14 Chapter 14: Hero’s Chronicle, Rica Reform Complete (1/2)
”…Then, next item the agenda. Shall I move to the ”next issue”?”
The atmosphere which had relaxed a little turned tense again. There is no reason to end it here. …Since the people who had gathered here today have a really busy schedule… it will be a wasted opportunity if I do not grasp this chance.
”About the bank, we were talking about earlier; it has been decided that the tax collected from the people of the fief will be invested on road maintenance of the roads in the fief. And also, there one more thing. The establishment of an 'academy.'”
”Academy… Do you say? Such as the one in the Royal City?”
”If it's that kind of disadvantageous academy, there's no need to use the tax money to build it. What I would like to build is an academy that has a primary division which will teach students how to read and write, and an advanced division, which it teaches specialized skills to students… The province's taxes will be used for this because I plan on passing a bill, making primary education compulsory in our province. Just like Blur and Salver. Presently, I want to direct everyone's attention to the advanced division.”
”In what way?”
”Frankly speaking, I would like you to invest in it. Although funds will be acceptable, materials and equipment will also be welcomed.”
”Wouldn't it be fine to ask the bank you spoke of earlier to finance it?”
”The bank is dependent on the funds of the Hall House and the taxes of the people of the province. If the bank is used to finance something so extensive, it will ruin the balance of income and expenditure, and will result in the collapse of the bank management.”
”There is some truth to that. If that's the case, wouldn't it be fine if we wait until the academy has been founded?”
”If possible, I would like to build the academy as soon as possible. Because people are important resources in our province, it will be a shame if we leave them alone and don't polish them.”
”…Hmmm. What is the concept of the academy?”
”I will distribute the materials now, please look at them.”
Sebastian who came with me distributed the documents to everyone.
”First of all, I would like to establish a Medical and Pharmaceutical department. Afterward, Territory Administration and Accounting department.”
”A medical department… you say?”
The conglomerate directors had surprised expressions on their faces. It's only natural. Because the doctors in this world are only employed by royalties and aristocrats, and thus the knowledge of medicine is not widespread.
”Knowledge is also an asset, is it…”
”Yes.”
”However, it's because the number of doctors is scarce that's why they are valuable. If they were to increase in numbers, their value would probably drop…”
”What are you saying. Right now, their numbers are far from enough.”
”I don't think I need to say this but, there are profits to be made when there is an increase in the number of doctors among the population.
That said, the business will be able to make lucrative profits by making equipment used by doctors and medical ingredients. Also, with research, we can expect new medicines to be developed.”
”As for the Territory Administration and Accounting Department, it aims to bring up talented people to make the future of the fief more prosperous. …Especially the Accounting Department, don't you consider that is related to everyone?”
”I can more or less understand how Territory Administration will involve us… But how is the Accounting Department related to us?”
”Please look at the third page of the document.”