A kingdom's literacy rate is less than 30%. The new rulers want, need, to improve that. Why? A literate, educated, population is a population that can help pull the kingdom out of the rut it's fallen into. -- Anon Guest
Pax Infernus was changing the world. Not just with a peace between realms, nor by banding together against mutual threats. This time, they were changing the world by helping within the allies' infrastructure.
Some joined just for the help that Pax Infernus could provide.
King Hyrcanus kept staring at King Kormwind's horns. When he wasn't staring at the devilborn ruler's horns, he stared at the casual way that Kormwind and his Human wife held hands. "I've noted that your -ah- policies... have created a benefit to your realms and their economies. I would appreciate a plan to uhm... enact... those changes."
"My eyes are over here," said the devilborn king, pointing out the glowing golden features in question. "You've never met a Hellkin before, have you?"
"It shows, doesn't it?"
"I can't say you're subtle," Kormwind smiled, showing off a mouthful of sharp-looking teeth. Providing another part for Hyrcanus to stare at.
His princess-consort, a relatively plain woman with a generous physique, didn't even look at Kormwind. "Dear," she gently scolded. "Focus."
Kormwind scoffed and tutted and sighed, "You never let me have any fun with them."
"You can play with him later. Now is a day for good deeds."
Not for the first time, Hyrcanus worried that he'd got into something far, far above his head.
"Fine. Seek out the people who can read, first, and find out which ones have taught their children. Prioritise those who have also successfully taught their neighbours' children. Those are your new schoolmasters. They will be the ones to hire educators from my realm, and some others in the alliance who are far enough ahead of you."
"I have a list," said the devilborn's wife, producing it from somewhere within her dress. "Ranked according to best results."
Oh. They already knew. The other nobles in Pax Infernus were right. The devilborn king knows everything. If you doubt that, he knows that too.
"Thank you," said Hyrcanus. "May I ask... why choose people within my realm as schoolmasters?"
"People trust these things better when they start within the homeland," said Kormwind. "An influx of foreigners is suspect. An influx of foreigners under the hire of a local... that's a little bit better."
[Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash]
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