I play a Evil God in Otome Game

Chapter 77: Chapter 76: Creation Church is growing(2/?)

(One of the not so good boring episodes. I wanted to warn you accordingly. Don't have high expectations from this section.)

"Do you want to buy this place?"

Hearing the merchant's eager tone, Simon nodded and confirmed. "Yes, we want to purchase this entire apartment."

"I would be more than happy to assist you," the merchant said enthusiastically. He had neatly cut black hair, wore a formal suit, and his beard was clean and well-trimmed.

Johan, a well-known merchant in Erntestadt, was a sharp and well-mannered man. He was known for being modest and hardworking.

At least, that's what Simon had heard. Because most of the people in the neighborhood spoke highly of Johan's character.

"What will you be using this apartment for?"

"We're going to establish a religious school," Simon said calmly, as Johan's eyes widened. "A school where everyone can receive free education, with everything provided by us."

"You're going to use this apartment as a school?" Johan asked, mildly surprised. Then, smiling slightly, Johan looked at Simon with admiration. "What you're doing is noble. I admire it."

"You can buy this place for 500,000 gold."

Hearing Johan's offer, Simon thought this price was quite low. The apartment was generally large, spacious, with six units on each floor, and the building had three floors in a horizontal design.

Unlike typical buildings, it didn't rise vertically but expanded outward. Simon also noticed that even the windows remained clean, with no dust or grime, which made him think Johan had spent considerable money to maintain it well.

When it came to classrooms, Simon's idea was to demolish the kitchens, restrooms, and other rooms, turning each unit into a single large room.

With the help of George and Emily, the units could easily be converted into single rooms. By Simon's decision, each floor would also have separate restrooms for men and women.

"This is a bit like—" Simon began to speak curiously, but Johan quickly interrupted. "I know, it's quite a cheap price. Please see it as a favor from me."

Simon paused for a moment, then smiled. "Your kindness won't be forgotten. If you ever need anything, you are welcome to our Church."

"Huh? Is this new Church yours?" Johan asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity. Simon nodded. "Yes, the Church is ours."

"I assumed you were from the Church of Light," Johan laughed and waved his hand dismissively. "After all, only they would think of buying an apartment to open a school."

"Did the Church of Light try to establish a school here before?"

"Yes, but all Church of Light religious schools were either destroyed or confiscated by the State under Grand Lorenzo," Johan said with a hint of gratitude. Hearing the slight distaste in Johan's voice toward the Church of Light, Simon asked with curiosity, "Don't you like the Church of Light?"

Johan shook his head and denied it. "I don't harbor hatred or ill feelings toward any Church. I was just uncomfortable with the Church of Light's religious schools."

"Why?"

"The Church of Light provided education that confused people's minds and hindered us," Johan said seriously. "If you plan to do the same, I'm afraid you can't buy this apartment."

"Don't worry; we'll provide objective education for the people," Simon said quickly. Johan chuckled lightly, then patted Simon on the shoulder. "I trust you. No worries; as long as you provide proper education, you may proceed as you wish."

"I'll send the money to your office tomorrow," Simon said, ending the conversation. Johan nodded. After a bit more conversation, he left.

Once Johan departed, Urien came over with a hint of excitement, approaching Simon. His eyes wandered around the apartment, excited and delighted. "I can't believe this place is finally ours..."

"Don't get too excited because we haven't fully purchased it yet." Despite his words, a smile appeared on Simon's lips. Who would have thought that a man who once worked daily for only three coins could soon afford a large building?

"Don't ruin the fun, please," Urien murmured playfully, then turned to Simon to discuss important matters. "Tomorrow, I'll talk to a newspaper company. If they're agreeable, we'll offer them a deal for advertising."

"A two-year agreement would be good enough," Simon said thoughtfully. Urien agreed with Simon, and soon they announced hiring for school materials and staff for their new school.

While gathering supplies, they searched for suitable contracted teachers throughout the city. After negotiations, everything was ready, and Urien reached an agreement with the newspaper company, securing a two-year contract.

According to the contract, Creation Church and its free services would be advertised for 250,000 gold over two years.

Including the newspaper contract, expenses for the school reached nearly 700,000 gold in just two days. Teachers were hired for subjects like History, Biology, Literature, Religious Education, and Literacy at a monthly wage of 50 gold each.

At dawn on the third day, Madam Victoria was appointed as the headmistress. Madam Victoria had previously taught etiquette and social manners to the children of nobility.

Although Simon was initially unsure about appointing an etiquette teacher as headmistress, both George and Emily strongly recommended her.

In the end, he accepted it, and Madam Victoria was officially appointed as the headmistress.

As promised, most of the first page of the newspaper that day was dedicated to an advertisement for the Church of Genesis. As a well-known newspaper in Erntestadt, this worked in Simon's favor, allowing him to begin the student registration period swiftly.

Then, five days later, at precisely 9 a.m. as the morning light dawned, only 10 minutes remained until the Church of Genesis would open.

"Do you think people will actually want to enroll?" Although Urien asked calmly, his voice held a slight tremor, brimming with excitement, anxiety, and anticipation.

George laughed as usual and gave Urien a friendly pat on the back. "Don't worry, little guy! Your hard work will pay off."

Simon, joining George's reassuring words, smiled. "You've been on your feet till late every night. I'm sure God will open doors for you."

Your next read awaits at M V L

Urien straightened his back, looking gratefully at his friends, loosening his previously tense shoulders. "Thank you; I don't know what I'd do without you."

As the group continued chatting, the minutes quickly passed, and Urien's eyes practically drilled into the closed doors of the church with anticipation.

Involuntarily taking a deep breath, Urien watched in surprise as George opened the grand doors to a sudden wave of people.

"What are you staring at? Come on, Urien!" Emily's irritated voice rang out, snapping Urien out of his shock as he quickly stepped up to greet the visitors.

From where he stood, it was clear there were at least 300 people present. Urien, who was now guiding the crowd, greeted them with a polite bow.

"Hello, everyone, first of all," Urien said, trying to suppress his excitement. As people turned to face him, he quickly tried to address the crowd.

Clearing his throat, he said, "First, thank you all for coming to Erntestadt's Faculty of Theology, our school."

As a brief wave of applause echoed through the church, Urien waited for it to die down before continuing. "As you know, this faculty is completely free of charge and will provide for all your needs."

"Does age matter?" asked a tall, slender man in his mid-thirties with black hair and dark eyes.

"No, age is not important. What matters is your educational level." Hearing this, people visibly relaxed. Those hoping to benefit from free education smiled with relief.

"If you don't know how to read or write or lack basic math skills, don't worry because we have Level 1 classes." Urien explained, "Once you can write half a page correctly in Level 1, you'll move on to the next level, Level 2."

"I see, thank you," the slender man said with satisfaction as he stepped back, and Urien glanced around, curious if anyone else had questions.

Noticing a young girl looking at him, his gaze softened. The girl was dressed in rather worn clothes, and when Urien saw her hesitantly raise her hand as if she wanted to ask something, a warm smile appeared on his face as he looked at the little girl.

"Young lady, do you have a question? Don't hesitate to ask me anything," Urien said in a reassuring manner. The little girl's green eyes sparkled with excitement as she stammered out her question.

"C-can I really attend school for free?" She spoke with slight worry and hesitation, looking so anxious that a few people nearby were visibly softened by her cuteness.

Urien chuckled and nodded. "As I said, everything is free. Now, tell me, where is your mother?"

"My mom's sick, so she couldn't come," the girl replied, averting her gaze. When Urien noticed a momentary sadness in her eyes, his expression became more serious. After a brief pause, he looked at her with sympathy before addressing the crowd again.

"When you register, please don't forget to stop by and see me, young lady. I have something special to discuss with you."

"O-okay," the girl said, not quite understanding why Urien wanted to speak with her, but still nodded in agreement. Urien smiled and looked at the others. "If there are no more questions, let's proceed with the registration."

Since no one else had a question, Urien continued, "Also, after registering, please remember to pick up a copy of our Holy Book."

Some people in the crowd still hesitated, which didn't escape Urien's notice, and a quick smile appeared on his lips. "Also, don't forget to take a brochure if you'd like more information on the social aid our Church still provides."

Seeing that his plan was working as more people became enthusiastic, Urien stepped aside, letting Emily and George manage the registration process.

Going over to Simon, Urien happily watched the crowd. Simon looked equally pleased and gave Urien a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"Adding a guide along with the Holy Book was a smart idea, Urien." Simon looked at Urien with appreciation. Urien grinned slyly, and Simon continued, "Who would have thought you had not just a silver tongue but also marketing skills?"

Pleased by Simon's praise, Urien noticed a small girl approaching and raised an eyebrow curiously. "That young lady seems like she wants to speak with you?"

"Yes," Urien said, "I invited her over myself."

"Why?"

Urien quickly answered Simon's question, "She came here without her mother. I'm curious about her situation. If she needs help, I want to assist her."

Surprised by Urien's kindness, Simon smiled gently. "Then I won't take up your time. See you, Urien."

"See you, Lord Simon."

Upon hearing himself called "Lord," Simon's eyebrows furrowed humorously. Urien chuckled and went over to the girl.

"Come, let's talk in my office." Offering his hand kindly, Urien gently asked. The girl nodded quickly and took Urien's hand.

Then they went to Urien's office.