When they talked about this topic, Gilbert's gaze became serious.
"You can't imagine how the Northlanders, especially the nobles who are above the rank of count, understand military lessons, and how they arrange them."
When he said this, Thales' expression became solemn as well.
"Military lessons are divided into two parts.
Outdoors and indoors. "
Thales' gaze was fixed on the air.
"The nobles' outdoor military lessons include personal martial arts, military leadership, and so on.
"They take up a huge proportion, and there are lessons almost every day."
Thales spread his fingers.
"Getting beaten up, riding, charging, archery, hunting, patrolling the military camp, military drills … Of course, the Prince of Constellation usually does not have a part in the last few parts."
Gilbert narrowed his eyes.
"Getting beaten up?"
Thales sighed and chased away the dead face in his mind.
"Don't mind these details."
The duke snapped out of his daze.
"As for the nobles' indoor military lessons, I was also shocked when I first saw them …"
Thales looked at the Foreign Affairs Minister and said sternly,
"It's grammar, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy …"
Gilbert's pen stopped moving.
"Yes, you heard it right." Thales frowned.
"How to read, write, calculate, know the weather, calculate distance … These are all compressed by the Eckstedtians and placed in the 'indoor military lessons'."
Gilbert was silent for a while before he started writing.
"I have indeed heard that the Northlanders are used to learning how to read and write during the war lessons, but even the Arunde Family in Constellation …
"This is the first time I have heard someone who has personally experienced it so closely … Interesting."
Thales curled up the corners of his lips and shrugged.
"As for why, according to a certain dead face, if you do not know how to read and write military orders, you will not be able to calculate the number of people, understand the terrain, and understand the weather and astronomy." Thales mockingly hooked two of his fingers.
"'Then what's the point of fighting a war?'"
Thales leaned back indignantly.
Who could have imagined that the seemingly clumsy Nicholas could know how long it would be until daybreak and when would be the best time to launch a surprise attack just by looking up at the stars? Who could have imagined that the seemingly clumsy Nicholas would be able to calculate the slope of the ground in front of him and the preparations needed for the cavalry's charge with just a cursory glance? Who could have imagined that the current direction of the wind would affect the arrows fired by the crossbows just by looking up at the sky?
"Everyone in the team knows that Iceberg forced him to memorize everything, but he doesn't know the logic behind it at all." This was from a veteran White Blade Guard who talked about the past with the newbies in Heroic Spirit Palace. "So, when you're scouting in the wild, you can just ask the leader 'which direction is east'. Don't be specific about 'which star is the supreme star' or 'why does the supreme star point to the east'. Isaiah once impolitely asked that question. That day, they fought in front of Prince Soria …"
("What? You're asking what happened next? After that, Iceberg came up with a good idea to mediate their conflict: they shook hands fifty thousand times. ")
("That day, the entire White Blade Guards did nothing but stand in front of the palace gate as punishment. They watched the two of them shake hands again and again without any expression on their faces. They took turns counting from morning till night until they almost puked … When His Majesty found out, he simply moved the dining table out and watched them shake hands while eating …")
("What's gratifying is that after that, they got along much better. At most, they would point at each other's noses and hurl harsh words at each other, but they never fought again …")
("Look, this is the brotherhood under the Oath of Blades. Oh my god, I'm so touched …")
("Hmm, time flies. The touching story is over. Let's get down to business. Who were the bastards who dared to fight at their posts today?")
And Nicholas was just a beginner. He wasn't even born into nobility.
"As for geometry and astronomy, even though most of the time, they read back and forth between ancient books and mixed in with a lot of outdated calculations and ancient legends, coupled with the natural geography around Northland, you know, 'Northlanders are few in number, the weather is cold, the desert is hot, plants are sparse, the stars are full of bad people, and the sea is full of big monsters' …"
Thales' voice became heavy.
"But as long as it involves practical, experiential applications on the battlefield, these things that seem simple to us will become incredibly detailed and practical."
Thales' expression was solemn.
"Reading and writing emphasize efficiency and directness, while arithmetic emphasizes convenience and speed.
"As for geometry and astronomy, for example, the calculation of the distance of a charge, the measurement of the slope and firing range, the statistics of the team, the estimation of the battle loss ratio, the direction of the stars, the prediction of the weather, the observation of the terrain …"
When the duke said this, he cast Gilbert a glance with complicated emotions.
"And there are even foreign languages and music in military classes."
Gilbert looked up.
"Foreign languages? Music? "
Thales nodded.
"Do you know how to say 'child' in the orc language?"
"The Northlanders know that 'Sorino' and 'Sorina' are the orc language of the desert and glaciers respectively."
"Because they can be used when dealing with the 'bastards'."
Gilbert shuddered again.
"As for music, you know that there are many types of Northland's war drums and bone flutes," Thales said quietly.
"There are those that are crude and desolate, and there are also those that are filled with passion. They range from charging and fighting to the death to retreating and withdrawing, from celebrating victory to sending off at funerals, and so on and so forth.
"This is the meaning behind the existence of Northland's music."
The living room was quiet for a while.
"Everyone knows that Northland values soldiers and values martial arts." This time, it was Gilbert's turn to sigh.
"But it seems that their constant victories on the battlefield and their invincibility are not without reason. There is a historical tradition behind it.
"Let's not talk about other things for now. At the very least, an Eckstedt noble who has received a good education will definitely be a qualified commander on the battlefield, regardless of whether it is in terms of spirit, temperament, or ability.
"They are not illiterate, and neither are they idiots."
Gilbert sighed with emotion. There was a great amount of wariness in his eyes.
"This is our destiny …
A terrifying opponent. "
This topic was a little heavy.
Thales could only nod with complicated emotions.
"So, Northland's historical traditions, Northland's etiquette and jurisprudence, and the knowledge of the Northland nobles' governance." Gilbert shook off his sentimentality.
"And their most unique military lessons. Are these what you learned in Northland?"
"I can't say that I learned them. I just know them." Thales forced himself to smile.
"After all, they did not really treat me as a prince and taught me attentively. At least, they did not before the Old Crow."
Gilbert nodded slightly. When he looked at Thales, there was a hint of pity in his eyes.
The Foreign Affairs Minister flipped through many pages and took out another piece of paper that was filled with writing.
"Usually, the education of the nobles in Constellation inherits the Empire's tradition. It extends from the Empire's Seven Arts and forms a system of its own. It is very different from Northland."
Gilbert cast a glance at Thales.
"But I will consider your experience in Northland's education, Your Highness. I will make some minor adjustments, minor adjustments."
The duke could only smile.
Gilbert also smiled and explained.
"Usually, the knowledge required by a qualified Constellation noble is divided into three categories."
'Three categories.'
Thales nodded in his heart. 'Hmm, it's alright.
Not much. '
"The first category is the basic category.
"It is divided into four subjects: grammar, history, etiquette, ancient language, and foreign languages …"
Thales frowned slightly.
'There are four subjects in the first category?
'That's quite a lot.
'But.
Grammar, history, etiquette … '
"It's quite similar to Northland …" Thales mumbled.
Then, Gilbert said his next sentence with a grin.
"As for grammar, the first subject, it is divided into …
"It is divided into … three subjects."
Thales instantly froze.
'What?'
Gilbert still had that smile on his face as he continued to speak.
"Grammar, logic, and rhetoric."
Thales quickly stopped him.
"Wait, it sounds a little familiar."
The prince did not comment on the total number of subjects "three times four times three". Instead, he recalled another memory.
"Although it was only for a few months …"
Thales scratched his chin and pondered.
"But based on the situation in Northland, the Old Crow rearranged our curriculum. I mean, he rearranged my curriculum."
Gilbert gestured for him to continue.
"Grammar is the subject that Northlanders look down on the most," Thales said tentatively.
"But the Old Crow did the exact opposite. He deliberately removed it from the indoors military lessons and emphasized that we need to learn three things in grammar."
Gilbert smiled.
"Let me guess, he was referring to grammar, logic, and rhetoric?"
Thales nodded.
"Yes, but it's not that detailed. Northlanders don't like it. Usually, the Old Crow will give us a poem or a short essay. He will ask us to study its grammar, explain the author's thoughts clearly, and summarize its logical structure. Then, he will ask us to rewrite it rhetorically."
Gilbert seemed to have remembered something. He nodded with a nostalgic expression.
"Dragon Kiss Academy has a long history, and Dragon Kissed Land is rarely affected by the flames of war. Over the centuries, it has been a place where the Western Peninsula's people gather.
"Their culture is deeply influenced by the Empire, and they retain a lot of the Empire's civilization. To a certain extent, they are even more so than us."
He nodded in approval and gratification.
"Thank you, Mister Hicks. He saved us a lot of trouble."
But this time, it was Thales' turn to frown.
"So, the so-called tradition of the Empire has to be learned in such detail in a grammar class in Constellation?"
'There are three main categories. The first category has four subjects, and the first subject has three subjects …
'So, three times four, and then three times …
'No way.'
He thought of something, and his expression darkened.
Gilbert laughed.
"You may not have noticed, Your Highness, but six years ago, what I taught you here was the component parts of the grammar class: the grammar understanding of the ancient language of the Empire and ancient poetry, and the logic and rhetoric of sonnets."
Thales came to a sudden realization.
"But since you said so, I will make changes according to my discretion during grammar class. Mister Hicks handled it very appropriately."
Gilbert lifted his glasses again, lowered his head, and marked the first row of the schedule on the paper.
"Then, let us … set aside six mornings every week for grammar class."
Thales' expression changed.
'Wait a minute.
'Six days?'
The prince's expression turned bitter.
"Since we are pressed for time, can't we set it aside for history and etiquette classes? You know, grammar is not something that can be learned in a short period of time … "
But Gilbert was very insistent on it.
"The importance of grammar class far surpasses your imagination, Your Highness."
The Foreign Affairs Minister continued to scribble the schedule on the paper.
"Listening and speaking are not difficult.
But what is difficult is that aside from listening, not everyone knows how to think, understand, and express. "
Gilbert looked up.
"What's worse is that everyone thinks they know how to do it."
The Cunning Fox narrowed his eyes.
"That is why Mister Hicks has a saying: 'Most of the conflicts in this world are because some people fail grammar class.'
"This is why aside from listening and speaking, we also need to read and write. This is not as simple as learning how to read."
Thales was speechless.
'Alright.'
Gilbert lowered his head to organize his schedule.
"You were born noble, Your Highness, but if you cannot even fully understand the words spoken by others, if you cannot even see the logic behind the words, and if you do not even know about the rhetoric that contains reason …" Gilbert snorted softly.
"Then it is extremely irresponsible of me to rashly let you understand history, learn etiquette, and push you to the whole world."
The more Gilbert spoke, the more excited he became.
"If you do not know grammar, do not know logic, and do not know rhetoric, or even worse, if you know all three but do not know how to use them and do not benefit from them, then when you face history, etiquette, and different people, things, and things, the choices you can make based on your intelligence will be very limited. You will either follow them blindly on impulse, or you will oppose them with ignorance, or you will imitate them clumsily, or you will regard them with disdain.
"And all of them can be categorized into one category: misunderstanding.
It will turn you into an arrogant idiot. "
Thales raised an eyebrow.
'I'm just asking a question …
'Why do I feel like … I'm being taught a lesson?
'And …'
Thales could not help but think.
'At this moment, Gilbert is really like … the Old Crow himself.'
Gilbert continued to speak.
"On the contrary, if you are well-versed in grammar, then you will be able to learn history, etiquette, and the ways of the world with half the effort. You will be able to understand them with just one point.
You will not be like most people who only rely on intuition and luck to live in their own world in a muddle-headed manner. "
Gilbert changed the topic, and his expression became warm.
"Please remember, Your Highness, this is not for the moment, but for the long term."
Thales felt a headache coming on from his words, and he could not help but lean back.
'Alright, alright, alright. Everything you said is right.
Everything is right. '
"So, the grammar class is set. Then, in the basic class, there is only history, etiquette, ancient language, and foreign languages left …"
Gilbert paused for a moment before he put down his glasses.
"I believe that Old Crow … Mister Hicks has also made corresponding adjustments?"
'History, etiquette, ancient language, and foreign languages …'
Thales sighed.
"Yes, his first class is history."
But his history is not just the traditional fables of the Northlanders. He only tells you what happened, and what you need to remember, what lessons you learn, who is right and who is wrong, and who has the greatest contributions in the history that you need to remember the most, and other flattering words. "
As Thales spoke, he was gradually reminded of the past.
"On the contrary, every part of history that the Old Crow explains will lead to a theme. Then, he will stop there and come back to force you to think."
The more he spoke, the more engrossed he became.
"The formation of laws, the foundation of beliefs, the boundaries of governance, the meaning of victory and defeat … All these things that you cannot see or think of when you only read narratives, only read heroic hymns, and only read predetermined conclusions."
Perhaps it was out of respect for his teacher, or perhaps it was because he had spoken too much just now, but this time, Gilbert did not say anything else.
"Very well, then we will have three history lessons a week for three nights. We only need to adjust the main points of history. Why don't we start from the two hundred and eight emperors of the Empire and the thirty-nine kings of Constellation …"
Gilbert happily ticked off three boxes on the schedule.
'Wait.
'How many?'
Thales' face instantly darkened.
Indeed, he had read about the deeds of many emperors of the Empire, but …
'Two hundred and eight?'
As he looked at Gilbert's smiling expression, Thales exhaled weakly.
"The etiquette class is taught by Ginghes. Count Lisban will also appear when he is free. It is said that he often invites some highly respected old nobles and noblewomen …"
Thales said listlessly,
"Originally, I often skipped these classes and went out to read and study by myself …"
At the same time, I would avoid being noticed and test Heroic Spirit Palace's loopholes.
I would fight against the Star Killer with my wits and courage.
"But after the Old Crow came, he told us that although it was boring, etiquette classes were not just about etiquette. At least, it was not just about teaching you how to greet others, nod, and bow."
Thales' spirits were lifted, "This includes ethics, morals, rules of nobility, and religious traditions.
It is the true 'Northland Way'. "
"From this point of view, even the etiquette classes of Northlanders are not boring anymore, because it reflects the things that Northlanders value. They tell you that as a Northland suzerain, when you want to kill, when you can be pardoned, when you have to fight, and when you need peace.
"So, in his eyes, etiquette is not just about etiquette, it is something that has been established and is self-evident. It is the old and new laws of Eckstedt, the rules of the nobles, the responsibilities and obligations of the suzerains, and the rights and freedom of the vassals. For example …"
Thales' eyes focused.
"Raikaru's Joint Ruling Pledge."
What it reflected was not only the cold and inflexible book of rules, but also the warm and lively actors.
It's true …
Politics.
It was like …
Thales' vision suddenly became blurry.
'"Garfinkel's so-called' explanation 'and' index ', these so-called elements of tacit understanding that goes without saying, build a bridge between' action 'and' scene ', allowing people and the environment to reflect each other and build together … such as the public etiquette that everyone must abide by …"'
Thales shook his head desperately, throwing this memory that was too far away from this world and too profound to his brain.
After returning from Western Desert, for some reason, the memories of the past six years that had gradually quietened down began to surge up from time to time, like a volcano that had accumulated pressure.
It was like the return of a tide.
Thales pressed against his forehead. While dispelling the dizziness from earlier, he was also puzzled.
'It's like this after returning to Constellation …
'This is …
'Is it a coincidence?
:. :
[Bookmark for easier reading.]
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
