Chapter 1904 - 522: The Backbone of the Duchy (Part 4)

Saint Sis above—

The collection here far surpasses that of any noble he visited on his journeys!

What moved him even more was that this noble prince was willing to entrust this precious treasury to him after just one meeting.

Taking the hefty brass key from Prince Colin's hand, Mr. Locke's eyes couldn't help but moisten.

He took a deep breath, respectfully nodded slightly, and performed the Imperial etiquette, offering the highest homage to the Prince of the Empire.

"Your Highness... please allow me to praise your generosity once more. You have lit a beacon for travelers exploring the unknown! The greatest honor of my life is having been born in the same era as you!"

Listening to the sophisticated praise, Luo Yan couldn't help but chuckle and said with a smile.

"You overestimate me, Mr. Locke. Books and money are but external possessions, the true treasure is people like you who are willing to lead others to open books. I hope your Encyclopedia will be completed soon, placing the final brick in this library."

Mortal flesh will eventually decay, and paper will one day turn to dust.

However, as long as there remains a Campbell person willing to step into this library, their knowledge and spirit will endure forever.

As a Divine, his epic ultimately needs mortals to sing it.

If one day no one remembers him, even if his creations still exist in this world, his Divine status would cease to exist.

Just like Linte Isaac.

Upon hearing Prince Colin's response, Mr. Locke's expression slightly shifted.

With unprecedented solemnity, he said.

"Your Highness, I certainly won't disappoint your expectations and will strive to complete the compilation of the Encyclopedia!"

"I believe in you, Mr. Locke. I too look forward to that day."

Luo Yan nodded with a smile, then took out a pocket watch from his chest to check the time, naturally concluding his conversation with the library curator.

"Since the key is now in your hands, I won't disturb you from embracing these new friends… The Grand Duke's carriage should be arriving soon. I've arranged to meet him in the school board's office; we have some trivial matters about tomorrow to discuss."

With that said, he patted Mr. Locke's shoulder and turned to walk out of the library, leaving this treasure trove of knowledge to those who truly appreciate it.

...

The applause resonating through the hall finally subsided, and the bustling crowd began to disperse, yet the exhilarated atmosphere lingered undiminished.

Not far from the monastery, in the administrative building, Duke Edward stood by the window of the school board's office, smiling as he gazed toward the entrance of the grand hall.

Students, having just ended the opening ceremony, were pouring out in groups, their faces glowing with excitement, like returning from a grand celebration.

These young lads and lasses chattered incessantly, seemingly discussing Dean Keynes' recent speech.

The Duchy's seedlings are growing robustly.

No matter how many times Edward saw this thriving scene, he never tired of it. Investing in Thunder City University was truly his most worthwhile expenditure of the year.

He used to worry that his children couldn't grow according to his wishes, just as he didn't become a Duke who valued glory as Aaron Campbell did.

But now, he no longer possesses that idea.

Even if his children take some detours in the future, those who once enjoyed the Campbell family's grace would help guide them back to the right path.

Of course, Edward didn't dare claim he was absolutely on the right path, for only the Divine knows what will happen in the future.

Perhaps Mr. Edward of Aus 1054 is walking a crooked path that little Richard might need to correct.

At some point, Edward began to feel much more peaceful at heart, unknowingly reconciling with that momentarily confused father.

Perhaps—

This is also the mysterious assistance of the Divine.

"I could feel your gaze from afar."

From behind came the sound of an opening door, and hearing the soft leather shoe heels on the floor, Edward guessed which gentleman had arrived.

With a smile curling on his lips, Edward turned to see Mr. Colin, who casually shut the oak door, and said with a smile.

"Then you guessed wrong. I really didn't see you just now, but I did see your brother, Mr. Gutaf."

"Seems I was being conceited," Luo Yan teased, then laughed and said, "How is it? Is my brother adapting?"

"I can only say, this university seems tailor-made for him!"

Edward laughed heartily and continued in a teasing tone.

"The only flaw is that our Mr. Colin is too popular; wherever he goes, he attracts a bunch of butterflies."

The remarks seemed to have a double meaning.

However, Luo Yan seemed to not hear Edward's probing "complaint," paying it no mind.

As a Demon King with so many aliases that even he could hardly remember them, he is an extraordinarily flexible person who can decide based on circumstances if he is part of the Colin family or not.

"I believe Gutaf can handle it well. Back on the Gana Continent, the child was very interested in humans."

"In..humans?"