Hugo shouted in disbelief, "What?! Milady, it is dangerous. The Noble Faction won't allow this. Only Imperial's family, nobles or people who directly work with them can learn how to read or write.
Besides, the commoner unable to pay it. Teachers salary was so high since they need to completed so many exams or certifications to be one."
"I know. Knowledge are considering as holy blessing too. Something the commoner can't allow, even it just to dream. But, there isn't an exact rule to forbid the commoner to know about the crafting skill.
To become prosperity, they need money. To have money, they have to work. If they have some special skill, they will have higher possibility to survive in this world.
Isn't it breaking your heart to see the innocent orphan children who born in unfortunate condition end up being beggars, prostitute or even worse, became a criminal like thieves?" She put her left palm to the left side of her head. Cecilia look dead serious when saying those words.
Hugo find it so hard to gulp. He can help but think about why did from all the people, this girl seems really care about this kind of problems.
When a noble young lady in her ages busy to spending so much money is stupid parties or dresses, Cecilia thinking about the prosperity of her people.
It such a great loss for this empire when she stepped back from the crown princess election.
Hugo knows that she have capabilities into became smart and kind-hearted future Empress." You are right. But, it is still impossible, Young Miss. First, they have no money to attending class. Just be able to eat some decent food is a bliss for them.
Second, even you will give them a scholarship, you'll gain nothing except bankruptcy. Like I said before, you will need so much money to pay the teachers.
The taxes plus maintenance fees for school or academy are expensive, and we need extra budget to buy some school facilities such as chairs, table or anything we need to support the learning process.
Last but not least, there was a slim chance that the children, I mean students will be interested to learn something when they are in charge to make some money. It's not a secret that several underage kids working in the streets."
Cecilia nodded. "I already talk about this matter with Gil, and we had some plans. Let me spill the tea, first I will make this school free for the commoner. As for the teachers, we can hire skilled people from commoner's families. You can try to hold an audition for them.
From Gil's perspective, he saw so many rare gems in the commoners who chose to hiding behind the shadow because lack of recommendation. I think they will agree to be paid with half the amount of the nobles teacher's salaries. To attract the students, we will give them free food. Twice a day. Lunch and dinner. We could give some pocket money for those who never absent in one month.
And with the power of Lancia's family, we can provide some recommendation letters for the best graduates to work under nobles families. Well, we can give them a loan for them who want to be an entrepreneur.
For the other expenses, rest assure. I will find some investors from nobles or even merchants. Certainly, they will invest since it is important to create an environment where surrounding with skilled human resources. Even though, they refuse, then Lancia's have no problem to support the school. What do you think?"
Hugo lost his words and bowed deeply. Those plan wasn't a perfect. Still have some flaws. But it seems realistic, reasonable and worth to try. Furthermore, those were such outstanding ideas come from fifteen years old girl. "You are a considerate person, Milady. There is no word can express my gratitude for your concern for commoners like me."
"I don't deserve all the credits. Gil helps me along the way. He brings the light to me about commoner's life. That's why we came to this idea.
Maybe you could help him find those talented pers--, Oh! I forgot to tell you. He will come to South Island for holidays. Can you rent him a carriage?"
"I understand, Young Miss. I'll do everything you want."
Cecilia giggled, "Thank you, Mister Hugo. You are such a dependable man. I will send the payment after arriving at the island.".
"Yes, Milady. I understand."
One second later, Max appeared in the office. His brows raised when knowing that he wasn't alone.
"You guys are back?"
Cecilia noticed something different from him. He doesn't seem annoyed like before.
Of course! I'm certain that he already met her, she thought to herself. He must be really loves her, since her presence alone is enough to make him happy.
"Yes, we found him." Hugo answered with a faint smile.
"I think we should go, now." Cecilia said before he politely bow to Hugo.
Max, somehow, feeling left out from them.
He wonders why no one tell the detailed story about their meeting with that perverted writer. He got curious when notice Hugo's smile toward Cecilia. It is not business smile, but an admiration.
What the hell is happening? He asked himself.
If Max choose to ask them directly, his pride as cool man will be tarnish. Besides, he doesn't want to look like he was in care about her business. In other side, the curiosity was devouring his mind and put him on the edge.
What a problematic situation he's been through!
"Max?" Cecilia, cutting off the trails of his mind.
However, after seeing her sparkle purple eyes, Max has no choice but to giving up. He gulped and try his best to look as cold as ice, "Then, how about that man? Is he the one you know in the past?"
Cecilia nodded and Max's heart almost burst when to see her shyly smile, "Yeah, kind of."
Annoyance filled in his eyes since he doesn't understand why she didn't tell him the complete story. Something keep bugging him.
"Fine." He said and in a blink of an eye, Cecilia and Max already in the empty corridor in front of her room's door.
"Oh my! You did it again! I am unable to say goodbye to Hugo." She's complaining while rolled her eyes.
"Well, sorry. Unlike them, I must be such a troublemaker, right?" Max never know why did he become annoyed like this? One of the rules of the guardian, who hired from his guild, were never critique the client's act or desicion. Obediently doing the best without asking such a trivial questions.
But, after meeting this girl, Max unable to count how many times he broke the rules which he made before.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"No. Then, please excuse me."
Before she can react, Max already disappear. The Young Miss tilted her head and wondering why did she notice a hint of bitterness from him?