After a week, Duke Thales settled down in Star Lake Castle, but he could not neglect the lessons of the heir of the kingdom (Thales sighed deeply).
"Language itself is a competent historian. It records the history of the past."
Scholar Bonar was very responsible. Despite his old age, he still insisted on coming to Star Lake Castle once a week to teach Thales grammar. This made the duke very apologetic, especially since he knew that at this moment, the biggest obstacle between Eternal Star City and Star Lake Castle was far more than just the distance between the city and the countryside.
"When the language of the Ancient Empire prevailed, the Empire was in a prosperous and peaceful period. The five crops were abundant, and agricultural production occupied a large part of the language. You see, just this small textile house alone, from the loom to the thread winding, has derived many commonly used words. At first glance, we wouldn't even think that it has anything to do with agriculture and textiles …"
Fortunately, the old scholar was much more spirited after leaving the city. He often brought Thales to the nearby fields or villages on a whim, and would point out ready-made teaching materials at random.
"Pursue, Your Highness, pursue the origin and history behind words and words, and you'll master the trick of using them faster," Scholar Bonar said with emotion. "Believe me, it'll be very interesting, and you'll see through the so-called truth of expression."
After Scholar Bonar set an example of academics not being swayed by politics, the other teachers were also deeply encouraged and gradually returned to normal, rushing to the castle for lessons. Many of them were excited to visit Star Lake Castle, and some even took the initiative to stay overnight.
"Production and life are the source of mathematics! When we arrive at Star Lake Castle, we can study the mysteries of mathematics wholeheartedly without distractions! "
In mathematics class, Scholar Julio looked at the clear blue Star Lake outside the window, and his eyes almost bloomed with joy.
But Thales knew that what the scholar was really not used to was the formal and strict atmosphere of Mindis Hall. On the contrary, in the countryside of Star Lake Castle, he was more at ease.
But Thales had to suffer.
"Just in time, as we mentioned last time, in the maritime industry, captains often need a lot of complicated multiplication and division calculations to determine the relationship between direction and time. This involves a problem. How can we simplify the complicated multiplication and division into easy to understand addition and subtraction? An ancient wise man left behind a genius idea. If we can derive the power of a power separately and use it as the object of calculation … "
The prince could not take it anymore. He slammed his palm on the table.
"Great timing, Scholar Julio! I have big, big, big math questions! "
Julio's expression changed. He put away the charcoal and sat upright.
"Yes?"
Thales crooked his finger, and Ralf immediately walked over with a stack of books.
"These account books were given to me by Baron Quentin. They record the current population, land, output, and tax situation of Star Lake Fort. The numbers are complicated, and they have been making me anxious and unable to eat or sleep well these days." Thales took the (stunned) Julio's hand and sincerely handed one of the grange maps to him. "And I urgently need a talented person to check, summarize, summarize, and answer for me …"
Julio's eyes widened. "No, Your Highness, I'm your teacher. I'm here to teach you …"
But Thales was incredibly sincere.
"No, Julio. Not only are you my teacher, you are also the person who understands numbers and calculations the best in my castle right now. You are also the person who is closest to the mysteries and secrets of numbers. I believe that you can help the people of Star Lake Castle."
Julio was a little touched. "Erm, thank you for your appreciation. I may be able to help, but I cannot reduce the time for your lessons. After all, this concerns the learning and ability development of the heir of the kingdom … "
"These account books and records are related to the happiness and well-being of my people. It is also my proper occupation," Thales said with a sigh. "Look at this beautiful land. Are you willing to let the people on this land starve? As the Duke of Star Lake, do you think I should prioritize my own abilities and qualities, or the happiness and well-being of the people of the kingdom? "
"What you said makes sense. I also admire your selfless ambition, Your Highness, but it still won't do …"
"I'll give you an additional raise. Double your salary."
"Your Highness, you really love the people like your own children. Shall we start now?"
"But you have to pay on credit."
"What? Your Highness, hey, wait. Don't tell me you're skipping classes to reduce the time for your math lessons … "
"How could that be? By the way, this is the book you recommended, 'Tales of an Alien Star'. The story about Prince Herman being sacrificed is very interesting … "
"No, when did I recommend you … No, this is a forbidden book! Where did you find it? "
"Sunset Temple's Forbidden Book Vault. By the way, I also found this. Bishop Saint Lisue's complete 'Collection of Enlightenment in Arch Sea City'. "
"What? Saint Lisue's complete 'Collection of Enlightenment'? Your Highness, can I see … wait, the collection in the Forbidden Book Vault? No, how did you borrow it? "
"To be exact, I didn't borrow it. Then can you help me take a look at these farm account books? "
"I can't. It's class time now! You didn't borrow it? Then how did you get it? "
"It's a pity. The little nun who guards the Forbidden Book Vault checks the vault every year. Looking at the time, I'll have to return 'Collection of Enlightenment' next month. Tsk tsk, what a pity. Let's continue with the class, Scholar. Scholar? Scholar Julio? What's wrong with you? "
"Sob sob, Your Highness, sob sob, I understand. Please give me the account books, I'll take a look …"
In comparison, the theology class, which had also been moved to the countryside, showed another side.
"It's okay. It's nothing. Sunset will not punish you for this. On the contrary, Sunset is tolerant and kind. She will pity your misfortune … Just don't believe in that name anymore. Instead of placing your hopes on external objects, it's better to believe in your own hands.
Priestess Melgen gently comforted a trembling farmer who was tied up. The latter was reported by the steward of the farm, saying that he knelt in the fields in the middle of the night while waving a torch. He slit a sheep's neck while he chanted a mysterious name that he did not know, praying for good weather and a fruitful farm.
This made Wya rather indignant.
"You let him go just like that? Even if he believes in heresy and disrespects Sunset? "
The attendant glared indignantly at the farmer who was scared out of his wits. He returned home with the help of his wife and son.
"The temple has already investigated this thoroughly." Melgen made a prayer gesture without turning her head around. "That is not heresy. It is just a folk belief that has existed for a long time. It is especially popular in the Land of Cliffs, and that poor farmer moved here from the Land of Cliffs when he was young."
Wya glanced at Thales.
"So?"
Priestess Melgen finished her prayer and turned around. Her tone was both instructive and reproachful.
"Our history is not fractured, dear Squire Caso."
"Even Sunset Goddess has to shine after the light of the God of Light and the Holy Sun. Perhaps Dawn will have to take a portion of her glory."
Melgen looked at the farmers and craftsmen who were busy coming and going in the farm.
"Look at them. Their ancestors have been bound to this land for generations. Farming, herding, and weaving have been like this since the era of the God of Light.
"So in the fields and villages, the ancient gods and old believers, and even superstition and heretical worship are naturally passed down from generation to generation, and it is difficult for them to leave. But this is not their fault. They are not disrespecting us. It is just a habit, ignorance, and ignorance, but it is not a crime. "
Melgen flashed a smile.
"This is why we must be compassionate, tolerant, preach endlessly, and persist in educating people."
Behind her, Nun Nia's face was filled with agreement and admiration.
"Alright, I am not making things difficult for that farmer, but …"
Wya looked at Thales.
"A few days ago, His Highness was reprimanded by you because he doubted one of the scriptures. He was punished to copy and memorize his words. You were merciless. But when they practiced magic in the fields, you comforted them with gentle words and forgave them."
"This doesn't seem fair."
Melgen raised her head and looked at the setting sun in the west.
"Fair.
"What is fairness, Attendant Caso?"
Is it the prince who breaks the law with you, but I give you the same attitude, punishment, and price?
Even if the price you can bear is completely different from his? "
Wya was stunned.
The old priestess looked at Thales and Wya with a stern expression.
"Remember, my Wya Caso. In the name of God, I will always remember.
"You should be strict to the strong, and be merciful to the weak.
"You should be stingy to the rich, and generous to the poor.
"You should be cruel to the merchants, and kind to the farmers.
"You should be blunt to the nobles, and speak gently to the commoners.
"Be wary of the armored swordsman, and be merciful to the plowman."
When Wya heard this, he could not help but put the sword that was exposed to the ground back under his clothes.
"If you want the scales to be stable, you need to move the scales to the lighter side."
Melgen stared at Wya.
"These are the supreme words of praise that the Sunset Goddess gave to the King of Renaissance through the words of the prophet, Mohatha, before he died."
When Thales finished listening to this, he bowed with a stern expression.
"Thank you, I will remember this lesson."
Wya was silent for a while before he bowed along with the duke.
Priestess Melgen's stern gaze moved away from Wya and turned to Thales.
"Very good, but I hope that you will not just remember it."
The prince paused for a moment. "Then, what about the believers and the true heretics?"
Melgen smiled.
"I do have an answer. But I don't think you will like it. "
Two weeks passed. Star Lake Castle became cleaner and tidier (relatively speaking). The problem of food and clothing was solved, and everyone's lives gradually returned to normal.
Thales learned his lessons in an orderly manner.
He began to master reading, writing, chanting, and chanting the common language of the elves. He could memorize the passages and allusions in Sunset's Scripture (and perhaps some other forbidden books). He had a clear understanding of the different lands, population, and production in this fief (thanks to Scholar Julio). He could accurately locate the City of Long Chant in Dragon-Kissed Land, the three classical capitals in Thorn Land, the Hall of King's Chronicles in Steel City, the eight main cities in the Three Kingdoms of Mystery Sea, the four great forces of power and sixteen city-states in Camus Union, and the locations of the seven seas in the Western Peninsula. He could also find the intersections between their history and the kingdom's history in the Jadestar Family Tree, which had a long history and many branches …
The newly appointed Duke of Star Lake soon gained a good reputation in the fief and the countryside due to his gentle governance (he did not care about anything), non-increase of taxes (he had no ambitions), and laissez-faire (he had zero sense of existence).
But this caused some people to be rather critical of him.
"That's it?"
One day, during a martial arts lesson, Mallos was summoned to the capital due to an urgent matter. Doyle, who was in charge of sparring with him, relaxed and complained to the prince in the 'lumberyard', "I thought that with your courage, wisdom, and knowledge, you would do something … different in Star Lake Castle?"
Thales raised his wooden sword and exchanged blows with Wya as he answered, "Very good, Wya.
"Good, Wya, I like that — different things, like?"
Doyle flicked his armor, bored out of his mind.
"I don't know. Reform, improvement, innovation, progress? Just like how some knight poems describe it, a knight with great vision obtains his own fief, enacts new policies in a grand manner, wipes away all diseases, accumulates land, armies, and food, and finally creates a developed and advanced country, conquers the world, and creates history? "
Thales smiled.
"Reform, improvement, innovation, progress."
He turned his hand over and parried Wya's attack.
"Very good, Your Highness." The attendant found it hard to describe his surprise. "Compared to when you were in Dragon Clouds City, you have improved a lot. You have even mastered the Power of Eradication."
"Practice makes perfect." Thales pressed his left wrist, which was throbbing in pain, and revealed a fake smile.
He tossed the wooden sword to Wya and prepared to rest. At the same time, he answered Doyle's question.
"It's not that I don't want to bring about change, Doyle, it's just that …"
Thales was silent for a while.
"Do you know how many types of farmers and workers there are in this field, how they are classified according to their nature, where they come from, where they come from, the number of people in the family, the number of livestock, the number of farm tools, how many different lands and estates they belong to, how their daily routine is, when they go to work and when they leave work, how many tasks they have in a year, what are the differences between the work of the male and female masters, how they cooperate with each other, how many crops and products they produce in an orderly manner, how many of them are self-sufficient, which products are traded in the market, who should they be responsible to and report to, what proportion and rules are used to pay money or goods, what kind of friends they have the most contact with, what do they do for entertainment outside of work, what are their staple foods when they eat, what are their hobbies and topics when they rest, how do they spend their holidays and festivals, how do they handle their beliefs, marriage, socialization, illness, and funerals at home?"
His words attracted the attention of many people. Glover, who came up with clothes and towels, and Paul, who was practicing his sword at the side, froze at the same time.
Doyle listened to the long list of questions, looked at him dumbly, and shook his head.
Thales smiled.
"Very good, because I don't know either."
The prince turned around and sighed.
"But these people, they were born here, live here, and die here for hundreds and thousands of years. They know this land better than anyone else. Why should I think that a so-called Duke of Star Lake who just arrived from the sky and has never touched the mud would have wisdom and knowledge that is more profound, more professional, and more suited to the local ecology to guide them on how to live a better life?"
"I am not Brother Mohatha, Doyle. I am not a prophet who descended from the sky. That profession only exists in the Sunset Scriptures, and I am not that arrogant, arrogant enough to see through history and point out the direction of the 'future' for the turbid world."
Thales snapped out of his daze and patted Doyle's shoulder.
"Let's go home. I remember that Kusta hunted two wild boars in the hunting forest today, and the Logistics Division hired a new chef. Dinner should not be too boring."
Doyle nodded in a daze.
"But you also said that it has always been like this, and it might not be right."
Wya's words made Thales stop in his tracks.
"Just like what you did in Dragon Clouds City," Wya said in a deep voice. "Your shocking feat broke the thousand-year shackles of Northland and brought new life. Only then did you turn the situation around and witness history."
"Perhaps the people in this land have developed habits and wisdom due to time and history, but if they remain the same, they will inevitably be stuck in the old ways." The attendant stared at Thales' back. "Perhaps sometimes, a wise and courageous ruler like you is needed to bring change and innovation, just like the countless reforms in the history of the kingdom?"
Thales turned his back to him and did not speak for a long time.
Then, he exhaled.
"Yes, thank you for the reminder, Wya."
He turned around and faced everyone in the training field.
"But if I have learned anything in the six to seven years after the night of Dragon's Blood, perhaps it is humility." Thales smiled.
Wya was stunned.
Thales took the towel from Glover's hand, wiped his face, and took off his protective gear one by one.
"The master of the Single-Winged Crow, the suzerain of Wing Fort, Derek Kroma, once told me a short story.
"Do you know when did messenger crows appear?"
Everyone in the training field looked at each other.
"The Ancient Empire."
The person who answered was Glover. He said seriously,
"Great Emperor Camelot used messenger crows to deliver military intelligence on a large scale. They played an important role in the war, allowing him to command the army with unbelievable efficiency and control the overall situation. He far surpassed his opponents of the same era and won the first chance to win.
"Even after the conquest was completed, messenger crows played a big role," Paul continued. "No matter how far apart the territories were, the messenger crows would still arrive at any given time. That was how the Great Emperor who was in charge of the royal territory was able to firmly rule over all the major provinces. His orders came from the same clan, which increased the effectiveness of governance, strengthened the cohesion of the empire, and reduced the possibility of division. It was an important factor in the empire's ability to maintain its rule after the Epic Conquest."
Hearing their answers, Thales nodded one after another.
"Not bad.
"But that was not the first time messenger crows appeared, nor was it the first time they appeared on the stage of history."
Thales searched for his memories.
"About the 700th year of the Era of Kings, which was two hundred years before the Great Emperor was born, a wizard … a wise man discovered that some special birds would react differently to specific magnets. This might be the reason why they could travel thousands of miles without getting lost. The messenger crow technology originated from there."
"Soon, a king of West Billow Cliff decided to put a batch of meticulously cultivated and trained messenger crows into use. They would replace the communication channels between the cities, replacing all messengers, mails, and beacons. 'I have captured civilization and the future,' he said with great courage and hope."
Thales paused for a moment.
"But the situation was not that simple."
"Messenger crows were novel, fast, and convenient, but their technology was far from mature. The cost of cultivating and training them was high. The cost of raising them for a year was enough to feed an ordinary family, and the training period and effect were not satisfactory."
Thales' tone became deeper.
"But the king still believed that messenger crows were the future. Because of this, he did not care about the costs and consequences. He ignored all advice that went against his beliefs and insisted on using messenger crows. The taxes of the kingdom increased because of this.
"Soon, messenger crows became the new trend. For a period of time, everyone in the kingdom fought to gather bird species, build bird houses, plant bird food, and mine magnetic ores. There was a story about a poor family struggling to survive. They managed to keep their food and feed their messenger crows, but their children starved to death. "
Hearing this, Wya sighed softly.
Ralf's arms tightened.
"Secondly, the appearance of messenger crows affected many people's lives — suzerains, nobles, priests, messengers, postmen, guards, and even heralds and sentries. These were direct. Indirectly, it also affected scholars, scribes, poets who were used to writing long poems, and butlers who collected rent. Some people lost their jobs, some people changed their professions, some people protested, and some people insisted on using the old method of communication …"
Paul was deep in thought.
"That's not all. Because of the existence of messenger crows, the suzerains would know a lot of information that was sent out an hour later. So, the time for farmers to pay rent, the deadline for tax calculation, the pace of craftsmen's work, and the fluctuation of market prices were all accelerated. Everyone's lives were turned upside down. They were at a loss and tried their best to catch up with the messenger crows — or rather, the king's pace, but they could not. They were tortured and miserable."
Glover frowned.
Thales took off the last piece of protective gear and faced the setting sun in the West Mountains in a relaxed manner.
"But the king was so superstitious about progress and civilization. He believed that the current setbacks were just labor pains, and that temporary sacrifices would be compensated. The messenger crow technology would eventually speed up his production, make communication more efficient, and finally make the kingdom strong and prosperous, thus solving all problems."
Thales was gradually lost in thought.
"But he was right," Glover could not help but say, "In the conquest and rule of the Great Emperor, messenger crows are indispensable."
Thales only smiled.
Doyle looked from one end to the other, full of doubts.
"In the end, due to many factors, the messenger crows were hunted and killed, the crow houses were destroyed, the crow tamer was hanged, and the king who 'captured the future' was chased off the throne by endless riots and uprisings."
Thales looked up.
"Before he died, he asked the Bright God in heaven with tears, 'Why? What I promised this world was a technology that would change everything, an achievement that was destined to be passed down for generations to come, and the most beautiful civilization and future! '"
Thales ended the story in a low tone.
"The first use of messenger crows in this world failed.
"When the Great Emperor raised his army, the Empire conquered, and the messenger crows were known and accepted by more people, it was already two hundred years later."
When he finished speaking, the soft chirping of birds returning to their nests came from the forest in the distance.
Paul closed his eyes.
"What a pity."
The people on the training ground were silent for a while until Wya asked tentatively,
"Are you trying to say that the king was too arrogant and not humble enough?"
Thales nodded, then shook his head.
"According to historical records, the King of West Billow, known as the 'Crow Master', had great ambitions, was obsessed with lofty goals, abused the people with his pet birds, and lost sight of what was right in front of him."
"Indeed."
Paul sighed.
"If this king had taken things step by step, first using it on a small scale, instead of being eager for quick results, if he cared about the people, knew their feelings, understood political affairs, and took things slowly, if he had waited for the technology to mature …"
"If."
Thales interrupted Paul. He stared at the horizon in a daze.
"If?"
"Yes, we can always be so confident in finding reasons for history, and simply find an explanation for the past."
Paul was puzzled.
Thales continued to speak in a daze, "But from the Crow Master to the Great Emperor, the messenger crows have been neglected for two hundred years. Is this the world's attitude and reaction towards messenger crows, is it the inevitable result of history's' gradual progress', or is it the result of humans' eagerness for quick results?"
The Star Lake Guards exchanged glances, expressing their confusion towards the topic and the duke.
But Thales was still in a daze as he muttered to himself,
"The tragedy of the Crow Master is lamentable, but is it inevitable and unavoidable? Is it something that we can't solve no matter how much we say 'if only this would have been the case' in the future?
"Were those two hundred years a necessary sacrifice and price, or an unnecessary waste and blindness?
"As for us, how should we maintain our humility without losing our passion?"
These words caused many people to have different reactions. Some lowered their heads in deep thought, while others were confused.
"Your Highness?"
Wya leaned over worriedly.
"I don't know, Wya." Thales shook his head. "I really don't know.
"These people in our land, the suzerains, farmers, merchants, craftsmen, they are in the same era, the same history, the same world as us.
"What right do I have to think that I have the right to be arrogant? What right do I have to think that I can bring them anything? What right do I have to think that there is no wisdom and desire passed down from generation to generation in their history and land? There are no seeds of change and improvement, and there are no sprouts buried with a future and hope that are only waiting for the day to break through the soil and sprout?"
A few seconds later, Thales snapped out of his daze and smiled apologetically at everyone, signaling that the martial arts lesson was over. He then asked everyone, who had mixed feelings, to pack up and prepare to return to the castle.
Only Wya remained silent for a long time.
He took a deep breath, mustered up his courage, and moved forward.
"Your Highness," Wya lowered his voice, "what is bothering you is not Star Lake Castle, nor is it the messenger crow, but something else, right?"
Thales paused and looked at Wya.
"Viscount Nemain said," the attendant said worriedly, "that when you are upset, you like to talk — a lot of things, often full of emotion and sighs."
'Putray Nemain.'
The image of that old smoker flashed across Thales' mind, and he could not help but curl up the corners of his lips.
"You know, you do not have to shoulder everything alone. You can trust me, or anyone else you think is worthy of trust," Wya said sincerely.
Thales stared at Wya for a long, long time.
He could not help but recall the first time he met Wya. This old-fashioned and stiff young man had sworn loyalty to Thales in a very serious manner.
The prince put his hand into his pocket and tightened his grip on the Covenant again.
"It's time to eat. Let's go back."
A few seconds later, Thales put his hand out of his pocket and flashed a warm smile at Wya.
"Whether you are hungry or not, you still have to eat."
Wya's expression became gloomy.
Thales patted his shoulder and walked towards the castle on his own.
"But the Crow Lord is also respectable, isn't he?"
Wya's voice rang behind him.
Thales' footsteps slowed down.
"Regarding the messenger crow, he failed, but the world succeeded in the end. After two hundred years of pain, it succeeded in the Emperor."
Wya's voice was rather anxious.
"Whether it was inevitable or unnecessary, no matter what the outside world said, the Crow Lord made the choice he believed in.
"For him, this might be enough."
Thales was silent for a long time.
After that, he strode forward and walked into the castle.
That night, after Thales finished his meal, he went to Jackalta's study room as usual.
But this time, after he greeted Glover and Ralf, who were standing guard outside the door, and asked them to close the door, Thales' expression changed.
He turned around and looked at the figure standing behind the study table. It had appeared in the room at some point in time.
"From the last letter until now, you've made me wait for too long."
The prince said coldly.
"Too long? Believe me, Thales. For existences like us, who live forever and sleep in the blink of an eye … "
Behind the study table, his most unconventional teacher, the Air Mystic, Asda Sakern, smiled faintly. He twirled his slender fingers and elegantly and calmly placed a blue invitation card on the table.
"There is no such thing as' long 'waiting."
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