Chapter 151 - Itch for Literature

"Questions? You must be kidding sir Delrus. These circ.u.mstances are better than we could have ever asked for, better than any other King would be willing to offer. In Fact i feel like King Zar is offering too much, all we asked for is some food and some Guards." Answered Bert without wasting a second. The amount of gratitude he felt towards King Zar, the Guard Commander and his platoon, is far beyond expression. King Zar could of ignored the request and ship Gilbert the Messenger away in two pieces. There literally wouldn't be anyone who could stop him or punish him for doing so. But instead he came here with an entire Platoon, promising to shape up Bale Town in a year. Who in their right mind would have any disagreements towards this?

"Well, if Pameres Kingdom wouldn't help you. No one else would be able too. With most Kingdoms being in the ill.u.s.tratian Alliance. We can't leave this to fate, we are here to provide and protect." Although Delrus was simply pointing out the obvious, he partially revealed a big reason for their help. They don't need factions who had the guts to oppose the ill.u.s.tratian Alliance, crumble into dust. On the opposite, they need as many Domains against the ill.u.s.tratios as possible.

"Wonderful words coming out of an ill.u.s.tratio. Who knew that there actually are ill.u.s.tratios that are this kind regardless of race." Thought Eert, but of course he didn't express it by words. It wouldn't exactly be kind, it would seem heavily racist even though his intentions aren't based on any form of racism but instead were based on heavy examples. Even if he did express what he thought, Guard Commander Delrus Aze wouldn't mind. He is well aware of the truamas, slaughter, ****, and racial cleansing the ill.u.s.tratios brought upon the Ignites. But yet again, no one should have the right to be racist, even as a victim. Racism is racism no matter what its form is. But Eert, simply kept quiet.

Mert felt like he had the responsibility to ask Guard Commander Delrus Aze to finally proceed with this task, to get it over with as soon as possible. It was clear that all three of the Willson brothers wanted to get help down here as soon a possible, they more than Agreed to the contents on the Contract. Because all three felt like the Contract wasn't one sided. King Zar didn't even request anything in return. A smart idea would be to request 10% of the monthly earnings once Bale Town rises in Power a year after, once it becomes stable. But no, King Zar required no such thing. "Please help us sign sir Delrus. None of us can read or write, so show us how to sign."

Illiterate people are the most common in these times, there really aren't many schools to go and learn too. And even at the Domains where there are schools, the monthly fees don't come affordable. So them being illiterate isn't to be considered a shame. Especially since they live in a remote place, with Pameres Kingdom being 100 Kilometers apart located below them on the South West and Beach Bay Kingdom being 200 Kilometers apart located above them on the North East. These were the two closest Kingdoms, that's how scarce bigger Domains or Villages at least, have become after the War met an end 100 Years ago. But even if it works to Ignis' favour or not, a new war has arisen.

"Oh, don't worry about that, a lot of people can't read and write. And to sign this contract it doesn't require much skill." Turning to a Guard waiting for Commands ever since he handed the Contract to the Guard Commander. Delrus ordered with a gentle low tone while gesturing as if he was writing. "Can you please bring us a few Parchments. So I can teach these three kind Leaders how to sign before they do it on the Contract."

The Guard of course rushed towards the task right away, he didn't waste a blink. But since he wasn't carrying any blank parchments with him, he had to dash towards the Wagons, were Parchments are sure to be found. All they need is a couple of averagely sized Parchments. 

When Delrus returned his gaze towards the Willson Brothers, he noticed that they seemed a little bit confused about the sudden request of Parchments. If anything, he can just use his fingers on mid air to give a short preview of how to write it. Or at least he could draw it on the snow. Why waste valuable parchment on something so unnecessary. It's fair to say they were confused because these three brothers were raised with a savvy mindset.

Although neither of the brothers said anything about it, since they didn't quite understand what was going on. This is the first time they sign a Contract after all plus they didn't want to appear rude. But to their relief, Delrus cleared it up for them. "Don't stress anyone, we just need to be sure that you can sign a Contract with one effort. If either of you make a mistake that's too visible, you can't undo it."

"Ohhhhh." Stretched Eert that single sentence rather long. It was pleasing to see these men catching up on things they aren't really used too. To Delrus it was a mood lifter, a delight. But of course he meant no disrespect to the Willson Brothers.

Returning roughly after a minute, actually sprinting through the snow. This Guard was either too excited or too physically fit. Either way, everyone preferred to get this contract over with as soon as possible.

Grabbing the several Parchments this Guard brought, although more than required, it showed well that he wasn't stingy with them. Actually, these are this Guard's own Parchments. It is fair to say that he likes to keep a journal with him. Who knows, it could be read by thousands after a few decades, looked upon as a history mark. "Alright so your name is Bert Willson. So to do a simple Signature, you should just write it like this..." Afterwards Delrus simply wrote the letter B and then a W. "See you need to write a B and a W. Here, take this Parchment and quill, practice it a few times and don't rush it. Take your time."

"What about me?" Asked Mert, staying on his toes in enthusiasm. His urge for education was very affectious and Delrus was enjoying their enthusiasm quite a lot.

"Mert, yours will be a bit easier. You need to draw an M, and then draw another M, but draw it upside down. When you write it upside down, you will obtain a W. Which signifies your last name, Willson." Handing him the parchment and quill, to practice upon. After it Gesturing to the Guard nearby to bring more ink. Because even if they will be able to learn these simple letter rather fast, their urge to write seems so large. Their small itch for basic literature was inspiring, they will likely write more even after they learn the Letters.

"Eert, yours might be the hardest one, but you will just be writing lines, it won't be too hard." Gesturing for Eert to come closer, grabbing a Parchment and showing him. "Alright, first you need to write an E, which is done like this.... And afterwards right After the E, you will need to write a W. Alright Mister E, get to it now."

Seeing that they were so interested in writing, Delrus Aze couldn't help but offering. "If you 3 want to, I can teach all of you how to read and write. I see that all three of you want to learn."

"Yes please." Answered the three brothers simultaneously. But they were deadly focused on the parchments in front of them. They were standing on their feet, finding the best possible way to make the Parchment stand flat so they can write. Such ich for literature got Guard Commander Delrus Aze to offer to teach them in the first place.

'I'm ready." Shouted Bert a little bit. Handing Delrus his Parchment, he asked. "Did i do them right?"

"Oh my god." Whispered Delrus as his eyes widened in shock. I mean, Bert isn't exactly a kid to have trouble writing. But damn, his letters were written so perfectly. They seemed so flawless. Kids have to repeat one letter over a hundred times to properly learn it(And yet some still grow with bad handwriting). But when Delrus counted the attempt, guess how many there were? Around 15. They were carefully written, slowly no doubt. But they seemed flawless. "You learned how to write these letters with so little attempt?"

A bit confused of Delrus' sudden shock, Bert answered. "Yes of course. These are easy. When will you be able to teach us more? I can do this all day. It's the best entertainment we get here."

Proud of Bert's work, Delrus simply answered. "Oh, with your enthusiasm, as soon as I will be able to get some free time. Any other Villagers are welcome to join. I'd be glad to teach any of you."

"I'm ready too." Approached Mert holding his Parchment with even stronger enthusiasm.

"Already?"

"Yes. Look for yourself." Replied Mert as he handed the Parchment to Delrus Aze, feeling strongly confident of his work

"Oh my god. These are perfect." His attempts seemed even less. Upon counting, he found out that Mert learned to write these couple of letters perfectly with just 8 attempts. Perhaps it is because W and M are simply inverted. Either way, this Progress is tremendous. With their enthusiasm towards learning, they will be able to escape their "illiterate" title in a month or less, even spread the knowledge to other illiterate Villagers. With a sense for more knowledge, these people will only progress.

When Delrus detached his attention from Mert's Parchment, he noticed that Bert has grabbed another blank Parchment and continued to practice these two Letters. He learned how to do them already, so this continued attempt seems to be just for fun. Thankfully, the Guard brought three small metal bottles of ink. Even the Guard noticed that one might not be nearly enough.

Before Delrus was even able to analyze Mert's Parchment, Eert was already patiently waiting for his turn. He was finished too. Urging to show Delrus his progress and get praises as well. But yet again, he didn't want to interrupt Delrus. He didn't want to appear like an attention hog even though praises do feel very nice when he thought about it.

Upon Grabbing Eert's Parchment, Delrus felt dumbfounded. When he counted the attempt and witnessed the results. He slightly yelled. "Only 5 attempts?!"

"Is that bad?"

"No no. It's absolutely amazing, inspiring even." He was inspired to the point where he wished to include their urge for literature to King Zar. Imagine the honour. "You three are definitely ready to sign this contract. I'll be sure to let King Zar know about your Academic progress. Maybe he will have a plan in mind about this."