Chapter 1798 - 499: Two Families Becoming One

"To be honest, I indeed intend to push the reform into the education sector. Most schools in Thunder City are controlled by the Church, and our best talents have gone to study theology, which I've always felt is a waste."

Objectively speaking, Church schools have improved the duchy's literacy rate and filled the gaps left by the feudal lords.

However, the duchy no longer needs priests to do this. With their greatly enriched productivity, they can completely rely on national power to advance more specialized education.

Edward sees not only the immediate impact but also the long-term picture.

A group of theologians studying scriptures are not only of no benefit to the duchy's development, but will also continually generate more conservatives.

A scholar who spends decades in the theological field has bound his life completely to the will of the Divine.

In his eyes, anyone who wants to move a brick on that church is like taking his dog's life.

His opponents have not only been the traditional nobles led by Earl Derek but also the priests in the church.

He hasn't offended many clergies, so the priests only have minor complaints and haven't explicitly opposed him.

That might change in the future.

Luo Yan listened quietly.

He wasn't surprised by Edward's insight; it was all within his expectations.

"...So, I plan to completely change this!" Edward's eyes burned with flames of ambition, presenting the blueprint in his heart to his most trusted ally, "I plan to emulate the 'Academic State' and establish a completely secular 'Thunder City University,' focusing on cultivating talents truly useful to the duchy—especially those proficient in magic and alchemy."

"At the same time," he added, "I also plan to emulate the Imperial establishment and set up a Royal Engineering Academy specializing in mechanical engineering and steam... The technology of the Gutaf Kingdom has shocked me and made me cautious. We cannot always rely on the Alien Race's mercy. I believe you must think similarly!"

This is indeed a grand blueprint.

Honestly, the Duke's performance was somewhat beyond Luo Yan's expectations, making him exclaim in genuine admiration.

"I greatly admire your idea. I have no doubt... the future Campbell people will thank you for your decision today!"

"Hahaha, you flatter me." Edward modestly waved his hand, then leaned slightly forward to finally reveal the true purpose of his trip, "Prince Colin, to realize this blueprint, I need an experienced guide."

Before Colin could speak, he stared intently at this prince from the Imperial, continuing in a sincere tone.

"You have experience serving as a professor in the Academic State. Could you provide more counsel for Thunder City University's establishment? If you don't mind, we would like to invite you to serve as the first president! Or even honorary president would work!"

He didn't actually expect Prince Colin to become the president, just hoped the well-informed prince might offer advice from an insider's perspective.

For the first time, Luo Yan's facial smile froze, a faintly perceptible astonishment rising in his otherwise calm eyes.

"...How did you know I served as a professor?"

If he recalled correctly, he'd only mentioned to a few Campbell people that he had "studied" in the Academic State.

This is common among nobles, especially in the Imperial, but "study" and "teach" are clearly two different concepts.

Was the act bungled?

Seeing Prince Colin's surprised expression, Edward smiled apologetically and then summoned his servant, retrieving an envelope sealed with a magic seal.

"This letter arrived at my court early this morning. My steward didn't recognize the sender but saw your name on the envelope, thinking it was a friend in the Holy City who couldn't determine your exact location here... So he presumptuously accepted it on your behalf."

Edward placed the letter on the table and gently slid it over.

"Of course, I haven't read the contents, but..." he pointed to the front of the envelope, at the recipient's location.

Clearly written there—

[Professor Colin - Personal]

Luo Yan's gaze froze on the beautiful handwriting, falling into silence for a moment.

The Castelion family's fire wax seal.

It's clearly sent by Ophelia.

"One reason for my visit was to personally deliver this letter to you."

Observing the silent Colin, Edward's tone was extremely sincere.

"Of course, if this is merely a misunderstanding on my part, please forgive my presumptuousness, and consider it unmentioned... We just desperately need a gentleman like you with both knowledge and vision."

Edward faintly felt that Prince Colin might not want to disclose his experience in the Academic State.

Although puzzled, he wasn't planning to ask further.

After all, the Academic State is beyond Campbell Duchy's view. Intruding into unrelated matters would only disrupt his original plans.

Maybe...

The teaching memories weren't pleasant.

Thus, he finally offered the prince a way out.

Luo Yan pressed his brow in thought for a long time, finally sighing before giving a vague response.

"...Prince Edward, your invitation is quite unexpected, please allow me a few days to consider before responding."

"Understood!"

Seeing Prince Colin didn't outright reject him, Edward felt delighted knowing there was hope.

So he shifted the subject, chatting about the scenery of Spinor Earl's Domain.

By now, Luo Yan understood that this diligent duke indeed came looking for him about university matters.

Not far away, Nanfu had climbed near the fountain with the little ancestor on his back, appearing nearly exhausted—not because of Lino fussing too much, but mainly due to the sun.

Meanwhile, the two heroes were brightly following behind Vivian, having become her little brothers—

"Lord Demon King!"

"Your Majesty, where are we going to raid today?"

"Kukuku, about five hundred meters from the manor, there's a church. You guys go dismantle it for me."

Even if the duke can still laugh heartily, sitting beside sipping tea, Prince Colin can't remain calm any longer.

If not addressed, Hell's chaotic winds will blow right to his doorstep.

"Vivian."

Luo Yan's voice was light, like the breeze through the hedge, yet it made Vivian kneel down with a thump, knees weak and trembling.

The fear deep in the soul was awakened.

However, clearly, this little Overlord accustomed to rampaging in Demon City was not yielding, instead stubbornly raised her arm to wipe the nonexistent blood from the corner of her mouth.

"Kuh—Good move, ah, truly worthy of being a hero chosen by Saint Sith! It's, it's my loss, do as you please."

After speaking, she stealthily glanced at Luo Yan.

'How was my acting?'

Luo Yan: "..."

Seemingly foreseeing the impending storm, Vivian painfully closed her lightly trembling lashes.

Has the Demon King's ambition...come to an end?

Clearly, she was a bit too deep into the role.

This time Edward couldn't laugh, realizing it was clearly child's play, yet he felt those final two seconds weren't acting.

A false sense, perhaps...

"Hahahahaha!" After confessing to the false sense for two seconds, Edward used louder laughter to cover the previous unnatural hesitation, saying in a conspicuous manner, "Miss Vivian is indeed a fascinating girl, your companionship is quite delightful."

Luo Yan sighed.

"Perhaps."

Unlike old Edward, the two Little Edward, upon seeing Vivian's reaction, were wide-eyed, looking worshipfully at Prince Colin seated there.

Indeed—

This is the true Lord Demon King!

Simply remarkable!