I wanted to relax more and enjoy life, living like royalty and overspending as they do. Sadly, I had a lot of work to do. Early in the morning, I was in my big, spacious, and luxurious office with Anna. The door read "King ELFAN ACESO." Yes, I have a last name now. There is always a guard standing outside, his job being to inform me if someone is coming. Today I was expecting Vivia since yesterday I had ordered someone to tell her I wanted to see her.
Anna stood behind me, and I heard a light knock on the door. Anna answered, "Come in." Vivia entered, holding papers in her hands. She knelt down, bowed her head, and greeted me. I told her to have a seat. Because Anna was in the room, the mood felt awkward; however, I started to ask casual questions about her family to help her relax. I asked about the revolution, and they had 8,000 members. I was shocked because such an army could clash with a major noble family if they had strong backing. I signaled to Anna, and she took a piece of paper and handed it to Vivia.
"I plan to unseal the mithril mine." Her expression turned gloomy. "However, I am not going to force anyone to participate in monster subjugation. Instead, I am going to pay those who participate a monthly salary of 3 gold coins, and you will receive full details later."
"Your Majesty, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Why are you telling me this? I mean, you could have ordered the revolution to enter the sealed mine, and we would have gone."
"Because I want people to do things because they want to, not because I ordered them to."
"I see," she smiled.
"Did you bring what I asked you to come with?"
"Yes, here it is." Anna took the papers from her hand and placed them next to me. I had requested her to bring me evidence of their dealings with the Eclipse family. Some documents even had the third elder's seal. I wondered why she didn’t at least try to hide herself—the third elder, I mean. Elmacia also took documents from the Eclipse family and submitted them to Leona. After that, I discussed my plan with Vivia in detail since the revolution would be participating. Our meeting lasted almost four hours. I was satisfied, and she left the room. After her, a beautiful maid brought food, and Anna did poison testing as usual. After eating, we left and went to Leona's office. Why is her office bigger than mine? We entered, and after greeting Eli, she flew into my arms and kissed me. With teary eyes, she started complaining about her sister. Speaking of which, I never talked with her sister, and I had no choice but to take her side and comfort her. Her desk is too big, so both of us sat together. Behind us were Anna and Eli. A light knock was heard. Eli answered,
"Come in."
Two guards entered, escorting a beautiful woman with a good figure who was wearing glasses. This was Lilith Eclipse, head of the Eclipse family. The two guards bowed and left the room. She knelt down and bowed her head, "Greetings to the queen and the king," she said.
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"You may rise," Leona answered.
"Why did you try to kill my husband?"
She just looked at the ground and said nothing. Leona kept asking questions, and she kept silent. "I heard you requested that we can do anything we want to you and not touch your family. Am I correct?" Elfan asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"How dare you talk to my husband!!" shouted Leona.
I understand you are mad, but relax, I thought to myself. Even Anna and Eli were shocked.
"What is the punishment for attempting to assassinate a noble? Because to me, it looked like the assassin was aiming for my wife," Elfan asked as he turned towards Leona. She avoided Elfan's gaze and looked at the wall.
Elfan continued, "You have my permission to talk."
"The punishment is death by hanging for all family members, regardless of their status."
In this country, the ruling family has the authority to execute even major noble families. That is why the elders wanted the Vermillion family to rule since they are fair and just. If the Eclipse family got the throne, they would eliminate their rivals in the name of treason.
"Actually, we have decided not to kill you or your family. Instead, the Eclipse family will jump when we instruct them to jump. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Your family lacks military strength; however, you have many scholars, right?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Good. Here is your first order from the royal family: when you leave here, you shall divide all those scholars and command them to go to all parts of the country, including small towns in the countryside. They shall open schools to teach children how to read, write, and do arithmetic. At night, they will hold adult classes. We will provide the buildings and salaries."
She looked at me with a shocked expression. What were you expecting, lady? I thought to myself.
"After a few months, you will hold exams, and those who master the content can be hired as teachers, thus increasing the size of the school. As for school fees, it will be 2 copper coins quarterly from age 6 to 15, 10 copper coins from 16 to 21, and 5 copper coins for adults. Those who cannot pay can study on a loan and, upon finishing, repay their debt through labor. They will have options such as becoming a soldier, working in the mines, at the apothecary, or as a cleaner. Those without debt can join the royal academy, the academy of knights, or choose to work. Obviously, those who took loans will get paid, but we will also deduct money from their salaries in small amounts. That money will be reinvested back into education to build more infrastructure and accommodate more students."
"…"
Why are you not talking, lady?
She knelt down and shouted, "As you command, Your Majesty."
Leona smiled as she held my hand behind the table.
Okay, what is this one trying to do?
"You can also hire lesser nobles and work with feudal lords; however, if I ever hear you guys were using your status or oppressing forest or dark elves, there will be hell to pay!!!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"All those schools will report to you, and you will report to my wife. I hope you will not disappoint me, Lilith."
"I pledge my loyalty to the royal family."
This way, it will not be easy for her to betray us. We spared her life and family.
"As for the punishment for your crime, your family will have to share all research and discoveries with the royal family." Besides, I want to learn ancient magic, I thought to myself.
"From now on, you will hold the position of Minister of Basic Education."
"Be thankful to my husband because, according to me, the Eclipse family should only exist in history books now."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
After such kindness, it will not be easy for her to betray us. Not killing her or exterminating her family is a good move. Every time I want to implement something new, I know I already have their support. Now it's time to negotiate with the Adams family.