Chapter 295: What Does It Mean to Be Useful?
The applause and cheers that filled the square seemed endless.
After the ceremony, Arnold Gick dismissed the crowd, ordering all students to return to their classes.
Inspired by the "motivation" from the pioneers, the students felt more driven to study.
Watching them leave, Arnold let out a long breath. After the excitement, all that was left was deep exhaustion.
He was no longer young, and seeing the academy gradually find its path filled his heart with endless satisfaction.
If there was any regret, it was that he might never see his grandchildren graduate from this academy.
Perhaps he wouldn't live to see that day.
Matthew glanced at him calmly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, and patted Arnold on the shoulder, asking:
"Do you want to continue being the headmaster for these children?"
Lifting his chin slightly, Arnold seemed to forget his fatigue and replied confidently:
"Of course. Although these kids vary in talent, they all work hard. I want to see them grow even more."
"It's just a shame I met you, Lord, too late—too late for some things."
With a faint smile, Matthew saw the deep regret in Arnold's eyes and shook his head, saying:
"Since we've met, it's not too late at all. Come to the Lord's manor tonight."
Although puzzled, Arnold, being a soldier at heart, replied decisively:
"Understood!"
Matthew didn't leave; instead, Arnold led him on a tour of the newly established ten large school buildings.
Thanks to the high salaries offered by the Bay Territory…
The academy's teachers were all top-notch Professionals.
Among them were quite a few mid-tier Professionals.
Matthew even saw one or two high-tier Professionals.
"Training students to become Professionals is only the first step."
"Learning culture and thought is just as important."
"A Professional's skills are just tools—tools for fighting, living, and learning."
In the past, Arnold would have been confused by Matthew's words.
But after witnessing the Bay Territory's constant change and development, seeing the academy thrive, Arnold began to think more deeply.
A trace of shock flashed in his eyes. After hesitating for a moment, he asked:
"Becoming a Professional—isn't it about becoming a noble?"
Matthew casually shrugged, pointing to the students, none of whom were nobles:
"Nobility? What does nobility mean?"
"Those who contribute to the territory, who work hard to build a better life for others, they are the 'nobles.'"
"In the past, this honor belonged to those who led people through danger and solved crises."
"Not those who are born into wealth and continue to rule."
Arnold opened his mouth, trying to refute Matthew's words, but as he recalled the academy's newly written history textbooks, he couldn't help but agree.
Yes!
Only those who put in effort and make contributions deserve to be called nobles.
If they only leech off others, no matter their rank or status, they're nothing but parasites.
"That's why we educate every child and cultivate more talents, for one reason."
"More importantly, we need them to understand what it means to be a useful person."
"Being useful doesn't mean making huge contributions or great sacrifices for the territory."
"That's the responsibility of the 'nobles.' It's their duty and obligation."
"I just want the children to know that living well, studying, growing happily every day is enough to make them useful people."
"If they have the desire to fight, they can join the army and become soldiers."
"While receiving the best treatment, they will also serve as the shield and sword of the territory."
"Protecting the land and the people's well-being."
"Soldiers are not meant for killing—they are meant for guarding."
Arnold carefully digested Matthew's words, his once-clouded eyes now shining, a surge of emotions welling up inside him.
Yes, soldiers aren't killing machines or tools for oppression—they are the guardians of the people.
"If they want to explore knowledge, they can join the academy's research institute or the factories' research labs."
"They will develop technologies and products that improve productivity and create better lives."
"All for building a better life while also enhancing the strength to protect it."
"And if their talent is lacking, and despite all their efforts, they achieve little in these fields…"
"They need not be sad."
"They can choose a job they enjoy, working no more than eight hours a day, with even fewer hours in the future, and two days off a week."
"On holidays, they can spend time with their family and friends, having fun…"
"Anyway, the cost of living here is low. All the necessities are affordable and practical, and no one needs to worry about housing since everyone gets a home."
"Having children goes without saying. In the future, we'll establish nurseries and kindergartens, hiring the best teachers to educate them."
"I hope that each generation will surpass the last."
"But even if they don't excel, as long as they stay true to themselves, live openly and happily, that's enough."
"After all, everyone only gets one chance at life."
Hearing Matthew's vision of a beautiful future, an indescribable mix of emotion and regret stirred in Arnold's heart.
In the past, he occasionally thought the Lord was foolish.
Why offer soldiers such high salaries?
Why pay teachers so much?
Why provide everything the children needed for their upbringing?
Only now, after hearing the Lord's true intentions, did Arnold finally understand his "ambition."
He wanted to create a "better" territory!
A territory unlike any before.
Arnold was in a daze the entire afternoon.
Yet, he didn't share the Lord's "ambition" with anyone else, only feeling a deep sense of regret in his heart.
Until evening.
Old John, laughing heartily, patted his shoulder, inviting him to the Lord's manor.
"Well done, old uncle!"
"When my daughter arrives, I'll send her straight to the academy, and I'll finally be at ease."
Hearing Old John's confident words, Arnold couldn't help but laugh along, his gloom instantly lifted.
Yes!
Why worry?
There's still plenty of time ahead!