I Become a Landlady in the Game World

Viscount Conrad and his group had not gone far when Marquis Boyer and his entourage emerged from the school.

Before entering, Theodore had already shown interest in the school, and after visiting it, his interest had deepened. Standing behind Marquis Boyer, he still didn't understand why his father would not consider adopting such effective methods.

Musing, Theodore spoke seemingly inadvertently, "Father, the mathematics taught in Hope Village is truly marvelous, and the numeracy they teach could simplify our accounting immensely. Perhaps we could recruit the teacher who imparts this knowledge."

If the school isn't built, perhaps they could poach such talents?

Upon hearing these few sentences, Marquis Boyer instantly understood Theodore's thoughts. His expression paused briefly before replying directly, "Such a school involves too high a cost for our city; it's unnecessary."

"But..."

"However, not investing doesn't mean we can't do something. I plan to discuss with the Hope Village Chief to have their students who complete schooling in their territory come study at Lovisa City's academy, and I will provide some scholarships." With that simple statement, Marquis Boyer revealed his intentions in an instant.

At that moment, Theodore was slightly confused, but upon reflecting, he understood what his father was planning.

He intended to reap the benefits after Hope Village had cultivated its talents.

"Would the Hope Village Chief agree?" Theodore couldn't help asking, knowing that Hope Village wasn't cultivating talent for others' benefit.

"If she doesn't agree, can she guarantee those students' future education? An academy requires city-level territory status and a significant number of advanced and saint-level professionals. Currently, Hope Village barely has intermediate professionals, let alone advanced ones! And those accomplished students will long for even greater power," Marquis Boyer explained, aiming also to cultivate his son's understanding.

Theodore immediately grasped his father's intention, feeling somewhat relieved. His father indeed had plans!

But...

"What if Hope Village advances to city status in a few years, having already become a level 3 village in just two months?"

Given the current development speed and potential of Hope Village, this was very possible.

Especially considering Hope Village's cuisine and the various products derived from it, which ensured the village's economic income.

With a continuous inflow of funds, that was Hope Village's greatest confidence.

"There will always be external forces to stop it," Marquis Boyer said nonchalantly.

Theodore frowned upon hearing this. Was it his misperception, or did his father's words seem almost prescient?

And external forces to stop it? Was he referring to territory wars? How could his father be sure that a territory war would harm Hope Village rather than making it stronger, just like what happened with Fasal Village?

This thought briefly crossed Theodore's mind, but he chose not to voice it, sensing that his father would not appreciate the question.

Hence, the next words he uttered leaned towards a positive outcome, "If an agreement is reached, the talents nurtured by Hope Village could work for us in Lovisa City. Father, it might be best to reach an agreement with Hope Village soon, and if a contract could be signed, even better."

"Indeed." Marquis Boyer nodded, sharing the same thought.

As for Casar, the Knight Captain, having seen Hope Village's prosperous interior and the lucrative opportunities it presented, his attitude towards the village had become much more cautious.

Most importantly, his lord, Marquis Boyer, evidently had other plans for Hope Village. Being astute, he naturally would not do anything to disrupt his lord's plans.

After reaching their agreement, Marquis Boyer and his group concluded their journey and headed towards the Lord Mansion.

Meanwhile, back at the Lord Mansion, Zhou Bai and Bayer had also learned that both Marquis Boyer and Viscount Conrad had visited the school.

"I wonder if they have any thoughts about the school?" Bayer asked hesitantly.

The existence of the school, especially one educating children from ages six to twelve, posed a challenge for any territory.

Generally, noble families had private tutors and were exposed from an early age to information about various professions and skills. By the age of twelve, if no magic talent had manifested, they would naturally invest more in physical skills, quickly advancing in their profession.

The dilemma was mainly for the lower-class residents.

Even if a father was a professional, cultivating a child from a young age required significant resources.

It wasn't easy from one generation to the next, usually taking several generations to effect a complete change. If the family's mainstay encountered misfortune along the way, it became even more challenging.

Hence, the existence of Hope Village's school attracted numerous professionals seeking a better future for their children.

Hope Village not only provided opportunities for their children but also for the residents, as it operated on a principle of valuing talent over background, evaluating individuals based on their strength and contributions to the village, all of which could be changed through effort.

Now, what worried Bayer was that the school and its policies in Hope Village might be too conspicuous and upset the nobility, thereby drawing their ire.

It was manageable when it involved just villages or small towns, but now that Marquis Boyer from Lovisa City had come—particularly since he likely had a significant connection with Fasal Village, which had previously suffered defeat and fled—Bayer was indeed very worried.

Even though Zhou Bai believed in Hope Village, the strength of Lovisa City was truly overwhelming for Hope Village.

If Lovisa City caused trouble through schools, Hope Village would indeed face some issues.

When that time came, to face Lovisa City, Hope Village might need to seek support, and seeking support would mean giving up some benefits, reducing Hope Village's autonomy.

Or they could refuse to seek support and stand firm; after all, they were not on the same level, and Hope Village could manage with their effective products.

But the situation in Hope Village would be difficult nonetheless.

The Lord had to be psychologically prepared.

When Zhou Bai heard Bair say this, he too felt a bit worried.

If Marquis Boyer had no relations with Fasal Village, he wouldn't be concerned, but now that there were ties, and if he harbored designs on Hope Village, the troubles would be numerous, both inside and outside.

Fact is, Hope Village was indeed unsupported on its own.

They must start the Task Center soon and form alliances with other suitable Blue Star territories.

Considering there were thousands of other Blue Star territories outside, they should be able to find compatible ones.

By doing so, they wouldn't have to endure restrictions imposed by nobility.

After coming to this realization, Zhou Bai's expression turned calmer, "Even if they are unwilling, I will proceed, quitting halfway isn't my nature, nor is it something Hope Village would do."

If Hope Village failed halfway through their education endeavors, it would trigger a chain reaction, losing credibility with the residents, and that would be the most significant blow, he would not destroy the foundational integrity of his territory.

"Okay." Bair nodded, understanding Zhou Bai's intention to stubbornly persevere despite difficulties, as long as the Lord made up his mind, they would all support him.

As long as they were united, Hope Village would definitely make it through.

Just then, there was a knock at the door of Zhou Bai's office.

Bair went to open it.

"Village Chief, the gentleman below, Marquis Boyer, wishes to see you," the staff hastened to report.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bai exchanged a glance with Bair, had they been hit right on the mark, had the Marquis come for them right after visiting the school?

"Invite them in!" Zhou Bai commanded, while already planning on how to deny any unreasonable requests.

Moments later, Marquis Boyer, Theodore, and Carl were led into Zhou Bai's office.

While sizing up Zhou Bai's office, a flicker of something passed through Marquis Boyer's eyes.

Hope Village's planning for the Lord Mansion was indeed making the most out of everything.

They were all practical people.

The Lord of Hope Village was indeed daring!

But perhaps it was because he was challenging the existing order of the Clan Kingdom territories, which is why he dared not show himself openly!

Thinking to himself, the Marquis Boyer started, "We just came from Hope Village's school, speaking of which, the management of this school seems not quite by the book."

There it was!

Zhou Bai murmured to himself and responded, "The school, unlike colleges, is simply a benefit for the residents of the territory, it doesn't involve what's authorized or not, even if I wanted to open a college, I wouldn't dare!"

Marquis Boyer hadn't expected Zhou Bai to react so quickly and raised an eyebrow, "But this way, won't the students graduating from Hope Village School fail to gain recognition from other territories?"

"But what they learn is real, and besides, don't other territories' academies only recruit from the age of twelve? Considering talent, what does background have to do with it?" Zhou Bai retorted.

Seeing Zhou Bai's response, the Marquis knew that it was futile to nitpick, and next, he straightforwardly revealed his thought, "Actually, I can offer your Hope Village School a chance to legitimate itself, to leave no ground for other territories to question."

"What?" Zhou Bai couldn't help frowning upon hearing this.

"After the students graduate from Hope Village School, those with excellent achievements can continue their studies in the academies in my territory," the Marquis Boyer said, smiling.

Zhou Bai: "…"

She now understood the opponent's intentions!

Clearly, it was meant to make Hope Village School a talent cultivation base for Lovisa City, letting Hope Village do the work for him.

That was downright shameless!