Chapter 1902 - 522: The Backbone of the Duchy (Part 2)

According to Edward, the threshold must be at least higher than the wages of textile workers and dockworkers in Thunder City, after all, he wants to nurture talents who can decide the future of the duchy.

If he is unfortunate enough to bet on the wrong person, and that talent he has high hopes for uses the spoon he fed them with, yet after forty years hasn't learned how to feed themselves...

It would imply that Thunder City University has educated an unsuccessful failure, or perhaps produced a "genius" who does not belong to this era.

In any case, the cost of this "bad debt" will be borne by the Campbell Royal Family, as it's not as if they can force an old beggar with nothing to his name.

Of course, these "academic privileges" are solely for the Campbell people born on this land.

After all, it was built with the war reparations paid by the Campbell nobles, not funded by the Imperial Royal Mint of Aus.

As for those from city-states along the Vortex Sea or other kingdoms, they still need to pay a considerable tuition fee to enter.

At this moment, it is not just the father and son in the crowd looking at that badge, but also Professor Keynes standing at the school gate.

Although he is not Campbellian and has no interest in worldly gains, he also sees a different kind of hope from that shining badge—

He will make up for the regrets of his youth here.

The rain Professor Keynes once endured, the children will not have to endure again. He will do everything he can to hold up an umbrella that will shield them from the wind and rain.

"Mr. Principal."

A voice from behind interrupted Professor Keynes's thoughts.

He turned around to see a young secretary standing there, holding a stack of papers, respectfully reminding him.

"...The opening ceremony is about to begin, our students are already seated in the auditorium, only you are missing."

"I understand."

Keynes solemnly nodded, then reached out to tidy his robe and walked steadily towards the auditorium.

Through the long corridor, the once majestic prayer hall has now transformed greatly.

The stained glass windows have been removed, replaced with transparent clear glass, allowing the sunlight to pour in unreservedly, making the entire hall spacious and bright.

The Saint Sis statue standing at the end is still towering, but in front of it, a huge blackboard has been added.

When Keynes opened the auditorium doors, the noisy hall fell silent immediately.

It wasn't until the elderly professor stepped onto the podium that whispers began to spread again among the rows of benches.

Hundreds of young faces were seated below.

Most of them wore shirts or jackets sewn from coarse cloth, some from citizen families of Thunder City, others from remote rural areas.

Not long ago, church schools were their first choice, being the only path to becoming priests or lawyers.

But now, they can sit in this institution built by the Duke, receiving higher education just like the children of the nobles.

Of course, not only commoners sat here, the spring of Aus Calendar 1054 was still a time belonging to the nobles and the transcendents.

In a few seats close to the front, a handful of young people in refined clothing were seated.

Most of them came from emerging families rising in the Campbell Duchy, and had received quality education before coming here. At the same time, they, like their forefathers, are amongst the first to embrace change in this country.

Besides the prestigious figures of the Campbell Duchy, there are also foreign nobles who have paid their own way to enroll in this school. For instance, a young man named Gutaf stood out remarkably.

He looks about fifteen or sixteen, with slightly curly purple short hair and innocent, deer-like eyes, younger than anyone here.

Aside from his eyes, canines, and the aura he exudes, which are completely different, he bears many resemblances to Prince Colin.

For these reasons alone, just by sitting here, he drew countless gazes.

The surrounding students occasionally cast curious glances at him, even more intrigued than with Dean Keynes, with whispers barely audible.

It's said that this young student has already mastered the silver level of extraordinary power at a young age and showcased astounding talent in the entrance test!

Whether in the university of the Holy City or in Thunder City University, "genius" is always a hot topic of conversation.

Especially when this genius is so likable.

Feeling the intense gazes, Nanfu Colin's cheeks slightly flushed, he could only try to sit as straight as possible, staring unwaveringly at the blackboard ahead.

May Bayele be above...

Please pardon Nanfu Colin's irreverence, he harbors no ulterior motives, it's just that... humans are simply marvelous!

No one is bullying him!

At the same time, this is also the first time in his life sitting in a human classroom, alongside so many peers without horns or tails.

Although the Saint Sis statue behind the blackboard made him feel on edge, compared to that thrilling and sweet scent, this small flaw is something he can tolerate.

Keynes slowly ascended the podium.

He glanced around at the youthful yet energetic faces below, then lightly waved the magic wand in his hand, making a piece of chalk rise from the lectern and write two forceful words on the blackboard—