for their children, so why bother with school at all...?

Therefore, the initial results of establishing the school were even more disastrous than expected; very few people brought their children to enroll.

Schools are the first step in the development of culture.

However, this first step is the hardest to take; a change in mindset is more difficult than a change in behavior.

Doffer wanted to go to school, believing that becoming a knowledgeable person would be useful for the future; otherwise, why would the lord build a school?

There must be a reason behind this, Lord.

He went to study, and when he grew up, he took the exams to become a mayor and other officials...

But when Doffer finally mustered the courage to explain his thoughts to his family, he was met with their strong opposition.

His father believed that commoners and nobles could not possibly get along in the same school, and that he would definitely be bullied and looked down upon.

His mother was also worried about this.

Moreover, even if he only had to pay half the cost of books and the cafeteria, it would still be a considerable burden for a family like theirs over a month or six months. His younger brothers were still small and needed his care even more...

Doffer was initially persuaded by his family.

He missed the registration deadline for the school's first year and couldn't go. The number of students enrolled was pitifully small compared to the number of people drafted at the time, even though there were many school-aged children in Visas...

The following year, Doffer couldn't help but muster the courage to bring it up again.

He said in a weak voice, "I'm not afraid of being bullied or looked down upon... I... I went out and inquired, and the school only has five days of classes and two days of rest, and the class time is very short."

"I can come back early to help you and Mother with the chores, as long as... as long as I can learn to read and write, I'm sure I can earn a lot of money by finding a job later..."

Most importantly, a friend he used to know has changed a lot because of going to school... He's very envious.

Doffer didn't want to miss this opportunity to register.

He did everything he could to fight for himself.

The following year, the original intention behind the school's creation began to be recognized, and Doffer's parents finally agreed to let him go to school.

Considering the children's age, the school curriculum is not extensive, including literacy, basic arithmetic, etiquette and morality, and territorial laws and regulations.

Because Doffer mistook him for someone else Malediz took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with him and learned quite a bit about what was going on at the school.

Just before class started, Malediz saw the aristocratic boy behind Doffer grab his hand and run away, saying impatiently as he ran, "You're such a chatterbox. If we're late, I'll kick your butt."

Doffer chuckled, and the two of them, hand in hand, gradually disappeared around the corner.

Grove, who had been watching from the sidelines for some time, stepped forward, placed his right hand on his chest, and bowed. "Your Excellency Cardinal, Archbishop..."

He had heard about the people coming from the Saint Church.

I came to the school today to teach my usual class, but unexpectedly a pastor came to me and said that the two adults had first gone to the church and temple to pray to the Creator God, and then came towards the school, presumably wanting to take a look around.

Grove: "If you gentlemen would like to know more about this school, I can explain it to you..."

When Cyrus met Malediz and Paul, who had returned, in the castle, he suddenly realized that the cardinal's attitude towards him seemed to have softened considerably.

After dinner, Cyrus returned to her room to rest, but suddenly heard flapping wings outside the window, accompanied by the sound of knocking on the window.

He quickly got out of bed and opened the window.

The large Qing Tuan squeezed in instantly, chirped twice, and then affectionately nuzzled Cyrus's cheek.

Leaving aside the fact that Boris was far away in the Anas Empire, he was startled by the sudden appearance of the Qing Tuan in the middle of the night, and then he saw the letter tied to the Qing Tuan's paw.

It's too conspicuous during the day, so I came at night.

The letter was written in advance by Cyrus, explaining the details of the cooperation and asking Boris if he knew Cardinal Malediz Howard of the Saint Church.

Boris happened to know this.

However, it will take two more days to investigate and obtain detailed information about this cardinal.

Afterwards, Boris wrote all the information he had gathered in an envelope and handed it to Qing Tuan to take back.

Upon receiving the letter, Qing Tuan immediately flew back without delay.

Cyrus stroked the feathers of the Qing Tuan: "Thank you for your hard work."

"Chirp chirp."

Qing Tuan spread its wings and enveloped Cyrus, its blue-gold eyes full of affection. After hopping around a couple of times, it extended its claws for Cyrus to take the letter.

The letter contained information about Malediz, including his background and preferences...

After reading it, Cyrus raised an eyebrow. "This cardinal is actually from a commoner background... No wonder, his hobbies are..."

To rise from a commoner to the position of a cardinal in the Holy See... Malediz's methods and abilities are indeed remarkable.

Malediz's father had once saved a nobleman's life, and in gratitude, the nobleman allowed Malediz's father to make a request.

This requirement was that he wanted his son Malediz, to study under the son of a nobleman.

It was precisely because of this that Malediz had the opportunity to enrich his knowledge, become a priest, and later come into contact with different social classes, eventually becoming a cardinal in the Holy See.

Cyrus couldn't help but recall that Grove had sent someone to report to him about the day's events— Malediz and Paul had first gone to the church and temple, then lingered for a while at the Rose Clothing Store, and finally headed to the school.

Malediz spoke with Grove for a long time at the school.

Cyrus stroked her chin, thinking that today's trip to Visas must have left Malediz with many feelings, otherwise his expression upon returning to the castle wouldn't have been so complicated.

The Qing Tuan folded its wings and stood on the windowsill.

Cyrus propped herself up on her arms and sat down, leaning against Qing Tuan's warm body. She waved the letter in one hand and laughed, "Qing Tuan, do you know that sometimes understanding a person's preferences is equivalent to understanding their weakness?"

"And attacking this person's weaknesses is the easiest thing to do."

"Chirp."

The Qing Tuan tilted its head.

Its bluish-gold eyes stared at the constantly swaying paper, and finally, when it swayed close again, it pecked at it, tearing a hole in the paper.

Cyrus couldn't help but laugh, patting it and saying, "Stop being naughty, it's time to rest. Let's go to sleep, Qing Tuan."

After he finished speaking, he jumped off the windowsill.

With Qing Tuan dumpling flew down to a huge perch inside the house and preened its pure white, beautiful feathers.

Cyrus pulled the covers up and gradually fell asleep.

The room fell silent.

The next morning.

Cyrus summoned his servants to the vegetable garden to harvest all the beets he had planted.

Beetroot is a winter vegetable that matures in winter, but its growing requirements are very broad and do not require special attention. It can survive all year round when grown in a greenhouse.

Moreover, beetroots are usually harvested around May, so there's no problem picking them now.

In the afternoon, all the beets were harvested and piled up on the open ground next to the vegetable garden, with some tools that had been prepared in advance nearby.

Cyrus ordered her servants to wash the beets, then cut them into thin strips and place them in a bowl.

He had wanted to develop the sugar-making process from beets as soon as possible, but he was delayed by writing storybooks and expanding the clothing market. So he had Reinog research and make the equipment needed for sugar-making from beets.

Everything is now ready; we're just waiting for the final result.

The process of washing and shredding the beets alone took a considerable amount of time, and it wasn't finished until noon the next day. After that, there were steps such as juice extraction, purification, evaporation, crystallization, and drying.

The most important step is to boil the clarified sugar syrup in a large pot at high temperature, causing it to boil, evaporate the excess water, and finally form crystals.

After drying, drain off the excess water, and then sift to obtain pure white sugar granules.

The sugar-making process from beets lasted for eight or nine days, and even the air nearby began to fill with a sweet aroma.

This feeling was carried by the wind all the way to the surrounding area, and finally one day it caught the attention of Malediz.

From day one, Malediz had been very curious about what the young lord was up to in the vegetable garden.

However, Cyrus had previously issued an order that unrelated people were not allowed to enter or leave the vegetable garden without permission, and their meals were picked and delivered by designated servants.

Everyone in and around the castle followed the rules.

As guests, Malediz and Paul naturally had to respect the castle owner's orders. Despite their curiosity, they did not step into the vegetable garden, and rarely even went near it.

But that day, as he walked closer without noticing, he actually smelled a sweet scent.

Although it was just a little, it made Malediz follow the scent and walk for a while before realizing that he was almost at the vegetable garden.

By this time, the sweet aroma was already very pronounced.

Malediz stopped, looking quite troubled.

So when Cyrus came out of the vegetable garden, she saw the stern-looking cardinal pacing around in circles, looking hesitant and troubled.

Cyrus concealed the meaningful look at the corner of her mouth and coughed lightly.

Malediz stopped abruptly, his expression becoming even more serious. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought he was displeased with something, "What is my lord doing?"

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Cyrus: "It's not appropriate to reveal it yet, but I can give you a gift the day after tomorrow. Regarding what's inside..."

He left his words unsaid, allowing Malediz to ponder them.

The day after tomorrow morning, Malediz received a wooden box with a bow tied on the outside at his door.

He thought to himself that this must be the gift the young lord had mentioned, so he picked it up and turned to go inside.

Malediz sat on the sofa, removed the bow, and opened the wooden box—a box containing something round, flat, and irregularly shaped, with a slightly yellowish tinge.

A piece of paper lay on it.

Malediz up and read aloud, "Lemon, lemon, sugar."

Malediz's eyebrow twitched slightly, and his eyes widened slightly. He remained silent for a moment, then gently picked up a Lemon Candy and put it in his mouth.

--"Hmm."

The sweet and sour taste of the Lemon Candy made Malediz squint his eyes, but his brow gradually relaxed, and he exuded a sense of relaxation.

Three days later, Malediz and Paul boarded the carriage with a men's suit they had ordered from the Rose Clothing Store and a box of gifts.

They prepared to return to the Saint Airo Empire.

As he was leaving, Malediz to Cyrus with a complicated expression, "If ' Tales of the Gods 3 ' is ever finished, please be sure to send a copy to the Saint Church..."

Finally, thank you for your generosity.

Paul, remembering the box of valuable candies, couldn't help but take off his hat, bow his head in acknowledgment, and subtly express that he also wanted a storybook.

Cyrus smiled, her eyebrows curving upwards, and said, "Definitely. I wish you and the Archbishop a safe journey."