Chương 276: A Visitor from the Scholar’s Tower
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Please have a seat, sir."
"Thank you, Earl Grayman."
The person before him slightly bowed and elegantly sat down on the sofa with grace.
This was a young man with thick glasses, a slightly thin frame, and dressed in a simple blue robe.
Paul found something familiar in him—a sense of pride without arrogance, a feeling of superiority without being impolite.
Yes, it was similar to the feeling he had when he first encountered scholars like Lady Ladia Setia or Betty D'Arshi. There was a subtle sense of "looking down from above," yet it was impossible to accuse them of anything specific; their manners and speech were impeccable, and the aura they exuded was one that commanded respect.
Paul asked, "Scholar Landon, may I know the purpose of your visit to the Northwest Bay?"
The man introduced himself as Mond Landon, also a scholar. That wasn't unusual; the key point was that he was from the Scholar's Tower in the capital of the Gabella Empire and had presented valid identification.
Compared to ordinary scholars, this status was quite different.
The Scholar's Tower in the Gabella capital was like Harvard from Paul's previous life, a top-tier academic institution. In this era of scarce knowledge, its status was even more unique.
Many famous historical figures had studied there, and countless officials, nobles, and even royalty vied to send their children there, hoping to add a shiny golden layer to their names.
If someone managed to earn the title of scholar there, it was even more remarkable. Whether one was born into nobility, a commoner, or even a slave family, as long as they held the title of a Scholar from the Tower, they would be a guest of honor in royal courts across various countries.
Of course, the Tower had stringent standards for recruitment. For a remote rural lord like the Grayman family, sending someone in would be quite difficult.
The name of the Scholar's Tower was well-known even in the Northwest Bay. When the servants reported that such a person had come to visit, Paul was startled. He didn't dare to neglect the guest and gave him a warm reception with full attention.
"You're too kind, Earl. I haven't yet completed my training and am not qualified to bear the title of 'Scholar.'"
Hearing Paul address him as such, Mond's face showed a rare trace of anxiety.
Paul laughed and complimented him, "Haha, it's only a matter of time, only a matter of time."
I can already tell from your hairline; it's starting to cheer for your Scholar's title.
Mond's face turned slightly red, and a hint of shyness appeared in his expression. "The reason I'm here, disturbing you, Earl, is to ask for a favor."
"Oh?" Paul was surprised. With the influence of your predecessors or 'alumni,' do you really need to ask me? If they can't handle it, what can I do to help?
"Please, allow me to explain from the beginning."
"Alright, go ahead."
Mond Landon began to speak gently.
"My teacher traveled to the Northwest Bay ten years ago and encountered a young boy in a coastal fishing village. He found the child exceptionally intelligent and had the intention of taking him as a student."
"However, the boy's parents were reluctant to let such a young child leave their side, so my teacher made a promise to take him to Gabella for education when he was a bit older."
"For the past ten years, my teacher and I have visited the Northwest Bay several times to check on him and even sponsored his basic education. This time, I've come to take him to the Gabella capital for further studies."
Paul was extremely surprised upon hearing this. Whose child had such incredible luck? This wasn't just a case of good fortune; it was like their ancestors' graves were spewing fire!
Although the Scholar's Tower, like the church, claimed not to care about one's background, reality often differs from ideals. Academic pursuits also require money, and scholars need to eat and drink. Aside from the regular funding from the Gabella royal family, they receive large donations from society every year. Due to various reasons, the majority of students at this institution are still the children of wealthy and powerful families. Those truly from common backgrounds are few and far between.
To enter the Tower just from a single encounter with a Scholar—this is… this is… Why couldn't such a good thing happen to me?
Paul put on an expression of pleasant surprise. "I didn't know that our remote Northwest Bay had hosted such a distinguished person like your teacher. So, do you need my help to find this child? Huh? Strange, didn't you visit him several times before? Did they move?"
Mond Landon hesitated a bit. "No… not exactly…"
"If there's something, feel free to say it."
Mond lowered his voice. "Earl, the boy… he's currently in your prison."
In my prison? What, has the brat gone bad? Such a great opportunity, and he didn't cherish it? How foolish.
Seeing the surprised expression on Paul's face, Mond further explained, "Earl, the boy's village has been engaged in salt boiling for generations. Not long ago…"
Mond's voice trailed off into a whisper, but Paul had already figured out what was going on.
"What's his name?"
"He's a boy named Kevin. If I'm not mistaken, he should be nearly 16 years old now."
"Kevin…" Paul repeated the name.
He soon remembered. This kid was high up on that list of fifty people; the report said that the direct cause of the recent riot was him.
Kevin was the first to see through Biden's lie about the 'war tax' and then urged the villagers to confront Biden. He even tried to negotiate with Biden, asking him to reduce the tax in exchange for not exposing him.
At first, Paul couldn't believe it. Was this level of insight and courage really from a 15-year-old? Now it made more sense—this kid was indeed extraordinary.
Paul smiled playfully and asked in a not-so-friendly tone, "Scholar, are you trying to bail someone out of my prison?"
"Uh… yes."
Paul spread his hands. "Oh! This puts me in a difficult position. Do you know how much trouble this kid has caused me?"
His attitude had completely changed from the warm one earlier.
Mond blushed. "I understand; this is indeed an unreasonable request. But I ask you, Earl, to show leniency considering his young age. Moreover, the root of the issue seems to lie in the tax collector's greed. Kevin's initial actions weren't unreasonable; it's just that the situation developed beyond his control. I believe the boy was later coerced by others."
Hmph, so you've done your homework.
"Scholar, regardless of the reasons, regardless of whether he was later coerced, his actions ultimately violated my laws. When he first saw through the tax collector's lie, he could have reported it to the lord's office! If I let him go just because of what you say, won't others see me as weak in enforcing the law? Where would my authority as a lord be? That tax collector has already been severely punished by me."
"This…"
Paul subtly rubbed his thumb and forefinger together. "Think carefully—what's the reasoning?"
"Um…"
"Ahem! If… if… letting him go would bring me more than what I'd lose…"
Such a bookworm, Paul thought, trying his best to hint.
Mond seemed to grasp something.
"Earl, if you release him, you will gain the friendship of the Scholar's Tower."
(End of the Chapter)
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