episode_0005

Accessible information is scarce for an ordinary village knight.

Education itself is a privilege, distant from my current self.

So, my thoughts on the concept of university, based solely on modern knowledge, were roughly like this.

“Isn’t that like an academy?”

When you think of fantasy and medieval times with schools, that’s all that comes to mind.

But if you think of a university in the 21st century, it’s too… lacking in romance, isn’t it? In a world of fantasy.

Later, I found out that was only half true.

The correct part being an institution of higher education.

The wrong part being that it was a place where all talents of the continent gathered to learn swordsmanship and magic, a place of harmony.

Unfortunately, the university wasn’t where a thousand-year-old dragon headmaster, a blonde villainess, or the daughter of the northern duke with both strength and beauty resided. Truly disappointing.

The empire lacked the administrative power to gather all talents of the continent, and even if they did, what would the children raised watching their parents engage in power struggles with other lords do when they gathered?

They would probably start another small mafia game among themselves. It was clear what they would do.

I thought the situation would probably go something like this.

“I… trusted you. Why on earth…”

“I believe you will understand. It’s because my father found you quite irritating.”

“That…!”

“Still, it was enjoyable, playing with you.”

In conclusion, well, the university is not a traditional academy.

Instead, it was a place teeming with people dedicated to studying. Even in a world where compulsory education didn’t exist, that was the case.

There were tearful efforts by professors who took on the role of teaching these individuals for their survival.

Time and knowledge were considered divine possessions.

No one could turn back or stop time, and there were no perfect humans. If there were, both would be owned by the gods.

At times, to remind those loan sharks who stole time and profited under the guise of interest, others would periodically dunk them in the river to awaken them to the sanctity of labor.

Once that task was done, it was the turn of the sinners who stole knowledge to earn money.

“We understand that knowledge belongs solely to the gods. But these unsavory individuals claim ownership and profit from it!”

“Selling knowledge for money? The world has gone mad.”

“Claiming to own what belongs to the gods? Despicable scoundrels. Die.”

“Are you talking about me?!”

Professors who knew better than anyone the fate of previous applicants frantically waved their hands and replied.

“Misunderstanding! I only sell my creations for a fair price!”

“Is that your creation? Are you claiming to be a god?!”

“No, no! This is, um… research! Original research!”

Professors had to periodically prove that they were faithful and enthusiastic believers.

Hardworking professors who had to assert their copyrights. And students who willingly paid their respects to that knowledge.

This complex situation could simply be changed to the supply and demand of knowledge.

After all, markets are where supply and demand occur.

So, it can be said that universities are places created to share knowledge.

And sadly, the blonde villainess was still nowhere to be found.

But this wallet.

This wallet was ultimately the problem.

I reached into my once full purse a week ago.

The clinking of a few coins weakly hitting each other was felt. A feeble sound symbolizing poverty and reminding me of the value of labor.

I sighed inwardly. In the end, it was money that tripped me up.

Having nothing but a sturdy body and a medieval sports car as a wandering knight, there was nothing I could do but accept reality.

Accepting reality, I turned my head towards Lycia.

The girl I met eyes with had an innocent face, looking up at me curiously.

“Sir Knight?”

Alright, then.

How should I delicately explain this fact?

Personally, I wish that the privilege of education would become a right. It’s just the thought of the last modern man left in the medieval era.

To tell a child who wants to study to change their dreams or to look at reality is too… cruel.

– Teup Teup

But the hand brushing against my pocket felt empty.

If there was something more cruel than reality, it was my financial situation.

The girl, who had initially looked surprised and averted her eyes when we made eye contact, slowly turned her gaze back to me.

Looking at the clear pupils in her cute face made it harder to speak, so I briefly summoned the spicy taste of my inner personality that I used when arguing with the local ruffians and tried to suppress the guilt of conscience.

“You might not know, but… um, university costs a lot of money for studying. If you think about finding a place to live nearby, and consider all the things you need to eat, study, and live for several years, it’s even more.”

“….”

“And, it’s a bit embarrassing, but, to be honest. I don’t have enough money right now. That’s why I’m planning to leave for the North soon.”

The girl seemed slightly surprised. And then she widened her eyes slightly and asked me.

“You said you’re going to the North. Why is that?”

“There’s work there. I heard that barbarians have gathered there after a long time.”

“If you do that… can you earn a lot of money?”

“Well, it’s more like a matter of survival. Surely you’re not thinking about something like that, right? Anyway, I’m skilled enough to survive.”

From armor, horses, weapons, and their maintenance costs. Covering everything from head to toe with items made with the most advanced technology of this era is not cheap.

But this means that under the assumption that a knight is well-armed, there is no other irrational existence except for another knight.

So, if you have the qualifications, you can earn income corresponding to that power.

Fortunately, I was able to meet those criteria somehow, and thanks to that, I have been able to avoid resorting to robbery.

Of course, without a lord, I couldn’t live a comfortable life without becoming poor.

“I’m sorry.”

I might disappoint her. But I really didn’t have the luxury to do so.

With that thought in mind, I observed the girl, but unexpectedly, I couldn’t find any signs of disappointment.

“I didn’t bring up the money issue. I know how burdensome it can be.”

“Hmm?”

“So, it might be a bit off-topic, but can I ask for one favor after you return from the North?”

When I nodded, Lycia hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“After you come back from the North, could you visit this church once?”

“Um….”

“It’s related to the university, but I’m not asking for financial support. Just a visit would be enough.”

If that’s the case.

I briefly reviewed the plan I had made. There were no scheduled events after the chaos in the North ended.

That’s how I’ve lived so far. If there’s work, I head in that direction, and if not, I take a break for a while.

“There’s no reason why not.”

“Yes, thank you!”

Suddenly, a question popped into my mind, and I asked the girl, who now had a brighter expression than before.

“Have you ever asked Priest Pippin for a favor?”

“The priest? Why?”

“Yeah. He seems to have a good opinion of you. It’s not common for someone to say that about themselves.”

I remember him being kind, but somewhat stingy with praise.

She was already considered a knowledgeable figure among the clergy, so she didn’t seem as enthusiastic as people around her expected.

It had been over ten years since I had known and interacted with Priest Pippin. In that sense, I was confident that Lycia was receiving high praise from Priest Pippin.

Perhaps it was even possible to provide the girl with a better education as she desired.

“Priest Pippin suggested it. It’s not a university, but he said he could send you to a church where you can receive a better education than here.”

“Why not give it a try from there?”

Lycia lowered her head. But her attitude was clearly different from that of a petulant child throwing a tantrum because she couldn’t have what she wanted.

She didn’t demand it forcefully, but rather seemed to understand well how difficult it could be.

“I still don’t know why I’m being so stubborn.”

“If the knight who brought me here allowed me to accompany you to the church, they should allow it as well. It may be hard to believe for someone you just met, but since the knight brought you here in the first place, it shouldn’t matter, right?”

But even that wasn’t enough of an explanation.

It seemed like she had been drawn out continuously since earlier, and there was also the alternative of Priest Pippin. If he was a priest, he could be a trustworthy person to choose to accompany them.

“Above all, Priest Pippin is engaged in the clergy.”

“…Huh?”

“Unlike the knight.”

The girl’s answer only raised more questions.

Even though I was making a puzzled expression, Lycia just smiled softly in response.