"Lord Rayshui, Kain and Balo are here," the maid said respectfully.

"Let them in," Rayshui, who was resting in his chair, perked up and sat straight.

A short break had refreshed him considerably.

Being a responsible lord was indeed tiring.

In the initial stages, he had to personally attend to all matters big and small.

"Good afternoon, Lord Rayshui."

"Good afternoon, Lord Rayshui."

Kain and Balo greeted Rayshui.

"Please have a seat."

"Yes, Lord Rayshui."

"I called you here today to discuss some matters and assign you some tasks," Rayshui picked up a thermos cup, took a sip, and spoke lightly.

As it was nearing the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, hot water cooled down quickly, so Rayshui had bought a thermos cup for himself.

In such cold weather, having a sip of hot water was extremely comforting.

"Well... Lord Rayshui, do you have any specific tasks for me?" Kain spoke up.

He had just finished inspecting the latrines and received a sudden notification that Lord Rayshui wanted to meet him.

Kain immediately rushed over.

Upon arrival, he saw Lord Rayshui holding something dark and shiny, unsure of what he was drinking.

But based on the steam escaping from inside, it seemed to be hot.

Ah... It was so nice to be able to drink something hot on such a day.

"We'll discuss your matter later. Let's start with Balo's," Rayshui said calmly.

"Yes, as you wish, Lord Rayshui."

Having heard of Rayshui's achievements, Balo held great respect for him.

He could even be considered a loyal follower of Rayshui.

The best lord in the world was portrayed through his words.

"Are there many literate people in East Tower City?" Rayshui asked.

Being the only teacher in East Tower City at the age of 55, Balo was the most suitable person to ask about the literacy rate in the city.

"Out of a hundred people, there are probably five or six who can read," Balo thought for a moment and replied.

In the eyes of the people in East Tower City, their ancestors had been farmers, hunters, and small traders their whole lives. Literacy was deemed useless to them, something they never needed. Literacy was a necessity for nobles.

Balo's ancestors were wealthy merchants, and they always aspired to become nobles. After their family fortunes declined and they almost went bankrupt, literacy became a tradition for each generation.

Naturally, Balo became a teacher. However, since no one wanted to read, the school was in decline. Spreading knowledge was difficult and couldn't generate any income.

As a result, Balo's son, who wanted to become a teacher like his father, had to go into business to support the family.

"Starting from tomorrow, you will teach them how to read," Rayshui said.

The situation Balo described was even worse than Rayshui had imagined. Initially, Rayshui thought at least half of them would be literate.

It seemed that the development of East Tower City still had a long way to go.

To develop, at the very least, the majority of the people in East Tower City needed to be literate, right?

Only with education could they further improve themselves.

"Lord Rayshui... this may be difficult. If I may speak candidly, even if you allow them to learn for free, they won't do it," Balo hesitated and eventually spoke up.

"Hmm?" Rayshui raised an eyebrow, signaling Balo to continue.

"They are busy with farm work during the day, and they are exhausted after finishing. They need rest at night. Most importantly... literacy has no practical use for them," Balo explained."Oh, I see..." After listening to Baro's words, Rayshui fell into deep thought.

It must be said that Baro's words were right on point and insightful.

He could see the essence of the matter, that literacy was of no use to the people of East Tower City.

As for the solution, it wasn't difficult either.

All they needed to do was make literacy useful.

"What do you think if I pay for everyone to learn? Literacy can earn them money."

"No! Lord Rayshui... You have already been very kind to us! Please don't do this." Baro quickly spoke up, shaking his head vigorously.

To think that he would personally fund literacy for the people... and even waive so much tax. Such a lord was probably one of a kind.

Both himself and the people of East Tower City shouldn't take advantage of the situation. It is enough to appreciate the present good.

If something were to happen to the kind-hearted Lord Rayshui...

That would really be...

So Baro hastened to refuse.

"It won't cost as much as you think. You just need to cooperate with me."

"Alright." Seeing Lord Rayshui's resolute expression, Baro could only nod.

He couldn't intervene in Lord Rayshui's decision, but he could do his best and strive to avoid any unexpected situations.

"Tomorrow, all I need is..."

"That's a great idea!"

As he listened to Lord Rayshui's strategy, Baro became more and more amazed, increasingly admiring, and even couldn't help but applaud!

Lord Rayshui... is really only seventeen years old?

To be able to come up with such a brilliant strategy.