Way of the Knights

Chapter 238 - Deliberation

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"Either that or, management isn't his forte." Luis added. "My kid isn't omnipotent. He wanted to usher the change hand in hand with us. To form a bond that will make the Kingdom stronger and united, that's what he's trying to do. No matter what you all decided upon, I'll place my trust with him."

Luis' declaration did not come as a surprise for anyone inside the room. He was Raven's father, it is natural that he will take his side. 

Whether they believe it or not however, that's not the only reason why Luis expressed his support towards Raven's project. He wholeheartedly believed that this change will usher the Golden Age that they are so badly waiting for. Him and the rest of the people in this room are old, in due time the youngsters would replace them in their positions and look after the next ones. He didn't fear change, he was more afraid of the situation being stagnant. 

The Kingdom is weak, without the King it would not take long before it falls. They have confidence that Alexander would do anything under his power to prevent the kingdom from falling apart but age is catching up to him. Someone needed to replace him, and this reform have a great chance of doing just that. So it's no surprise that he supports this.

"On behalf of the Sacred Leaf Tavern, I would like to express my wholehearted support towards this reform as well." Richard spoke right after Luis. And just like before, no one was surprised towards his decision. Raven was the one who's behind the existence of the Sacred Leaf Tavern. Richard and the rest of the alchemists won't be at their current place without him so of course they would support him and his endeavors.

Bradley, Jackson, Korra, Leon, and Victor expressed their support towards the reform as well. They too have an optimistic outlook towards the project and found no reason to not support it.

"I support the reform." Bruce of the Blacksmiths voiced out his decision. "He's a good kid. From these documents, I can tell he tried to be as fair as he could. He was even looking out for the blacksmiths even though we had no prior connection to him."

"If this reform was approved and applied, the blacksmiths could not only take pride from their work but also be properly compensated for it. I see no reason to object a future like that."

Everyone nodded to express their understanding behind his approval. They then waited for the next one to express their vote.

"It's gonna be a journey but I believe it's worth it." Carol said, "I too agree towards this reform. Also, I would like to express my desire to be the keeper of this Formation Core once he finished linking everything with it."

Carol said it this way since she really wanted to study how Raven was able to make the core. Even though she didn't want to admit it, she raises her hands in defeat from Raven's knowledge about Arrays and Formations. This Formation Core is something that, even the likes of her, could only dream about creating. And Carol had been studying formations ever since she was little, so much to the fact that she neglected her cultivation because of it. So how could she calm down when something like this was presented in front of her?

"We need more capable people." Noel, Head of the Combat Department spoke. "From reading his documents, it seems that if we go with this plan then we would see a significant increase in our combat capabilities. After it's creation, within five years massive influx of talented and loyal people graduating from the Academy. And that is something I would like to see. Very well, I agree to this reform as well."

There was a brief silence before someone spoke once again.

"I would like to agree but…" Felton, the Civilian Chief said. "I'm afraid that this reform would not eliminate the disparity between those of influential background from commoners."

Everyone became silent as he raised this point.

"In fact, I think that the disparity would even widen. To make the explanation simple, the rich people could just hand out tons of supplies towards their descendants while those who were more unfortunate has to achieve everything using both of their hands. The strong gets stronger and the weak gets weaker. This is the thing that's preventing me from agreeing completely in this reform. I he could do something about this, then I have no qualms in agreeing to the reform."

No one said a thing after he finished voicing out his concerns. When Felton inspected their faces, he frowned since he saw that unnatural expressions on their faces. The he heard:

"You people want to tell him or me?" Ian said in a dismissive manner. 

Felton raised his brow, feeling completely lost at the current moment.

"You may do the honors, Ian." Alexander said with a smile on his face.

Ian nodded and faced Felton, he then said: "You missed something Felton. Come, read it with me. Page 10 in the Knight System Reform Document, under the Academic Rules and Regulations."

Felton was puzzled by what he said but did it anyway, as soon as he started reading it, Ian also began reading it out loud for everyone to hear.

"Admission Rule #3. Once a student wore the Academy's uniform and badge, they are no longer the person who they were before they got admitted. It matters not what their background is, noble or common, everyone will start at the same line. Inside the academy they are a Student, no more no less. Their families are prohibited from using their connections to provide any kind of resources to the student of the academy. On the day the students got admitted to the academy, anything that they want to take with them from outside have to go through an application process except for their daily needs. This will make so that everything they wanted to reach should be achieved by using their own efforts.

If the students are faced with challenges, they will be able to develop traits like Humility, Resourcefulness, Camaraderie, Reliance, and etc. This rules will be highly monitored. Should one break this rule, the lightest punishment would be a Three-day Mandatory Community Service and stain to their records which might prevent them from being promoted. And the heaviest would be expulsion from the Academy."

As soon as Ian finished reading, so did Felton too. Now it made sense to the latter why everyone was looking at him in an unnatural manner, it turns out that his concerns are indeed mention in the documents, it's just that he completely missed it. Felton couldn't help but to sink a little low on his seat, wishing that the ground would part beneath him and swallow him whole due to the embarrassment. 

'How did I miss this? I was even deliberately searching for it too! This is so embarrassing!' Felton inwardly screamed. 'I guess I got a little overwhelmed by how much writing there is in here.'

"I know that you only mean well, Felton." Ian said, "But have a little faith in us."

"Even if he didn't write something about your concern, I will be here to correct that since I'm going to be the Headmaster of this Academy anyway. That brat won't just sit still so I would help him out, after all he looking after my brat too." Ian said while smiling wryly and shook his head.

Felton cleared his throat and said: "W-well, it seems that I completely missed this and made a fool out of myself in front of you people. Very well, since my concerns proved to be needless, I express my approval for this project as well."

Everyone smiled, now there's only the Prince, Leona, Old Lee and the King's decision left. 

"I have known the child since his days at the Institute. An intelligent kid who works hard day and night, and never compromised for the well being of his loved ones. I'm sure that he placed a great deal of thought behind this project and only meant well, therefore I have no issues supporting it." Old Lee said in a kind voice.

"I agree with this Old Man." Leona said, she then looked at Luis and said: "You have a good kid. Good job on raising him well."

"Well, everyone agreed so I agree as well." Balmung chimed in with a playful smile on his face, "Plus, he's gonna be my brother-in-law so he needs my support."

Hearing his reasoning brought a wry smile on Luis, Old Lee, Leona and the King's faces. For someone who was in charge of the Kingdom not too long ago, this reasoning is far too simple but no one was surprised, that's just they way Balmung is.

And finally, it was the King's time to express his vote. If there's anyone inside this room who could turn this project down without considering anyone's opinion, it would be him. The King might act friendly and warm in the surface but no one could tell exactly what he was thinking about. 

So it didn't really matter even if all of them agreed, if the King refused to approve it, then it ends there.

However, instead of expressing his decision, he instead dropped the silence barrier around them and yelled: "You two, come in."