Chapter 1913 - 524: The Rural Demon Is Truly Terrifying! (Part 4)

However, the facts turned out to be completely opposite to his worries.

After being deeply influenced by numerous real-life examples, the citizens of Thunder City came to understand the importance of knowledge. They burst with unprecedented enthusiasm for this 'catalog of all general knowledge'!

After all, nearly everyone in the New Industrial Zone had heard of Elsey, the accountant from the Horace Textile Factory.

The young man from the countryside used his accounting skills to make a fortune with Mr. Horace, not only becoming the factory manager but also moving into a large house with a courtyard!

Some might envy Mr. Horace's wealth, but no one envied Elsey.

Because they all knew he earned his money through skill, without stealing or robbing.

Such an outstanding individual, how could one not respect him?

Although those working in the factory felt their lives would likely remain the same, it didn't stop them from placing their hopes for a better future onto their children.

An encyclopedia couldn't turn them into geniuses overnight, but at least it could open a door connecting them to the world.

This wasn't just for the republic of the duchy or for the grand ambitions of the power-hungry; it was for themselves.

After all, a foolish peasant truly might spend a lifetime of savings on buying a rope to tighten around their own neck.

If everyone in Campbell Duchy were like that, even with Divine assistance, Duke Edward couldn't possibly win.

The Parliament of Thunder City, no matter how loudly they shout, would have to line up to hang themselves, along with those wealthy slaves.

No need for Chaos to do anything, nor require the money and guns from Ryan Kingdom.

Earl Derek alone could cut down these fat sheep and set a new example for the Land of Knights.

Fortunately, the Campbell people possess their own backbone, and even the textile factory workers realize the importance of knowledge.

Their Duke also wishes to pass on real knowledge to them.

After all, Edward is also a wise man.

More than anyone else in this duchy, he understands where his Strength comes from and how to maintain it!

...

At the Great Library of Thunder City University, Professor Ferguson, having traveled a long way, finished reading the first volume of the Encyclopedia provided by Professor Locke and spoke in awe.

"...It's truly unbelievable. I didn't expect you to actually complete it."

Seeing the astonishment on Professor Ferguson's face, Mr. Locke raised his eyebrows and, filled with enthusiasm, responded.

"Thanks to the support from Prince Colin, he provided me with the entire library and hired a large number of staff to help categorize these collections on different bookshelves. Not only that, but many learned gentlemen like you have joined our project, and the progress of our project could be described as rapid to say the least!"

An unexpected glance came from Ferguson.

"You also wrote letters to others?"

"Of course!" Locke shyly smiled, "After all, I didn't know who among you would come, so I called out to everyone I could, and you'll meet them tomorrow."

In order not to disappoint Prince Colin's trust, he had exerted all his efforts, utilizing the connections he had gathered over the past decade.

And as it turned out, there were indeed many interested in this Encyclopedia.

Some were attracted by the salary Prince Colin offered.

For example, an old associate of his was an Adventurer, who, half a month ago, was exploring the Maze in Doron Kingdom. Upon receiving the letter, he eagerly boarded a ship before even completing his mission.

Professor Ferguson didn't say much; he merely nodded, placing the book on the oak table.

Looking around at the bookshelves arranged like a Forest, he sighed and said.

"I'm not surprised by your determination, Mr. Locke. What surprises me is… that Duke Campbell would authorize such a publication."

A slight, proud smile appeared at the corner of Locke's lips as he replied.

"With Prince Colin endorsing it, I suppose Duke Campbell couldn't refuse."

Professor Ferguson looked at him, speaking seriously as never before.

"That's precisely the part I find most perplexing; the Aus Empire wouldn't wish to see such blasphemous works… Are you certain the prince sponsoring you is truly an Imperial prince?"

Locke was momentarily stunned, then laughed and said.

"Mr. Ferguson, can an Imperial prince be false?"

Ferguson responded with a noncommittal smile.

Can an Imperial prince be false?

That's uncertain.

History is not without cases of individuals impersonating Imperial princes to deceive, and quite a few succeeded.

The reason people aren't aware is the Empire's desire to keep it quiet, and the Kingdom is embarrassed to mention it, often accepting their misfortune, as they lack the silver coin to worry about such things.

Of course, Professor Ferguson did not believe the Prince was fake. After all, challenging the legitimacy of a title is a very serious accusation; he, a mere professor, would not be bold enough to place his head on the line for the honor of the Empire.

"...I don't mean it like that, Mr. Locke. I just don't understand why an Imperial prince would sponsor you."

Locke asked in confusion.

"Is there something wrong with what I wrote?"

"There's no problem."

Ferguson pondered for a moment before directly pointing out.

"Every word you've written is problem-free, but collectively, they equate to demanding the lives of those Lords."