Chapter 216: Attending the Banquet

Chapter 216: Attending the Banquet

TL: Etude

As February approached, in the time following the New Year, Eileen meticulously organized her grand educational plan. After receiving official approval from Paul, she ignited the first of the three proverbial fires typical of a new officials zeal.

Previously, the Administration Councils investment in education had been sporadic. At Eileens strong recommendation, educational funding was formally established as an independent expenditure, ranking alongside military, industry, and agriculture as one of the four main financial outlays.

The initiative began in Lakeheart Town. John Morrison, the former dean of Weiss Academy, had been dispatched by Paul to assist Father Anderson at the monastery, leaving the deans position vacant. Eileen took up the role without hesitation.

She conducted a baseline assessment for the current students, covering reading, writing, and basic arithmetic. Based on their abilities, she temporarily divided them into three grades and reorganized the teachers assignments, also instituting a system of regular exams to evaluate the students progress.

After a lengthy recruitment period, the number of teachers at Weiss Academy reached twenty. Now, their salaries were managed by Eileen, who had become the head of the Department of Education.

Eileen called a meeting with the teachers, announcing a new policy linking their salaries to their students exam results. Teachers with poor-performing students would face salary deductions, while those with high-achieving students would receive raises.

This new policy revitalized the atmosphere at the academy. Teachers who had previously been lax became diligent, and the academy was filled with their fervent admonishments to the students.

Gone were the days of laissez-faire teaching; the students easy times were over.VIsit n0(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

In addition to daytime education, Weiss Academys literacy night school continued, targeting adults who were busy during the day but idle at night.

Eileen decreed that teachers would receive a bonus for each night school member who passed basic tests in reading, writing, and arithmetic, with the bonus amounting to a per-student basis.

Consequently, some teachers began actively promoting the importance of education in the town and, in cooperation with soldiers, rounded up idle adults to attend night classes.

On February 3rd, the Center City was adorned in a festive atmosphere, its streets filled with early spring flowers. Street performers and minstrels showcased their talents in the city center, while housewives flocked to the shops for big purchases due to city-wide sales, in anticipation of the birthday of the citys lord, Duke Ferdinand, the next day. Under the supervision of his brother, Viscount Henry, the celebration was to be grand.

Approaching the city gates was a convoy, led by a rider holding a flagpole topped with a flying dragon flag, signifying Paul and his entourage arriving to attend the Dukes birthday banquet.

Among the group, only Cecil, Bryce, and Ladi remained calm. Cecil and Bryce had been to Cent several times before, and Ladi, being from the Horn Bay Alliance, was well-traveled.

As they toured, they made their way to the lords mansion. Although the streets were bustling, people conscientiously cleared a path for the entourage bearing noble flags.

At the entrance of the lords mansion, they were greeted by a well-dressed, meticulous official, as courteous as Philip the butler. Paul and Malron handed him their invitations.

Grayman family Ganard family The official, wearing a monocle, verified the invitations and counted Pauls entourage before instructing a servant.

He then slightly bowed to Paul and the others, saying, Lords, please follow the servant to the quarters prepared for you. We will notify you when the banquet is about to begin.

Are we to fend for ourselves for dinner? Paul thought, his stomach growling. He had hoped for a hearty meal upon reaching the lords mansion.

After settling in a nearby estate provided by the lords mansion, Paul couldnt wait to ask Bryce and Cecil, who were familiar with the area, to lead them to a restaurant.

Upon their return, the soldiers reported that a nobleman claiming to be Henry Ferdinand had come looking for him.

Wasnt that the Dukes brother? Paul wondered, realizing he had no acquaintance with him.

Turning to Malron, Paul asked, Do you know him?

Malron shrugged, Never met the man.

Cecil then whispered to Paul, Ever since his brother, Duke Ferdinands health deteriorated, Viscount Henry has been quite active, making connections with other nobles.

Paul couldnt help but wonder if this banquet would lead to some dramatic twist.

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